Final report for SNL/NM environmental drilling project Page: 64 of 109
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rather smoothly. This system could be improved with the addition of a split seal to eliminate
the task of feeding it over the wire each time a rod is changed out.
Geology: There were no unexpected problems with the geology except that the temperature
of the BHA got too hot to drill without water assist. Water aided the cutting process, cools
the steering tool and lubricates the drill string. At no time was enough water added to
generate "returns."
Casing/Well Completion: There were significant problems with the casing and this issue is at
the top of the list for attention for directionally drilled off vertical wells. A much better
understanding of casing characteristics and attention to detail is required to successfully
complete these wells. The casing failure in the first pull back attempt was most likely caused
by the overnight settling of the formation securing the inhole casing in place. It is not known
whether the PVC or the PTFE portion parted. There is speculation that the second attempt
failed due to the PVC filling with water in a hole that provided little or no buoyancy. Other
alternatives exist, that the casing just failed at the point of highest stress, the first joint pin
possibly at the O-ring groove. Other possibilities are a flaw or as a result of softening from
the application of solvent type cement. Another look at the tensioning and pull back hardware
may also be beneficial.
TNX AREA
Drilling: The drilling operation at TNX did not go well at all. The Jet Trac machine had
some hydraulic problem that reduced its capability. This however did not prevent drilling had
the soil conditions permitted drilling. The coarse saturated sands encountered at the depth of
interest were extremely difficult to drill without heavy mud to stabilize the hole both for
drilling and for pull back.
Tracking: Due to constraints of the placement of the drill the entry point was about 12' in
front of the survey stake form which the bore trajectory was calculated. Since this well was
to be tracked with a walk over system on uneven terrain a significant shift in the h vs. depth
values occurred. While not difficult to correct it does require a significant amount of time
when using a hand calculator. This situation is also being corrected by writing software for
both planning and steering control of walk over tracked wells.
General: The separate oversight person supplied by CDM Federal Programs Corp., under
contract to SRS worked very well. This person provided H&S monitoring, bookkeeping,
conducted daily safety meetings. This was a valued, non intrusive contribution to the project.A-9
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Wemple, R. P.; Meyer, R. D.; Staller, G. E. & Layne, R. R. Final report for SNL/NM environmental drilling project, report, November 1, 1994; Albuquerque, New Mexico. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1280825/m1/64/: accessed July 18, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.