Key Stages in Well Drilling Operations

Key Stages in Well Drilling Operations

Drilling operations begin with meticulous site preparation and precise positioning. Before equipment arrives, the work area needs to be cleared and leveled to ensure sufficient space for the safe placement of the drilling rig, pipes, and auxiliary equipment. Subsequently, the wellhead location is precisely marked and confirmed according to the design drawings, and a mud circulation pool or cuttings removal area is planned. The more thorough the preparation at this stage, the smoother the subsequent construction will be.

The drilling process is the core of the operation. Operators need to adjust the drill bit pressure and rotation speed in real time according to the changes in the hardness of the underground soil or rock strata to maintain stable drilling. As the borehole deepens, the drill pipe needs to be extended in a timely manner, and drilling cuttings need to be continuously carried out of the borehole through circulating mud or clean water to keep the borehole clean and prevent stuck pipe. At the same time, the characteristics and depth of each stratum need to be recorded in detail, which is crucial for subsequent determination of the aquifer location and the running of the well casing.

After the borehole reaches the predetermined depth, the well completion stage begins. First, a thorough mud replacement and well flushing are required until the returned water is clear to ensure borehole stability and clear the aquifer. Next, the pre-prepared well casing is carefully lowered into the borehole, and screened filter media is filled between the casing and the borehole wall. Finally, the wellhead device is installed and a pumping test is conducted to verify whether the actual water output and water quality meet the requirements, thus completing the final acceptance process.