Zero-Based Tutorial: Mastering a Small Drilling Rig from Scratch

Zero-Based Tutorial: Mastering a Small Drilling Rig from Scratch

Core Principles: Safety First, Preparation Second, Operation Third.

Step 1: Preparation Before Drilling (70% of Success Lies Here)

Policy and Safety Confirmation:

Legality: The first task is to consult the village committee or local water authority to confirm whether private well drilling is permitted.

Underground Pipelines: Call municipal service hotlines (such as 12345 in China) to confirm that there are no cables, fiber optic cables, gas pipelines, etc., below the planned work site.

Site Safety: Ensure the site is far away from septic tanks, sewers, and other pollution sources (at least 10 meters), and check for overhead power lines.

Equipment and Material Inspection:

Drill Rig: Check that all connections are secure and that the engine oil and hydraulic oil levels are sufficient.

Power: Confirm whether it is powered by electricity (check the cables) or diesel fuel (fill the tank).

Tools and Consumables: Prepare drill rods, drill bits, well casing (filter pipe and solid pipe), gravel (coarse gravel), clay (if mud is needed), and necessary tools.

Determine Well Location and Depth: Refer to neighboring wells or local experience to estimate the approximate aquifer depth and required well depth.

Step Two: Operation Procedure (Step-by-Step, No Haste)

Install and Secure the Drill Rig:

Place the drill rig on a flat, firm surface. If the ground is soft, lay steel plates or wooden planks.

Secure the drill rig with support legs or ground anchors to ensure it is absolutely stable and level during operation. This is crucial for ensuring the borehole is vertical.

Drilling (The Most Critical First Step):

Install the shortest drill rod and a suitable drill bit (generally starting with a three-wing scraper bit).

Start the drill rig and drill vertically downwards at low speed and low pressure.

Core Technique: Ensure the borehole is "straight and upright." If it's crooked in the first few meters, it cannot be corrected later.

Rod Extension and Continuous Drilling:

Stop drilling when the first drill rod is almost completely underground.

Lift the drill rod and clean the drill cuttings from the hole (using a mud pump or the built-in function of the auger).

Stop the drilling rig, connect the second drill pipe, and continue drilling. Repeat this process until the target depth is reached.

Well Completion Process (The Crucial Step Determining Well Quality):

a. Running the Well Casing: After reaching the target depth, the connected well casing (with a filter pipe at the bottom and a solid pipe at the top) must be immediately and in one go into the well.

b. Gravel Filling: Slowly and evenly fill the annular space between the well casing and the well wall with prepared gravel. This forms a natural filter.

c. Well Flushing: Lower a small-diameter water pump and repeatedly pump and stop the pump until the pumped water becomes clear and free of sand. This marks the official completion of the well.

Step 3: Safety and Precautions for Beginners

Personal Protective Equipment: Wear a safety helmet, non-slip gloves, safety shoes, and safety glasses at all times.

Operating Discipline: Never touch the rotating drill pipe.

Keep your body and clothing away from all moving parts while the drilling rig is operating.

If any abnormalities are detected (unusual noises, severe vibrations, stuck drill bit), stop the machine immediately and inspect it.

Electrical Safety: When using an electric drilling rig, ensure the cable is intact and take waterproof and anti-crushing measures.

Summary: When using a small drilling rig for the first time, don't rush for speed. Slow and steady wins the race. As long as you prepare thoroughly beforehand and remember the three points of "vertical, stable, and standardized well drilling" during operation, even those with no experience can successfully drill their own qualified water well.

Wishing you a successful first well drilling experience!