WORK PLANS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mud Rotary Drilling Field Standard Operating Procedure SWE-FSOP-304;Revision 0 Ahtna Southwest Environmental Operations 4.0 Procedure Procedures are provided for: • Pre-Field Tasks (Section 4.1) • Mobilization and Setup(Section 4.2) • Drilling Procedures (Section 4.3) • Borehole Abandonment (Section 4.4) • Demobilization/Site Restoration (Section 4.5) Mud rotary drilling is an open hole,fluid-based recirculatory drilling method.The borehole is advanced in rock or sediments by rotating a drill bit mounted at the end of drill rods. Drilling fluid circulates in the borehole as it is pumped down through the drill-rod string,where it picks up drill cuttings and carries them to the surface. The drilling fluid also lubricates the drill bit and provides hydrostatic pressure in the borehole to keep the hole open and stable for sampling and well installations. Mud rotary drilling is an option for bedrock,dense sand,or tight gravel formations where hollow stem augers would be ineffective. Applications: Best used in highly saturated silts and other unconsolidated sediments where soil sampling is necessary. Mud rotary is effective up to about 1,000 feet. 4.1 Pre-Field Tasks Preparation and coordination tasks for mud rotary drilling generally include the activities described below. 4.1.1 Clearances Before starting any mud rotary boring, confirm that drilling locations have been appropriately cleared of potential overhead, surface, and subsurface hazards per the project work plans. This should include a utility locating subcontractor to identify subsurface infrastructure and anomalies. The clearance process also includes completing public utility locating service calls (e.g., Dig Alert, USA North 811, etc.) and completing any coordination and permitting procedures with the onsite Department/Directorate of Public Works personnel required by the project contract. • Review available forms and diagrams documenting the selected location of the drilling location relative to underground/overhead utility lines, surface structures, or buried objects. • Copies of the site clearance documents should be kept onsite. 4.1.2 Health and Safety • Tailgate Safety Meetings should be held in the manner and frequency stated in the health and safety plan. • All personnel at the site should have appropriate training and qualifications as per the health and safety plan. • All personnel within the exclusion zone should pay close attention to rig operations during drilling. The rotating or swinging drilling components can snag or catch loose clothing or strike personnel and cause severe injury or death. Page 6 of 11