Borehole Drilling Course

Lesson 1 • Well Anatomy and Terminology

Introduces standard well components, industry terminology, and well classification by use. Builds the vocabulary required for all subsequent technical instruction.

Lesson 2 • Site Assessment and Selection

Teaches geologic survey interpretation, topographic analysis, and contamination risk evaluation. Connects hydrogeology theory to practical site decision-making.

Lesson 3 • Groundwater Hydrology Basics

Covers the hydrologic cycle, aquifer classification, and water table dynamics. Provides the hydrogeological context needed to make informed drilling location decisions.

Lesson 1 • Drill String and Tooling

Covers drill pipe, collars, bits, and stabilisers used in water well drilling. Correct tooling selection directly affects penetration rate and borehole quality.

Lesson 2 • Drill Rig Components and Functions

Identifies the mast, rotary head, mud pump, and power unit of a typical drill rig. Establishes mechanical literacy needed for safe operation and troubleshooting.

Lesson 3 • Pre-Operation Inspection Procedures

Establishes a systematic checklist approach to rig inspection before startup. Prevents mechanical failures and safety incidents during drilling operations.

Lesson 4 • Rig Mobilisation and Setup

Covers transport regulations, rig positioning, levelling, and anchoring at the drill site. Proper setup is the foundation for safe and efficient drilling.

Lesson 1 • Cable Tool Drilling

Introduces the percussion-based cable tool method and its role in unconsolidated formations. Provides historical context and practical application for specific site conditions.

Lesson 2 • Air Rotary and DTH Drilling

Covers air rotary and down-the-hole hammer techniques suited for hard rock formations. Students match method to formation hardness and available air volume.

Lesson 3 • Auger and Hollow-Stem Drilling

Teaches solid and hollow-stem auger techniques for shallow, unconsolidated formations. Hollow-stem augers enable simultaneous sampling and casing installation.

Lesson 4 • Rotary Drilling Fundamentals

Explains direct and reverse rotary circulation, weight on bit, and rotary speed parameters. Rotary drilling is the most widely used method and anchors all technique comparisons.

Lesson 1 • Functions of Drilling Fluids

Explains how drilling fluids cool the bit, carry cuttings, and stabilise borehole walls. Understanding these functions guides all fluid selection and management decisions.

Lesson 2 • Fluid Problems and Remediation

Identifies lost circulation, stuck pipe, and fluid contamination scenarios with corrective actions. Rapid diagnosis and response minimise nonproductive time.

Lesson 3 • Fluid Property Testing

Teaches field testing of viscosity, density, pH, and filtration using standard instruments. Regular testing enables real-time fluid adjustments to maintain drilling performance.

Lesson 4 • Fluid Types and Formulation

Covers water-based muds, polymer fluids, and air-foam systems with mixing procedures. Correct formulation prevents formation damage and ensures efficient cuttings removal.

Lesson 1 • Casing Installation Procedures

Covers centraliser placement, casing lowering, and alignment verification techniques. Correct installation prevents casing collapse and ensures annular space for grouting.

Lesson 2 • Well Screen Selection and Placement

Explains slot size selection, screen length, and placement relative to the aquifer zone. Correct screen design maximises yield while excluding formation material.

Lesson 3 • Wellhead Completion and Protection

Covers surface casing termination, wellhead seals, and protective casing caps. A properly completed wellhead prevents physical damage and biological contamination.

Lesson 4 • Annular Grouting Techniques

Teaches cement and bentonite grout mixing, placement methods, and curing requirements. Proper grouting prevents surface contamination from entering the aquifer.

Lesson 1 • Water Quality Sampling and Baseline

Establishes sampling protocols for physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters. Baseline data supports regulatory compliance and long-term well monitoring.

Lesson 2 • Principles of Well Development

Explains why development is required to remove drilling damage and fine particles. Establishes the hydraulic goals that guide method selection and duration.

Lesson 3 • Mechanical Development Methods

Covers surging, jetting, and bailing as mechanical approaches to well development. Each method is matched to formation type and screen design.

Lesson 4 • Pumping Tests and Aquifer Analysis

Covers constant-rate and step-drawdown pumping tests with data collection protocols. Test results quantify aquifer transmissivity, storativity, and sustainable yield.

Lesson 1 • Pitless Adapter and Discharge Piping

Teaches pitless adapter installation and surface discharge piping layout. The pitless adapter maintains sanitary well integrity while allowing pump access.

Lesson 2 • Pump Types and Selection Criteria

Compares submersible, line-shaft turbine, and jet pumps by application and performance. Correct pump selection ensures efficient operation within the well's yield capacity.

Lesson 3 • System Commissioning and Disinfection

Covers chlorination procedures, system startup checks, and performance verification. Disinfection removes construction-related contamination before the well enters service.

Lesson 4 • Submersible Pump Installation

Covers drop pipe assembly, cable management, and pump setting depth procedures. Correct installation protects the pump from sand ingestion and motor overheating.

Lesson 1 • Well Performance Monitoring

Establishes routine monitoring protocols for yield, water level, and water quality trends. Early detection of decline enables timely intervention before major failure occurs.

Lesson 2 • Diagnosing Well Performance Decline

Identifies biofouling, mineral encrustation, screen corrosion, and pump wear as decline causes. Accurate diagnosis determines the appropriate rehabilitation strategy.

Lesson 3 • Well Abandonment and Decommissioning

Covers regulatory requirements, grouting procedures, and documentation for proper well closure. Correct abandonment prevents contamination pathways to the aquifer.

Lesson 4 • Chemical Rehabilitation Methods

Covers acid treatment, chlorination, and dispersant application for encrustation and biofouling. Chemical methods restore flow efficiency without mechanical intervention.