National Driller articles from February 2004

National Driller archives from February 2004

News, notes and nonsense.(For Openers)
February 1, 2004... Residential vs. Commercial A recent National Driller Web poll (www.drilleronline.com) asked, "What percentage of your business is residential as opposed to commercial/industrial/institutional?" Here's how the numbers break down: %...

Competition is good for us: examples abound of opportunities opening up, thanks to formidable competitors.(Smart Business)
February 1, 2004... A block from where I live sits one of those ubiquitous Subway Sandwich stores. A block away from it is Submarine Express, a small, privately owned sandwich shop that's been in the community for years. Both seem to be doing OK. Why doesn't...

On the way to the show and other big thoughts.(The World According to Wayne)
February 1, 2004... I just got back from the NGWA convention in Orlando--had a great time. Trade shows always recharge my batteries. I get the chance to swap lies with my friends, look at new products and either give or receive continuing education points. I try...

Identifying future company leaders.(Portfolio)
February 1, 2004... Because employees, including supervisors, may resign from your company, it is a good idea to nurture those employees who understand your company's culture and have the potential to take a supervisor's place. You often can identify a future...

Clean water act to remain unchanged.(Legislative Update)
February 1, 2004... The Bush administration has abandoned plans for regulatory changes that would have reduced the number of federally protected streams and wetlands, in response to more than 133,000 comments opposing the plans. The administration began...

Utah announces water program.(Legislative Update)
February 1, 2004... Utah Gov. Olene Walker recently announced the Watershed Initiative, a long-term effort aimed at improving water quantity and quality in 25 water bodies throughout the state. The initiative's goals are to provide cleaner rivers and lakes,...

USDA awards water grants.(Legislative Update)
February 1, 2004... According to a USDA news release, Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman has announced that more than $12 million in grants have been awarded to 22 institutions to conduct research, education and extension programs aimed at improving the quality...

New Mexico water plan approved.(Legislative Update)
February 1, 2004... The Interstate Stream Commission has approved New Mexico's first statewide water plan, according to a report by the Associated Press. The plan calls for the state to find other water supplies through desalination and development of ground water...

Water settlement reached.(Legislative Update)
February 1, 2004... The Navajo Nation, New Mexico and the federal government have reached a proposed settlement over water claims. A lawsuit to settle claims in the San Juan River system has been pending in New Mexico state courts since 1975. New Mexico began...

Florida to address water transfer.(Legislative Update)
February 1, 2004... Florida Rep. David Russell will introduce a new bill to stop the controversial plan to ship water from rural areas of the northern part of the state to densely populated southern Florida. The bill would require local governments to add water to...

Clean-water regulations implemented in New Jersey.(Legislative Update)
February 1, 2004... New Jersey soon will adopt clean-water regulations that will ban construction within 300 feet of protected steams and other waterways. The rules also will require builders to funnel storm-water runoff back onto their properties rather than...

State aquifer study.(Legislative Update)
February 1, 2004... Congress has approved $500,000 toward a $3.5 million comprehensive study of the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie aquifer. Officials from the states of Washington and Idaho as well as from the federal government will sign a "memorandum of...

State agencies support Nestle Water withdrawal.(Legislative Update)
February 1, 2004... The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the state's Department of Labor and Economic Growth have filed a legal brief in support of Nestle Waters North America's argument to keep drawing ground water from four Mescota County spring...

Supreme Court approves water rights or Virginia.(Legislative Update)
February 1, 2004... The Supreme Court has ruled the state of Virginia may withdraw water from the Potomac River to supply suburbs without getting permission from Maryland. Under a 1632 land grant from King Charles I, Maryland owns the Potomac River, but a...

Colorado water legislation reduced.(Legislative Update)
February 1, 2004... Due to the defeat of Referendum A, the measure to create a loan program for water projects, only five water bills have come to the attention of Colorado Rep. Diane Hoppe, who chairs the House Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources...

The Schramm T90XD Rotadrill is a heavy duty hoist, truck mounted drill rig.(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... The Schramm T90XD Rotadrill is a heavy duty, heavy hoist, truck mounted drill rig. Utilizing the successful Telemast technology the T90XD provides 90,000 pounds of pullup in a compact, powerful package. Mounted on a Sterling 9501 the T90XD...

Small Diameter Hardfacing Wire offered.(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... Small Diameter Hardfacing Wire Offered. HARDERN-Helle CRC2, a high chromium hardfacing wire, now is available in 0.045-inch diameter. With lower current and amperage requirements, it is a potent alloy against severe abrasion. It produces a...

Atlas Manufacturing manufactures Hydraulic drill-through casing drivers to fit any rig and drilling conditions.(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... Atlas Manufacturing Manufactures Hydraulic drill-through casing drivers to fit any rig and drilling conditions. With custom designed lifting cylinders, swing-jibs, jib-booms and swing-out rail systems Atlas is your one stop casing driver shop....

Cotey well cleaning brush!(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... * This unique brush is designed to be used with Cotey Chemical's well cleaning products. * Is an all purpose brush for use in all types of casing and screen. * Can be used on a cable or pipe. * Is self cleaning--allows scale particles to flush...

AMS Inc releases the new PowerProbe[TM] 9630 Catalog.(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... AMS Inc Releases the New PowerProbe[TM] 9630 Catalog. AMS Inc recently released their new PowerProbe[TM] 9630 Catalog, which offers a detailed look at all of the Probe Units, Probe Options and Probe Accessories. Our new machines were developed...

Rotary Drilling Equipment, Inc. and Driltech Mission have taken the T25KW to a new level of productivity.(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... Rotary Drilling Equipment, Inc. and Driltech Mission have taken the T25KW to a new level of productivity. The new and improved 2004 model has many new features. The most noticeable are fold-up walkways and platforms; timing sprockets; expanded...

SIMCO 2800HS(HT)-.(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... SIMCO 2800HS(HT)- This compact, versatile drill rig is ideal for drilling geothermal bore holes and shallow water wells (4-8" bore holes, 200-300 ft.). Typically mounted on an F550 4x4, this PTO powered, all hydraulic rig gets in and out of...

Mud-Traks[R] Portable Roadway System strongest in the industry.(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... Mud-Traks[R] Portable Roadway System strongest in the industry. If you're going to carry mats, they might as well be the best! Smaller mat sizes for pump service trucks, cable tool and environmental drilling rigs. Also, Jack Pads for large and...

The 30K-DH has equipment options to handle several types of drilling methods.(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... The 30K-DH has equipment options to handle several types of drilling methods. Customize with options such as casing hammer packages, mud pumps, etc. Standard features include a single pipe loader, six pod carousel, pipe spinner, 1,000/350 air...

The new stainless steel and steel version of this sanitary removable hydrant will be available in the spring of 2004.(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... The new stainless steel and steel version of this sanitary removable hydrant will be available in the spring of 2004. This is the only sanitary hydrant that works 100% of the time every time you want water, plus the applications of a removable...

Vertek 10-40 ton CPT Trucks.(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... VERTEK 10-40 ton CPT Trucks. CPT functions are controlled by one-button operation from Vertek's new Electronic Control Stand. Electronically controlled valves provide a cool and quiet work-space. Unique frame enables Vertek CPT trucks to...

Baroid IDP is pleased to announce that N-SEAL[TM] acid soluble lost circulation material is now NSF/ANSI standard 60 certified.(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... Baroid IDP is pleased to announce that N-SEAL[TM] acid soluble lost circulation material is now NSF/ANSI Standard 60 Certified. N-SEAL material promotes hole stability by aiding in the reduction or elimination of mud losses to the formation as...

The 8K Evolution gets a facelift.(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... The 8K Evolution Gets A Facelift; Shown here is the new style 8K Evolution Pump Hoist, featuring improved work height (38'), smaller and lighter wired remote, and a removable pipe rack system (Not Shown). The 8K still has a single line pull of...

The Big Beaver is ideal for soil sampling in areas inaccessible to truckmounted rigs.(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... The Big Beaver is ideal for soil sampling in areas inaccessible to truckmounted rigs. An 18 or 20 hp hydraulic power source produces up to 485 ft. lbs. of torque at the drill, driving a 6" diameter auger up to 100' deep, depending on soil...

MGWA happenings.(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... Michigan Ground Water Association (MGWA) recently announced changes to its board of directors and also recognized a new honorary member. Gery Wheeler, Michael Grahl, Rod Ziegel and Tom Cox retired from the MGWA board; Tim Clark, Richard...

[H.sub.2]O Tracker[R].(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... "Well reporting made easy" Overwhelmed by paperwork and old-fashioned files? Let H2O Tracker simplify your water well records. * Streamline office operations and increase profits * Electronically store records and easily retrieve...

Bit Brokers International.(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... BIT BROKERS INTERNATIONAL has exported quality products to drillers in 34 countries for over 10 years. Their tricone hole openers are built to specification and they can quote hole openers with new/unused surplus or rebuilt steel tooth or TCI,...

IBWA: nicotine-laced water isn't bottled water.(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... In January, the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) announced its position on water-based products that contain nicotine. The IBWA claims that products like NicoWater are not "bottled water" and are not produced, marketed or...

The "Nautiless" is a innovative waterbed.(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... The "Nautiless" is a innovative waterbed that has a more modern curvature look to it rather than the typical square body that the industry is used to. The body is available from 700 - 3,500 gallons and is constructed from aluminum, stainless...

Be found ... year 'round!!(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... Make sure your sales message is included in the annual National Driller Directory--published in April 2004. Hundreds of listings for products, manufacturers, trade names, etc. make this one of the drilling contractors' most useful resources. By...

Resin Tech buys AFW.(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... The Aries division of ResinTech Inc., West Berlin, N.J., announces that it has acquired American Filterworks (AFW) of Los Angeles. The companies products will be integrated into the Aries product line and the entire division will be renamed...

A new rep for Water Right.(Product & Literature Library)
February 1, 2004... Water Right Inc. recently welcomed a new manufacturer's representative to cover a territory in the Pacific Northwest. Dick Johnson & Associates of Portland, Ore., offers over 30 years of experience in the water well and plumbing industries to...

Net positive suction head (NPSH): the fundamentals of pumped water systems.(Tech Topics)
February 1, 2004... A few years ago, I was asked to look at a booster system that pumped hot water from a non-pressurized solar-heated storage tank into a large pressure tank at a job site in the foothills above Sacramento, Calif. The pump was not performing...

Recharge your batteries.
February 1, 2004... Few people can go a hundred miles an hour--day after day after day--without a break of some kind. I don't care how invincible you think you are, sooner or later we all need to step away from the plate and take a different view of our life,...

Toot your own horn.(Portfolio)
February 1, 2004... Sometimes people need a gentle reminder. Brigham Young University business management professor Paul Timm says you shouldn't let a good deed go unnoticed. "If a customer has a problem and you take care of it, make sure the customer knows about...

Stronger relationships with your clients; establish trust by paying attention to the "softer side".
February 1, 2004... Do you know what relationship factors are most important when building and maintaining relationships with your key executive-level customers? How can you make them happy and keep them happy? To find out, we interviewed more than 100...

Sampling of ground water monitoring wells --part 3; low-flow and passive purging and sampling.
February 1, 2004... In the first two installments of this series, the problems of induced turbidity and hydrodynamic mixing of contaminated and uncontaminated ground waters during sampling were discussed. An additional concern is the disposal of large volumes of...

Current trends in pumping equipment; increasing water pressure is a driving force behind pumping systems today.
February 1, 2004... Drilling the well is only the first part of creating a viable water supply. Once the well has been drilled and cased, there's still the matter of pumping the water for use in the home or business. For the water well contractors interested in...

The history of water pumping --part I; almost as an afterthought, Archimedes delivers the screw pump.(Cover Story)
February 1, 2004... In ancient times, not a lot of thought went into the task of transporting water. You'd go down to the river or the well, fill an earthen jar or animal skin with the water and carry it off to wherever you wanted it. The brain trust available at...

Water on the red planet?(New Scope)
February 1, 2004... As scientists investigate whether there are any signs of life on Mars, they're using one guiding principle--follow the water. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NASA experts told Reuters that their entire approach for the latest stage of Mars...

Water well info for consumers ground water; How Water Wells are Drilled.(New Scope)
February 1, 2004... The American Ground Water Trust (AGWT) offers a public information handout titled, "How Water Wells are Drilled." The two-sided, two-color brochure uses easy-to-understand text and drawings describing water wells, well equipment and a typical...

NGWA celebrates in Orlando.
February 1, 2004... Mirroring the overall mood of our nation as a whole, most drilling industry participants we met at the National Ground Water Association's (NGWA) recent convention seem to believe we're headed in the right direction. Despite numerous issues to...

The Tompkins tradition continues.
February 1, 2004... A visit with Rick Tompkins reinforces the well-deserved appreciation that knowing people have of the drilling industry and its participants. His company's story is not unfamiliar: It's been a long journey--sometimes difficult, often very...

Overburden drilling system.(Product Info)
February 1, 2004... Mitsubishi Materials Corp.'s SUPER MAXBIT achieves a stable and balanced drilling system for formations such as gravel, clay, sand mixture, boulders and easy collapsing over-burden. It consists of two to three bit wings connected to the DTH...

Pitless unit.(Product Info)
February 1, 2004... Model MB ST Quick Kit from Maass Midwest offers a pitless unit for commercial, industrial or municipal submersible pump applications. Intended for larger submersibles, the Quick Kit is comprised of three components--a watertight, cast aluminum...

Cyanide testing.(Product Info)
February 1, 2004... The new SenSafe Cyanide from Industrial Test Systems is a test strip that does not require any chemical mixing for detecting free cyanide in water. This test strip detects levels of 0.0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 ppm. Testing is intended to be simple:...

Dual rotary drill.(Product Info)
February 1, 2004... The DR-24, a dual rotary drill from Foremost Industries, will set casing up to 24 inches in diameter. This model commonly is used for domestic and municipal wells, construction foundation piling projects and holes for hydraulic elevator jacks....

Mid-size pump.(Product Info)
February 1, 2004... Model 1540, a mid-size pump from CAT PUMPS, offers a rating of 18 gpm, 1,200 psi. This pump is designed for continuous-duty applications, such as hydro-excavating, automatic vehicle-washing, sewer and pipe cleaning and central cleaning systems....

Restrained joint pipe systems.(Product Info)
February 1, 2004... Yelomine IB is the next generation in restrained joint pipe systems for HDD and the mining industry from CertainTeed. Yelomine IB is a PVC pressure piping system featuring an interlocking bell-shaped joint that eliminates the need for...

Pumps for irrigating premium strawberries.(Project Profile)
February 1, 2004... On a new strawberry farm in Queensland, Australia, the grower was faced with multiple and varied demands on water requirements for crop irrigation and other tasks on the farm. Helping to cope with a wide variety of water needs is a set of all...

Round-jacketed pump cable.(Product Info)
February 1, 2004... Coleman Cable recently introduced a round-jacketed pump cable to its Baron line. Rated for both water well and direct-burial applications, the 600-volt pump cable also can be used in place of UF-B in irrigation applications. THW insulation...

PVC well casing.(Product Info)
February 1, 2004... The Jet Stream TiteLoc by PipeLife Jet Stream is PVC well casing designed especially for the water well drilling industry--it's engineered to be easily installed and removed from the borehole. The TiteLoc system is intended to eliminate the use...

Air or nitrogen booster.(Product Info)
February 1, 2004... Distributed by Center Rock Inc., model 276-41B/1000, an air or nitrogen booster manufactured by Hurricane Compressors, features manual load and unload, precooler and aftercooler, a suction scrubber tank, a 12-volt dc starting and operating...

Storage compound.(Product Info)
February 1, 2004... Bestolife has developed a storage compound, BSC, that is engineered to protect pipe threads from rust and corrosion caused by exposure to atmospheric and environmental storage conditions. This long-term storage compound is said to apply easily...

Frost-proof yard hydrant.(Product Info)
February 1, 2004... The C-1000 Series frost-proof yard hydrant from Merrill Manufacturing stands approximately 33 inches above ground, with hydrant bury depth or depth water lines buried underground. It features a level control, draw straps made of 1040 hot-rolled...

Carbide blade.(Product Info)
February 1, 2004... The carbide blade from Little Beaver is recommended for tough drilling in hard clay, frozen ground or other hardpan soils. The high-speed auger rotation allows the carbide blade to cut the clay or grind it into pieces instead of digging into...

What's up with water loss.(Drilling Fluids)
February 1, 2004... Regardless of whether a drilling contractor is drilling a vertical well, foundation drilled shaft or horizontal directional bore, the problems encountered in coarse soils are the same. Down-hole tooling can come to a complete standstill if...

Porky in Orlando.(Porky's Hole Thoughts)
February 1, 2004... This was a somewhat different trip for Bess and myself in that we drove some 1,800 miles for a change. We usually are in a hurry to get to our destination, but this time we took our time. We overnighted in Yulee, Fla., and located some...

Frank Bacon acquires a Pulstar.(Trading Post)
February 1, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Frank Bacon of Brookfield, Conn., recently purchased a new Pulstar P10000HD3L from D and L Thomas Equipment Corp. Please send Trading Post submissions to National Driller, Attn: Lisa Schroeder, 1050...

Goodwin takes delivery from GEFco N.E.(Trading Post)
February 1, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Goodwin Well and Water, North Turner, Maine, receives its new GEFco 30K-2H drilling rig. Pictured from left to right are GEFCO Northeast regional manager Rocky Milano and Ike and Dana Goodwin. ...

Higgins ships rig to Nigeria.(Trading Post)
February 1, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Higgins Rig Co., Hodgenville, Ky., recently delivered this 1978 Gardner Denver 1500 to Oladotun Olagbegi of Fumarole Nigeria Ltd., Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Mr. Olagbegi's rig is equipped with a 5 1/2-by-8...

Sam's Rotary obtains ninth Flatwater Fleet.(Trading Post)
February 1, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Sam's Rotary Drillers, Randolph, Wis., has purchased its ninth unit from Flatwater Fleet Inc. This RBT-Rig Buddy, model RBT-500D mounted on a Ford F550, came with a special DOT-compliant 230-gallon...

Schramm delivers down under.(Trading Post)
February 1, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Mark McKay of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, is pictured in front of his new Schramm T685WS Rotadrill, which is mounted on a Mercedes 8-by-8 truck. The rig will be used for deep reverse-circulation...

Sampson Well Drilling takes delivery.(Trading Post)
February 1, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Sampson Well Drilling, located in Forest Lake, Minn., is shown taking delivery of its new P7000 pump hoist it purchased through NDS Drilling Supply of Elko, Minn. Please send Trading Post...

Danielson purchases another Flatwater Fleet.(Trading Post)
February 1, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: John Danielson Jr. Inc., Fredericksburg, Va., has bought its second RTT-Rig Tender, model RTB-3200XD from Flatwater Fleet Inc. This 22-foot open-deck, 3,200-gallon unit was mounted on a 2003 Kenworth...

Grumley buys from Higgins Rig.(Trading Post)
February 1, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Dan Grumley of Superior Well Drilling, McMillan, Mich., purchased this 1986 Schramm T450 from the Higgins Rig Co., headquartered in Hodgenville, Ky. Dan's rig is equipped with a 500/300 compressor,...

Historic water transfer begins.(New Scope)
February 1, 2004... Federal officials have given the final clearance to begin the historic transfer of water from the Imperial Irrigation District to the San Diego County Water Authority, officials with the Water Authority said Thursday. With the final clearance...

Patent suit filed.(New Scope)
February 1, 2004... A patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6/666480) was issued on Dec. 23, 2003, to Modern Products Industries for its Shur-Align well casing and drop pipe products. That same day, Modern products filed suit against CertainTeed Corp. and one of its distributors....

Wierzbicki tabbed.(New Scope)
February 1, 2004... The Water Systems Group of WICOR Industries, Milwaukee, has named Dennis Wierzbicki vice president of professional markets. In his new position, Wierzbicki will be responsible for sales, marketing and product management with an emphasis on...