National Driller articles from February 2006

National Driller archives from February 2006

Pump directory featured.(For Openers)(Directory)
February 1, 2006... You'll want to hang on to this issue of National Driller for year-round reference; it contains a water well pump suppliers directory (p. 52), which lists nearly two dozen pump manufacturers and their product offerings. General specifications...

U.S.-Canada water relations.(For Openers)
February 1, 2006... Is a tiff over water going to put a strain on our relations with our good neighbor to the north? While no imminent blowup is expected, there are undercurrents that hint at some level of contentiousness brewing. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Distinguished Partners honored by NGWA.(For Openers)
February 1, 2006... Pictured here are folks representing the NGWA's 2005 Distinguished Partners, which were honored at the annual President's Dinner and Auction. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] From left to right: George Simas, Flexcon Industries; Stewart Krause,...

Got a rig to donate?(For Openers)
February 1, 2006... The World Care Ministry is a non-profit missionary group that provides clean water to needy villagers in Africa. For the past 13 years, the group has done the well digging by hand, but water levels are getting deeper and the group is seeking a...

Adversity gives you strength.
February 1, 2006... How can you stay self-motivated and productive in the midst of turbulent times and a sluggish economy? How do you persevere as a salesperson when times are tough and customers seem to be holding on to every penny in fear of economic...

Coming events.(Calendar)
February 1, 2006... JANUARY 29-Feb. 1 Minnesota Water Well Association Convention & Tradeshow Mankato, Minn. Phone: 651-290-6270 www.mwwa.org 29-Feb. 1 ISEE Conference on Explosives & Blasting Technique Dallas Phone: 440-349-4400...

How to calculate and control pressure tank drawdown.(Tech Topics)
February 1, 2006... Last month, we said that the term drawdown refers to the amount of useable water that can be drawn from a hydro-pneumatic tank from the time the pressure switch cuts out, turning the pump off, until the pressure switch cuts back in, turning on...

10 ways to generate referrals: sometimes word-of-mouth just happens--more often, you need to instigate it.(Smart Business)
February 1, 2006... Everyone would agree the old saying that "word-of-mouth is the best form of advertising." It's free and it's effective. A referral leaves you with a good feeling, because you know it's the result of a job well done for some satisfied customer....

Test your safety knowledge: find the OSHA violations.
February 1, 2006... In the accompanying picture, how many Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety violations can you spot? Some of the violations are fairly obvious, but some will require a keen knowledge of OSHA regulations. The safety...

New drilling attachment.(PRODUCT INFO)
February 1, 2006... The LoDril DH-84 is the new drilling attachment from Bay Shore Systems. A limited access drilling attachment for tough drilling conditions, the DH-84 provides 84,000 ft./lbs. of torque, 360 degrees of operating area and a reach of up to 15 feet...

Portable field kits.(PRODUCT INFO)
February 1, 2006... Industrial Test Systems Inc. offers two new portable field kits designed specifically for well drillers. The Well Driller's Test Kit--Master offers 15 test parameters that can be done on-site without any technical training required. The Well...

Reinforced nylon fittings.(PRODUCT INFO)
February 1, 2006... A complete selection of heavy-duty fittings made from reinforced nylon now is available from Industrial Specialties Mfg. These chemically-resistant fittings handle up to 200 psi and 140 degrees F. Suitable for air, vacuum and liquid systems,...

Dewatering pumps.(PRODUCT INFO)
February 1, 2006... Dewatering pumps from ABS Pumps require no priming and are designed to be left unattended for hours, working below the water. The sealed motor design features automatic protection, and the double outer casting is engineered to allow the pump to...

Gas chlorinator.(PRODUCT INFO)
February 1, 2006... Chlorinators Inc. manufactures the direct-mount, all-vacuum REGAL gas chlorinator. The REGAL features a simple design and offers the following capacities: 1.5, 4, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 ppd. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

General-purpose submersible level transmitter.(PRODUCT INFO)
February 1, 2006... The Levelgage by Keller America Inc., is designed for indefinite submersion in a wide variety of liquid media. It provides temperature-compensated analog output proportional to the height of the liquid column above the transmitter. This...

Ground water and borehole data management technology.(PRODUCT INFO)
February 1, 2006... Waterloo Hydrogeologic produces the HydroGeo Analyst, ground water and borehole data management and visualization technology. Integrating a range of analysis and reporting tools with database technology, its applications include managing data...

Constant pressure controller.(PRODUCT INFO)
February 1, 2006... The new 2-HP constant pressure controller from PENTEK Inc. features low RF interference, quiet operation, low/high voltage tolerance, continuous duty, indoor/outdoor use and a NEMA 4 enclosure. Available in 115V and 230V, the controller is...

Safety training program.(PRODUCT INFO)
February 1, 2006... The Ditch Witch organization has released Groundbreaking Safety, a new training program designed to promote the safe operation of horizontal directional drills, trenchers, plows, mini skid steers and mini excavators. The program consists of a...

Pump controller for constant pressure.(PRODUCT INFO)
February 1, 2006... The CSA-listed Balanced Flow NEMA 3R pump controller from Goulds Pumps now is available in 2- and 3-HP (230V) models. The system is engineered to provide consistent pressure even as system flow requirements vary. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Point-of-entry filters.(PRODUCT INFO)
February 1, 2006... The Harmsco Homeland Security Water Filter consists of a pressure vessel with two compartments, an upper cartridge filter and a lower UV reactor. Featuring continuous operation, the system is available in three different models--5 gpm, 10 gpm...

Engine-driven welder.(PRODUCT INFO)
February 1, 2006... The Ranger 305G from Lincoln Electric is a stick, TIG, wire and pipe welding power source. Its processes include stick, TIG, MIG, flux-cored and gouging. This engine-driven welder is built with a totally enclosed case and 12-gallon fuel tank,...

Watershed handbook released by EPA.(BULLETIN BOARD)
February 1, 2006... U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Water has published a guide to watershed management as a tool in developing and implementing watershed plans. The draft Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our...

The peach state hosts NGWA show.
February 1, 2006... The recent National Ground Water Association (NGWA) Ground Water Expo (Dec. 13-16, 2005 in Cobb County, Ga.) offered plenty of opportunities for attendees to walk away a better water professional, including more than 100 hours of continuing...

New water protection rules are announced.(LEGISLATIVE UPDATE)
February 1, 2006... The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized two related drinking water protection rules, the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule and Stage 2 Disinfection Byproducts Rule. The Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water...

Reservoir plan approved.(LEGISLATIVE UPDATE)
February 1, 2006... North Texas water planners have approved a plan that includes construction of four more reservoirs by 2060 to compensate for the projected doubling of the region's population to 13 million. The regional plan calls for 28 percent of the water...

Water infrastructure trust fund program.(LEGISLATIVE UPDATE)
February 1, 2006... Legislation has been introduced to establish a trust fund to pay for water infrastructure projects financed by the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and a new grant program managed by states that would support high-priority water...

Request for water quality funding.(LEGISLATIVE UPDATE)
February 1, 2006... Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack will ask the Legislature for a $50 million package aimed at cleaning up rivers and lake in the state, reports uswaternewsonline. The governor says his water quality program is the beginning of a long-term effort to...

Compact rigs a boost to geothermal drilling--Part 1: the ideal compact rig would save money and reduce environmental impact.
February 1, 2006... Drilling of moderately deep (10,000 ft.) oil, gas and geothermal wells historically has been done with very large drill rigs. Typically these large rigs have masts 120 feet to 140 feet tall, bulky, built-in-place substructures and multiple...

Updated hammer.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: HAMMERS AND BITS)
February 1, 2006... Atlas Copco's new SECOROC DHD60/65 hammer replaces the Strike Force 6/DHD360. The DHD60/65 updated technology is said to provide consistent performance in wet or dry conditions, improved penetration rates and fewer parts for greater...

Hammer and bit surplus inventory.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: HAMMERS AND BITS)
February 1, 2006... KS Bit Inc. carries a complete line of hammers and hammer bits as well as many other products. Currently, the company is operating in full inventory reduction mode. The company's Web site--www.KSBit.com--offers prices and descriptions. KS Bit...

Hydraulic casing hammer.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: HAMMERS AND BITS)
February 1, 2006... Atlas Mfg. Ltd. introduces the R6000, its largest drill-through hydraulic casing hammer. This casing hammer features a 2,000-pound ram weight to give it powerful drive energy. The R6000 can be mounted on all styles of rig derrick. Atlas Mfg....

Hammer for water well drilling.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: HAMMERS AND BITS)
February 1, 2006... The Mission 60W hammer, with a length of 40 inches and operating pressure from 150 psi to 350 psi, is the water well version of the Mission hammer series from Sandvik Mining and Construction. It has a large contact surface engineered to...

Hammer designed for power.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: HAMMERS AND BITS)
February 1, 2006... Mincon Rockdrills offers the XP60 hammer. Designed to deal with a lot of water, it features a locking mechanism engineered to provide more power without any reduction in wear limits. Drillers also should be able to change the choke without...

Bits and hammers.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: HAMMERS AND BITS)
February 1, 2006... Halco America Inc. features a range of bit styles and sizes as well as its new line of DOMINATOR hammers. With a wide variety of heads and inserts, diameters range from 2 3/4 inches to 40 inches. Halco America Inc., Card No. 235 ...

New line of DTH drill bits.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: HAMMERS AND BITS)
February 1, 2006... Rockmore International introduces a new line of DTH drill bits manufactured with MARATHON grade carbide. MARATHON is designed to achieve optimum hardness and toughness properties to promote longer button-insert life for demanding hard and...

Precision-machined products.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: HAMMERS AND BITS)
February 1, 2006... Brunner & Lay products are designed to deliver high-production footage. Products are precision-machined from high quality steel, then heat-treated to ensure strength and durability. The Brunner & Lay line includes striking bars, couplings,...

Drag bits.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: HAMMERS AND BITS)
February 1, 2006... Palmer Bit Co. manufactures chevron-type drag bits. The extra-heavy wings of its four-way chevron bits are designed to handle the toughest drag bit drilling. The long carbided gauges help maintain a clean and straight hole. These chevron-type...

Underreamers for the water well industry.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: HAMMERS AND BITS)
February 1, 2006... Underreamers typically are an oil-field rental tool but Mills Machine Co. offers this technology to the water well and construction industries. Drillers now have the option of owning this tool, designed to be lowered below the casing; fluid or...

Diamond-enhanced hammer bits.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: HAMMERS AND BITS)
February 1, 2006... Bit Brokers International offers the TIMINATOR series of diamond-enhanced hammer bits. The TIMINATOR series is available with gauge row and in a full-face diamond inserts. Most shanks are available, and bits can be custom-designed to the...

Under-reaming wing bit.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: HAMMERS AND BITS)
February 1, 2006... Numa's Super Jaws Bit is an under-reaming wing bit made for simultaneously setting casing while drilling in unconsolidated rock formations of boulders and loose strata. Super Jaws Bits have replaceable jaws that extend out farther than the...

Customized three-cone TCI bit.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: HAMMERS AND BITS)
February 1, 2006... One of Tee Jay International Inc.'s most popular customized three-cone TCI bits is the 9 7/8-inch TCI with a 4 1/2-inch API pin. Tee Jay International Inc., Card No. 243 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

6-inch hammers stocked.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: HAMMERS AND BITS)
February 1, 2006... Dalby Natural Resources announces that it now will stock three different levels of 6-inch hammers. In addition to its Premium Series 6-inch hammers, the company also will offer a Value Series and an Import Series (the Value Series is pictured...

Laboring to survive.(Drilling Topics)
February 1, 2006... Good help is hard to find, most contractors will attest. With a relatively high attrition rate in the industry, too often drilling contractors are left short-handed with slim prospects for replacements. As work increases, so does the need for...

2006 water well pump directory.
February 1, 2006... This year's pump manufacturer's directory highlights six types of water well pumps--shallow and deep well jet pumps, submersibles, vertical and submersible turbines, and centrifugal pumps. Nearly two dozen leading pump companies participated by...

Drilling fluid additives for bentonite drilling fluids.(Drilling Fluids)
February 1, 2006... Editor's note: This article, which originally appeared in the April 2004 issue, generated so much interest from our readers that we thought it worthwhile to run it again with some additional information. There are hundreds of drilling fluid...

The 2005 NGWA national convention.(The World According to Wayne)
February 1, 2006... I just got back from the NGWA national convention in Atlanta, and I've got to say it was a good show. There were many new exhibitors there and some new products to look at and consider. There were more seminars than ever. The seminars alone are...

ISE to launch new Water Index.(BULLETIN BOARD)
February 1, 2006... The International Securities Exchange has announced that it is launching the ISE-B & S Water Index (Ticker: HHO), a new sector index option and benchmark for this emerging industry which was developed with Boenning & Scattergood (B & S), one of...

Lucky winners in Idaho.(BULLETIN BOARD)
February 1, 2006... Congratulations to the winners of Atlas Hydraulic Casing Driver drawings at the 57th annual convention of the Idaho Ground Water Association Jan 5-6 in Boise, Idaho. Winner of the ladies silver and gemstone bracelet is Chrissi McCarty, daughter...

Wortman retiring.(BULLETIN BOARD)
February 1, 2006... From the board members of the Louisiana Ground Water Association: "We are happy and sad to announce that Norma Wortman is retiring as executive director of the association. She has been executive director since 1990. Through the years, she...

The 2005 NGWA Exposition in Atlanta and other travels.(Porky's Hole Thoughts)
February 1, 2006... The recent National Ground Water Exposition in Atlanta was great. Our NGWA Executive Committee planned and presented a great show and workshops in a fine convention center. The keynote speaker, Mr. Richard "Pitch" Picciotto, being the last...

Pump training offered.(BULLETIN BOARD)
February 1, 2006... Grundfos Technical Institute will conduct 2 1/2-day Groundwater product training programs for pump installation and distributor sales professionals. The course is designed to equip industry professionals with product and technology...

Remediation Project Awards announced.(BULLETIN BOARD)
February 1, 2006... CDM of Kansas City, Mo., and Haley & Aldrich of New York City have received National Ground Water Association (NGWA) Outstanding Ground Water Remediation Project Awards. The awards recognize outstanding science, engineering and/or innovation in...

NDA news: personnel moves, safety video.(BULLETIN BOARD)
February 1, 2006... The National Drilling Association (NDA) board of directors has appointed Larry Gibel its new president. P. Don Ulses, who had served as president since early 2004, announced his retirement from Boart Longyear and the drilling industry as well...

Pump hoist roundup.
February 1, 2006... At the recently held National Ground Water Association trade show in Georgia, we visited with leading pump hoist manufacturers on the trade show floor to check out their latest offerings. Here, we share some of the highlights from those visits....

SEMCO delivers to humbolt.(TRADING POST)
February 1, 2006... Humbolt Drilling of Winnemucca, Nev., receives a new SEMCO S8,000 pump hoist from SEMCO driver Tony Jackman. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Please send Trading Post submissions to National Driller, Attn: Lisa Schroeder, 1050 IL Route 83, Suite...

Husky Drilling visits SEMCO.(TRADING POST)
February 1, 2006... Husky Drilling of Belen, N.M., picks up its new S6000 SEMCO pump hoist. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Tanner well service takes delivery.(TRADING POST)
February 1, 2006... Matt and Deb Tanner of Sierra Vista, Ariz., are shown receiving the new Pulstar P10000HD3L pump hoist they recently purchased from Pulstar Manufacturing Inc. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

SIMCO sells to AM Engineering & Testing.(TRADING POST)
February 1, 2006... AM Engineering & Testing, Jupiter, Fla., has obtained this SIMCO 2400 SK-1, which is mounted on a Ford F-550 4-by-4 to be used for geotechnical/environmental drilling. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Eichelberger's buys from flatwater fleet.(TRADING POST)
February 1, 2006... Eichelberger's of Mechanicsburg, Pa., has purchased this 1,500-gallon RTT-Rig Tender. Options include a 5,000-pound crane, night-lighting package, divided fuel tank with an air-operated fuel transfer pump, rear toolboxes, rear-folding platform,...

Huemann & Sons chooses flatwater fleet.(TRADING POST)
February 1, 2006... Joseph Huemann & Sons, Ringwood, Ill., has acquired this 2,100-gallon RTT-Rig Tender. Options include a 2-inch water transfer pump, Line-X underbody coating, a 50-foot fuel hose reel, rear-folding platform, rear toolboxes, pintle hook,...

New Driltech for Belanger.(TRADING POST)
February 1, 2006... Camille Belanger, with grandsons Steven and Nicholas, are the proud new owners of a Driltech model T25KW. The unit was delivered by PMF Distribution Inc., Montreal, Quebec, to Camille Belanger Inc., Roxton Falls, Quebec. Continuing the drilling...

Champion acquires a SIMCO.(TRADING POST)
February 1, 2006... Champion Well & Pump, West Palm Beach, Fla., has obtained a used 2002 SIMCO 2800 HS (HT), which is mounted on a Ford F-550 4-by-4. Having bought it to use while the new one they have purchased is being built, this rig is set up for water well...

Atlas Copco marketplace.(PREOWNED EQUIPMENT)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2006... 1996 IR T2W S/N 6201 4406 Hours Mounted on IH Paystar 2674 powered by a CAT C10 (335 HP) engine, 10 speed Spicer transmission, IR 400/200 air, std. derrick, no carousel, 2-motor 3-speed HT head, Western air/mud swivel, 9 GPM Bean water...