National Driller articles from October 2004

National Driller archives from October 2004

Get your VCRs ready.(For Openers)
October 1, 2004... A water well drilling project will be featured on an upcoming episode of ABC-TV's "Extreme Makeover--Home Edition" program. The show's producers contacted Gary Mickelson of Jerry & Don't Yager Pump & Well, Petaluma, Calif., about their show's...

A model rig, indeed.(For Openers)
October 1, 2004... We wanted to share this picture of a model drilling rig that a friend of ours built based on a replica of one of our drilling rigs. Pete Swanson is the name of the man who constructed the rig. He resides in Ashville, N.Y. We thought it might be...

Three-phase electricity: the fundamentals of pumped water systems.(Tech Topics)
October 1, 2004... The last two articles in this series on electricity focused on single-phase pumped water systems. This article will be the first of several on three-phase systems. This month, we will get into some basic concepts of electric power, the...

Coming events.(Calendar)
October 1, 2004... OCTOBER 2-5 WEFTEC 2004 New Orleans Phone: 800-666-0206 www.weftec.com 3-7 Association of State Drinking Water Administrators Conference Austin, Texas Phone: 202-293-7655 www.asdwa.org 15-16 Oregon...

Productive meetings vs. bull sessions: most meetings are a waste of time--here are some tips to make them worthwhile.(Smart Business)
October 1, 2004... As soon as a company grows to more people than can be counted on one hand, the temptation builds to call frequent staff meetings in order to keep everyone "on the same page." Not a bad idea in theory. Without regular communication and feedback,...

Jubilee celebrates its 49th.
October 1, 2004... The 49th annual South Atlantic Well Drillers Jubilee warmly welcomed the industry July 31-Aug. 3, in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Providing a full slate of seminars as well as events families could enjoy, the four-day trade show was a whirlwind of...

Direct-push vs. conventional monitoring wells.
October 1, 2004... Monitoring well installation using direct-push technology is potentially useful and cost effective, and the use of direct-push technology is increasing. Many state regulatory agencies are hesitant to make decisions using data generated with...

Basic training of new hires.
October 1, 2004... Our friends at the National Drilling Association (727-577-5006; www.nda4u.com) have produced a series of "Tailgate Safety Tips" to provide training guidance to drilling contractors. Many topics are specifically designed for use in the drilling...

Ground water and surface water interaction.
October 1, 2004... Traditionally, management of water resources has focused on surface water or ground water as if they were separate entities. As development of land and water resources increases, it is apparent that development of either of these resources...

Drilling and water vital to stone production.
October 1, 2004... Crushed stone, or aggregate, is used to make concrete and asphalt roads, concrete for homes and office buildings, and is used in a wide variety of erosion control projects. Approximately 50 percent of all aggregate is used for publicly funded...

New carbon drill pipe signals technical achievement.
October 1, 2004... The Department of Energy (DOE) earlier this summer announced the development of a new composite drill pipe that is lighter, stronger and more flexible than steel, which could significantly alter the ability to drain substantially more oil and...

DOE seeks small-footprint technologies.
October 1, 2004... The Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced a major new research and development initiative to develop "microhole" technologies--those that use portable drilling rigs with a smaller footprint and lower environmental impact. The program...

Drilled shaft construction--Part 2.
October 1, 2004... Since properly designed and constructed drilled shafts have proved to be reliable foundations for bridges and other highway structures, the principal motivation for using drilled shafts relative to other alternatives (primarily driven piles) is...

Fuel tank pollution addressed.(Legislative Update)
October 1, 2004... Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich has announced new regulations to prohibit leaking fuel storage tanks from polluting aquifers that provide drinking water to wells. The state is responding to the disclosure that 169 wells in Harford County were...

Governors sign joint declaration.(Legislative Update)
October 1, 2004... The governors of Texas and New Mexico recently signed a joint statement calling for their states to begin discussions about compact delivery requirements on the Rio Grande and Pecos rivers. The joint statement also calls for cooperation on...

EPA deputy administrator appointed.(Legislative Update)
October 1, 2004... U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Michael Leavitt recently swore in Stephen L. Johnson as deputy administrator. President Bush formally appointed Johnson deputy administrator in July. Johnson has served in the position of...

Bottled water regulations.(Legislative Update)
October 1, 2004... The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) now will have the authority to issue permits to bottled water plants and private water source operators, adopt relevant federal regulations, conduct annual inspections and perform other necessary...

F & W's Brickyard 400 winners.(NewScope)
October 1, 2004... The Prime Times Brickyard 400 drawing was held recently at the Flint & Walling (F & W) headquarters in Kendallville, Ind. The eight lucky winners: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * D-Z Pumps, Clovis, N.M. * Wilson Water Systems,...

CGA Scholarships awarded.(NewScope)
October 1, 2004... Congratulations to the 2004-2005 California Groundwater Association (CGA) Scholarship Award winners--Joe Chapman, Jade Elliot and April Luera. Each winner will have the $1,000 award sent to the school of their choice. Joe Chapman was...

Chlorine sources and characteristics.(Water Well Disinfection)
October 1, 2004... Although there are several chemical disinfectants that may be used to treat a well, chlorine is the water supply disinfectant most commonly used. Chlorine is a bactericidal chemical that destroys or inactivates coliform bacteria that it comes...

For the service-minded well drilling company.(Computer Software)
October 1, 2004... If your well drilling business also includes pump installation, equipment servicing and water treatment services, Nevada Computer offers WaterFlex for Windows, a program for accounting and keeping track of customer information. WaterFlex for...

Software for the water well industry.(Computer Software)
October 1, 2004... WellMagic is a single system designed by Geographic Insights just for the water well industry. Designed to be easy to set up and use, it manages customers, well construction, estimates, work orders, maintenance records, work assignments,...

Interactive training tool.(Computer Software)
October 1, 2004... CBT 3.0 is the latest version of Atlas Copco Secoroc's computer-based training program. This DVD/CD self-study training tool conveys expert advice on the use of modern rock drilling tools. With the aid of 3D animations, photographs and film...

Well reporting.(Computer Software)
October 1, 2004... The H20 Tracker is intended to make well reporting easy. Developed to streamline office operations and increase profits, this program allows users to store records electronically. Retrieving customer information with the system is said to be...

Automated customer services.(Computer Software)
October 1, 2004... Commercial Business Systems Inc.'s WaterSoft-Ware has been automating water-based industries since 1977. While most users today are water-softening businesses, a well driller's version now is being offered. WaterSoft-Ware is developed to...

Well completion report program.(Computer Software)
October 1, 2004... The AquiPort from Ground Water Dynamics is designed to make well completion reports easy. Enabling users to gather and report ground water information, AquiPort is a database for collecting and storing well records. The software enables users...

Automated well logs.(Computer Software)
October 1, 2004... The Well Log/Job Estimating program from KRS Enterprises Inc. allows users to maintain a complete database of well information in which they can generate reports of their own design. Well log information is entered in pre-defined fields. The...

Industry-exclusive software.(Computer Software)
October 1, 2004... Hermit Software's WellBiz computer software is designed exclusively for water well drillers and water pump system installers. It is meant to complement an existing accounting system, be it manual or computerized, custom or general-purpose....

Business process automation tool.(Computer Software)
October 1, 2004... Iknowvate's Well Dreams is a drilling contractor's business process automation tool built to automate the drilling contractor's day-to-day workflow. Designed to expedite the handling of well driller's data by eliminating paper records, the...

In the wake of the hurricanes.
October 1, 2004... These days, even if you're not a regular Weather Channel watcher, you can't turn on the television without learning about hurricanes' disastrous effects. With horror stories about evacuations, gasoline and water shortages and, in some cases,...

Grouting and sealing materials vs. cost.(Drilling Fluids)
October 1, 2004... Today more than ever, major concerns surround--and emphasis is being placed on--the sealing and grouting of wells, along with the decommissioning, destruction and sealing of abandoned or inoperable wells. With all the different state rules...

Promise a lot and deliver more.
October 1, 2004... Many salespeople make a lot of promises or benefit statements while trying to sell a new prospect or existing customer. The assumption these salespeople often erroneously make is that it is necessary to promise the world in order to close the...

Pump monitor.(Product Info)
October 1, 2004... Cycle Stop Valves introduces the new Cycle Sensor pump monitor. This new monitor looks for rapid cycle and dry run. It is designed to work with a Cycle Stop valve and can detect the difference between low-flow amps that the valve creates and...

Flexible drop pipe.(Product Info)
October 1, 2004... Boreline flexible drop pipe from Hose Solutions Inc. offers continuous length and corrosion resistance. Designed for simple installation and retrieval, this drop pipe is said to be ideal for restricted access sites; it provides deep...

Redesigned cylinder for mud pumps.(Product Info)
October 1, 2004... Centerline Manufacturing announces the development of a redesigned hydraulic-drive cylinder in its patented hydraulic-drive piston mud pumps. The new cylinders are said to reduce heat generation and dissipate system heat. They incorporate a new...

Thin-Mix Series.(Product Info)
October 1, 2004... Designed for continuous mixing and pumping, the Thin-Mix Series from ChemGrout Inc. utilizes a size 4 positive-displacement, progressing cavity pump. A 45-gallon mixing tank, 15-gallon holding hopper and centrally located controls enable a...

Centrifugal pump line.(Product Info)
October 1, 2004... National Oilwells's 2500 Supreme centrifugal pumps are available in sizes 3-by-2-by-13 through 10-by-8-by-14 pumps, all featuring the same power end. The 2500 Supreme impeller design has wider vanes at the tip that decrease velocity of the...

Constant pressure valve.(Product Info)
October 1, 2004... The Controlpres is a new version of the Mascontrol, which has all of the same features as the original with the addition of a built-in pressure-reducing valve, allowing for downstream pressure adjustments according to system requirements. The...

My brother Willard.(The World According to Wayne)
October 1, 2004... This month, I thought I'd share a few stories about my idiot brother, Willard. He wasn't always an idiot--it happened about the time the mule kicked him in '58. After that, in our family Willard put the fun in "dysfunctional!" One summer, every...

On raising Bess.(Porky's Hole Thoughts)
October 1, 2004... Bess and I were classmates from the fourth grade and she'll be my wife of 48 years next September--I think. She thought I was a spoiled brat in school and most of the time, she thinks I still am. What the hey--I like it. [ILLUSTRATION...

Trentham Well Drilling receives a Versa-Drill.(Trading Post)
October 1, 2004... Trentham Well Drilling recently acquired a new V100NG Versa-Drill from Laibe Corp./Versa-Drill, Indianapolis. Pictured taking delivery are Rick and Shari Trentham, along with son Colton. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Please send Trading Post...

Keen Well & Pump receives new I-R.(Trading Post)
October 1, 2004... Cash, Rich, Cassandra and Sandi Hauger of Keen Well & Pump Inc., Mt. Vernon, Ohio, obtain a new Ingersoll-Rand TH60 from Stockdale Mine Supply Inc., Norwich, Ohio. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Robbins Water Service buys from GEFco N.E.(Trading Post)
October 1, 2004... Robbins Water Service Inc., Shamong, N.J., takes delivery of a new Failing CR-15, with twin 5-by-6 1/4 mud pumps from GEFco N.E. Pictured from the left are Rocky Milano, GEFco N.E. regional manager, and Henry and John Robbins, Robbins Water...

H.A.D. obtains third Flatwater Fleet.(Trading Post)
October 1, 2004... H.A.D. Drilling, Marshallville, Ohio, has purchased its third unit from Flatwater Fleet Inc. This 1,800-gallon RTT-Rig Tender came equipped with the standard 230-gallon divided fuel tank and the optional air-operated fuel pump, 2-inch water...

Beinhower buys second from Flatwater Fleet.(Trading Post)
October 1, 2004... Beinhower Bros. Drilling Co., Johnstown, Ohio, has purchased its second RTT-Rig Tender from Flatwater Fleet Inc. This 2,700-gallon unit, mounted on a 2003 Sterling LT9513, came with internal coating, a 225-amp welder/generator, 50-foot...

Northeast Drill Supply delivers to Ireland.(Trading Post)
October 1, 2004... Northeast Drill Supply of Middletown Springs, Vt., delivers a 2004 REICHdrill 650WII to Daniel O'Sullivan, Leo O'Sullivan & Co., Cork, Ireland. Pictured (l-r) are Jerry Parker, Northeast Drill Supply, and Daniel O'Sullivan. [ILLUSTRATION...

New Schramm for F & F Well Drilling.(Trading Post)
October 1, 2004... F & F Well Drilling of Prudenville, Mich., bought a new Schramm T300M Rotadrill. The T300M is mounted on an International 7400 6-by-6 truck and specially equipped with a Mission mud pump. Schramm regional sales manager Tom Wardell sold the rig...

Commonwealth National Drilling obtains an I-R.(Trading Post)
October 1, 2004... Commonwealth National Drilling-Geosearch Inc., Sterling Mass., recently took delivery of its first new Ingersoll-Rand T4W1250, a rig for geothermal projects that is sold and supported by I-R Southboro. Shown are owner Matt Bovenzi, driller Jim...

Laibe Corp. delivers to Tuck's.(Trading Post)
October 1, 2004... Tuck's Well Drilling, Deland, Fla., recently became the proud owner of a new V100NG Versa-Drill. Shown taking delivery from Laibe Corp./Versa-Drill, Indianapolis, are Tuck and Kristi Trentham, accompanied by daughter Jessica. [ILLUSTRATION...

Eagle Enterprises gets a Smeal.(Trading Post)
October 1, 2004... Eagle Enterprises, Newberry Springs, Calif., receives a 2004 6T Smeal pump hoist, mounted on a 2004 Ford F550 4-by-4. Custom options include a 42-foot mast, work lights, 11-foot utility bed, front outrigger and sand line with free-fall clutch....

Brewer Well Drilling takes delivery.(Trading Post)
October 1, 2004... John Sr. and Mike Brewer of Brewer Well Drilling, Barre, Mass., acquire a new Ingersoll-Rand T3W1070 their forth I-R purchased from I-R Southboro [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Higgins Rig sells pump hoist.(Trading Post)
October 1, 2004... Higgins Rig Co.'s Hodgenville, Ky.-office sold this 1989 Smeal 5T to Thomas Woyok, Peoria, Ariz. This unit is mounted on a 1989 Ford F-350 with a 7.3 L diesel engine. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Joe Bertrand purchases a GEFco.(Trading Post)
October 1, 2004... Joe Bertrand Well Drilling, Pocasset, Mass., receives his GEFco 30K from GEFco N.E. and Groundwater Supply, Sterling, Mass. Pictured from left to right are Kenny Erickson, Groundwater Supply; Buddy Churchill, GEFco serviceman; Eddie Erickson,...

Puits 4 Saisons acquires new Driltech.(Trading Post)
October 1, 2004... PMF Distribution Inc. sold a new Driltech T25KW to Puits 4 Saisons of Prevost, Quebec. Accepting delivery are (l-r) proud owners Mr. and Mrs. Lachance, master driller Robert Bazinet, PMF representative Serge Chretien and driller Alain Paradis....

Specialty Water Well and Larson-Becker do business.(Trading Post)
October 1, 2004... Don Wagner of Specialty Water Well, Algonquin, Ill., took delivery of a new Smeal 4T derrick, mounted on a like-new 1988 Chevy 1-ton truck with a 12-foot-long bed. He's custom-building his own tool and pump boxes. Arrangements were made through...

Gowdy works with Higgins.(Trading Post)
October 1, 2004... Bob Gowdy, Cabria, Calif., purchased this 1989 Smeal 5T pump hoist from the Higgins Rig Co., Hodgenville, Ky., Gowdy's rig is PTO-driven and mounted on a 1989 Ford F350 4-by-4, with a 460 engine. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]