Drilling Operations Management

Project Planning

Pre-Drilling Phase

• Site investigation: Geophysical surveys, test holes, water quality baseline — budget 10-15% of total project cost
• Well design: Diameter, depth, casing program, screen specs, pump requirements
• Permits: Drill permit, water rights, environmental clearances — allow 2-12 weeks lead time
• Access: Road construction, pad preparation, utility locations (call before you dig)
• Budget: Include 15-20% contingency for unexpected conditions

Drilling Phase

• Mobilization: Rig transport, setup, and safety inspection — typically 1-2 days
• Drilling rate: Track daily progress — compare to geological predictions
• Sampling: Collect rock/soil samples at regular intervals — document formations
• Casing installation: Install as drilling progresses — grout immediately
• Drilling fluids: Monitor and maintain mud properties — adjust as formations change

Completion Phase

• Screen installation: Based on formation analysis — correct slot size for aquifer grain size
• Grouting: Sanitary seal from surface to screen — prevent surface contamination
• Development: Surge, airlift, or overpump to remove fines and develop well
• Pump installation: Set pump at correct depth, install pitless adapter, connect electrical
• Testing: Pump test (24-72 hours) — determine sustainable yield and water quality

Crew Management

Team Structure

• Driller/foreman: Overall responsibility — makes operational decisions, manages safety
• Assistant driller: Operates rig controls, monitors drilling parameters
• Roughneck/helper: Pipe handling, mixing fluids, general labor
• Water hauler: Delivers water for mud mixing, manages water supply

Shift Operations

• Shift length: 8-12 hours typical — 12-hour shifts common for remote operations
• Handover: Formal shift changeover — report drilling progress, issues, pending tasks
• Tailgate talks: 5-10 minute safety briefing before each shift
• Communication: Radio or cell phone — maintain contact with site supervisor

Equipment Maintenance

Preventive Maintenance Schedule

• Daily: Engine oil level, hydraulic fluid, coolant, belt tension, air filter, grease fittings
• Weekly: Hydraulic filter, drill pipe inspection, rotary table, mud pump bearings
• Monthly: Engine oil and filter, hydraulic fluid analysis, wire rope inspection
• Annually: Complete engine overhaul, pressure testing, NDT of critical components

Consumables Management

• Drill bit tracking: Record footage per bit — optimize bit selection and replacement timing
• Mud additives: Maintain 2-week supply minimum — track consumption rates
• Casing inventory: Pre-order based on well design — allow 1-2 weeks delivery
• Fuel: Daily consumption tracking — ensure 3-day reserve minimum

Documentation & Reporting

• Daily drilling report: Footage drilled, formations encountered, bit changes, problems, chemicals used
• Mud log: Drilling fluid properties: weight, viscosity, pH, sand content, filtrate loss
• Geological log: Formation descriptions, sample descriptions, water strikes
• Construction report: As-built details: depths, casing, screen, grouting, development
• Pump test report: Test data, yield calculation, specific capacity, water quality
• Photographic record: Daily photos of progress, key activities, problems encountered

Communication Protocols

• Daily standup: Morning meeting — review yesterday, plan today, identify risks
• Incident reporting: Immediate notification for safety events, environmental spills, equipment damage
• Stakeholder updates: Weekly progress report to client/owner — written + verbal
• Regulatory notification: Report to authorities as required — drilling start, completion, water quality