sor's output flow to 600 cfm (283 L/s) and turn the pressure
down, running it at 150 to 170 psi (10 to 12 bar).
"That means now they're also saving a lot of fuel while
drilling these holes," Kranzusch says.
After the success Belknap had with flooded RC on their
job sites with the RD20 rig, they have incorporated the
method into drilling with one of their TH60s.
One particular example had them using a TH60 DH with
5½-inch Matrix RC drill pipe for a 17½-inch hole to a depth
of 400 feet. Their TH60 DH (deep hole) is equipped with
70,000-pound pullback and 37-foot 6-inch tower to support
deeper drilling holes up to 20 inches diameter.
Belknap has been happy with how the smaller footprint of
the TH60 works around established trees in orchards.
The cooperation between an oilfield contractor and a water
well driller was good for the agricultural customers in Califor-
nia's driest areas and more drillers have shown an interest in
flooded RC drilling.
"With the urgent need and high demand, Belknap has
shown they can roll with the changes," Kranzusch says.
"They've adapted in a way that better serves their customers.
They led the way for two different drill rigs to use this method
of flooded RC drilling."
Joe Bradfield is senior writer of Ellenbecker Communications, an inter-
national communications firm specializing in the construction, mining,
and drilling industries.
OIL AND WATER from page 37
waterwelljournal.com
38 June
2016 WWJ
WWJ