February 2011 by David Evener

Get ready for National Ground Water Awareness Week, page 16

JOURNAL

February 2011

A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION

Do Your Geothermal Homework Whether you are designing the system or completing the drilling, preparation is the key to a successful project, page 21

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Good Products and Sell them Honestlyโ These words from our founder, Andrew Young McDonald, speak to the heart of our business philosophy today just as they did over 150 years ago. Itโ s a promise to our customers that we will continue to produce the best quality products and services, and sell them without a lot of gimmicks, hype and empty promises.

Where Family Means Business.

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The EarthPro Geothermal Drills feature a single operator setup providing ease of use and solid job profitability. These features ensure the toughest jobs are tackled with ease: • Automated pipeloader system allows a single operator to drill and trip out up to 600 ft (183 m) of pipe without assistance. The EarthPro 4550X single-operator setup.

• Central ergonomic controls include a dual multi-function joystick that is console mounted and adjustable for height and angle to reduce operator fatigue. LCD display provides data on drill operation in easy-to-understand terms. • Dual rack and pinion design with three-speed drive motors that allow quick trip times with 45,000lbs. pullup and 22,000lbs. pulldown. There are no chains, cables or hydraulic cylinders to replace. When you need dependable Also available productivity and profitability, look is the EarthPro no further than Astec. For more 4550 truckmounted version. version. information on EarthPro Geothermal Drills and other Astec products, go to astecunderground.com or call (800) 527-6020.

astecunderground.com

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JOURNAL

Vol. 65, No. 2 February 2011 www.ngwa.org

A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION

FEATURED ARTICLES 21 Do Your Homework By Jill Ross

Whether you are designing the system or simply completing the drilling, proper preparation is the key to a successful geothermal project. 27 From the Field By Todd Giddings

Here’s how we constructed a geothermal loop field right next to two public water supply wells. 35 A Welcome Return By Mike Price Page 27

The 2010 NGWA Ground Water Expo was back in Las Vegas, Nevada, where a record number of exhibiting companies and organizations showed off their newest products.

IN EVERY ISSUE 6 Editor’s Note Run to Success

DEPARTMENTS In This Issue Industry Newsline The Log Web Notes Coming Events Newsmakers Featured Products Taking Delivery Classified Marketplace Downhole Humor Index of Advertisers Closing Time

19 WellGuard Run–Flat Tires 32 WATER WELL JOURNAL Q & A Alan Winebarger, Strata Drilling LLC

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About the cover A drilling crew from Chesapeake Geosystems Inc. is using a Schramm Inc. track-mounted mud rotary drill rig and a MudPuppy drilling fluid cleaning unit to construct a 600-foot-deep geothermal borehole that is part of a 153-borehole geothermal loop field for the Cooper Science Building on the campus of the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Photo submitted by Todd Giddings, Ph.D., PG. ®

Member of BPA Worldwide. The Water Well Journal (ISSN #0043-1443) is published monthly by the National Ground Water Association, 601 Dempsey Rd., Westerville, OH 43081. Printed and mailed at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, and additional mailing offices. Postal acceptance: Periodical (requester subscription circulation) postage paid at Westerville, Ohio, and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Water Well Journal, 601 Dempsey Rd., Westerville, OH 43081. Canada Post/ Publications Mail Agreement #40739533. Return address: 4960-2 Walker Rd., Windsor, ON N9A 6J3.

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Water Well Journal February 2011 3/

JOURNAL A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION

Advancing the expertise of groundwater professionals and furthering groundwater awareness. Executive Director Kevin McCray, CAE NGWA President Art Becker, MGWC

kmccray@ngwa.org Page 44

Director of Publications/Editor Thad Plumley tplumley@ngwa.org Associate Editor Mike Price

mprice@ngwa.org

Copyeditor Wayne Beatty

wbeatty@ngwa.org

Production and Design Janelle McClary jmcclary@ngwa.org Advertising Shelby Fleck Vickie Wiles

sfleck@ngwa.org vwiles@ngwa.org

Circulation Coordinator Sharren Diller sdiller@ngwa.org Contributing Writers Ed Butts, PE, CPI; Donald W. Gregory; David T. Hanson; Joe Hogan; William J. Lynott; Michelle Nichols; Christine Reimer; Al Rickard, CAE; Jill Ross; Ron Slee; Stuart A. Smith, CGWP; and Lana Straub Publishing Oversight Committee Chairman Theodorosi Toskos Patricia Bobeck Richard Clarke Paul C. Johnson, Ph.D. David Larson Karen Madsen Brent Murray Deborah Post Michael Salvadore Frank Schwartz, Ph.D. Editorial, Advertising, & Publishing Offices 601 Dempsey Rd., Westerville, OH 43081 (800) 551-7379 Fax: (614) 898-7786 Selected content from Water Well Journal is indexed on Ground Water On-Line™ at www.ngwa.org/gwonline ©Copyright 2010 by the National Ground Water Association. All rights reserved.

Our circulation is audited, ask for a statement today.

An APEX award winner eight consecutive years with 19 total awards, most in the groundwater industry.

FEATURED COLUMNISTS 38 It’s the Law by Don Gregory and Jeremiah Thomas The Measures and “Bounds” of Domestic Well Permits New Mexico appellate court deals a blow to prior appropriators and preserves status quo.

40 Safety Matters by Steven K. Fess, CSP, CIH Staying on Your Feet Make sure you know the essential elements to prevent slips, trips, and falls.

42 Lessons Learned by Joe Hogan Unusual Incidents You need to be careful at all times as you never know when something unusual might occur.

44 Transfer of Technology — Expanded Series by John L’Espoir Rig Repairs Do you know how to get spares for obsolete items? Don’t miss the information on welding, bearings, seals, and sleeves.

55 Engineering Your Business by Ed Butts, PE, CPI A Message to the Young Enjoy it while you can.

58 The After Market by Ron Slee Dollar Time How about we unleash some fun improvements?

60 Your Money by William J. Lynott A World View Investing in world markets can yield impressive returns.

62 Savvy Selling by Michelle Nichols Keeping the Chorus in Tune If different departments or people are pushing different messages, customer confusion will result. Here's how to build harmonious teams. The views expressed in the columns are the authors’ opinions based on their professional experience.

4/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

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EDITOR’S

NOTE

Run to Success ve never quite grasped the fascination with marathons. My feeling has always been if you’re running for 26.2 miles you’re obviously running from someone or something. Yet, thousands of people complete the centuries-old test of endurance at races around the world every year. In fact, Water Well Journal’s own Mike Price preceded the NGWA Ground Water Expo by finishing the Rock ’n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon and Half Marathon on December 5 in a time of 3 hours, 20 minutes, 48 seconds. But something Mike said after recording his personal best time—he’s a veteran of five marathons—shed some light for me on the draw to running. He pointed out he had a feeling late in the race that he could go harder and do even better. This feeling engulfed him and pushed him to his best-ever time. I get that. Just as Mike is determined to now log an even more impressive effort when he tackles another marathon this year, I, too, have always wanted to do better in nearly all of my endeavors. While Mike set out to shed seconds in December, among the goals I set last year was to shed more than 100 pounds. I knew it was important for my longterm health, so I organized a plan, worked at it, and am happy to report that I am now healthier at 42 than I was at 22. Setting goals, no matter how lofty, is important personally and professionally. You should always want to be better. Even if you have been in the groundwa-

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ter industry for 30 years, you should be seeking ways that can make year 31 the best ever. Among the books I read last year was Mojo by Marshall Goldsmith. In it, he takes shooting for improvement a step farther. He writes, “Get beyond incremental improvement—and start innovating.” He lays out four rules to doing so: ● Stop trying to be an oracle. By this, he means stop waiting for more information or better circumstances. Change happens quickly now, so stop trying to see the future. ● Move quickly. Goldsmith says there is a fine line between patience and procrastination. ● Say two no’s for every yes. The first two rules don’t promote recklessness. The book states that for every good idea there are usually dozens of bad ones. So set a goal, go for it, and don’t be distracted from it. ● It pays to advertise. Goldsmith says everyone has preconceptions about you. Don’t be afraid to tweak them. The steps are perfect advice for you and your business. So what do you say? What are you going to learn or what is your company going to add to make this the best year ever? Go for it. You may just end up a runaway success.

Thad Plumley is the editor of WWJ and director of publications at the National Ground Water Association. He can be reached at tplumley@ngwa.org.

Advertise your products and services to the groundwater industry’s most influential readership. Call the NGWA sales department at (800) 551-7379. ● ● ● ●

Approximately 25,000 readers every month. More than 19,000 are groundwater contractors. Approximately 4000 reside in professions also allied to the field. Readers reside in every state, Canada, and other international locations. Circulation is audited by BPA Worldwide. Ask for a statement.

6/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

Disclaimer Water Well Journal and the National Ground Water Association provide information for guidance and information purposes only. This publication is not intended to provide investment, tax, or legal advice. The information contained herein has been compiled from sources deemed reliable and it is accurate to the best of our knowledge and belief; however, Water Well Journal and the National Ground Water Association cannot guarantee as to its accuracy, completeness, and validity and cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions. All information contained herein should be independently verified and confirmed. Water Well Journal and the National Ground Water Association do not accept any liability for any loss or damage howsoever caused in reliance upon such information. Reader agrees to assume all risk resulting from the application of any of the information provided by Water Well Journal and the National Ground Water Association. Trademarks and copyrights mentioned within Water Well Journal are the ownership of their respective companies. The names of products and services presented are used only in an educational fashion and to the benefit of the trademark and copyright owner, with no intention of infringing on trademarks or copyrights. No endorsement of any third-party products or services is expressed or implied by any information, material, or content referred to in the Water Well Journal. Subscriptions/Back Issues For questions, changes or problems with your subscription call Sharren Diller. Subscriptions: Water well contractors and other qualified groundwater industry personnel in U.S. and Canada — free; others in U.S. — $105 per year; $15 per copy. Canada – $120 per year; $24 per copy. International: $140 per year; $35 per copy. Subscriptions available through NGWA offices only. We reserve the right to refuse subscriptions to anyone not directly engaged in the groundwater industry. Claims for missing issues must be made in writing within three months of publication and will be subject to the availability of back issues. Advertising Disclaimer Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for all content (including text, representation, and illustrations) of advertisements printed and also assume responsibility for any claims arising therefrom made against the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising that it believes is not in keeping with the publication's standards or is deemed unsuitable or misleading.

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IN THIS

ISSUE

he February issue of Water Well Journal focuses on a field growing more and more popular in the groundwater industryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;geothermal heat pumps. If this is a field youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking of diversifying into or is one in which you are relatively new, this issue has multiple articles that are ideal for you.

pleasant surprises. Among some of the ideas discussed are research on a siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s geology and hydrology, getting details on the systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design, and working out a schedule with the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other construction contractors.

Another feature article focusing on geothermal technology was authored by Todd Giddings, Ph.D., PG. In â&#x20AC;&#x153;From the Fieldâ&#x20AC;? on page 27, he details how Freelance writer Jill Ross put together an article that a 153-hole geothermal loop field was built near everyone new to geothermal should read. In â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do Your Homea public water authorityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two supply wells workâ&#x20AC;? on page 21, she states the key to a project going yielding more than 900 gallons per minute. As smoothly is proper preparation. Ross talked with several geothe geothermal job was just getting ready to thermal installers around the country and all agree that doing begin, a stop-work order was issued until it your homework before drilling begins can cut down on unTodd Giddings could be proven the new construction wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t impact the water quality or yield for the supply wells. Giddings was able to do so and he deLaser Marked Water Level Meters tails exactly how in the article.

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Solinst Quality at a Low Price â&#x20AC;˘ Cable markings every 1/100 ft or mm â&#x20AC;˘ Narrow 1/4â&#x20AC;? or 6.4 mm diameter probe â&#x20AC;˘ Strong, flexible coaxial cable The Model 102 Laser Marked Water Level Meters are designed to measure water levels in narrow diameter applications. They oďŹ&#x20AC;er a low cost option in our level measurement line, while still providing the high quality our customers expect.

Solinst Flat Tape Water Level Meter The Model 101 Water Level Meter is a rugged, precision instrument, providing consistently accurate water level measurements. Features such as sensitivity adjustment, battery test button, and complete unit repairability set this meter apart. The extremely durable ďŹ&#x201A;at tape measures accurately every 1/100 ft or mm. Lengths available to 6000 ft (1800 m).

New Laser Marked Tag Line! The Model 103 Tag Line is laser marked every 1/2 ft or 10 cm of the durable cable. The Tag Line is used for measuring well depth and depths to sand or bentonite backďŹ ll layers during monitoring well construction. With a removable 316 stainless steel weight, is also useful as a measured suspension system for pumps, packers, and bailer deployment.

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In this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Water Well Journal Q&A on page 32, Associate Editor Mike Price chats with Alan Winebarger of Strata Drilling LLC in Nyssa, Oregon. Winebarger recently began drilling geothermal wells and modified his rig so he could run it by himself. That was just one in a long line of modifications Alan Winebarger Winebarger has made over the years to help simplify drilling. He reveals some of these modifications, as well as helpful information for those who are either currently drilling geothermal wells or looking to enter the field. Price also relives some of the excitement that took place at the 2010 NGWA Ground Water Expo, December 7-10 in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a recap titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Welcome Returnâ&#x20AC;? on page 35. Price writes that in spite of a sluggish economy, the event posted one of its strongest showings ever. A fifth best overall attendance of 5016 and an all-time record of 321 exhibiting companies and organizations took part in NGWAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 62nd annual Mike Price meeting, which returned to Las Vegas following the 2009 Expo in New Orleans, Louisiana. The latest installment of Safety Matters was put together by Steven K. Fess, CSP, CIH, and covers knowing the esNGWA.org

IN THIS

ISSUE

sentials for preventing accidents caused by slips, trips, and falls. In “Staying on Your Feet” on page 40, Fess states there are three types of falls: those that happen on the same level, those that happen on multiple levels such as stairs or ramps, and those falls that happen from one level to another like falling through an opening or hole. He then details the most common causes of falls, the hierarchy of fall protection, and fall protection standards. The It’s the Law column this month provides insight on the Bounds vs. State of New Mexico water rights case from Don Gregory and Jeremiah Thomas, attorneys for Kegler, Brown, Hill & Ritter in Columbus, Ohio, the firm which provides general counsel to the National Ground Water Association. In “The Don Gregory Measures and Bounds of Domestic Well Permits” on page 38, Gregory and Thomas discuss how a New Mexico appellate court reinstated last year a 100-year-old law exempting domestic wells from the state’s approval process for new wells, reversing an earlier trial court decision. However, they also Jeremiah Thomas point out that issues relating to water disputes remain in New Mexico and all through the West. At press time, the Bounds decision is being appealed in the New Mexico Supreme Court.

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NGWA.org

Water Well Journal February 2011 9/

Correction

Water Well Journal ran a feature story in its November 2010 issue titled “The Nebraska Grout Study.” The article refers to two figures that show wells with dye reservoirs that were used in testing two years after well construction, but the figures were inadvertently not shown. The figures are above. The left figure is the surface completion diagram for grout observation wells and the figure to the right is the surface completion diagram for geothermal grout loops. WWJ regrets the error.

Thank you, Franklin Electric! McEllhiney Lecturers

2011 Tom Christopherson

2010 Mike Mehmert

2009 W. Richard Laton, Ph.D., PG, CPG

2008 F. Michael Krautkramer, LHG, RG

2007 Edd Schofield

2006 Fred McAninch

Tens of thousands of water well and pump installation professionals, and their millions of water well customers, have benefited from the McEllhiney Lecture Series made possible by Franklin Electric’s generous financial support of the National Ground Water Research and Educational Foundation. A 501(c)(3) public foundation operated by NGWA, NGWREF focuses on educational, research, and other charitable activities related to a broader public understanding of groundwater.

Benefactor since 2006 of the NGWREF William A. McEllhiney Distinguished Lecture Series in Water Well Technology

To learn more about the McEllhiney Lecture Series and NGWREF—and how you, too, can make a difference—visit www.ngwa.org or call customer service at 800 551.7379 (614 898.7791).

10/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

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When you need HDPE products and services for your GEO project…

You should know that ISCO is your best source for a full line of in-stock and fabricated products. With stocking and fabrication locations nationwide and in Canada, we’re one call away for: s ($0% PIPE lTTINGS AND 5 "ENDS s )3#/ #IRCUIT -AKER 'EOTHERMAL 6AULTS s #USTOM FABRICATED HEADERS AND MANIFOLDS s -C%LROY FUSION EQUIPMENT SALES

RENTAL REFURBISH SERVICING s #OMPLETE SUPPLY OF GROUT PRODUCTS s %XPERT ADVICE AND CONSULTATION

The more you know... Make the call.

1-800-345-ISCO www.isco-pipe.com Circle card no. 24

INDUSTRY

NEWSLINE

Sonic Drill Corp. Helps Students Reveal Glacial Secrets at the University of Calgary Motivated by a desire to teach and learn, Dan Kelleher and Ken Borrell of the Midwest GeoSciences Group drove 20 hours from their home city of Waverly, Minnesota, to the University of Calgary to experience their first sonic borehole in Canada. Midwest Geo was offering one of its workshops on glacial successions in late November 2010 for more than 50 geologists from Canada and the United States. The course teaches the principles of sedimentary depositions, the effects of sedimentary weathering, and the methods to describe those elements on boring logs. Crater Lake Drilling of Red Deer, Alberta, working with personnel from Sonic Drilling Ltd. of Surrey, British Columbia, drilled the boreholes. The team drilled a pilot hole the day before the course to better understand the geology of the region.

More than 50 geologists from Canada and the United States learn about glacial successions with the aid of sonic drilling.

Kelleher, a hydrogeologist and project manager with Midwest Geo and cofounder of the company, had the sonic rig drill to 100 feet. The continuous core was then placed from end to end on a table, enabling them to analyze it and read the story of the sediments below. “The soil core is remarkable when inspecting it in this manner,” Kelleher says. “The sedimentary story is so much easier to read and the geologic history is apparent even to those without a science background.” Developed by Ray Roussy, president of the contracting company Sonic Drilling Ltd. and the U.S.-based Sonic Drill Corp., sonic drilling technology is in use on six continents and gaining worldwide recognition.

NEWS/continues on page 14

Waterwell Camera Inspection Systems

• Portable, Truck or Trailer mounted. • Retrofit compatible with Laval and most geophysical logging winches. • Full repair service and spare parts for CCV, Boretech, Wellcam and Laval cameras and controllers. • Forward and 360 degree side wall viewing color cameras. • Depths to 5,000 feet.

Contact us for details 800-671-0383 • 559-291-0383 Fax: 559-291-0463 E-mail: jim.lozano@ariesccv.com On the web at www.ariesccv.com

CCV Engineering & Manufacturing An Aries Industries Company 5748 E. Shields Avenue, Fresno, CA 93727

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Sometimes Tight Spots call for Tracks Instead of Trucks

When mounted on our CME-300 remote controlled tracked carrier, the CME55 can get into tight locations not accessible to a truck mounted rig.. The rugged planetary drives and triple walking beam suspension also allow this machine to climb hills, traverse mud, sand, rocks, and snow…all while your operator’s feet are planted firmly on the ground. Of course the rubber tracks will not damage most pavement, so you can also use this rig anywhere you might use a truck mounted drill. We designed the CME-300 tracked carrier specifically for carrying drill rigs, so there are no compromises. It has the best center of gravity for both driving and drilling. And you won’t find a more rugged carrier in its class. Once you get to the site, the CME-55 can give you up to 9,400 foot pounds of torque and 28,275 pounds of retract force. It’s available with all the features you need to get the job done as efficiently as possible. Like in/out and sideways slide bases, angle drilling, automatic SPT hammer, auger racks, tool boxes and more. And for low clearance jobs, the CME55LC can also be mounted on this carrier. Give us a call and find out how the CME-55 on the CME-300 carrier can get you in (and out) of a tight spot.

CENTRAL MINE EQUIPMENT COMPANY 

4215 Rider Trail North, Earth City (St. Louis), MO. 63045 1-314-291-7700 • 1-800-325-8827 • FAX: 314-291-4880 E-mail: info@cmeco.com • Website: www.cmeco.com

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NEWS/from page 12 FMCSA Posts Proposed Hours-of-Service Rule

Transport Topics reports the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published its proposed hours-of-service rule in December 29’s Federal Register, outlining the details of the proposal it first released earlier in the month. FMCSA, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, said during the week of December 20 that it has not yet decided if truckers should be allowed 10 or 11 hours of daily driving time

under a revised hours-of-service rule. The proposal retains the 34-hour restart provision that allows drivers to restart their weekly clocks after 34 consecutive off-duty hours, although the agency said the restart will have to include two consecutive off-duty periods from 12 midnight to 6 a.m. To read the full December 20 Federal Register notice, visit http://origin .www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-201012-29/pdf/2010-32251.pdf. Public comments will be accepted through February 28. To comment online, visit www.regulations.gov, enter “FMCSA-

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PATENT NO. US 7,013,924 B1

2004-19608” in the Keyword/ID box and click the “Search” button.

CSA Goes Live, Carriers Can Access Safety Scores

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said December 13 its Compliance Safety and Accountability system, which measures carriers’ safety records, is now live. FMCSA says carriers’ safety scores are publicly available under CSA, which formerly stood for Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010, or CSA 2010. Carriers may access the site at http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/sms.

ITT Water Technology Issues Pump Recall

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with ITT Water Technology Inc., has announced a voluntary recall of approximately 21,000 sump pumps and effluent pumps due to an electric shock/electrocution hazard. The recall involves Goulds, RedJacket, and Bell & Gossett Pumps used in residential applications to pump wastewater and sewage. The pumps are sky blue or red, and display the brand names Goulds, Red Jacket, or Bell & Gossett. These pumps were installed in new construction or as replacement pumps between December 2009 and July 2010. The pump is manufactured in the United States, and the accompanying cord was manufactured in China. Sump pumps installed without ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection can pose an electric shock or electrocution hazard if touched. Consumers have been urged to stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed, and are strongly cautioned not to touch the pump, the water around it or the surrounding floor area. Telephone ITTs recall hotline at (866) 325-4204. For additional information, visit the firm’s Web sites at www.goulds .com, www.redjacketwaterproducts.com, or www.bellgossett.com.

Congressional Oversight Hearings Expected to Increase

Congressional oversight hearings are expected to increase in 2011 as RepubliNGWA.org

cans now have control of the House of Representatives. The EPA is one of the agencies anticipated to receive additional attention. Rep. John Shimkus (R-Missouri), chair of the newly created Subcommittee on the Environment and Economy, was quoted in an earlier interview as saying, “We want regulations that protect the health of our citizens. But if we lay too many standards on, say, the St. Louis metropolitan water district, that might force them to cut back services.” His subcommittee will have responsibility for the Safe Drinking Water Act, Superfund, and toxic waste issues among other topics.

Construction Employment Rose in 20 States Between October and November

Construction employment expanded in 20 states between October and November, while the list of states with year-over-year construction job gains grew to 13 states plus the District of Columbia, the Associated General Contractors of America reports in an analysis of state employment data released in mid-December 2010 by the Labor Department. The figures continue a year-long pattern of mixed results in construction employment as overall demand remains weak, association officials note. “It’s encouraging that the number of states adding jobs year-over-year was higher in November than at any time in February 2008,” says Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “However, the data also make clear that these gains are as spotty as they are tenuous.” Simonson notes, for example, that California had the largest monthly increase in construction employment— adding 7800 jobs—but also the largest 12-month drop—36,900 jobs, or 6.4%. New Jersey and New York had the nexthighest number of construction job gains in November with 4500. New Jersey also led the nation in monthly percentage gains (3.7%), followed by Vermont (3.4%, 400 jobs), and Maine (2.5%, 600 jobs). View construction employment figures at www.agc.org/galleries/ events/State-Empl-201011-Rank.pdf. NGWA.org

Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act Goes to President

The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act passed Congress on December 17. The measure redefines lead free to mean (1) not containing more than 0.2% lead when used with respect to solder and flux (current law), and (2) not more than a weighted average of 0.25% lead when used with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes and pipe and plumbing fittings and fixtures. The bill establishes

a formula to calculate the weighted average lead content of a pipe or pipe or plumbing fitting or fixture. If you have a news brief that you would like considered for this department, send a release to Mike Price, Water Well Journal, 601 Dempsey Rd., Westerville, OH 43081. E-mail: mprice@ngwa.org. Deadline: 15th of two months preceding publication (February 15 for April issue).

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Water Well Journal February 2011 15/

THE

LOG NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION

Get Involved in 2011 National Ground Water Awareness Week, March 6-12 In order to advance groundwater knowledge among the public and market NGWA members’ groundwater businesses, NGWA encourages water well system contracting firms, groundwater consultants, academics, manufacturers, and suppliers to participate in National Ground Water Awareness Week, March 6-12. You can access tools to promote National Ground Water Awareness Week and your business from the Member exclusives section of www.ngwa .org. If your company has a Facebook page, consider doing a series of posts leading up to and through National Ground Water Awareness Week.

Diversify Your Professional Experience, Become a Certified Vertical Closed Loop Driller Today Advances in ground source heat pump technology have emphasized the need for a voluntary certification designation for ground source heat pump drillers and NGWA is proud to offer its newest designation, the Certified Vertical Closed Loop Driller (CVCLD).

This designation reflects an individual who has proven knowledge, skills, and experience in the construction of a closed loop well system for ground source heat pump applications. By becoming a CVCLD, you will increase your company’s marketability over your competition. Regulators can also benefit from earning this designation in order to increase job opportunities and stay current with ground source heat pump technology. Exams for the CVCLD designation can be scheduled by calling PSI LaserGrade at (800) 211-2754 or at (360) 896-9111 outside the United States. The 75-question exam encompasses the skills and competencies reflected on the Geothermal Vertical Closed Loop Drilling Operations DACUM.

NGWA Offers 20% Discount on Any ConsensusDOCS Purchase

NGWA members can have peace of mind with the contracts they use on job sites when they make use of ConsensusDOCS. ConsensusDOCS—the first and only standard contract documents written by a coalition of 28 leading construction industry associations—helps you achieve

eothermal Heat G e k a dits m ffordable than ever! e r c x Ta re a o m s Pump Centennial Plastic’s Geothermal pipe is used in environmentally friendly heating and cooling systems that are 40% to 75% more efficient than conventional systems. Expanded tax credits make it more affordable than ever, with up to 30% savings on residential, and up to 10% savings on commercial installations. Many local utilities offer rate reductions and rebates on qualifying geothermal systems, too.

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better results for your construction project. Unlike other standard contracts, ConsensusDOCS fairly allocate risk to help reduce adversarial negotiations and costly contingencies while creating a better contractual foundation. They are written in plain English, incorporate best practices, and are designed to advance the project’s best interest. ConsensusDOCS are currently used by more than 4300 firms, which represents about a 35% increase from 2009. Since its initial release in September 2007, ConsensusDOCS has experienced steady growth in usership despite the tough economic times. ConsensusDOCS contracts are regularly updated to keep pace with changes in the law and in the industry. The comprehensive catalog addresses all major project delivery methods and provides coordinated administrative forms. ConsensusDOCS standard contracts provide an invaluable reference to accepted industry practices and customs. NGWA members can receive a 20% discount on any purchase at ConsensusDOCS by visiting NGWA’s Web site at www.ngwa.org.

NGWA Offers CSP–Drilling Operations Exam NGWA is now offering a second component to the Certified Sales Professional (CSP) designation within its Voluntary Certification Program, the Certified Sales Professional–Drilling Exam. The CSP designation is specifically intended for suppliers and manufacturers. Earning the CSP designation is a remarkable way to demonstrate your commitment to enhancing industry professionalism and providing good customer service. Eligible individuals who wish to earn the designation will be required to take only one exam, but they can extend their designation to a CSP-II by passing both the drilling and pump installation exams. Exam appointments may be scheduled through NGWA’s third-party testing facility, PSI LaserGrade, by calling (800) 211-2754 or (360) 896-9111 outside the United States.

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NGWA.org

This is hot stuff.

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WEB

NOTES

FIND IT ON THE NGWA WEB SITE, NGWA.ORG

New Drilling Safety Video Sells Out at 2010 NGWA Ground Water Expo A new 30-minute DVD, Drill Safe, Drill Smart, sold out during the 2010 NGWA Ground Water Expo, but is available online in the NGWA Bookstore. Produced in collaboration with the video production company Training Without Boredom, the video premiered at the NGWA Expo. Drill Safe, Drill Smart was produced in an informative but fun fashion that keeps those watching alert to the important details. Suitable to the drilling of both domestic water supply and environmental wells because many of the same hazards apply, the video is not just for new drill crew employees, but also seasoned workers who may need a refresher on safe practices. A video clip can be viewed online at www.youtube.com/user/ngwatube. Drill Safe, Drill Smart covers the most common causes of accidents at the drill site: ● ● ● ● ●

Slips, trips, and falls Materials handling Chemicals Machine guarding Electrocution.

Stay Connected with NGWA Follow the National Ground Water Association on . . . Twitter

Facebook

NGWA Blog

YouTube Get all of the details on how to do so at www.ngwa.org. 18/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

The DVD also highlights: ● ● ● ● ●

The ins and outs of safety assessment Safe site selection Personal protective equipment Mobilizing for the site Rig setup, including locking and leveling.

In addition to the video, the DVD includes printable documents—a job safety analysis form, lighting guidelines, pre-trip inspection form, and a safety assessment plan. To learn more, visit the NGWA Bookstore at www.ngwa.org, or call (800) 551-7379 (614-898-7791).

Groundwater Professionals Get Schooled on Business Profitability at Expo

Many businesses—including ones in the groundwater industry—cannot answer basic questions about profitability, which puts them on the endangered list, a business expert told attendees during the 2010 NGWA Ground Water Expo. The good news is that understanding some financial basics can empower companies to effectively plan for profitability, said Steve LeFever of Profit Mastery University, a lecture program. Since January, the Profit Mastery University program has been available at a discounted rate to NGWA members. A former commercial banker, LeFever said only about 15% of businesses seeking loans can answer simple questions about profitability because they don’t measure and plan using basics such as fixed costs, variable costs, and sales. “What gets measured gets managed,” LeFever said, so it’s not surprising that 80% of start-up businesses across sectors fail in the first seven years. LeFever gave a sneak preview of the Profit Mastery University program in

two presentations at the Expo on December 7: “Break Even 360 Degrees: The Absolute Best Tool to Drive Profitability” and “The Most Important Thing to Do Now!” Typically, the Profit Mastery program is delivered in a classroom setting over two days. Since January, though, the program can be accessed 24/7 via online streaming, high-definition video filmed in front of a live audience. Learn more about Profit Mastery University by visiting www.ngwa.org/ development/profit-mastery.aspx.

NGWA Career Center Works to Connect Those in Groundwater Industry Start your year off right by visiting the NGWA Career Center at http:// careers.ngwa.org, where job seekers can post their resume, view jobs, create a personal job alert, and set up a job seeker account and access it. The NGWA Career Center has been enhanced with new features to help connect members with new employment opportunities. Employers and recruiters now have access to your specialized niche. Among other things, employers and recruiters can view resumes, post jobs, and create an employer account and access it. Make use of the NGWA Career Center to meet all of your needs in today’s job market.

Share Your Knowledge on NGWA’s The Well An information exchange forum, NGWA’s The Well is designed to improve communication among like-minded members, as well as nonmembers. It offers an online means for exchanging ideas and allows you to benefit from the experience, knowledge, and wisdom of your peers. The Well is where you can post your latest groundwater industry challenge, problem, question, or experience, and learn from the responses shared by others who have also subscribed to The Well. Join The Well today at www.ngwa.org. NGWA.org

WellGuard

Run–Flat Tires

www.wellguard.com 1

4 2

unning on a flat tire will normally result in severe tire damage and difficulty controlling your vehicle. However, tires are changing and newer “drive while flat” or “run–flat” model tires are coming on the market. There are both advantages and disadvantages to the run–flat tires. What is good for the tire dealer may not be the best choice for your business or family fleet. As a consumer, you need to know what you are being offered so you can make the best choices for you. Run-flat tires in various forms have been available for special vehicle fleets for many years. Originally used in armored vehicles, nuclear weapon transports, and some aircraft, the technology for tires that will not totally deflate if punctured has continued to improve over the years. One model passenger car tire now in prototype doesn’t even use air. The outer tire tread is supported by stiff but flexible structural rubber struts or trusses that look similar to wagon wheel spokes connected to the tire section attached to the wheel rim. It is a clear tire that has no sidewalls and does not use trapped air pressure to support the vehicle’s weight. The run-flat tires on the market today are being offered as an optional tire on some new cars, SUVs, and light trucks. In addition to safety and convenience, there is the added bonus that you supposedly don’t need to carry the extra weight of a spare tire and thus gain extra trunk space by not having one. The currently available run-flat tire has a reinforced or stiffer sidewall design that helps the tire hull maintain shape and support the vehicle weight even if interior air pressure is lost due to a puncture or tire cut. We understand how hard you’ve worked to build your ground water contracting business, and we want to help you protect it. That’s why we’ve developed a customized insurance program that meets the most important needs of your business. We offer specialized coverages,

Most designs will permit you to drive up to 50 miles at normal highway speeds before replacing the tire if there is no sidewall damage. This can mean the difference between getting home or to your hotel instead of having to change the tire next to a dark or busy highway or being rear-ended while limping at crawl speed to get off the highway to a safe area to change the damaged tire. The pros for run-flat tires: • Increased driver safety by avoiding the need to stop on a dangerous highway shoulder and change a tire, particularly at night or in bad weather. • No waiting for a tow truck or a road-service vehicle in a remote area. • Increased mobility, especially when driving far from home. These are all strong positives for women, teen, elderly, and handicapped drivers, and those with serious health problems. The cons against run-flat tires: • Once a run-flat tire has been driven on while flat, it must be replaced. Repair is impossible for currently available run-flat tires. • The reinforced sidewall in a run-flat tire provides a rougher ride and stiffer road handling than regular tires. • Added fuel consumption due to the stiffer sidewalls. • More expensive than regular radial tires due to the extra workmanship, materials, and specialized manufacturing requirements. You can expect some of these extra costs to decline in future years as the run-flat tires like downhole coverage, that are designed exclusively for the groundwater industry. Also, additional premium credits are available for NGWA-certified contractors. Endorsed by the National Ground Water Association, the program offers the financial

become more popular. New car manufacturers may be able to offset some of the increased cost of run-flat tires by not having to include a spare tire in new cars. However, the car buyer will be in for sticker shock when it comes time to replace run-flat tires. For many drivers, parents, or business owners, the increased cost, fuel consumption, and rougher ride are more than offset by the security and peace of mind the run-flat tires can provide in the event of a blowout or road damage. You can consult with your auto dealership’s service technicians about the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, and what they have learned in the dealer repair shop about the advantages and disadvantages of using run-flat tires on your family or business vehicles. As tire technology continues to improve, the run-flat tire may become the standard on-road tire in the future. For the current run-flat tires, you must weigh the safety advantages against increased purchase and fuel costs for each vehicle in your fleet. Be an informed consumer and choose the tires that you feel will provide the best service for each individual vehicle in your fleet. The NGWA Safety Program Manual has more information on this and other important safety topics. Help protect yourself, your employees, and your business today by contacting the NGWA Bookstore at 614 898.7791 to order your copy. In addition, members can access dozens of other free safety tips by logging in to the member exclusives section of the NGWA Web site, www.ngwa.org, and clicking on “safety fact sheets.”

stability of The Hartford and the flexibility to use the local independent insurance agent of your choice. To learn more, please contact Jeff Blumberger at Willis Programs (the program administrator) at 860 756.7333, or visit their Web site at www.wellguard.com.

NGWA.org

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Water Well Journal February 2011 19/

Phone: 877-268-5227

â&#x2014;?

E-mail: info@covalentlabs.com Circle card no. 12

(COVER STORY)

Whether you are designing the system or simply completing the drilling, proper preparation is the key to a successful geothermal project.

By Jill Ross

hen it comes to dealing with the subsurface conditions for most geothermal drilling projects, one thing is certain. Unfortunately, that one thing is . . . that nothing is certain. Other critical aspects of a geothermal project that can present obstacles to successful completion include site access constraints, scheduling with other trades, and dealing with vague regulations that vary widely from state to state. The good news? There are steps drillers and installers can take to minimize unpleasant surprises on their next geothermal installation. Doing as much homework as you can before the job starts—both on the site conditions and

Jill Ross is a former editor of Water Well Journal and worked for the National Ground Water Association from 1996 to 2004. Today, she does freelance work from home. She can be reached at jillross72@gmail.com.

NGWA.org

on what the job requires—will help keep those pesky pop-ups a bit more manageable.

Doing Your Due Diligence For starters, an abundance of analysis should have been performed by project engineers and geologists for a geothermal project before the drilling contract has even been assigned, according to John Rhyner, a professional geologist and senior project manager with P.W. Grosser Consulting in Bohemia, New York. As he puts it, “Research on a site’s geology and hydrogeology is necessary to determine the most suited geothermal system to select for a commercial project—for example, whether that is a vertical closed loop, traditional open loop, or a standing column well system. We review our in-house records, published maps, and reports prepared by the U.S. or state geological surveys, and consult with local drillers.” Other basic up-front activities are shown in Table 1.

(Above) A vertical closed loop geothermal system is installed in Times Square, New York City. Photo courtesy of P.W. Grosser Consulting. Regardless of the amount of subsurface information developed by others, it pays for a driller to do their own research. David Henrich, manager of the geothermal division at BergersonCaswell Inc. in Maple Plain, Minnesota, relies not only on their own in-house experience drilling in a particular area, but always consults with state agencies for available well and geologic logs. In agreement is David Stothoff, president of William Stothoff Co. Inc. in Flemington, New Jersey, a full-service water well contracting company that marked its 125th year in business last year. The company has been involved in open loop geothermal work for the last 50 years and has evolved to specialize in standing column wells and closed loop systems in the last 20 years.

HOMEWORK/continues on page 22 Water Well Journal February 2011 21/

HOMEWORK/from page 21 According to Stothoff, knowing and researching the local geology has its benefits for a driller, even for a closed loop system which is the most straightforward. Stothoff’s firm recently bid on a sizable closed loop system where, unknown to the project’s consultants, the loops would have entered bedrock about halfway down. Recognizing the need to use extensive casing at high costs, and familiar with the area’s productive bedrock aquifers, Stothoff offered up a less costly or involved open loop option. The owner agreed to the plan, Stothoff’s firm installed the open loop system, and it is operating successfully. “There have been instances where up-front due diligence and testing caused us to avoid huge problems and issues,” Rhyner says. “The desktop due diligence was fine, but the field testing changed our decision.” Some of these cases are highlighted in Table 2, provided courtesy of P.W. Grosser Consulting.

Ross School, East Hampton, Long Island, New York. Using a site’s hydrogeologic conditions to maximize its geothermal potential. At Ross School, Building 2’s open loop geothermal wells are screened above a regional clay layer, and Building 5’s wells are screened below the clay. Pumping tests have demonstrated there is no hydraulic interference between these two systems’ wells during operation. The clay is an effective barrier to flow between the two aquifer segments above and below, i.e., a true “confining unit.” Site conditions allow these two systems to operate independently from one another, although significantly closer together than if both systems’ wells were screened in the same aquifer segment.

Scheduling, Timing, and Communication “You can’t plan for everything, but you can plan for a lot more than people are planning for right now,” Henrich states. “In my opinion, the big three areas where problems can crop up include scheduling, timing, and expectations.” Henrich explains, “We perform an initial site visit and review the schedule for our drilling with the general contractor around the building construction and work of the other trades. We have to be able to get right to work once we mobilize.” “Quickness is key with geothermal. You have to move things along. You don’t make any money unless things move,” Stothoff adds. A lot of times, the root of the problem is lack of communication according to Henrich. He adds that miscommunications can happen on both sides. For example, the mechanical contractor may not understand where the rig needs to be placed or the ruts that will result from it being placed in certain spots. He suggests following up all conversations in writing. “With e-mail, it’s easy,” he says, and the result will be a written 22/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

record of any adjustments that are required on the project, or documentation of any problems that crop up.

Know the Basis of Design “Geothermal installations are not cookie-cutter,” Henrich says. “You have to capture the total energy that the loop field needs, whatever that may be. It’s not simply that five holes equals five tons.” Henrich always requests a loop report from the HVAC contractor with the estimated building load calculations, to reconcile them with the footage of loops he is being asked to install. “When the design is put in place, expectations are put in place,” Stothoff adds. He goes on to explain that for a standing column well system the best conditions are assumed in the design plan. “The best-case scenario will often clash with reality, and then changes must be made in the wellfield design.” For example, for open systems (such as an SCW), a certain well yield is required in order to achieve the desired thermal capacity the system needs to operate. For these types of wells, the

drilling is completed in rock, and rock isn’t always so generous in giving up the water. And if you don’t get the water, you won’t get the needed thermal capacity. “Drillers get contracted to drill the holes but aren’t usually up to speed on the basis of the system design,” Rhyner sums up. “For example, the system design may assume five 1500-foot wells, each with a minimum yield of 10 gpm to be able to ‘bleed’ the well, a process which maximizes the well’s thermal capacity. But, often the wells are lowyielding, maybe even as low as 2 to 3 gpm.” “Without contingencies in place to make up for that lost capacity, the result can be an undersized wellfield that undermines the whole project,” Rhyner adds. Contingency solutions may include drilling deeper, drilling more holes, or perhaps hydrofracturing the low-yielding boreholes to try to increase their yields. Rhyner explains that a driller needs to understand the importance of a well’s yield to meet its intended capacity and NGWA.org

Table 1 Up-Front Engineering and Geological Due Diligence System

Type of Homework (Research, Field Testing)

Purpose

Vertical Closed Loop

Research: Basic geologic research— type of unconsolidated material, depth to bedrock, depth to groundwater; applicable regulations

• Decide on loop depths • Decide to terminate loops at rock if it is deep, to avoid need for casing and changeover in drilling methods • Maximize loop footage below water table in higher thermal conductivity material

Field Testing: Install a test loop, run thermal conductivity test

• Determine drilling conditions and penetration rate to obtain best bids • Determine site’s thermal conductivity and diffusivity • Model/calculate linear footage of loop needed to meet building loads

Research: Same as vertical closed loop; also published groundwater quality data, applicable regulations, other water wells in use near site

• Estimate if the geology can sustain the flows needed to meet the heating/cooling loads (+/–2 gpm/ton) • Estimate if site is large enough to separate supply from return wells to avoid “short circuiting” • Estimate if water table is shallow enough to avoid excessive pumping power in supply wells • Estimate if water table is deep enough to avoid mounding reaching the surface in return wells • Determine if water quality is suitable (neutral pH, low organics and iron, reasonably low chlorides and hardness) • Estimate if the system will affect, or be affected by, neighboring well users

Field Testing: Sample groundwater, install test and observation wells, run a pumping test

• Confirm groundwater quality is suitable • Determine site’s aquifer properties— hydraulic conductivity, storativity, and transmissivity • Model/calculate areas of influence around wells; confirm “short circuiting” won’t be an issue “ during operation

Open Loop

Standing Column Wells Research: Same as vertical closed loop and open loop

Field Testing: Standing column wells are expensive, thus a separate test well may not be cost-effective. A test boring is useful for insight into shallow rock condition and yield.

• Estimate if rock is stable enough to remain as free-standing boreholes • Estimate amount and relative cost of steel casing required to seat into rock • Decide on well depths (only borehole below water table yields thermal capacity) • Estimate if expected well yield can support “bleed” • Estimate if water table is shallow enough to avoid excessive pumping power • Estimate if water table is deep enough to avoid overflow at surface The first well becomes the “test well” and adjustments are made as site conditions are revealed. The contract documents should contain contingencies to: • Drill more than the number of wells on paper • Drill deeper than planned • Hydrofracture to increase well yields

(courtesy of P.W. Grosser Consulting)

not simply complete the scope of work (drilling a certain number of holes to a certain depth) without reporting low NGWA.org

yields back to the design team. He adds, “Contingencies have to be implemented before the driller demobi-

lizes, and preferably before the rig pulls off a particular borehole. Otherwise, if

HOMEWORK/continues on page 24 Water Well Journal February 2011 23/

Table 2. Courtesy of P.W. Grosser Consulting.

FACILITY

BENEFITS OF DUE DILIGENCE, HYDROGEOLOGIC ANALYSIS, AND FIELD TESTING

Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island, NY (120 ton closed loop system) Brooklyn Botanic Gardens New Visitor Center, Brooklyn, NY (60 ton closed loop system) Weeksville Heritage Center New Education Center, Brooklyn, NY (90 ton closed loop system)

Initial client preference for standing column wells (SCWs). A 900-ft test borehole showed minimal rock yield for well bleed. Project reverted from SCWs to closed loop system. Construction scheduled for 2011. Initial client preference for open loop system. Due diligence uncovered deep water table (>100 ft), resulting in high potential energy usage/costs. Project reverted to closed loop system to avoid high energy usage. Constructed in 2010. Initial client preference for open loop system. Due diligence uncovered operating issues at nearby system due to poor water quality. Project reverted to closed loop system to avoid issues. Construction in progress. Open loop system installed. Biofouling, scaling, and iron precipitation in diffusion wells occurred as a result of poor groundwater quality that was not identified during due diligence. Conditions required costly well rehabilitation. Due diligence and a test well with groundwater sampling uncovered surprisingly “clean” groundwater at this urban site, allowing an open loop option. Thorough hydrogeological study enabled construction of two independent but adjoining open loop systems. Individual system wells were screened in separate aquifer segments, separated by a clay layer, identified during the exploratory field testing (see illustration). Initial client preference for open loop system. Test well installed and pumping test completed before hydrogeologic analysis was conducted showing there would be insufficient land area to separate supply and diffusion wells.

Museum Brooklyn, NY (420 gpm open loop system) Brooklyn Navy Yard Historic Building 92 Restoration (140 gpm open loop system) Ross School - 2 Buildings East Hampton, NY (500 gpm and 250 gpm open loop systems) Public Library, Brooklyn, NY (200 gpm open loop system)

HOMEWORK/from page 23 the decision is made late to drill deeper, the driller has to reset over the hole at significant cost and effort.” Drillers can’t guarantee well yield, Rhyner says, but as they are drilling the hole, a rough estimate of how much water the well will eventually yield can be made, and this information must be passed on to the design team while the driller is still working on site. Depending on the scale of the project, and his relationship with the designer, Stothoff says that sometimes he is able to provide project input earlier, at the pre-bid stage. “It’s difficult to address deficiencies in the design after the fact,” he says. “All too often, there is not enough flexibility once the project gets going with multiple construction tracks going on at the same time.” He also says that requesting additional funding for change orders can be difficult, especially when the cost of the work is already high, such as when drilling in urban areas. Rhyner insists on close coordination between his field inspectors and the driller. “The field inspector, whether that is an engineer or geologist, should not be viewed as nothing more than a nuisance. This individual can actually be your best advocate and protector against future claims, communicating unexpected field 24/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

conditions up the chain of command for the design team to direct the appropriate contingency actions. If there is no field inspector on the project, inform the general contractor, and put it all in writing.”

Getting Up to Speed “Since use of the technology is not widespread, site owners must draw from a limited pool of engineers, consultants, and contractors experienced in performing feasibility analysis, design, installation, and maintenance of these systems,” Rhyner says. Stothoff agrees. “In our area, demand is outpacing capacity from a design standpoint.” If you are a driller looking to get up to speed on this evolving technology, training opportunities are another growth industry. In addition to offerings available from professional associations, such as the National Ground Water Association and the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association and various state associations, a number of niche training companies are popping up. One such new venture is GTI (Geothermal Training Institute), a collaboration of geothermal design, installation, and business professionals from around the country who banded together to share their experience with others in the industry. “We believe that better-educated competition is better competition,” ex-

plains Henrich, who is a founding partner in GTI. “We all noticed the same needs for quality training and established the company about a year ago.” Their Web site (www.geotrainers .com) lists courses in commercial and residential system design and software and equipment training. In addition to training, the geothermal revolution is spawning a number of other tools and inventions for contractors. Along with managing the geothermal division at Bergerson-Caswell, Henrich is also the vice president and chief operating officer of Thermal Dynamics, a company that produces a software suite for designing geothermal heat pump and ground heat exchanger systems. He is also the vice president in charge of production for Precision Geothermal, the manufacturer of the GeoCube, a device that provides in-house thermal conductivity, thermal response, and borehole thermal resistance testing and data analysis capability. “Hopefully, when the economy bounces back, all these ships will float,” he jokes. “In summary, the future for geothermal is very good,” says Stothoff, adding that he believes the market would be further ahead if it wasn’t for the recent recession. “It’s rewarding work, although it certainly has its challenges.” WWJ

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Visit http://careers.ngwa.org today and get started on finding your right match! The NGWA Career Center provides you with groundwater industry-specific listings to hone your search whether you’re looking for the right person to fill your job opening or you’re looking for the right position to showcase your skills and knowledge. Employers: s Quickly and easily post job openings s Search resumes of qualified candidates s Receive a discount if you’re an NGWA member. Job seekers: s Post your resume anonymously s Access hundreds of job openings and sign up for job alerts s Take advantage of a host of resources. Circle card no. 33

257 Caroline St. 257 Caroline St.

Circle cardno. no.7546 47 Circle card card Circle no. Circle card card no. Circle no.7546

FROM THE FIELD Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how we constructed a geothermal loop field right next to two public water supply wells.

By Todd Giddings, Ph.D., PG Figure 1. Much of the loop field (yellow) for the science building (green) is within 400 feet (large red circles) of the two public water supply wells (red dots). The three blue dots are the early-warning monitoring wells.

rilling to construct a 153-borehole geothermal loop field on a university campus in northwestern Pennsylvania was about to begin in the spring of 2010, when suddenly a stopwork order was issued to the drilling contractor. The boreholes in the loop field were to be constructed to a depth of 600 feet, and the 270 feet of the sand and gravel aquifer overlying the shale and sandstone bedrock were to be cased off using 6-inch-diameter steel casing. A local water authority operates two 900 gallons per minute public water supply wells that are less than 300 feet from many of the planned geothermal boreholes. When the authority learned about the proposed loop field construction, they feared the borehole drilling would contaminate the groundwater Todd Giddings has more than 35 years of experience designing and installing geothermal heat pump systems. He can be reached at toddgiddings@todd giddings.com.

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produced by their wells and would cause plugging of the well screens that would take away the yield of their wells. After hearing the concerns of the water authority, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection required the concerns to be addressed before the discharge of the treated drilling water was permitted and the borehole drilling project was allowed to begin (Figure 1). I was asked to develop mitigating measures that would address the concerns of the water authority and would satisfy the Pennsylvania DEP that the loop field could be constructed without impacting the two public water supply wells. The principal concerns of the water authority and the DEP were: 1. One that came from the option to construct the boreholes in the sand and gravel aquifer using air rotary drilling with casing advancement by driving. It was feared that highpressure air could escape the boreholes and agitate the fine sediment in the sand and gravel aquifer, thereby

causing so much turbidity in the groundwater flowing to the supply wells that the water would be unfit to drink. 2. That the air rotary method of drilling in the sand and gravel aquifer would cause sediment to migrate through the aquifer to the two supply wells and would plug the well screens and choke off the 900 gpm yields of the wells. My mitigating measure to address both of these concerns was to require mud rotary drilling of the boreholes down to the bedrock with the required use of mud-cleaning equipment in place of drilling mud settling pits or tanks. This drilling mud-cleaning process created an effective filter cake on the sand and gravel wall of the boreholes and involved no use of high-pressure air. The mud rotary drilling was required to go at least 10 feet into competent bedrock, and drive shoes were required on each casing string and were driven into the bedrock (Figure 2).

FROM THE FIELD/continues on page 28 Water Well Journal February 2011 27/

Figure 2. A mud-cleaning unit (left) in action during mud rotary drilling through the sand and gravel aquifer.

Figure 3. Sand-sized sediment (top right) is removed from the drilling water as it infiltrates into the stone-filled sump. The water is pumped from the standpipe (bottom center) to a sediment filter bag for further treatment.

FROM THE FIELD/from page 27 Early Warning The water authority had no reserve or backup supply wells and it has no interconnection to another public water system that could provide an emergency source of drinking water if its two 900 gpm supply wells were impacted by the drilling of the loop field. This situation caused me to propose the construction of early-warning monitoring wells between the loop field and the public supply wells. The monitoring wells were constructed with their screened intervals exactly matching the screened intervals of the supply wells to provide the greatest sensitivity to potential turbidity impacts before the turbidity reached and impacted a supply well. (The monitoring wells are shown in Figure 1.) We constructed the 2-inch-diameter PVC plastic screened monitoring wells with artificial sand packs inside 8-inch hollow-stem augers and developed their yield by pumping. The three earlywarning monitoring wells were all completed in a fine sand deposit that contained significant silt and clay material, demonstrating that the aquifer texture changed significantly from the clean sand and gravel glacial outwash deposit that was supplying the 900 gpm to the two supply wells. The presence of this relatively low-permeability fine sand deposit next to and under the loop field area was a welcome positive indication of a reduced potential for the borehole drilling to impact the supply wells. The principal concerns of the water authority and the DEP with the drilling of the boreholes through the 330 feet of shale and sandstone bedrock underlying the sand and gravel aquifer were: 1. The shale and sandstone bedrock formations that were to be drilled by the air rotary drilling method from a depth of 270 feet (the bottom of the sand and gravel aquifer) down to the total borehole depth of 600 feet were reported to produce brine (salt) water from a few wells located elsewhere in northwestern Pennsylvania. These brine reports caused a concern that if brine was encountered during the air rotary drilling of the boreholes, the salt water could infiltrate the sand

28/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

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and gravel aquifer after it was blown from the borehole and was flowing across the ground surface. My mitigating measure was that if brine was encountered and the specific electrical conductance of the groundwater was approaching the DEP’s discharge limit, the drilling method was to be changed back to the mud rotary drilling method that does not discharge formation water onto the ground surface. 2. Another safety concern during the air rotary drilling in the bedrock was due to the reported presence of methane (natural) gas in a few wells completed in these bedrock units located elsewhere in northwestern Pennsylvania. This fire and explosion safety concern was addressed by requiring the monitoring of methane gas levels in the air being discharged with the rock chips and groundwater during the bedrock drilling. The original erosion and sedimentation control system was designed before the two water supply wells were found to be located so close to the loop field area. The muddy water from the air rotary drilling was first treated by the gravity settling of the rock chips onto the ground at each borehole. The drilling water was directed by earth containment berms to plastic-lined and gravel-filled sumps where the sand and some silt material settled out. The still muddy water was next pumped out of perforated metal standpipes within the sumps and was conveyed by hose to a sediment filter bag for additional treatment (Figure 3). Because a sediment filter bag discharges treated water that is still turbid, I relocated the bag that was originally on the ground surface of the sand and gravel aquifer and within 45 feet of a supply well. The new filter bag location was at a stormwater drain inlet grill where an earth-bermed basin was constructed around the inlet and was lined with heavy plastic sheeting. The plastic sheeting that completely lined the basin prevented the infiltration of any muddy water into the aquifer and directed all of the turbid water discharging from the filter bag into the drain, where it flowed off the site and away from the two supply wells (Figure 4). NGWA.org

Figure 4. The treated and still turbid drilling water is discharging from the sediment filter bag into the stormwater inlet (grill) in the floor of the plastic-lined containment basin.

Drilling Begins After reviewing and approving my proposed mitigating measures for the drilling and the revised water treatment that would be implemented, the necessary permits for the erosion and sedimentation control system and for the discharge of the treated water were issued, and the site preparation and the mud rotary drilling began. The contractor chose to drill almost all of the 153 boreholes through the sand and gravel aquifer and just into the top of the bedrock before starting the air rotary drilling in the bedrock. All of the 1¼-inch loops installed in the boreholes were grouted into the open bedrock and cased portions of the boreholes, using thermally enhanced bentonite grout. The top section of the annular space around the steel well casings was grouted into the sand and gravel aquifer, using bentonite grout to displace the bentonite drilling mud remaining in the annulus. To establish the baseline (nondrilling) turbidity levels in the earlywarning monitoring wells and in the two supply wells, we began the daily (seven days a week) sampling of the monitoring wells and the supply wells 19 days before the mud rotary drilling of the boreholes began. We found there were significant natural fluctuations in the turbidity levels, some likely related to rainfall and others likely related to flow in storm drain pipes located near the monitoring wells. During the several months this 153borehole loop field was under construc-

tion, significant increases and decreases in the turbidity in one monitoring well were observed, but there was no related change seen in the turbidity levels in the supply wells. The monitoring data were reviewed and evaluated on a daily basis during the period while the boreholes were being drilled to provide the time if we ever needed to make changes before the supply wells were impacted. The water authority had a concern about the operation of this large loop field on the temperature of the groundwater that would be pumped from their two supply wells, because of the very large imbalance in the heating and cooling demands of the science building that will be connected to this loop field. On an annual basis, the cooling load of the science building is 4.3 billion BTUs greater than the heating load of the building (where BTUs are taken out of the loop field area). This means an annual net 4.3 billion BTUs of heat will be rejected into the sand and gravel and bedrock and groundwater each year the loop field is operating. The authority feared that the groundwater flowing to their two supply wells would be warmed up so much by this added heat each year that algae would grow on the well screens and plug off the yield of the two supply wells. My thermal impact analysis found that because the loop field occupies a narrow “pie slice” shaped area that is less than 15% of the area of radial flow to each

FROM THE FIELD/continues on page 30 Water Well Journal February 2011 29/

FROM THE FIELD/from page 29 supply well, the thermal impacts would be less than 1ÂşF using the conservative assumption that all of the rejected heat would go only into the groundwater.

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The lesson taught by the successful construction of this large loop field located close to the two public water supply wells is that drilling technology and drilling water treatment technology can be used to prevent turbidity and well yield impacts from the geothermal borehole drilling. The idea of constructing a large geothermal loop field right next to a public water supply well sometimes causes some well owners and regulators to want to define a large (up to half a mile) exclusion zone around the well that prohibits the construction of any geothermal boreholes. But there is a potentially broad application of this case history lesson to demonstrate that the exclusion zone approach to groundwater quality protection is not the only way to protect a public water supply well or wellfield. Regulators who want to prohibit the construction of any geothermal boreholes near a public water supply well often do not understand there are borehole construction methods that will mitigate the potential impacts on the public water supply well or wells. Further, the lessons from this site may have direct application in the development of source water protection plans for public water supply wells and wellfields in similar hydrogeologic settings WWJ

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WATER WELL JOURNAL Q & A

Alan Winebarger Strata Drilling LLC ater Well Journal interviews a groundwater professional every month. Since the February issue focuses on ground source heat pumps, we decided to speak with Alan Winebarger, the owner of Strata Drilling LLC in Nyssa, Oregon, which is about 400 miles east of Portland. Winebarger saw the business potential in geothermal technology in 2008 and has since focused mainly on drilling geothermal wells for U.S. Geothermal Inc., a renewable energy development company based in Boise, Idaho. Relatively new to the drilling industry, Winebarger was a 32-year-old maintenance project manager when he first dreamed about owning his own drilling company in 2001. Alan’s father, Lawrence, a 75-year-old lifetime farmer, was toying with the idea of drilling irrigation wells for his 800-acre farm in hopes of opening up more land to expand his hay crops. They realized that the cost of the wells was enough that they could use the money to buy their own drill rig (SpeedStar 71) and do it themselves. Since then Alan decided to quit his full-time job, purchased a rotary drill rig (Ingersoll-Rand TH-60), and pursued his dream. Through research and talking with industry colleagues, Alan has made a variety of modifications to fit the needs of his company and simplify the drilling process.

Water Well Journal: First off, how does it feel to be a new full-time driller after working in a food processing plant for 15 years? What do

Mike Price is the associate editor of Water Well Journal. In addition to his WWJ responsibilities, Price produces NGWA’s newsletters and contributes to the Association’s quarterly scientific publication. He can be reached at mprice@ngwa.org.

32/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

“It’s exciting to see a vision I have been working on come true, something you

Alan Winebarger, owner of Strata Drilling LLC in Nyssa, Oregon, saw the business potential in geothermal technology in 2008. Photo courtesy Ted J. Clutter/ArtComPhoto.

work on come to fruition.” you think of the drilling industry and the drillers you’ve met so far? Alan Winebarger: It’s exciting to see a vision I have been working on come true, something you work on come to fruition. I think the industry is very innovative. This industry has always had people that were forward-thinking, a truly independent group of people. WWJ: You modified your first cable tool rig, a 1971 SpeedStar 71, in order to run the rig as a one-man show. Drillers visited you just to see the modified rig. Can you explain how and why you came up with your modifications? Alan: In order to make this work, I had to figure out how to make it a one-man show using hydraulics and making a crane built on to the machine so that I could move equipment and things around by myself. WWJ: A few years ago you purchased a rotary drill rig, and again, despite people saying you couldn’t do it, modified the rig in order to run it by yourself. How were you able to do it? Alan: Cable tool technology was never going to get me where I wanted to be, so I had to purchase a rotary. No one said I couldn’t do it; I just couldn’t find anyone out there who said it could be done. WWJ: Your next challenge was implementing a mud system, which no one in your area had done before. Instead of buying one and modifying it, you decided to design your own. Can you explain how you went about it?

Alan: In order to make the mud system, one that worked for me, I studied oil and gas separation systems. All of the years of working maintenance and building different machines for plants all over the United States gave me the foundation that I use today to build different things. I think the reason that I was able to build things that maybe haven’t been seen before is because I was new to the industry, so I didn’t have any preconceived notions of what could or couldn’t be done. I just saw what I needed and figured out a way to build it. WWJ: You purchased another drill rig to tackle a new challenge: geothermal drilling. Which type of rig did you purchase? You once again modified the rig so you could run it by yourself. Take us through your mind-set in modifying it. Alan: The new rig was an IngersollRand TH-60, just like the last. On this one we doubled the capacity on everything. We took some ideas from the InNGWA.org

In April 2010, Strata Drilling was contracted to drill several 2000 foot temperature gradient boreholes for U.S. Geothermal Inc. at the Neal Hot Springs geothermal power project site in eastern Oregon.

and what we have been working on in the last year and a half. WWJ: Any advice you can share to those drillers who are either already geothermal drilling or looking to enter the field? Alan: Get your mind out of the ‘water’ box. WWJ: Lastly, what do you think are the critical issues facing the geothermal drilling industry today? Alan: Awareness and understanding of what this renewable resource is and the availability. Getting the information to people, people who make decisions on

how or what we as drillers are allowed to do. Many people believe that when you drill, the outcome or surroundings are the same for water, oil, or gas and that isn’t true. If the general public had more knowledge about drilling in general, they wouldn’t be as apprehensive in letting companies come in and develop natural resources. WWJ To read more about ground source heat pumps and ground source heat pumprelated articles, visit WWJ ’s page on the National Ground Water Association’s Web site at www.ngwa.org/publication/wwj/ index.aspx.

F 6DKKR %NQ #QHKKHMFF 5HKK@FD T H E C O M P L E T E PA C K A G E

%NQ #QHKKHMFk5HKK@FD 6DKKRl gersoll-Rand RD-20 and incorporated that on to the TH-60. Like for example, making it have the same landing as the RD. We also custom-made a blowout preventer. The ones out there were too big and too expensive because they are designed for the oil and gas industry. WWJ: What are your thoughts on geothermal drilling as it’s a relatively new line of drilling for those in the groundwater industry? Alan: I think both geo-loop and geothermal are exciting. I am personally interested in the high-temperature geothermal opportunity that we are pursuing that up to this point has always been an oil and gas niche. The idea that we as water well drillers can tap into that is exciting. WWJ: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in learning how to drill geothermal wells? Alan: With high temp geothermal, your challenges are high shut-in pressures, the need to cool your mud, the thermally altered formations, and the depths. WWJ: What’s the geothermal marketplace look like in Nyssa, Oregon? Is geothermal drilling a major component of your business? Alan: This region has high potential to produce a lot of thermal energy. Geothermal is our major project right now NGWA.org

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Water Well Journal February 2011 33/

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hough not out of the recession just yet, the groundwater industry continues to forge ahead. It does so with a great sense of anticipation and its signature can-do attitude. This was evident during the 2010 NGWA Ground Water Expo, December 7-10 in Las Vegas, Nevada, where despite a sluggish economy the event posted one of its strongest showings ever. A fifth best overall attendance of 5016 and an all-time record of 321 exhibiting companies and organizations took part in NGWA’s 62nd annual meeting, which returned to Las Vegas following the 2009 Expo in New Orleans, Louisiana. “I draw at least two conclusions from these amazing numbers,” says NGWA Executive Director Kevin McCray, CAE. “First, there is optimism about the future of the groundwater industry, and two, NGWA is of real value to our member professionals in a difficult economic time. “This is a real encouragement for NGWA to push to greater heights in both advancing groundwater knowledge and helping groundwater professionals to excel.” Inside the nearly 70,000-square-foot exhibit hall, exhibitors showed off their newest products, networking and mingling with industry professionals. Many attendees said they were encouraged by seeing more than 40 new exhibiting companies, a near record at the Expo. “We had a lot of interest in our equipment and developed many solid leads,” notes Ray Roussy, president of the contracting company Sonic Drilling Ltd. and the U.S.-based Sonic Drill Corp., a designer and manufacturer of sonic drill rigs and drill tooling. “There seems to be a lot more enthusiasm in the industry this year compared to the last few years. We have also no-

A Welcome Return The 2010 NGWA Ground Water Expo was back in Las Vegas, Nevada, where a record number of exhibiting companies and organizations showed off their newest products. By Mike Price

NGWA.org

EXPO/continues on page 36 Mike Price is the associate editor of Water Well Journal. In addition to his WWJ responsibilities, Price produces NGWA’s newsletters and contributes to the Association’s quarterly scientific publication. He can be reached at mprice@ngwa.org.

Water Well Journal February 2011 35/

NGWA’s outgoing president Jack Henrich, MGWC, enjoyed the challenge of leading the Association in 2010. Henrich passed the gavel to 2011 president Art Becker, MGWC, CPG, at the 2010 NGWA Ground Water Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada.

EXPO/from page 35 ticed that the phone is ringing a lot more lately.” Hydroflo Pumps USA Inc., a manufacturer of submersible and vertical turbine pumps and other pump products based in Fairview, Tennessee, featured its new mobile training center for the first time at the Expo. Attendees were eager to learn more about the company’s products inside the training center, with some waiting as long as 2½ hours. “The training center is designed to help educate our customers and others in the industry about our products,” says Brian Daschner, president of Hydroflo Pumps USA. “We will be featuring the mobile training center at trade shows throughout the year, as well as visiting our customers and municipalities.” First-time exhibitor Factor Products, which manufactures pipe dispensing product for geothermal pipes and polyethylene pipe, also drew interest from attendees. They watched television video of the product that detailed how it can eliminate wooden spools commonly used for distributing geothermal pipe. Based on the product’s success, Charlie Factor, owner of the West Warwick, Rhode Island, company, is looking to add sales distributors. “It’s ideal for a driller who is working alone,” he attests. “I received great feedback and insights from those at the Expo and am excited about the future of this product.” As part of its more than 80 hours of continuing education, the Expo pre36/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

More than 65 attended the Geothermal Drilling Mud and Grouting School, which was presented by NGWA, along with industry partners Baroid Industrial Drilling Products, GeoLoop Inc., Laibe Corp./ VersaDrill, MudPuppy International, and Preferred Pump & Equipment LP.

sented a special focus on business management and development. NGWA joined forces with Business Resource Services Inc. to offer the Profit Mastery University, which hosted two workshops at the Expo. The Expo also offered a special workshop designed specifically for manufacturers and suppliers to help customers weather these challenging economic times. Other workshops included “The Business of Groundwater Consulting” and “The Challenges and Opportunities of the Water Business,” which was attended by Joe Armstrong, CWD/PI, owner of Armstrong Drilling Inc. in Burlington, Indiana. “That session proved to be very helpful,” comments Armstrong, who attended his 35th Expo. “I try to pick up something new each year. This year I learned about advancements in water treatment in one session, and changes in variable speed controls in pumping systems in another.” More than 65 attended the Geothermal Drilling Mud and Grouting School, which was presented by NGWA, along with industry partners Baroid Industrial Drilling Products, Geo-Loop Inc., Laibe Corp./VersaDrill, MudPuppy International, and Preferred Pump & Equipment LP. Outdoor demonstrations were also held and more than 200 attendees learned about such topics as: ●

Multiple drilling methods, well construction, and decommissioning

WWJ Associate Editor Promotes NGWA While Running Las Vegas Marathon Find out how WWJ Associate Editor Mike Price fared running the Rock ’n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon and Half Marathon on December 5 by visiting the NGWA Blog at http://info.ngwa.org/ blog/post.cfm/picking-up-the-pace. Price ran in a specially designed T-shirt with NGWA’s logo and message to raise awareness for both the Association and NGWA’s consumer-focused Web site—Wellowner.org.

● ● ● ●

Water sampling and monitoring Geophysics Remediation techniques Safe field practice.

Erik Wesley of Petro Serv Inc. took in a demonstration from Geoprobe Systems on rotary sonic drilling. “It’s worth the trip to see things that you don’t get to use,” explains Wesley, who works for the environmental department at Petro Serv, a company in Richmond, Kentucky. “I’m from Kentucky, and we don’t get to see a lot of sonic drilling, so this is great. I came out here for the education of it all. Having everything together in one place is really good.” Las Vegas native Anthony E. Zuiker, creator and executive producer of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, one of the NGWA.org

A Breakdown of Attendance at the 2010 NGWA Ground Water Expo ●

5016 Fifth largest overall attendance.

●

2345 Fifth largest number of contractors.

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321 Largest number of exhibiting companies and organizations.

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40+ Near-record number of new exhibiting companies.

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671 Fourth largest number of suppliers.

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483 Fifth largest number of scientists and engineers.

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200+ attended the outdoor demonstrations.

●

65+ attended the Geothermal Drilling Mud and Grouting School.

Las Vegas native Anthony E. Zuiker, creator and executive producer of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, was the Expo’s keynote speaker.

To view more photos from the Expo, visit WWJ’s page on NGWA’s Web site at www.ngwa.org/publication/wwj/index.aspx. highest rated dramas in television history, was the Expo’s keynote speaker. His address was titled “Rise to the Top: Even When the Odds Are Stacked Against You,” and in it Zuiker recounted his life, a Hollywood rags-to-riches story that left a lasting impression. “I found the event to be filled with not only environmentally savvy Americans, but family people,” Zuiker says. “Living in Las Vegas, our household

has always been very water conscious because we live in a desert. “I was overwhelmed by the warmth and caliber of the unsung heroes who keep our groundwater safe and fresh every day.” NGWA’s outgoing president Jack Henrich, MGWC, the president of Bergerson-Caswell Inc. in Maple Plain, Minnesota, enjoyed the challenge of leading the Association in 2010. Henrich passed

The 2011 NGWA Ground Water Expo will take place November 29-December 2 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit www.ngwa.org for more information.

the gavel to 2011 president Art Becker, MGWC, CPG, key client manager for SGS North America Inc.’s Environmental Drilling Division in West Creek, New Jersey. “The Expo attendance was a statement of the NGWA membership’s dedication and commitment to our industry,” Becker says. “The educational offerings were significant in both number and content. In speaking with a first-time exhibitor, I was told the only thing he did wrong was he had never attended an Expo before. He realized he had missed some opportunities in the past.” WWJ

Help promote the resource that provides your livelihood. Educate your customers about the importance of annual water testing and well maintenance during National Ground Water Awareness Week, March 6-12, 2011. You will not only be helping them, but yourself, your business, and your industry. And NGWA is here to help you spread the word. From sample letters to the editor and radio spots to print ads, posters, and fliers, NGWA has materials for you to use. To access these resources—and more—visit www.ngwa.org or call NGWA’s public awareness department at 800 551.7379 or 614 898.7791.

March 6-12, 2011

NGWA.org

Circle card no. 36

Water Well Journal February 2011 37/

By Don Gregory and Jeremiah Thomas

The Measures and “Bounds” of Domestic Well Permits New Mexico appellate court deals a blow to prior appropriators and preserves status quo.

s another year begins, groundwater continues to take center stage in struggles over water rights across the

country. As 2010 drew to a close, senior appropriators took a big hit in that fight. A New Mexico appellate court reinstated a 100-year-old law exempting domestic wells from the state’s approval process for new wells—reversing a trial court decision that had been hailed as a victory for the rights of prior appropriators and criticized as a threat to the water well drilling industry in the state. The backdrop for the Bounds vs. State of New Mexico case was the prior appropriations rule as embodied in the New Mexico state constitution. The prior appropriations rule dictates that the first landowner to beneficially use a water source receives a priority right to the water from that source. To protect this right, the state requires a landowner to apply for a well permit before drilling for, or otherwise diverting, groundwater. Following most applications, the state engineer’s office is required to consider whether either prior appropriators or simple scarcity provide an adequate reason to deny the application. When prior appropriators are identified, Don Gregory and Jeremiah Thomas practice law at Kegler, Brown, Hill & Ritter in Columbus, Ohio, and can be reached at www.keglerbrown .com. Kegler, Brown, Hill & Ritter serves as general counsel to the National Ground Water Association.

38/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

Procedure, and not substance, often dictates the outcome of these important cases. they are given notice and an opportunity to contest the application.

Not All the Same But each permit is not subject to the same statutory procedure. For instance, an application for domestic use only is automatically approved pursuant to a long-standing statute. The statute, in fact, mandates that the state engineer grant a permit whenever an application is filed for a domestic well. In 2008, the Grant County Circuit Court declared that the statute ran afoul of the state’s constitution. The trial court found that the automatic issuing of domestic permits deprived prior appropriators of due process protections. Notably, the court found for the prior appropriators despite the fact that the action was filed before new domestic wells were shown to impair prior rights. Still, the court concluded that the best solution was to require domestic well applications to go through the same review used for other applications. In late October 2010, the New Mexico Court of Appeals overturned the trial court’s holding. The court ruled that the

doctrine of prior appropriation “does not dictate any particular manner of administration of appropriation and use of water or how senior water rights are to be protected from junior users in time of water shortages.” The court reasoned that the state’s constitution does not require any evaluation of water availability or impairment prior to the issuance of a well permit. In part, because state law provides the opportunity for prior appropriators to obtain relief after a well permit is issued, the court determined that the state’s legislature would be a better vehicle for addressing issues related to automatically issued permits than would a facial attack on the statute’s constitutionality. The court noted that no party had shown its rights to have been actually impaired by the permit policy, and the opinion appeared to leave open the possibility for future attack in the event of such impairment.

Procedure, Not Substance The Bounds decision extends an interesting trend in water rights precedent. Procedure, and not substance, often dictates the outcome of these important cases. The Bounds court itself acknowledged the practical difficulties with New Mexico’s domestic well policies, but the court declined to address these difficulties because of what it viewed as procedural constraints. The Bounds decision is another interesting twist in the ebb and flow for water rights across the country. Some NGWA.org

had viewed the Bounds trial court decision as a potential catalyst for broadly eliminating private well exemptions. But even as the New Mexico Court of Appeals was preparing to deliver a blow to senior appropriators in the Southwest, the Montana Department of Natural Resources was moving to implement new limitations on the state’s domestic well exemption. Montana’s Water Use Act provides well permit exemptions for small wells, and a loophole in the definition of such wells has allowed developers in the state to drill multiple wells in a subdivision without permit and without oversight on the use of the water. As long as the developer does not connect the wells, the current rules provide prior appropriators without meaningful recourse. The Montana Department of Natural Resources declared its intention in August to revisit the rule, and the department recently settled a dispute that will require the rule to be revised within the next 15 months. Ultimately, domestic wells in Montana will be subject to some permitting process, though many believe that process will be less cumber-

some than what is currently required for a beneficial water use permit in the state.

Issues Remain The questions faced in New Mexico and Montana spotlight enduring issues regarding domestic water use and appropriation. On the one hand, domestic use has long enjoyed preferential treatment over other uses. Domestic exemptions reduce the cost of building homes, and abbreviated procedures allow for builders to be more responsive to home buyers’ needs. But not everyone appreciates or realizes these lower costs, and some believe that higher costs lead to more responsible water use. Moreover, some argue that a reflective, considerate approach to new water appropriations is essential in areas where water is so scarce. Unchecked use by developers and others who drill new wells, taken as a whole, can have a dramatic impact on the sustainability of local water sources. What’s more, prior appropriators in states like New Mexico—some of whom have invested considerable

resources in obtaining and developing their water rights—may be deprived of substantial property rights. Even where after-the-fact procedures are available to challenge these issuances of domestic well permits, judges are often reluctant to enforce the rights of senior appropriators after significant resources have already been expended to develop new subdivisions. Local governments complain they are hamstrung by domestic well exemptions, as the locality’s wells are often subject to evaluation regarding the impact that such wells have on surrounding domestic wells. But new domestic wells drilled outside of the local government’s jurisdiction are not subject to review, and can substantially impact the availability of water to the locality. One thing is certain. Water disputes in the arid West are not likely to disappear anytime soon. Montana expects to spend the next year or so addressing various concerns with regard to that state’s domestic well controls. And as of the time of this writing, the Bounds decision is being appealed to the New Mexico Supreme Court. WWJ

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Circle card no. 15

Water Well Journal February 2011 39/

By Steven K. Fess, CSP, CIH

Staying on Your Feet Make sure you know the essential elements to prevent slips, trips, and falls. he arrival of February usually means snow, freezing rain, ice, and other conditions that can make this one of the most difficult months to stay on your feet. This makes it the perfect time to focus on slips, trips, and fall hazards. Another is that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has significantly stepped up its enforcement activities. Inspections, including focused inspections, are on the rise. Focused inspections zero in on the four most common areas of injury and fatality— including accidents as a result of falls.

Causes of Falls There are three primary types of falls. Falls that happen on the same level. Falls that happen on multiple levels (such as on stairs or ramps). Falls from one level to another (such as into openings or holes). The primary factors contributing to these kinds of accidents are: ● ●

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Poor housekeeping, tripping over obstacles, slipping on unstable surfaces Inadequate stair design (step riser and tread height, improper stair tread protrusion or edge wear, insufficient handrails) Uncovered or unguarded floor openings or holes.

The most common hazards leading to falls on the same level include: ● ● ●

Pipe or conduit left near the floor or set on the floor Extension cords and air hoses Uneven floor surfaces — holes and depressions in floors or walkways

Steven K. Fess manages the contractor safety program and supports the power plant and maintenance groups for Xerox Corp. He has 30 years experience in general industry, construction safety, and industrial hygiene programs.

40/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

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— projections (warped boards or blocks) — broken floor surfaces or uneven patches Smooth floors, stairs, or walkways — waxed or polished surfaces, metal plates or covers, and naturally slippery surfaces such as tile or terrazzo.

The most common hazards leading to slips, trips, and falls on one or more levels or from one level to another are: ● ● ● ● ●

Equipment or material on stairs Uncovered drains and pits Loose or poorly fitted grates Sudden changes in pitch or elevation Sagging or expanded floor supports.

Another high-risk fall in the water well drilling industry is an accidental fall from a drill rig or a derrick. Contributing factors to these kinds of falls include: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Inadequate fall protection, PPE, and training Inappropriate tools Unguarded openings Illegal and legal drug and alcohol use No safety program enforcement No fall rescue considerations No walk-through inspections or reporting of potential hazards observed Riding loads, or being lifted on equipment.

Hierarchy of Fall Protection The generally accepted hierarchy of fall protection, or the order in which one should think about fall protection, must always be considered when planning your job. First, identify the hazards through a job hazard analysis specific to the activity or tasks that will be performed, the equipment used, and the site itself.

(See the sidebar to link to an overview of OSHA publications.) A job-hazard analysis is a technique that focuses on job tasks as a way to identify hazards before they occur (before and during work activities), based on the relationship between the worker, the task, the tools, and the work environment. This may include a comprehensive survey of the work site and surrounding area, records of past employee hazard reports or near-miss incidents, and accident or injury reports from prior activities. It should specify the activities including drilling, grading, or site preparation work and examine potential site hazards, considering the elevation, soil type, weather, ambient temperature, standing water, mud, and traffic patterns in and around the site. This should be conducted before a new drilling operation begins or in case of significant changes to the existing operation, including any changes in the equipment being used. Next, identify your ability to eliminate or control the hazards. If you can, modify the work environment in a way that eliminates the hazard. If it is not possible to eliminate the risk, the goal may be to manage the remainder of the hazards through a comprehensive fall prevention plan. The plan should include primary fall protection that takes into account footing and may include walking surface protection, non-slip flooring, coating or mats. This also takes into account handrails, guardrails, and perimeter walls; creating a stable work surface; and properly positioning equipment. Requiring personal protective equipment—like safety shoes with proper non-slip soles—to prevent slips when working on wet surfaces can be part of this plan.

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Secondary fall protection may include ground or surface opening protection, such as removable access covers for borings, wells, and underground utility vaults. The plan should consider employee training in the use of personnel restraint systems such as safety lines, restraining belts or harnesses, and fall arrest systems including lanyards and harnesses. This is to assure an understanding of the proper selection, application, and use of fall protection equipment and systems. Finally, the fall prevention plan should outline how to select, inspect, install, and use the required equipment as well as plan for any possible rescues that may be required. Fall protection serves as a backup if the hazard can’t be eliminated—and you should always have a backup system in place.

Fall Protection Standards To guide you in creating your fall prevention plan, there are a number of standards that apply. ANSI Z359.2 outlines the minimum requirements for a comprehensive fall protection program. Before determining what the fall protection plan should consist of, you should discuss who should be responsible for putting the plan together and implementing it. ANSI Z359.2 defines the roles and responsibilities of a program administrator, qualified person, competent person, and authorized person. According to this standard, a fall prevention plan or program for water well drilling should include: ●

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Scope (what and who this applies to) — guidelines for an employer’s managed fall protection program Purpose (why it’s being put in place) — identify, evaluate, eliminate, or control fall hazards through planning — ensure proper implementation of these requirements — implement safe fall protection and rescue procedures Policies, duties, and training (who is responsible for what) — company policy statement and outline of employee duties and responsibilities — training and evaluations including general requirements (written fall protection procedures for

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● ●

routine hazards) and specific requirements Fall protection procedures (how fall protection will be achieved) — fall hazard survey report — training and qualifications — anchor identification, criteria, and verification of approved tie-off points — equipment assembly, usage, and inspection Eliminating and controlling fall hazards — elimination or substitution — passive fall protection — fall restraints — fall arrest equipment — warning signs Rescue procedures — provisions for prompt rescue Incident investigations — reporting system — prompt investigation — documentation and record keeping requirements

Finally, no safety program is complete without evaluating its overall effectiveness. The evaluation should be

conducted by the program’s administrator at least every two years, and more frequently when there are incidents involving injuries, property damage, or near-misses. Your fall protection program should really be a fall prevention program wherever possible. In 2009, 617 falls resulted in fatalities. This represented 14% of all fatal injuries, with 12% of the total being falls to a lower level, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. When you consider these statistics, which don’t include non-fatal injuries, the old adage—“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”—really does hold true when planning for, and protecting your personnel. WWJ

Additional Sources OSHA Publications http://osha.gov/Publications/osha3071.pdf How to Create an ANSI Z359.2 Compliant Fall-Protection Plan http://ehstoday.com/mag/create_ansi_ zcompliant Meeting the ANSI Z359.2 Managed Fall Protection Program Requirements http://webapps.msanet.com/FPstandards guide/index.html

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Mount Sopris Instruments, 4975 E. 41 Ave., Denver, CO 80216 ph: 303.279.3211 fx: 303.279.2730 www.mountsopris.com Circle card no. 30

Water Well Journal February 2011 41/

By Joe Hogan

Unusual Incidents You need to be careful at all times as you never know when something unusual might occur.

ou can never take time off when it comes to safety. The following incidents are excellent lessons on how something can happen when you least expect it.

Voice Change The employee was using a rollaround floor jack to change a rear wheel on his Ford F-350 well service truck. After the new wheel was on the axle and the lugs were snug, the employee opened the pressure release valve on the hydraulic jack so it would lower the truck wheels back down to the ground. Nothing happened. He pushed the 3-foot jacking handle all the way down to see if the jack still had pressure, but still got no upward or downward jack movement. He straddled the jack and used both hands to gently rock the truck to see if that would get the jack to release. On the second push the truck and jack rapidly descended, while the jack handle rapidly ascended —between the employee’s legs. In the employee’s words, “It was a voice-changing moment.” Lesson Learned Never straddle the jack. Use the pressure release/reverse valve on the jack properly to either jack the vehicle down or to let it descend slowly under its own weight.

Joseph Hogan has spent 25 years as a loss control consultant for The Hartford Insurance Group. He is a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers and has been The Hartford’s safety advisor to the National Ground Water Association since 1999.

42/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

Sore Hand The well service crew needed to drive up a short, steep, icy and snowpacked hill to get to a customer’s location. They stopped to install tire chains so their vehicle could climb and later descend the hill safely. The assistant was putting the chains on by draping them over the rear wheel and having the service tech driver (the senior employee sitting in the warm cab) move the vehicle slowly forward until the snap links at the back end of the tire chain could be connected to the front of the chain. The first chain was installed quickly. The driver took his foot off the brake as the snap links were being secured for the second chain, and the truck rolled backwards slightly before the brake was reapplied. The assistant was down on the ground at this time with both his arms extended under the vehicle to connect the inside snap link behind the rear tire. His lower arm and wrist were pinned to the ground until a few choice words got the driver to move the vehicle slowly forward. Fortunately, none of the snow chain links were under or on top of the pinned arm, so injury was limited to deep tissue bruises only. No word on who removed the chains after the well repair was completed and the truck descended the hill. Lesson Learned If the vehicle does not have blocks or chocks under the wheels to prevent it from moving, employees should not crawl or reach under the vehicle. The employees themselves suggested that next time they have to install chains on a road trip, they would take the time to stop on level ground, block the wheels,

and jack the vehicle up. They would then put on the chains with the wheel raised off the ground so it could be manually rotated as the chain is fitted and connected.

Snakes in a Box The pump installation crew arrived at the new home site in a wooded rural area to install the pump in a new well drilled the previous day. The future home’s large electric circuit breaker box had been installed on conduit rising out of the floor slab, waiting for the walls to be built around it and the house wiring to be installed. When the pump installer opened the breaker box, something flew out at his face. Fortunately, his hands and arms were still raised in front of his face holding the breaker box door, so he was not struck in the face. However, he did feel something hit his wrist through his quilted jacket. When he pulled his arm back, a 4foot water moccasin was hanging by its fangs from his jacket sleeve. He immediately grabbed the snake’s head with his free hand, pulled its fangs out of his jacket, and tossed it to the ground several feet away. A careful second look inside the circuit breaker box revealed a second angry snake still nestled in the bottom of the breaker box. A few shovel taps on the box’s exterior and judicious use of a section of PVC pipe with an elbow joint slipped on one end helped pull the snake out of the breaker box onto the ground where it rapidly left the area. After making sure there were no more surprises in the circuit breaker box, the pump installer removed his NGWA.org

jacket to examine it. He found a wet area on the inside lining of the quilted sleeve and a smaller wet spot on the cuff of his shirt. Fortunately, there were no punctures or scratches on his lower arm, so none of the snake venom had been injected into his arm. After a few moments spent regaining his composure, the installer was able to complete the pump work and plumbing hookups without any further delay, or surprises. If venom had been injected, the installation work would have been delayed by an emergency trip to the hospital for anti-venom treatment and possibly several days of painful recovery from the tissue damage done by the injected venom. Lesson Learned Avoid unpleasant surprises. Be very cautious when opening circuit breaker boxes at new home sites. Also use caution when lifting or moving anything such as pipe or a pallet that has been sitting on the ground or has cavities or voids where snakes or rodents may be nesting. Know proper first aid for insect, animal, and snake bites. If you’re allergic to insect bites, carry an EpiPen with you and be sure all your coworkers know where it is and how to use it if needed.

Circle card no. 11

a flashlight handy to help check in dark areas under the hood and vehicle bodies, inside well casing scheduled for use that day, inside pump houses, and in other dark areas where surprises could be waiting for hands or fingers. Also have handy the proper tools or equipment to remove and neutralize any unwanted visitors found during your inspections.

Hot Call Snakes in a Truck A driver was doing an early winter morning pre-trip inspection. While checking the rear truck wheels, he saw what he thought was trash caught between the rear dual wheels. Being cautious and not wanting to grab something he couldn’t see clearly in the dark area between the wheels, he got a flashlight out of a tool box on the truck. When he shined the light between the dual wheels, he was startled to find himself almost face to face with a rattlesnake. Fortunately it was cold—the snake was lethargic and not fully active. If the driver had reached in to grab what he thought was trash, the snake could have bitten him. It is suspected the snake wrapped itself around the rear axle the previous night to get close to the residual heat from the brake drums after the truck was parked. Lesson Learned When doing early morning pre-trip inspections or a job-site inspection, have NGWA.org

A company driver was refueling his service truck when the cell phone clipped to his thigh pocket started to ring. The next thing he knew, he was standing in a fireball that was around his legs and the gasoline pump nozzle connected to his truck. He released the control handle for the gasoline nozzle, but did not pull it out of the gasoline tank filler neck on his truck. He backed away from the vehicle and fire and started beating out the smoldering areas on his heavy cotton work coveralls. A quick-thinking utility company employee at a nearby fuel pump ran up and sprayed fire extinguisher powder over the employee’s coveralls and at the small residual flame burning around the gasoline nozzle that was still plugged into the truck’s fuel tank filler neck. Damage was limited to a minor burn and singed hair on the employee’s wrist above his glove on the hand holding the gasoline nozzle. He also had some light

scorching on his coveralls, particularly in the area where the cell phone was. Minor burn damage was found on the inside and exterior of the cell phone. Soot and light blistering were found on the truck paint around and just above the gasoline filler neck opening. This was a disaster that did not happen due to fortunate circumstances. The employee was wearing gloves and clean coveralls with no grease or combustible residue on them. He immediately shut off the fuel nozzle and left it pushed fully into the filler neck, which restricted the flash fire from reaching down into the fuel tank. Also, a quickacting utility company employee happened to be there with a handy fire extinguisher. Fire investigators determined that the cell phone clipped to the outside of the employee’s right thigh was in the gasoline vapor cloud coming out of the truck’s fuel tank as it was being filled. When the phone activated its ringer and display screen light in response to an incoming call, the phone ignited the gasoline vapors. Lesson Learned Cell phones and flammable vapors can be a hazardous combination. Turn cell phones off or leave them inside the closed truck cab when refueling, or when handling any flammable liquids or gases that could spill or leak and cause a vapor cloud. WWJ Water Well Journal February 2011 43/

By John L’Espoir

Rig Repairs

Do you know how to get spares for obsolete items? Don’t miss the information on welding, bearings, seals, and sleeves.

earings: what a fantastic smorgasbord for the engineers to choose from! Balls, rollers, spherical rollers, tapers, and

more. Loads on a bearing are defined as follows: ●

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Radial—shaft pushing down straight on bearing from inner core to outer race Axial—shaft trying to pull out or push in on bearing centerline Radial/Axial Combo—all bevel gears and helical gears will cause a combination of loads Thrust Loads—typical in swivels and rotary tables.

Figure 1. A full-grown African elephant weighs about six tons. Imagine that it could concentrate its total weight on a single tiny ant. The pressure acting on the ant would be equivalent to the pressure between a ball in a ball bearing and its raceway in the ring when the bearing is in operation. Yet the ball never touches the ring; a thin film of oil, a fraction of a micron, keeps them apart. Lubricants enable bearings to turn freely despite enormous loads. In SKF’s world, the ant carries the elephant on its back. Picture and text courtesy of SKF USA Inc.

Why are there so many metric bearings in our American-made SAE products? Answer: the enormous choice of styles, sizes, and low prices due to mass production as compared to limited choices on inch size ball bearings. The opposite is true for Timken style tapered roller bearings. Broken parts tell a story. Please inspect a failed bearing and listen to its story and complaint. Here are some causes and results to look for. ●

Heat caused by low level of lubrication, high level of lubrication, con-

John L’Espoir has enjoyed a 40-year career in portable drilling equipment design. He holds a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering and was formerly the director of engineering for the George E. Failing Co. in Enid, Oklahoma. John was born in the Netherlands and moved to Enid in 1969. He is the founder, owner, and president of Enid Drill Systems Inc. He received the 2003 NGWA Technology Award.

44/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

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taminated lubrication, misalignment, or overspeeding. Look for some discoloration Electricity. Do not allow welding currents to travel through bearing rollers or balls. The current will anneal the steel, making a soft spot that will wear out fast. Look for shiny contact lines.

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Shock loads. Dropping a string of pipe on a table or driving a shaft out with a sledgehammer. Feel with your fingernail for indentation Overspeeding. Problems found on rigs due to overspeeding are very low because most components run at 2500 rpm or less. NGWA.org

Figure 2. Welding currents were transmitted through the balls on this bearing. The line contacts were annealed and one week later the bearing was very noisy. Note the wear spots in this outer race.

Figure 5. The long shaft on this 1500-foot draw works is mounted on either end in the frame by a double self-aligning open bearing. The bevel gearbox in the middle has two Timkens on this shaft. The shaft is drilled for air passage to the second air clutch.

Figure 3. This could be a case of false brinelling whereby the bearing was driven in by the cone with a hammer, or it could have been once again electric currents from welding. Figure 6. One of the end bearings lost its rollers, subjecting the shaft to bending while rotating. This causes fatigue and after a number of revolutions, the shaft will break.

Figure 4. A Duplex 5 ⳯ 61⁄4 mud pump. Can grease rust? No! Can rust push grease to the side? Yes! This pump had been stored outside for a couple of years. It was to be in “good operating condition.” Needless to say, all bearings and seals were replaced. Keep water out of your components that contain bearings.

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Vibration. Caused by out-of-balance drivelines Radial overloading. We find typical overloading on bearings in conjunction with pusher bolts to tighten belts or open chain drives. Axial overloading. Found typically in cases where insufficient gaskets are

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used and the retainer bolts are used to close the gap (bad for your equipment, good for the suppliers!) Thermal expansion of shaft Rust. Water will get into your boxes through the breather. Water will cause rust. Check your lubes and grease points often!

Always try to understand the failure before you replace the bearing, and please do not always replace it with the exact copy! Understand the load, know the choice of bearings, and then pick the best currently available replacement.

TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY/continues on page 46 Water Well Journal February 2011 45/

Figure 7. Unnoticed failure of this $100 bearing caused $7800 in damage and took the rig down for two weeks!

Figure 8. The shaft in this Midway box drives a compressor and broke six times. Reverse engineering made the new shaft larger and 80% stronger by reworking the bearing retainer and selecting a different flange mounting.

TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY/from page 45

Due to international standards (ISO) on bearing sizes, different styles can be plugged in. We will use some of the SKF part number add-ons to get specific designs. Sven Wingquist, a young engineer in Goteborg, Sweden, produced the first double row self-aligning ball bearing in 1907. A new company was started, called Svenska Kugellager Fabriken. In the United States, we know this company as SKF USA Inc. The company’s first year’s production was 2200 bearings. Today’s production is 227,000 bearings per hour! Whenever welding has to be done on a rig, the welder must strictly adhere to the following guidelines. 1. Know what material you will weld to. Hardened steels, cast iron, and aluminum will all have their own problems. 2. Either run all engines or shut them down and disconnect the negative battery post clamp or turn off a special switch in the ground cable. 3. Always ground through solid steel. Never let current go through bearings. When welding on a part that can rotate, such as a shaft or casing, you must put the ground clamp to the same part. 4. Be aware of flammable liquids used around the drill site. 5. Weld sparks and slag are red hot and will burn air hoses, mud and hydraulic hoses, and the air brake nylon hoses. Cutting torches blow burning steel—just let one piece fall inside your shirt. Been there, no fun!

If the design is such that there are more than two bearings that hold a shaft in position, alignment is absolutely critical. Shafts will fatigue and break. A center-mounted assembly such as a bevel gearbox must be mounted with no clearance on bolt holes. All bolts must slide in after the welding has been finished and it has cooled to the touch. No Figure 9. A typical application of angular contact ball bearings is found in swivels. sledgehammers are allowed to tap Courtesy of WRAM. these bolts in. On repair of the draw works with a pillow block mounted shaft, bolt down the bevel gearbox first, then one pillow block, and then mike and shim the second pillow block. Flattened beverage cans make great shim stock. Open bearings are a cheap way to go! Their life depends on the frequent flow of grease to wash out sand and other debris.

Replacement Bearings

You may find deep groove ball bearings on your rig, which are designed for axial as well as thrust loads. These are also known as Conrad bearings in our industry. (Just where does that name come from? If you know, please call or fax me the answer!)

46/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

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Figure 10. The Ewbank 3-inch swivel. Courtesy of EDSI.

Replacing this with a max-type bearing that has more balls and a higher radial loading can be done only if there is no axial loading. A max-type bearing can be identified by a small notch in the inner and outer race. This has been machined to get the extra balls in place. Some draw works drum bearings rely on oil lube from within the drum. Bearings are open and seals will keep oil in and out of the clutch, at least for a while. Please replace these with doublesealed bearings that are lubed for life. You can still use the seal as an added protection to keep out dirt. Examples: ● ● ● ● ●

6212 is a 2.362-inch shaft size single row deep groove bearing. 6212-Z has one metal shield. 6212-ZZ has two metal shields. 6212-RS1 has one synthetic seal. 6212-2RS1 has two synthetic seals and the bearing has enough lube for its life.

TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY/continues on page 48 NGWA.org

Water Well Journal February 2011 47/

Figure 11. Top bearings in rotary tables see very little or no lubrication. This table was equipped with a grease lube fitting. The upper seals were destroyed along with the bearings.

Figure 12. Henry Timken, 1831–1909. Courtesy of Timken Co.

TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY/from page 47

Shields do not keep oil from leaking out. They are not seals, yet they are found on your rigs to function as a seal. 6212-RS1 and 6212-2RS1 are the recommended ones for inside drums and spinning clutch bowls. The designation RS2 has a special seal intended for high temperatures. A 212 max-type bearing is also for a 2.362-inch shaft and has a basic dynamic load rating of 12,600 lbf (pound 48/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

force) as compared to the 6212 at 10,700 lbf. However, the 212 cannot absorb axial thrust loads nor can it be sealed (shielded, yes). Double row bearings have a much greater capacity, both axial and radial. The shaft must be large and rigid with no deflection. A deflection would either destroy the bearings or fatigue break the shaft. For shafts that do deflect, a selfaligning bearing must be used. The outer race groove is a large radius to allow the bearing rollers to find their own path based on the severity of the shaft deflection. Some reasons why you may want to make a change when replacing a bearing: 1. Higher radial load capacity. Use a max-type bearing. 2. Better sealing. Use a double-sealed bearing and eliminate drum oil or clutch hub grease requirement. 3. On used equipment, some other mechanic just put in what he thought was the best choice. The author would like to have a one-on-one with some of those guys out there! 4. On new equipment, some inventory control manager may have substituted the cheaper shield type for the seal type. 5. On old equipment, the rig may have been built before these current style bearings and seals were available.

6. Choose a larger bore bearing to fit a larger, stronger shaft.

The ball path in Figure 2 with the electrical failure pits shows that the bearing was not in a bind. Preloading in a too tight case or in a case with no expansion provision for the shaft will show this path over to one side all around. A crisscross wear pattern is a sign of a shaft with far too much deflection, and self-aligning bearings or a heavier shaft must be used. When you are removing the bearing retainer plate, both on a gear or chain drive, and you notice that a gap appears between the plate and the box, it is a sure sign that the bearings are preloaded. On a shaft with two bearings, one side should lock the outer race in the box and the inner race to the shaft. The opposite end must be allowed to float the outer race in the housing. A little bit of end play of a shaft in a chain drive—about 1⁄32 to 1⁄18 inch—is just right if the shaft is on ball bearings. (Make this about 0.001 to 0.003 inches if Timkens are used.) Bearings should be installed using tube stock to drive the proper race. On a tight shaft drive on the inner race, never drive the opposite. Use a rubber hammer or a block of wood to avoid damage to the bearings. A shock load will make small indentations by the balls or rollers. This is called “brinelling” and the bearings will be noisy with a short life. Angular contact bearings transmit the load on an angle to the shaft and must be installed in conjunction with other bearings in order to stay tight. A typical application of angular contact ball bearings is found in swivels. Note in Figure 9 that the upper two bearings are installed backwards from the bottom three. The bottom three take care of the pulldown loads, while the upper two handle the hoisting loads. Stacked bearings have to be ground on the faces of each race (inner and outer) to a fraction of one thousandth of an inch in order to ensure there is equal load sharing. When properly installed, this multibearing assembly will work as one unit with no bearing turning individually. The swivel shown in Figure 9 is for rock quarry drilling. Bearing stack configurations will vary for each type of drilling. NGWA.org

Figure 13. Timken tapered rolling bearingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;basic design and common types. Courtesy of Timken.

Figure 14. Typical pure thrust load bearing. Courtesy of Timken.

Figure 15. A Timken cup with internal weld to get it out of the bore.

Consult your swivel supplier for proper service instructions. Look at the housing seals, both are the same with the lip pointed upward. This lets grease out through the top seal and keeps the water out. Low rpm requires only grease lubricants. The water seal on the swivel is a nonadjustable assembly consisting of two molded rings separated by a hardened steel spacer inside a fixed-space NGWA.org

cavity. The height in this cavity must be fixed within a few thousandths of an inch to maintain proper squeeze on the packing ring. Grinding on the spacer ring will destroy the required squeeze as well. These rings are water/mud cooled and lubed. When switching to air drilling, a different set of packing with graphite must be built in to withstand the hot and dry operation.

The Ewbank 3-inch swivel shown in Figure 10 uses two pure thrust load bearings plus two pure radial loaded bearings. The water sealing is done by a set of chevron V-type packing rings. These are split for ease of installation. Squeeze on these rings is adjustable with an LH threaded nut. A brass lantern ring separates the two stacks to allow grease lubrication of the packing rings. The V-rings must allow sliding sealed action on a hardened and ground wash pipe. This is a replacement item. Allowing the rings to spin in the housing will wear the mild steel housing rather quickly. Keep adjustments and grease lube on a proper schedule. Pillow block bearings or flangemounted units may be selected to mount a draw works shaft or a compressor or

TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY/continues on page 50 Water Well Journal February 2011 49/

Figures 16 and 17. Installation damage.

Figure 18. Brinelled raceway.

50/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY/from page 49

mud pump drive. These units are mounted to a fairly solid base, but still there will be a tweaking of the truck and the drill frame to which these bearings are exposed. We recommend self-aligning bearings with seals and grease lube fittings. While one block bearing must be locked to the shaft, the other block must be able to let the shaft or bearing float to allow for thermal expansion. A completely different design of angular contact bearings is best known as the Timken bearings. Born on a farm in Germany in 1831, Henry Timken (Figure 12) came to the United States when 7 years old, first to New Orleans and then on to St. Louis. He manufactured wagons and wanted better steels for axles and springs and a better wheel bearing. His sons, Henry H. and William R., moved the company to Canton, Ohio. Henry received his first two bearing patents in 1898; the Timken Bearing Co. was founded in St. Louis on December 15, 1899, and production was on the way. Timken special alloy axle steel has been on the market for 80 years. The company is headed by the fourth-generation William R. Timken while the fifth generation, Ward J., joined the company in 1983. Shaft fits and housing bore fits are important. Some manufacturers even heat the cones, then slide it onto the shaft and let it cool. They are tough to get off. Engineers must provide a means of removing cups out of housings and provide a space for a puller, a drive punch hole, or a pusher bolt hole. When installing a cup, always make sure that the housing is clean and that no bolts are sticking into the cavity. Use a wooden block or pipe to correctly drive the cup into position. Inspect used cones and cups thoroughly before re-using them in equipment. Check the ball or roller path with your fingernail. What about preloading? Five mechanics or engineers will have 10 rules of thumb! Jim Lee, applications engineer at Timken, advises that on oil lubed assemblies the tolerance should be 0.001 inch loose and on grease lubes it should be 0.003 inch loose. NGWA.org

Figure 19. Installation damage.

Figures 20 and 21. Heat checks.

Figures 22 and 23. False brinelling.

Please contact Timken engineers prior to putting any preload on a Timken product. Of course, there are several other brands that offer similar design bearings and they all will have their own guidelines. To remove a cup from a bore where there is no removal access, simply weld a single bead all around inside the cup. Be careful where to place the ground clamp. To remove a cone on a shaft that is next to a shoulder or gear pinion, simNGWA.org

ply make one spot red hot and beat on it with a hammer. Of course, both of these are destructive removals.

Torrington (Acquired by Timken in 2003)

Most bearing manufacturers offer a service booklet to inspect failures. Figures 16 through 24 show just a small portion of such a book. Pictures and text are courtesy of Timken.

Typical causes of damage:

● ● ●

Installation Heat Lubrication.

Welding

Welding has been addressed throughout the series. Truck frames are hardened alloy steel. When subjecting the

TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY/continues on page 52 Water Well Journal February 2011 51/

Figure 24. Lubrication failure—thrust contact surfaces.

Figure 26. A pin out of a one-sheave block, steel worn badly. Needless to say, the pin did not pass the rigid British inspection. Photo furnished by customer.

TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY/from page 51

steel to intense heat like welding, it will anneal or remove the hardness and lower the tensile strength. It creates a weak spot. When adding to a truck frame rail at the end, the new material is normally mild steel and not heat treated. Cast bronze bushings, plain or flanged, small or large, are made from an SAE-660 bronze alloy. Special features may be grooves for oil, grooves filled with graphite, or the Oilite style which will feed oil to the shaft through interconnected pores that are vacuum filled with oil at the factory. Loads and speeds must be low and frequent lube is recommended.

Figure 27. A 21⁄4-inch shaft with moderate seal damage.

52/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

Figure 25. Caution stickers on a new Kenworth truck, waiting for its Portadrill.

●

Loads: A wire line pulley with a 1½inch shaft diameter has a bushing length of 2 inches. The max single line pull is 6000 pounds. Max pressure should be limited to 5000 psi. A pulley shaft can see up to two times the wire line pull (2 × 6000 lbs = 12,000 lbs). Bearing area is diameter 2 lengths in inches (1.5 × 2 = 3 square inches). Contact stress or pressure equals load divided by area (12,000 ÷ 3 = 4000 psi). Thus, the bearing load is okay. Speed: Contact surface speed must be limited to 225 ft/min. Calculate it as follows: 0.26 × D × rpm = surface speed (D in inches, surface speed in ft/min). 0.26 × 1.5 × rpm = 225 max ft/min = 576. Maximum speed calculates to 576 rpm.

Figure 28. Chicago-Rawhide’s Speedi-sleeve. Note the flange and a break-off line next to it.

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Lubrication is critical. Once the brass wears through, it will be steel on steel. Inspect bushed pins frequently, replace pins if damaged.

Shaft Seals

Does rubber (neoprene) eat steel, even 4140 shafting? Yes. Can this shaft be saved? Yes. Lots of brands and sizes of seals are on the market. Many brands are interchangeable and master catalogs will show all the numbers. A shaft can be saved a number of ways:

1. Turn/grind the shaft down to the next standard size seal. 2. Fill the groove with Permatex and install a Chicago-Rawhide chromed and hardened Speedi-sleeve. 3. Install a new seal where it seals just adjacent to the old groove. For example, the 2¼-inch-diameter shaft shown in Figure 27 had a ⅜-inch wide × 3-inch O.D. seal. The same style seal is available with 3-inch O.D. × ⅜-inch wide for a shaft size of 2.188 inches. Speedi-sleeves up to 8 inches in diameter are frequently used in repair shops. Actually, it would extend the life of seals and shafts if a Speedi-sleeve was installed right onto a new shaft. Coat the shaft with a little sealant and push, flange side first, onto the shaft. A driving can is furnished and if a long shaft end is in the way, use a piece of PVC tubing. Once seated, the flange can stay in position or it can be cut and peeled off the shaft. When installing the seals, determine if the lip goes “in” or “out.” What “in” means is that it will keep oil or grease inside. A grease lubed unit must have a grease relief fitting or one seal with lip turned outwards, typical on swivels’ upper housing seal. With no relief, the grease gun will pump one or more seals out of their bores. When two seals are used next to one another, a grease fitting must lube the cavity in between. Only pump in a few shots while slowly rotating. Cold grease will push the seal away from the shaft and allow oil to run out of the box.

Oil-filled boxes must have a relief as well. Changes in temperature due to operation will create internal air pressures as high as 50 to 60 psi. Most shaft seals will not take more than 25 to 30 psi or 2 bar. Carbon seals will hold more pressure but they are very fragile. Dropping will fracture the carbon and destroy it.

● ● ●

●

Obsolete Parts

Isn’t it amazing that consumers accept the fact that computers may be obsolete in as little as one or two years? (Or is it months?) Yet on rigs, we expect parts off the shelf for units built in the 1960s or ’50s and even ’40s. Recently, we talked to a driller about his Dodge hoisting drum clutch. This was obsolete in 1967! What is his option? Either a complete clutch conversion or find a brake and clutch shop and glue/rivet new lining on the old disc. As was discussed last month, drivelines are being changed out as a complete unit. Transmissions? This is a difficult one since most rig engineers in the past did not allow extra deck space for the newer and usually longer transmissions. Automotive clutches are another pain due to change of hands on designs. Hydraulic components have somewhat of a change out system due to SAE standard mountings and shaft sizes. Multiple pumps get drillers out of trouble when original shafts or pump mounts become bad or obsolete. Contractors with older rigs support local machine and weld shops and companies who are willing to reverse engineer obsolete items.

Service and Operation Suggestions ● ● ●

● ●

Look at your seals. Do they leak? Feel your shafts. Are they loose? Listen to your bearings with a stethoscope or a broom handle. Are they noisy? Smell your boxes. Are they too hot? Adjust bearings, especially the rotary table pinion bearings.

●

Check all bearing locknuts. Check swivel bearings, housing seals, and water seals. Lube often. Make sure all seals and bearings have fresh grease or clean oil. On failed bearings, cut the outer race in two and look at the ball or roller path. Look at the color. Blue is not good. Does your rig have two drums on a common shaft? Check all bearings and shaft for proper alignment.

Resolutions to Make Today

1. Write an inspection report to cover seals, bearings, blocks and pulleys, and stick to it. 2. Have a meeting with rig maintenance personnel and review in detail proper welding procedures for welding on rig, truck, and casing. 3. Watch your mechanic or repair shop when they install bearings and seals, and review shaft clearances and bearing clearance on tapered rollers. 4. When notified that a transmission or clutch has been obsoleted, try immediately to find a replacement or a good used unit for backup. 5. Check that your trucks and shops are equipped with proper firefighting equipment. 6. Check with your rig manufacturer and ask for a list of obsolete items and their replacements with a current price.

Coming next month: Topdrives. Hydrostatic, hydraulic, or mechanical rotary power vs. rotary tables. What are downhole motors and how can coiled tubing drill a straight hole? Unless otherwise noted, all photos taken by John L’Espoir. All designs by L’Espoir from 1969 to February 1992 were done as an employee of the George E. Failing Co.

TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY/continues on page 54

Interested in the book Transfer of Technology? It is available in the NGWA Bookstore at www.ngwa.org. The member rate is $75; the nonmember rate is $87.50. Call NGWA at (800) 551-7379 to order your copy today. NGWA.org

Water Well Journal February 2011 53/

TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY/from page 53

Joe Bob Can Do It!

y travels over the past 41 years have put me in direct contact with welders worldwide. About 90 to 95 percent of them are indeed qualified welders with a solid product once finished. I want to write about the other 5 to 10 percent. Yes, I have met a number of Joe Bob (alias) welders. They grew up around welding and started at age 12 or 14. Most of them can indeed lay a good weld, but the knowledge of welding various metals such as a C-1020 flange to a 4140 shaft is not there. Some metals need pre-heating while some need a retarded cooling, and yet still others need special equipment such as aluminum welding and so on. Before lawyers start their favorite game of taking depositions, get Joe Bob some help. Enroll him in a vocational technical (Vo-Tech) school nearby and get him certified in welding. If a weld should break loose and cause an accident, your company will get drastically raked over the coals. If your welder has a certificate, the break may instead be caused by overload or “an act of God.” Training and certification make a world

of difference. Also please get a copy of the American Welding Institute AWS D1.1/D1.1M:2006 manual or a later issue. Some contractors believe in using certified welders for any loads above your head, such as the mast, crown blocks, and platforms. A guard over a driveline does not get much attention until one of the mechanics steps on it and gets his foot caught in a live driveline, and once again you end up with a lawyer. Your welders or your contract welders must be certified. Items such as pressure vessels (your air tanks) require ASME code-certified welders. Masts are made from various types of steels. Never use black pipe or structural angle iron as main load carriers. Typical mast legs: ●

●

Round tubing: C-1026 seamless or DOM tubing with 55000 psi minimum yield Square or rectangular tubing: A-500B or A-500-C tubing with 46000 or 50000 psi minimum yield Angle iron: Oilfield masts such as Lee C. Moore use heat-treated angle iron for main legs. This requires special

Quality, Service & Solutions

We want to thank everyone who stopped out to see us at the NGWA Show! Congratulations to Danny Flynn of Flynn Drilling in Troy Missouri who was the winner of the ATV, and the rest of our $100 gift card winners...hope to see you all again next year!

welding techniques. Consult the manufacturer.

As for Joe Bob electronics and bearings: Whenever welding on a piece of equipment that also includes an engine, please disconnect both the battery cables. In the old days, we could just run the Cats and Jimmys and weld. Today, with electronic controls, we better play it safe and disconnect. Whenever welding on a rotating part, please connect the ground to that rotating part. Any bearing that transmits electricity for welding through its balls or rollers will be damaged and must be replaced. Finally, I strongly recommend once again that you (the owner) get your welders certified. WWJ Waiver: The views expressed in this article are the author’s opinion and are based on the engineering education, skills, and experience gained in a lifelong industry commitment. No part of this article is intended to replace or supersede any information supplied by others. The contents of this article may not be used for any type of legal action.

Dedication This series is dedicated to the education of John L’Espoir’s two grandsons, Ethan Daniel Atwood and Elliott John Atwood (right), who are each destined to become a drilling rig engineer. Opposing points of view or questions? Contact us at Enid Drill Systems (580) 234-5971, fax (580) 234-5980, john@eniddrill.com.

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54/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

NGWA.org

By Ed Butts, PE, CPI

A Message to the Young Enjoy it while you can.

don’t know a lot of details about the demographics of those who read my columns. I assume for the most part that each month’s edition of “Engineering your Business” is at least perused by most readers to determine if the subject is of any relevance to them. I usually try to develop each article so it will appeal to the broadest group of readers including well drillers, pump installers, engineers, and others working in or associated with the groundwater industry. I realize a certain piece may miss the mark and offer valuable information to only one group from time to time. I readily admit I may sometimes come across as too preachy, while in other months I may appear too technical and strictly oriented to engineers and other “techies.” However, know that my intention is always to develop each column towards the largest base of my readers as possible. With that said, this month I am purposely going to deviate from that routine and write this column for the benefit of the younger people in our industry. To me, “younger people” include most of the population not yet eligible for Social Security or those who refer to the JFK assassination as “ancient history.” However, I will more carefully qualify the group of younger people as those who are currently roughly 30 years of age or less. I hope they gain

Ed Butts, PE, CPI, is the chief engineer at 4B Engineering & Consulting, Salem, Oregon. He has more than 35 years experience in the water well business, specializing in engineering and business management. He can be reached at epbpe@juno.com.

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something from these next few paragraphs; it’s been cathartic for me.

Getting Started As most loyal readers know, even though I drilled various wells (more appropriately, holes) in our backyard during my really younger days when I was 8 or 9 years old, I really started working in the water well industry in the summer of 1974 when I was 15, quite young by today’s standards. However, I started out working for my father, so the rules for so-called child labor were extremely different than today. In fact, there used to be a joke floating around this area that I had to be chauffeured around to service calls because I was too young to legally drive myself. Although that rumor is not quite accurate. As I was far too green that summer to perform service calls on a solo basis, it is true that I had to be carted around by my much older co-worker (who was 32) during the months of June and most of July until I finally obtained my driver’s license upon my 16th birthday at the end of July. My birthday happened to fall on a Monday that year. Normally, I would never remember the day of the week for my birthday, but that was a special one. I remember being on pins and needles all weekend and studying the driver’s manual repeatedly until I virtually had it memorized. My father accompanied me to the local DMV office early Monday morning, as my signatory parental authority and as chauffeur for the last time. What freedom I had then after I was handed that document on July 29, one of

the most important rites of passage for any teenager but slightly more valuable to me, so I thought. Not only was I now able to drive an official company vehicle (wow, even our pump hoist!) out to job sites without a babysitter, but I could finally take my girlfriend out on a date to a location further than walking distance from her house. This little 2-inch by 3-inch piece of paper was as important to me then as any subsequent document I have ever since obtained, except for my marriage license (that’s for you, JoAnne) or the birth certificates of my children. It was quite late in the day by the time I completed the vision and written tests, followed by the official driving test, the one with the dreaded parallel parking attempt (oohh!), so I was unable to demonstrate my newfound driving mastery to my co-workers until the next morning. Early the next morning I drove my 1961 Chevrolet Biscayne (the second generation one with a 235 cubic inch inline six engine and “Powerglide” transmission, one of the greatest Chevy engines of all time) into the yard totally alone for the first time and with a newfound pride and slight arrogance I had never experienced before. I just knew that my life had changed for the better and things were looking up for me in my small world.

Solo with the Hoist More than anything, I was excited at the prospect of getting to drive our pump hoist to a job site solo. Looking back now, I don’t know why I was so

ENGINEERING/continues on page 56 Water Well Journal February 2011 55/

ENGINEERING/from page 55 excited. Our pump hoist was an OSHA inspector’s dream. Fortunately for us, they were not lurking around each corner as they seem to be today. It was a shop-built rig assembled sometime during the decade of the 1960s even though I thought they really meant the 1860s. It had a small and short mast made from box steel that was “equipped” with a manually operated extension that had to be lifted through the use of a crankoperated winch, similar to those used to pull boats onto boat trailers. In fact, I bet that is where it came from. Unfortunately, the extension consisted of a smaller section of box steel that barely fit and slid inside the larger main mast. There were no grease zerks or methods of easily lubricating the space between the two areas. Therefore, the extension had to be raised and lowered only in the upright and vertical position, otherwise it would inevitably stick going out or coming back in, or worse yet, jam. Although the extension had to be slowly raised through the use of the crank winch, gravity was always available to help bring it down—that is, if you didn’t mind risking your life. You had to position yourself directly next to the winch to operate it, and yes, there was more than one time when I didn’t pay sufficient attention, and the second I cleared the securing “dog” to allow the extension to drop back down into its travel position, the crank began to rapidly spin as the extension dropped down and clipped me on the head, leaving a visible and painful reminder of what not to do or where to be. Beyond the extension, the hoist had a limited hydraulic system that was used for the sole purpose of raising and lowering the mast; there were no hydraulic outriggers or leveling jacks whatsoever. Leveling the back of the rig was accomplished by using a pair of screw-jacks on each corner of the back bumper and turning the screw on each jack until you were satisfied that the rig was level and stable over the well. There was no leveling the front of the rig. If you couldn’t get your hoist in place at the rear, forget about it. Every once in a while, especially on a bumpy or heavy installation, one of 56/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

Nothing gave me more pleasure than the opportunity to work alongside a trusted and valued friend day after day. the jacks would disengage and fly past the operator’s station and the mast would swing wildly from side to side, usually with a load hanging from it. That’s when we said life got interesting and we started using heavy blocks set next to each jack for safeties. At this point I expect you are wondering how the hoist itself operated, especially considering the on-board hydraulic system was limited to the job of raising the mast. Well, the hoist ran on a 1 hp, 230-volt AC, 3450 rpm, singlephase electric motor that was directly attached to and drove a speed-reducing, worm-gear driven winch. That’s right, this thing could only run on AC electrical power, and at 230 volts without any fusing, ground-fault interrupter circuit breaker, or other safety device!

Learning the Ins and Outs Regardless of any of the safety issues, there was always one aspect of doing our job that was clear. In order to operate this pump hoist, we had to have a source of 230 volts of single-phase power. Usually, on a service pull, we were able to connect to the pump wires at the wellhead. However, on a new installation there was generally no power available at the well yet. In those cases, we either used an offset run of multiple extension cords from the temporary power installation or brought our portable welder along to provide power for the hoist. Sometimes we had to string cable across a distance of several hundred feet and live with the resultant voltage drop. Even though there were obvious dangers, there were also some important advantages for me. Using this pump hoist is how I learned the ins and outs of electrical wiring, voltage drop, and other electrical theory, as well as how to get creative in hooking up and running power to our pump hoist.

In addition to the normal pump circuits, I connected to dryer circuits; air conditioning, heat pump, and furnace circuits; welder circuits in shops; and other sources of 230 volts. On a wet day (a wet day in Oregon, really?), mind you, this procedure resulted in some fairly exciting times as I often received a slight tingle, a little zap, or an outright electrical shock from using this system—so life was always interesting. The required power supply for the hoist was only one aspect of this machine as there was only one speed and one speed only to this hoist. There was no creeping the set up or down or the ability to slowly lower the well seal onto the top of the well casing. If you didn’t have everything in place when you lowered the pump, you were often in trouble and would often pinch the submersible cable insulation between the well casing and well seal. But what about the brake, you ask. Although the friction between the gears in the gear reducer was generally enough to hold a light load of pump, pipe, and cable of 100 feet or so, it could not keep a heavier load from sliding down the well without some form of brake. In our case, our machine was equipped with a small spring-loaded shoe brake located on the back of the electric motor that was set with a small lever. This brake depended totally upon friction to secure the motor, and subsequently the gear drive and winch, from spinning. It worked well enough up to a set of 300 feet or so. Unfortunately, it would often either disengage on a deep set, or worse yet, get wet. That is when the real fun would start! More than once, the entire installation started to pick up speed as it fell down the well and I had to dive into the back of the truck to reset the brake. Fortunately, we never lost an installation down the hole even though there were a few close calls. Even with all of the limitations of the pump hoist, we were pleased that the truck it was mounted on was a firstclass and modern vehicle. The hoist was mounted on an old, and I do mean old, General Motors 1.5-ton, two-wheel drive truck from the early 1950s equipped with a four-speed “Hydramatic” transmission and a really oldNGWA.org

fashioned 6-volt electrical system that used a positive ground no less! This rig was also equipped with a full-size service body that had at least 10 of every size and type of pipe fitting, nipple, and valve imaginable kept on it, so it weighed a ton (actually, it weighed a helluva lot more than a ton, but you get my drift). Given the fact that this was a two-wheel drive rig only and weighed around 10 gazillion pounds, it got stuck in just about everything our state could throw at it—clay, sand, mud, asphalt. I actually had to carry several of the old military style landing mats in case it got stuck on a gravel road shoulder in the summer. Oh, did I neglect to mention the hydraulic system ran off a hydraulic pump powered by a 6-volt DC motor from the truck’s electrical system? No modern type of power-take-off assembly for us, we used an antique DC motor with brushes I had to adjust and clean every day and replace approximately once a month. I won’t go into any more detail regarding the truck, but suffice to say we spent a lot of time learning about the

service intricacies of vintage General Motors vehicles. In 1976, I moved on and got to work with Smeal and Semco hoists for the remainder of my field days. The difference was so pronounced I thought I had died and gone to heaven.

Special Place in the Heart Now, with all of the “beefing” I just did, you would think I was happy that I no longer worked in the field and had to deal with all of these issues, right? Actually, nothing could be further from the truth. I miss the daily field work and all that came with it. I really do. Nothing gave me more pleasure than the opportunity to work alongside a trusted and valued friend day after day, someone who could after a short time of working together easily sense and hand me the tool I needed to perform a certain task without me having to even open my mouth. I even liked the different weather we had to work in (most of the time): the snow, the heat, and the seemingly constant rain. I miss the after-work bull sessions with beer and nachos at a nearby restau-

rant and the anticipation of waiting to see who could lie about and top their day more than the others. I miss the people, many who are now gone, most of all. Those people—people like Butch, Loyd, Rich, and Carl—will individually and collectively always occupy a special place in my heart and memories. I hope wherever they are today they feel somewhat the same about me. We worked hard and accomplished some great things and I would give almost anything to be able to go back and do them again. So, what is my message to those who are under 30? Only this. Each of you needs to appreciate and savor the time in your life you are now in. The daily work, the comradeship and relationships you build and share with your fellow workers, and the results from the work that only the energy and ambition of youth can provide for you will all be gone and only a memory to an old and broken-down man or woman before you know it—just like it is for me now. Enjoy it, kid. Until next month, work safe and smart. WWJ

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This newly designed Powers Well Sounder is a transistorized instrument built to easily and accurately test the static or standing water level in a well with the pump idle, drawdown with the pump running, and recovery with the pump off. Unit does not have to be laboriously held in one hand to lower and raise the cable in and out of the well as required by most open reel models. New features include Hot Foil Marking System with Cable Permanently Imprinted with a 4 digit sequential number, marked in 1 foot or 500 millimeter increments. On/Off toggle switch, audible beeper and test switch. The unit is portable, self-contained, and trouble-free. Any length of twoconductor cable is available to 2000 feet maximum. Heavy-gauge metal case with high gloss enamel finish. Inexpensive flexible brass beaded electrode. Prompt shipment from stock on all orders, including replacement parts and repairs. Assurance of quality and satisfaction guaranteed. Brochure and Price List available upon request.

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Circle card no. 41

Water Well Journal February 2011 57/

By Ron Slee

Dollar Time How about we unleash some fun improvements? am a true believer in the power of your employees. Typically, they know more about what is going on with our customers than we do. They have more contact with our customers than we do, and they often know more about our operational methods, processes, and systems. And if you reflect on that, really they should, shouldn’t they? So how about we release all that intellectual capital and have some fun in the process? There is an exercise I use in my Insight Institute business that I call “Dollar Time.” It started in the onhighway truck market back in the 1960s when a group of 20 dealers of a common brand would get together two to three times a year and share experiences and business practices in order for everyone to improve their performance. In a manner, it was all about best practices. The participants would also share financial information so that they could compare results and the practices that achieved those results. In our approach now, we have groups with a maximum of 12 members, but still do similar things. The difference, though, is that rather than simply facilitating the meetings, we act as a group consultant with the members as well. It’s been quite successful for everyone.

Ron Slee is the founder of R.J. Slee & Associates in Rancho Mirage, California, a consulting firm that specializes in dealership operations. He also operates Quest Learning Centers, which provides training services specializing in product support, and Insight (M&R) Institute, which operates “Dealer Twenty” Groups. He can be reached at ron@rjslee.com.

58/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

Get the Details

You want this to be a team-building exercise and have it unleash the creative thoughts of your employees.

Dollar Time is a staple of each meeting. Each member presents to the group, in a formal manner, an idea that will generate additional sales or reduce costs in some significant way. In the early days of Dollar Time, you could come up with some serious improvements, perhaps more than $250,000 in additional profits on an annual basis.

Your Own Dollar Time How about you start a Dollar Time routine with your operational personnel? Call it what you want; the name doesn’t matter. You just want something that people will enjoy. Suggest that everyone kick in $5 of their own money and that you will match the pot as the manager or leader. Each employee must then come up with an idea and create a presentation on it. Hold a meeting and give everyone time to make their five-minute presentation to the group. The group will vote on which idea was the best and the winner gets the cash. That doesn’t sound too complicated, does it? And boy, does it ever work.

Okay, let’s get into more details. The ideas are a modified form of a suggestion box, aren’t they? Well, suggestion boxes work too. Typically they have failed as a result of management losing interest in them and not acting on any suggestions. The same thing can happen here. If you don’t view this as a serious enterprise, neither will the employees. You want this to be a team-building exercise and have it unleash the creative thoughts of your employees. Remember what we said earlier, they know more about your business than you do. Make sure you take the winning idea and implement it. Work with the individual who had the idea and have them go about putting their change into practice in your business. Help them get it done and monitor the results so that you can report back to the employees about the changed performance. Make it a big deal.

Start It Up I would suggest to you that you start with this exercise once a quarter, and if there is enough interest and good ideas, then move it to every other month or even monthly. Why stop the process if they keep coming up with good ideas? You will be amazed at the results. Fundamentally, everyone working can do a better job than they currently do. That is common sense, although that’s not always common. And everyone can do more than they think they can, but everyone is fundamentally lazy too. So if everyone can do better and they have more capability and capacity than NGWA.org

they think they do, how do we get those results out of them? I believe it is by creating a fun, friendly, and safe environment and having happy, upbeat employees. In other words, it’s about leadership and setting good examples. So get on with it. Have a short meeting with the employees and introduce the concept of “Dollar Time” or call it what you will. Have an open discussion and kick it off. Make it a big deal. Bring in a pizza for the presentations. And remember this is for all employees: clerks, sales people, warehousing, technicians, the boss—everyone. February is normally a slower month as people are paying off their Christmas bills and the weather in most of the country is less than exciting. It’s the perfect time for you. Try it. I’m sure you will love it. And drop me a line and perhaps I can put some of the ideas up on my Web site for people to review. Helping each other succeed in their efforts is not a bad thing. And while you’re at it, check out my Web site at www.rjslee.com. There are lots of helpful tidbits for you there as well.Good luck. WWJ

New England Water Well Association

Spring Expo March 25 –26, 2011 Central Massachusetts Expo Center Marriott Courtyard 多 Fitchburg, MA

REGISTER ONLINE! www.NEWWASSOCIATION.org New England Water Well Association c/o CC Meeting & Event Management Services 7 Bailey Lane, Brewster, NY 10509 Phone: 845-278-0437 Fax: 845-278-1899

NEWWEXPO@gmail.com Circle card no. 39

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Show your customers that you are the best in your profession—with NGWA certification. NGWA certification shows consumers you have the knowledge, skills, and competency to get the job done, and done right. To find out how you can stand out from the competition by becoming an NGWA Certified Well Driller and/or Pump Installer, visit www.ngwa.org or call 800 551.7379 (614 898.7791) today.

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Circle card no. 34

Water Well Journal February 2011 59/

By William J. Lynott

A World View Investing in world markets can yield impressive returns.

ou’ve probably noticed a lot of attention is being paid these days to the global economy and its influence on the American market . . . and with good reason. While many of us continue to think of the world market as being made up of third-world countries wallowing in the financial doldrums, there are some important exceptions that are grabbing the attention of American investors. While our own economy has been struggling since the 2008 meltdown, countries like Brazil, India, and China have prospered. Although these countries haven’t been entirely immune to the global downturn, their growth rates have resulted in some attractive opportunities for investors who are able to free themselves from the notion that the U.S. economy is the only sensible repository for our hard-earned cash. Many financial professionals are now saying that some of the best returns and fastest growth potential are coming from investments outside the United States. Moderate investing in some foreign stocks, they say, can provide healthy diversification for a portfolio weighted heavily in U.S. equities. The U.S economy grew at a rate of about 3% in 2010, while some developing economies such as Brazil, India, and China are growing at twice that rate or more.

Bill Lynott is a management consultant, author, and lecturer who writes on business and financial topics for a number of publications. His book, Money: How to Make the Most of What You’ve Got, is available through any bookstore. You can reach him at wlynott@ cs.com or through his Web site: www.blynott. com.

60/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

Going global does indeed offer some important advantages, including broader diversification. Is there a place in your portfolio for foreign equities? Global stocks may seem too exotic if you’re a conservative investor, but going global does indeed offer some important advantages, including broader diversification over multiple economies and wider geographic areas. Also, foreign stocks may offer you an opportunity to benefit from much higher rates of return than are currently available in our own economy.

Looking at Stocks So, if you decide to dip a toe in foreign investment waters, where do you start? If you’re inclined to pick individual companies for your foreign investments, you need to know about American Depository Receipts, a system that facilitates investments in foreign stocks by U.S. investors. Here’s how ADRs work. A U.S. bank buys a large block of stock in a foreign company and bundles the shares for reissue on American stock exchanges. The stock trades in U.S. dollars on American stock exchanges just as U.S. stocks do, so you don’t have to bother with currency conversions to buy or sell them. There are some behind-the-scenes currency calculations involved in pricing the stock, but they are transparent to traders. The price floats on supply and demand and normally will follow the

price of shares on the stock’s home country exchange. This is not always precisely true since the U.S. price and the price on the native exchange will sometimes differ a bit. However, this is normally not a problem for U.S. traders. The first ADR was introduced by J.P. Morgan more than 80 years ago for the British retailer Selfridges & Co. Today, there are four major commercial banks that provide depositary bank services: J.P. Morgan, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, and the Bank of New York Mellon. It’s also possible to invest directly in foreign markets by purchasing shares on that country’s stock exchanges. However, direct buying of stocks outside of your home country can be a dauntingly complex process. Your broker will need to contact an affiliate firm located in the country in which you want to buy equities. Even if the foreign firm provides such a service, it may not have access to the specific shares you want to buy. In such a case, if you’re really persistent, you could try to set up a brokerage account directly with a firm in the country involved. For most investors, this isn’t practical.

A Fund Approach If you’re interested in participating in global markets, you have far simpler ways to go about it than either ADRs or direct foreign purchases. These would be mutual funds and exchange traded funds. Global mutual funds from American companies offer the same advantages as their domestic funds. The major fund families such as Vanguard, Fidelity, and others offer funds that invest primarily in foreign companies, but they also buy shares in U.S. companies. NGWA.org

They also offer regional and country funds that limit their investments to particular geographic areas such as Asia and Europe or to individual countries such as Brazil or Russia. Most also offer foreign index funds which simply track international indexes in the same way as our index funds track U.S. indexes. Exchange traded funds, or ETFs, are skyrocketing in popularity these days and they offer some of the same choices as mutual funds. ETFs are less expensive than mutual funds and they trade like stocks in that they experience price changes throughout the day, depending on demand. Because they trade like stocks, ETFs do not have their net asset value calculated at the end of each day as mutual funds do. Thus, when you buy or sell an ETF, you don’t have to wait until the following day to learn the price of the transaction. When you buy or sell an ETF, you pay the same commission to your broker that you would pay on any regular order.

Know Your Risk Of course, investing in global stocks carries all of the same risks as investing in domestic equities, plus a few of their own. Political unrest is a problem in many countries these days and that can have a devastating effect on the economy. Also, out-of-control inflation is, or can be, a problem facing some emerging markets. For these reasons, I feel that foreign investments should be no more than 10% of your portfolio, and less if you are of a conservative bent. WWJ Circle card no. 48

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Circle card no. 16

NGWA.org

Water Well Journal February 2011 61/

By Michelle Nichols

Keeping the Chorus in Tune If different departments or people are pushing different messages, customer confusion will result. Here’s how to build harmonious teams.

hen I visited Disneyland in California a few years back, the “It’s a Small World” ride featuring “audio-animatronic” figures representing various countries around the world gave me an idea for how to sell better. A tour guide told me Walt Disney’s original plan for the ride was for each figure to each sing its country’s respective national anthem. Then Disney realized the resulting clashes of the melodies and tempos of each song would create a jumble of sounds for the passenger on the ride. This made me wonder. Is it possible that your prospective customers hear conflicting messages when you’re selling, creating a similar disharmony? For example, if your advertising promises your outfit’s primary benefit is “low prices,” then your sales pitch brags about your “terrific service,” and your customer service literature extols your “fast response time,” your customers may flee from the inconsistency and lack of credibility of your message. They will probably spend their money in places where they can understand the value of the product or service and hear consistent selling messages. This fractured situation can happen when a company operates with a silo mentality—where communication across the staff is the exception rather than the rule, and each person or depart-

Michelle Nichols is a professional sales speaker, trainer, and consultant based in Reno, Nevada. Her Savvy Selling Success Pack is available through NGWA. She can be reached toll-free at (877) 352-9684 or at michelle.nichols@savvyselling.com.

62/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

ment acts on its own without conveying a consistent message to the customer.

Beware of Silo Creep After Walt Disney gave his ride’s design some more thought, he decided to play the same unique melody throughout, but have the figures each sing in their country’s native language. That way, the tune would be consistent but at the same time it would keep the international flavor he intended to convey. It was a brilliant solution! Likewise, if you find your customers are experiencing various selling messages during the buying process, carefully choose one or two primary benefits that your customers desperately want and you are uniquely suited to provide. Then make sure that at every step along the selling process those benefits are “sold” and implemented. Be wary of the silo effect creeping into your business’ sales process. Take this cautionary story from a salesman I know. The salesman’s company usually mailed a report and a bill for their services to one of its major customers every month. Then, for whatever mysterious reason, the accounting department simply stopped billing this client. When the accountants realized their mistake, they sent one huge report and a single bill for the previous six months. Due to their silo mentality, they didn’t bother to mention to the salesman what it is they had done. The first time the salesman heard about the mistake was when the angry customer called him to complain.

Big-Picture Problems What’s worse, the salesman had just delivered a bid for the upcoming year’s business to this customer. The large, late bill coming right after a request for another year of service pushed the customer to put the order out to bid—and another vendor got the job. As a result, the salesman lost a long-standing, good customer because the accounting department didn’t think it needed to tell the salesman about their mistake. Ouch. Of course, there are plenty of stories where a salesperson didn’t communicate well with their accounting or other departments and it caused lost business, too. The effect is the same. A silo culture drives away customers. While it’s easy to cast blame for silos, it’s much faster to take the burden on yourself to fix or improve the situation. Here are a few suggestions.

Stay in Touch Make a map of those in your company who have any possible effect on or connection to your customers. Then talk to everyone on that map. Trade cell phone numbers and maybe even home phone numbers, so if either of you should ever get a call from one of your customers or have a question about any aspect of an account, you can contact each other easily.

Know Your People Learn a few key facts about each of the people on your map, too. You never know what connections or nuggets of information your co-workers have that no one has ever mined before. It’s possible to leverage your co-workers to win NGWA.org

some new customers as well as keep your current ones.

Build Connections If you’re at a large firm and part of a sales staff, consider hosting a “The Sales Department Appreciates You” event and invite everyone at your business. This can build great connections between you and the other departments. Who knows? Maybe you’ll uncover some connections that could turn into new prospects or avoid having unhappy customers.

Share Your Plans Before you begin going after a big new project, customer, or territory, confidentially share your plans with those who will be most affected. Ask for their suggestions and see if they have any concerns you might not have thought of. The creation of that multilingual Disney ride required some careful planning. Likewise, take the time to ensure a pleasant trip for your customers as you take them through your sales process. You will sell more and have happier customers too. Happy selling! WWJ

Circle card no. 13

Be Safe—Not Bored Drilling can be dangerous! But it doesn’t have to be—if you practice good safety. And learning how to practice good safety doesn’t have to be boring. In this easy-to-watch—dare easy-to-watch—dare we say fun?—30-minute fun?—30-minute DVD, you’ll learn about potential drilling hazards and how to avoid them. From slips, trips, and falls to materials handling, machine guarding, and electrocution, electrocution, from site assessment, rig setup, and blocking and leveling to machine controls labeling and teardown, Drill Safe, Drill Smart covers it all. Whether you’re an old hand or new to the industry, you are sure to gain valuable insights from this new video from Training Without Borders, produced in cooperation cooperation with NGWA and Safety Videos Now. To order your copy of Drill Safe, Drill Smart, visit the NGWA bookstore at www.ngwa.org or call 800 551.7379 (614 898.7791 outside the United States). Drill Safe, Drill Smart Catalog #V955

NGWA member price $115 Nonmember price $135

NGWA.org

Circle card no. 32

Water Well Journal February 2011 63/

COMING

EVENTS

February 2/ Complying with the U.S. EPA’s Ground Water Rule Webinar/ PH: (800) 551-7379, Fax: (614) 898-7786, E-mail: customerservice@ngwa.org, Web: www.ngwa.org February 2–4/ Low-Cost Remediation Strategies for Contaminated Soil and Groundwater/ Denver, Colorado. PH: (800) 551-7379, Fax: (614) 898-7786, E-mail: customerservice@ngwa.org, Web: www.ngwa.org February 7–11/ The Groundwater Pollution and Hydrology Course/ Orlando, Florida. Web: www.princeton-ground water.com/course-calendar.htm February 16/ The Life Cycle of Groundwater Data—From Field to Lab to Electronic Data Deliverable to Report Webinar/ PH: (800) 551-7379, Fax: (614) 898-7786, E-mail: customerservice@ ngwa.org, Web: www.ngwa.org February 16–17/ Nebraska Well Drillers Association Annual Convention/ Lincoln, Nebraska. PH: (402) 476-0162, E-mail: jason@h2oboy.net February 16–18/ Virginia Water Well Association Winter Conference and Trade Show/ Richmond, Virginia. PH: (540) 740-3329, Web: www.vawater wellassociation.org February 28–March 1/ 14th Annual Ground Water Industry Legislative Conference: NGWA Washington Fly-in/ Washington, D.C. PH: (800) 551-7379, Fax: (614) 898-7786, E-mail: customer service@ngwa.org, Web: www.ngwa.org March 3–4/ Kentucky Ground Water Association Convention and Trade Show/ Louisville, Kentucky. PH: (270) 251-3004 March 4–5/ Oregon Ground Water Association Spring Technical Seminar/ Silverton, Oregon. PH: (503) 390-7080, Fax: (503) 390-7088, E-mail: nancy@ ogwa.org March 6–12/ National Ground Water Awareness Week/ PH: (800) 551-7379, Fax: (614) 898-7786, E-mail: customer service@ngwa.org, Web: www.ngwa.org March 8–11/ WQA Aquatech USA/ San Antonio, Texas. Web: https://s36.a2 zinc.net/clients/wqa/wqa11/public/enter .aspx

Circle card no. 42

64/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

March 11/ South Carolina Ground Water Association Spring Meeting and Trade Show/ Columbia, South Carolina. Web: www.scgwa.org/pages/events/calendar.html

March 11/ Vermont Ground Water Association/ Location TBA. PH: (802) 274-4276 March 14–15/ Michigan Ground Water Association Convention/ Battle Creek, Michigan. Web: www.michiganground water.com/mgwaconventionforms.pdf March 20–23/ South Dakota Well Drillers Association-North Dakota Well Drillers Association 2011 Convention/ Deadwood, South Dakota. PH: (605) 7346631, E-mail: hutdrill@ll.net March 22/ World Water Day/ Web: www.unwater.org/worldwaterday March 24–26/ Tennessee Water Well Association Annual Meeting and Trade Show/ Location TBA. PH: (615) 597-1475 March 25/ Washington State Ground Water Association Driller and Pump Installer CEU Seminar/ Tacoma, Washington. Web: www.wsgwa.org/education.asp March 25–26/ New England Water Well Expo/ Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Web: www.newwassociation.org March 26/ Washington State Ground Water Association Driller and Pump Installer CEU Seminar/ Kelso, Washington. Web: www.wsgwa.org/education.asp April 1/ Washington State Ground Water Association Driller and Pump Installer CEU Seminar/ Pasco, Washington. Web: www.wsgwa.org/education.asp April 2/ Washington State Ground Water Association Driller and Pump Installer CEU Seminar/ Spokane, Washington. Web: www.wsgwa.org/education.asp May 1–5/ 2011 NGWA Ground Water Summit and 2011 Ground Water Protection Council Spring Meeting/ Baltimore, Maryland. PH: (800) 551-7379, Fax: (614) 898-7786, E-mail: customerservice @ngwa.org, Web: www.ngwa.org May 5–6/ Determining the Best Bioremediation Approach for Sites Contaminated with Chlorinated Solvents/ Baltimore, Maryland. PH: (800) 551-7379, Fax: (614) 898-7786, E-mail: customerservice @ngwa.org, Web: www.ngwa.org May 5–7/ 2011 Florida Ground Water Association Annual Convention and Trade Show/ Orlando, Florida. Web: www.fgwa.org/conference.cfm *Dates shown in red are National Ground Water Association events.

NGWA.org

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See Our Classified Ad on Page 77.

NEWSMAKERS AWARDS/ Ray Roussy, president of the contracting company Sonic Drilling Ltd. and the U.S.-based Sonic Drill Corp., received a $10,000 Innovation Award from the Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation for developing one of the fastest drilling systems in the world. The mechanical engineer from Surrey, British Columbia, is a member of the National Ground Water Association and developed sonic Ray Roussy drilling technology nearly three decades ago. The technology is in use on six continents and gaining worldwide recognition, especially as an environmentally friendly alternative. Roussy’s sonic drill is commonly used to quickly install geothermal energy loops, provide continuous core samples for environmental investigations, and explore possible mineral deposits. Hach Co., a developer of solutions used to test the quality of water, other aqueous solutions, and air, announced the city of Hutchinson, Minnesota, is the recipient of the Fan Favorite prize of $20,000 in Hach equipment. The prize was awarded as part of Hach’s “See the Big Picture” contest designed to help municipal wastewater plants see what they are missing by infrequent monitoring. More information can be found at www.hach.com/bigpicture.

Employees from the city of Hutchinson, Minnesota, which was the recipient of the Fan Favorite prize of $20,000 in Hach equipment.

CertainTeed Corp., a building materials manufacturer for more than 100 years that is headquartered in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, was honored with 66/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

a 2010 Communitas Award for Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility from the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals. The award recognizes the company’s sustainable business practices and overarching commitment to environmental stewardship. Flowserve, a provider of flow control products and services for the global infrastructure markets, announced it has been named a 2010 Flow Control Innovation Awards winner by Flow Control magazine. The ISC2 Series Cartridge Mechanical Seal was honored in the containment award category. The Flow Control Innovation Awards program is an annual competition designed to honor the year’s most innovative fluid handling technologies. The Mesa Consolidated Water District in Costa Mesa, California, celebrated its 50th anniversary on October 13 with an event attended by U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, land developer Henry Segerstrom, Costa Mesa mayor Allan Mansoor, and more than 80 community leaders. All were on hand to commemorate Mesa Water’s role in the region’s development and its plans for getting closer to 100% reliant on local water supplies by 2012. The district can currently meet 92% of its demand with local water supplies. BUSINESS GROWTH/ Layne Christensen Co., a provider of products and services for the water, mineral, construction, and energy markets that is based in Mission Woods, Kansas, announced the acquisition of Dallas, Texas-based Bencor Corp. of America—Foundation Specialist. Founded in 1969, Bencor is one of North America’s leading contractors in foundation and underground engineering. Pentair Inc., a global water products and systems provider headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, announced an agreement to acquire Hidro Filtros do Brasil, a manufacturer of water filters and filtering elements for residential and industrial applications operating in Brazil and neighboring countries. Hidro

Filtros will operate under the brand name “Pentair Hidro Filtros” and will be positioned within Pentair Residential Filtration, a division of Pentair. NEWS ON THE WEB/ Grundfos Pumps Corp. announced the launch of its corporate Facebook Fan page. The Grundfos Facebook page will provide its partners with news and information about Grundfos, including features on the company’s sustainability initiatives, product launches, trade shows, special events, and community activities. To view and become a fan of the Grundfos Pumps USA Facebook Fan page, visit www.facebook.com/ GrundfosPumpsUSA. GEFCO (George E. Failing Co.), a global designer and manufacturer of portable drilling rigs and related equipment for the water well, environmental, groundwater monitoring, and other industries that is headquartered in Enid, Oklahoma, has launched a company blog located at http://gefcodrillingrigs .blogspot.com. Pump-Flo Solutions (an Engineered Software Business), a provider of software solutions to the pump and fluid handling industry, announced that MetPro Global Pump Solutions has awarded Pump-Flo Solutions a contract for its Epump-Flo Web-based selection software for its Sethco product line. Under terms of the agreement, the Sethco Division will license the full featured Epump-Flo software, including a hosted online pump selection solution and lead generation and management tools. CertainTeed Corp., a building materials manufacturer for more than 100 years, has launched a company-branded Quick Response (QR) code mobile smartphone app to help simplify how architects, contractors, distributors, and consumers get information about the company’s products. The free QR Reader for the iPhone, Blackberry, and Droid is available at the iPhone App Store, Droid Market, and Blackberry App World, or by visiting www.certain teed.com/qr.

NGWA.org

FEATURED Solinst Offers Groundwater Sampler and Well Development Pump

cross-well contamination. The Model 404 also is a well development tool when used with a surge block. Surge blocks create strong agitation, which helps to remove silt and fine sand during well development. Also available from Solinst are Model 860 disposable filters that can be used along with the Waterra Pump to prepare groundwater samples for dissolved metals analysis and for filtering large volumes of turbid groundwater. Circle card no. 60

The Model 404 Waterra Pump from Solinst is an inertial pump that provides a sampling option for groundwater monitoring. Available in a range of sizes, the pump consists of a riser tube fitted with a one-way foot valve. It can be operated manually for shallow depths or using a surface pumping mechanism for higher flow rates and greater volumes. The low cost of a foot valve and length of polyethylene tubing makes the Waterra Pump ideal for dedicated use, avoiding

Schneider Electric Enhances Vijeo Citect V7.20 SCADA Software Schneider Electric announced Vijeo Citect V7.20 SCADA software, the latest version of its integrated industrial automation and control solution, increasing overall performance of control systems through improvements in operating systems technologies and native integration of real-time video to en-

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hance security features. Vijeo Citect V7.20 software provides a more holistic view of processes through the addition of support for the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system. Providing a control system that supports the latest Microsoft operating systems, the software enables users to take advantage of the technology and security improvements these operating systems offer both now and into the future. Additional security enhancements, such as server authentication, have been introduced in order to provide an extra layer of protection to

GeoVISION Borehole Cameras TM

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Some features of the GeoVISIONTM Deluxe System: ● Excellent video from places that no other systems will work. ● Five cable lengths for video inspection to 2000 feet underwater. ● Six interchangeable camera heads for use in bores from 1 inch to many feet in diameter. ● Motorized pan-tilt for use in mines and wells over 4 inches in diameter. Dual Scan micro camera for easy switching between down and side views All GeoVISIONTM systems come with excellent support, practical advice, and repair service.

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Water Well Journal February 2011 67/

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PRODUCTS

networked control systems. The software can also help companies better meet their growing surveillance and remote monitoring requirements by adding the ability to closely monitor critical processes, high-value equipment, and strategic production materials through the integration of live video feed from Pelco cameras. Circle card no. 61

Hydroflo Zero Lead Pump features stainless steel impellers and hardware, cast-iron lined bowls and Vesconite bearings, a specialized thermoplastic composed of internally lubricated polymers. Impellers are offered in 201, 304, and 316 stainless steel. The Hydroflo product line ranges from vertical and submersible turbines to zero lead and drainage pumps. Circle card no. 63

Onset Announces Protective Housing for Underwater Data Loggers

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Onset, a global supplier of data loggers, announced a housing designed to simplify mounting of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HOBO water level and conductivity data loggers in streams, lakes, estuaries, and oceans. The U2X housing provides protection from the elements for Onset data loggers, enabling users to deploy them in harsh underwater environments. Users can also quickly remove the data logger from the housing for data offload and cleaning. The U2X housing includes six zip ties and mounting recommendations. Circle card no. 62

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Hydroflo Pumps Unveils Zero Lead Pump Hydroflo Pumps USA Inc., a manufacturer of turbines, pumps, and specialty products for numerous industries since 1998, announced the addition of a Zero Lead Pump to its line of turbines, pumps, and specialty products. The Zero Lead Pump meets and exceeds regulations of the Safe Drinking Water Act, including the most stringent laws in the states of California and Vermont. The standard

Ridgid Expands Diagnostic Equipment Line

Ridgid, a manufacturer of tools and equipment for the professional trades with its products used in more than 140 countries, has expanded its existing diagnostic line with the addition of three hand-held diagnostic tools: the Ridgid micro LM-100 laser distance meter, the Ridgid micro CD-100 combustible gas detector, and the Ridgid micro IR-100 non-contact infrared thermometer. The micro LM-100 laser distance meter provides simple and accurate distance readings up to 164 feet. The micro CD-100 combustible gas detector provides readings to quickly identify the presence of combustible gases, and is designed to detect methane, propane, butane, ethanol, ammonia, hydrogen, and other combustible gases. The micro IR-100 non-contact infrared thermometer provides surface temperature readings by squeezing the trigger and pointing the ultra-sharp dual class II lasers to spotlight the surface being measured on a backlit LCD display. Circle card no. 64

Solinst Tag Line for Well Construction and Suspension System Improves Sampling The Solinst Tag Line provides a method to measure the depth of a back-

Circle card no. 29

68/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

NGWA.org

FEATURED fill sand or bentonite layer during the completion of a well and to measure depth to the bottom of a well. The Tag Line uses a weight attached to a polyethylene-coated stainless steel wire line in lengths up to 1000 feet mounted on a sturdy freestanding reel. Cable markings are accurately laser etched every half foot. The 316 stainless steel tag weight comes in two sizes, standard ¾-inch diameter and narrow ½-inch. The weights can be clipped on and off the cable. This allows the reel-mounted marked cable to be used as a support to accurately lower bailers, pumps, or other sampling devices to specific depths in a well. Marking accuracy improves sampling efforts and the wire line provides a safe suspension system that is easy to deploy and retrieve. Circle card no. 65

Pneumatic Saws Include New Safety Features

PRODUCTS

6-inch clearance beyond the pipe to accommodate blade movement. Saw It cuts up to 20-inch-diameter pipe with a single setup or cuts larger diameter pipe with optional chain extensions and several clampings. Circle card no. 66

Ergodyne Introduces Flexible Warming Vest Reed Manufacturing Co. announced the addition of two models to the Saw It line. SAWITSD and SAWITD pneumatic saws feature immediate shutdown when throttle is released and immediate startup with throttle squeeze. On the SAWITSD version, a trigger lock prevents accidental “on” if the trigger is bumped or pressed unintentionally. Saw It is a cutting tool that can be used for hard-to-reach places. With blade variations, it cuts plastic (even C-900 PVC), steel, and stainless steel with minimal

Ergodyne announced the addition of the N-Ferno 6900 warming vest with NobleTek insulation. This argoninsulated vest provides warmth, comfort, and flexibility without the added bulk of natural or synthetic fiber. Ergodyne's N-Ferno 6900 vest employs a breakthrough warming system. Instead of trapping dead air in thick cells, the 6900

Baltimore, Maryland May 1-5

2011 NGWA Ground Water Summit and 2011 Ground Water Protection Council Spring Meeting Meeting Groundwater Challenges in Uncertain Times

Gain insight on how current economic conditions—which are placing enormous stresses on governments, private industry, and academic and research institutions—are affecting our ability to respond to the challenges of understanding, protecting, restoring, and managing the complexities of groundwater resources at this conference that focuses on the critical need for cooperation and collaboration to raise and address these issues. Along with dozens of other presentations, posters, and sessions are those on business management and development opportunities for the groundwater consulting community, including the use of ConsensusDOCS, and groundwater economics. For all of the details on this event, as well as to register to attend, visit www.ngwa.org or call 800 551.7379 (614 898.7791 outside the United States). NGWA.org

Circle card no. 37

Water Well Journal February 2011 69/

FEATURED

PRODUCTS

uses flexible and airtight, yet breathable, chambers filled with argon gas. The 6900’s 4½-millimeter layer of argon has the same thermal conductivity as 14 millimeters of the best synthetic or natural fibers currently on the market. Circle card no. 67

Geo-Air Industries Presents New Line of Geothermal Spacers

advantage resides mainly in its capacity to receive a tremie pipe at any time during or after loop installation. The EZ-Snaps equally permits the temporary tremie pipe removal and its subsequent reinsertion (when faced with an important fracture needing to be sealed). The EZ-Snaps was developed for use in geothermic systems using closed loop heat exchangers (GHX). More particularly, EZ-Snaps is used to maintain the GHX pipes as close as possible to the borehole wall in which the exchanger is placed. This increases the energy performance of the said GHX, reduces its length, and increases geothermal borehole installation productivity. Circle card no. 68

Geo-Air Industries Inc. announces its new line of geothermal spacers: the Omega EZ-Snaps. Designed to optimize borehole energy performance, EZ-Snaps simplify and accelerate installation. Its

Iron Bacteria?

Peristaltic Pump Dispenser from Clark Solutions Is Unique Solution to Lab Applications Clark Solutions announced the introduction of a hand-held pump dispenser for reagents and other liquid media. The

Boxer Unoverse 9100 peristaltic pump dispenser is a fully programmable pump dispenser designed to transfer precise amounts of reagent directly from your reservoir to your application. The 9100 pump dispenser features a tube change design, and the dispenser can also be wall-mounted. Volumes can be calibrated to match two different tube sizes and the display can be adjusted to show the desired working range in either microliters or milliliters. Boxer Unoverse 9100 dispenser features controls that allow users to dispense or aspirate any volume with high precision and accuracy. Circle card no. 69

Rusty Water?

What’s YOUR W h a tWater ’s Y O U R PProblem? ro b l e m ? Manganese?

Hydrogen Sulfur?

B&B Chlorination Can Help! Let us show you how our Dry Pellet Chlorinators can treat these and other nuisance well water problems. Give us a call, or visit us online at www.bbchlor.com.

645-0081 Phone: (800) 331-4808

Fax: (336) 286-0832 Circle card no. 4

70/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

Circle card no. 40

NGWA.org

TAKING Summit Drilling Receives Compact Roto-Sonic Rig from USExploration Equipment

Summit Drilling Co. of Bridgewater, New Jersey, took delivery of its first S-27CRS-T All-Terrain (rubber track) mounted Compact Roto-Sonic rig from USExploration Equipment Co. of Indianapolis, Indiana. Summit Drilling will install 2-inch and 4-inch monitoring wells through 6-inch and 8-inch casing while also collecting representative (sediment) samples with the one-of-akind AquaLock sampling system. The drill rig was presented at the Summit Drilling open house in the fall of 2010. The company moved into its new facility in Bridgewater, which is located in central New Jersey, and had 61 attendees enjoy lunch in addition to a health and safety meeting and two demonstrations: one on Summit Drilling’s new injection services and the other on drilling with a sonic rig. The 21,000-square-foot facility features a geothermal system that reduces the company’s carbon footprint and monthly energy costs.

DELIVERY

Ziegenfuss Drilling Chooses Foremost Industries

Stillwater Purchases from Higgins Rig

Foremost Industries delivered a 2010 DR24 in the summer of 2010 to Ziegenfuss Drilling of Ringoes, New Jersey. It was built with a reinforced mast to accommodate the heavy pullback option of 84,000 pounds. A pusher, or lift axle, was added to the Kenworth carrier to meet regulations of the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Higgins Rig Co. sold this 1977 Bucyrus Erie 22W to Dennis Adler of Stillwater LLC located in Pasco, Washington. The rig is mounted on a 1990 GMC. Just made a deal that you’d like to see in print? Mail photos and a brief description to Water Well Journal, Mike Price, 601 Dempsey Rd., Westerville, OH 43081, or e-mail mprice@ngwa.org.

Ready? Set? Go — Geo! Go Geothermal ● ● ● ●

Center pivot Rotate 360° Track undercarriage Drills and installs 6 loops without moving

Higgins Rig Sells to Harker’s Plumbing

Celebrating 130 years of excellence 1879 –2009 This 1988 Semco 6000 was purchased from Higgins Rig Co. by Seth Harker of Harker’s Plumbing located in Mountain Grove, Missouri. The rig is mounted on a 1988 Ford F350 4-by-4. Higgins Rig Co. is located in Hodgenville, Kentucky. NGWA.org

GP 900 GEO-SWING

Gus Pech Mfg. Co., Inc. 1480 Lincoln St. SW P.O. Box 96 LeMars, Iowa 51031-0096

Phone: (800) 383-7324 Fax: (712) 546-8945 www.guspech.com

Circle card no. 21

Water Well Journal February 2011 71/

Classified Advertising/Marketplace 15 Bits Palmer Bit Company has been recognized worldwide for providing the highest quality bits to the drilling industry for over 50 years. We manufacture bits for drilling everything from clays to limestone. With our experience we can help lower your bit cost, with the proper bit selection for your drilling conditions. We are available 24/7 to assist you with any questions you may have.

Bits, subs, stabilizers, hole openers, etc. Over 10,000 bits in stock.

R L C Bit Service Inc.

Call 800-421-2487 Satisfaction Guaranteed www.palmerbit.com

8643 Bennett Rd. P.O. Box 714 Benton, IL 62812 www.rlcbit.com Ph: (618) 435-5000 Cell: (618) 927-2676 Cell: (618) 927-5586 Fax: (618) 438-0026

3 Appraisals

MC/VISA accepted

Jason Corn E-mail: rlcbit373@frontier.com

57 Direct Push Supplies

Rick Corn E-mail: rlcbit77@frontier.com

Manufacturer of Pre-Pack Screens

18 Breakout Tools

i Standard Pre-Pack When You Would Set A Traditional Well

Equipment Appraisals Nationally recognized and accredited equipment appraisals for water well drill rigs and well drilling equipment for banks, lenders, mergers, accountants, estate planning, IRS, and auctions. Experienced, knowledgeable, and recognized worldwide in the water well drilling industry. Accurate and conﬁdential appraisal reports.

BREAKOUT TOOLS

Hydrogeologist/Driller Consultant: Retired hydrogeologist/driller, experienced with drilling in fractured crumbling rock, for consulting on test wells and production wells of mineral water in California east of San Jose. Also looking for other Mg-rich aquifers in California. Call (408) 897-3023.

72/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

When Cost Is A Factor

SEMCO Inc. All Hydraulic Hydrorench S110H In Stock 1-10 Four Rollers Breaks Pipe Make Pipe to Torque Specs 800-541-1562

i 20% Open Area High Yield Pre-Pack For Use In Low Yield Wells

i All Stainless Steel Pre-Pack For Aggressive Groundwater Environments

i Non-Metal Pre-Pack When Metal Components Are Not Compatible

i Annular Seals Foam Bridges, Bentonite & Quick-Sleeves

i Multiple Sizes Available

1/2-in, 3/4-in, 1-in, 1.25-in, 1.5-in, 2-in **We Stock Geoprobe Compatible Supplies & Tooling** *Proactive Pumps Master Distributor* ®

Toll Free 1-888-240-4328 Phone: 1-609-631-8939 i Fax: 1-609-631-0993 ectmfg.com i proactivepumps.com i torquerplug.com

JOURNAL

SALVADORE AUCTIONS & APPRAISALS 401.941.7451 www.siaai.com

47 Consulting

i Economy Pre-Pack

A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION

The WWJ Buyers Guide is on its way!

The March 2011 issue of Water Well Journal will certainly be one of its most popular of the year as it features the annual buyers guide. The issue is a must if you are considering purchasing equipment or supplies as it features complete contact information of manufacturers, suppliers, and manufacturer representatives, a directory of trade names, and a complete index of products and services. Look for the issue soon!

NGWA.org

60 Down Hole Inspection Waterwell Camera Inspection Systems • Portable, Truck or Trailer mounted. • Retrofit compatible with Laval and most geophysical logging winches. • Full repair service and spare parts for CCV, Boretech, Wellcam and Laval cameras and controllers. • Forward and 360 degree side wall viewing color cameras. • Depths to 5,000 feet.

CCV Engineering & Manufacturing An Aries Industries Company

800-671-0383 • 559-291-0383 Fax: 559-291-0463 E-mail: jim.lozano@ariesccv.com On the web at www.ariesccv.com

JOURNAL

Century Geophysical Corporation 1223 S. 71st E. Ave., Tulsa, OK U.S.A. 74112 Phone (918) 838-9811 Fax (918) 838-1532 sales@century-geo.com www.century-geo.com

A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION

Classified Advertising Rates

NGWA.org

Line Classified Ads

(2 ⁄4 column—approx. 39 letters and spaces per line): $8 per line, $32 minimum (4 lines) 1

There is no discount for multiple runs.

No new equipment advertising accepted in line advertisements.

Display Classified Ads

Single column 21⁄4 inches wide OR Double column 411⁄16 inches wide (per column inch – min. depth 2 column inches): 1 month: $60 per inch 3 months: $58 per inch 6 months: $55 per inch 12 months: $49 per inch

To place a classified advertisement in Water Well Journal, please send ad text to Shelby Fleck by e-mail at sfleck@ngwa.org or fax to 614 898.7786. Upon receipt, you will be contacted and provided a quote. Thank you!

Water Well Journal February 2011 73/

71 Drilling Equipment

H i g g i n s R i g Co. DRILLS - PARTS And Everything Else For Your Drilling Operation! All Make – All Models

www.higrig.com

FREE Call - (800) 292-7447 (270) 325-3300 Fax: (270) 325-3405

Office: 2594 Stiles Ford Rd. Hodgenville, KY Shop: 1797 Bardstown Rd. Hodgenville, KY

Put your company’s message here!

MD 510 Geothermal Drill

817-927-8486 www.watsonusa.com Sales@watsonusa.com

Classified advertising is a great way to reach the water well industry. Call Shelby to make arrangements at 1-800-551-7379 ext 523.

Did you know? Water Well Journal classified advertisements appear online (at no additional cost) each month at www.ngwa.org/publication/wwj/index.aspx

Check it out!

76 Elevators J & K To o l C o m p a n y I n c .

SkyRex Water Well Elevators

2 thru 36 Also lightweight PVC elevators Now Available! “Complete Reverse Circulation Drill Strings”

Rex McFadden 7931 19th Lubbock, TX 70407

Ph (806) 791-3731 Fax (806) 791-3755

Kwik Klamps 1 & 2 (adjustable 1 –2 or 21⁄2 –4 ) NEW – Kwik Klamp 3 (for 6 PVC) Elevators for PVC well casing (sizes 1 –16 ) Heavy Duty PVC Elevators (sizes 6 –8 ) Flush Joint PVC Pipe Clamps (sizes 4 –24 ) www.jktool.com sales@jktool.com Tel 320-563-4967 Fax 320-563-8051

1 – 16 Elevators All steel with safety latch. SEMCO of Lamar 800-541-1562 Fax 719-336-2402 Credit Cards Accepted

Standard Manufacturing Largest water well pipe elevator manufacturing company in the United States.

Phone:

(936) 336-6200 (800) 337-0163 Fax: (936) 336-6212 E-Mail: StandardManufacturing @yahoo.com Web site: www.standardmfg.com

Dealers Wanted

www.rexmcfadden.com

74/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

NGWA.org

90 Equipment

80 Employment New Low Prices

The perfect solution for poor well yield is only a click way. www.wellmanager.com Use on wells yielding as little as 0.10 gpm. Turn-key collection and delivery system. Fits through 24â&#x20AC;? doors. Good money from bad wells. For more information, log-on or call 800-211-8070.

HELP WANTED: Established water well wholesale distributor is seeking highly motivated sales professionals to join our team based in our Albuquerque, New Mexico and Denver, Colorado branch locations. The successful individuals will enjoy competitive compensation, medical insurance, 401k plan, and a company vehicle. Please submit resume to: tharder@westernhydro.com. No phone calls please.

82 Engines

ÂŠ Reid Plumbing Products, LLC

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99 Geothermal Services FOR SALE: Large shop built grouter suitable for abandonment work, geothermal or cementing surface pipe, 24 T trailer, 4 pallet enclosed storage, material bed elevates to waist height, progressive cavity pump, power tremie reel, closed center hydraulics. $20,000. tsolson1@hotmail.com, (701) 238-5409.

Add a color to your display classified ad for only $49. Please call Shelby to make arrangements 1-800-551-7379 ext. 523

Didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find what you were looking for?

Over 600 distributors nationwide & Canada. NSF Approved Polyethylene Fittings & Pipe Residential & Commercial Flow Centers Radiant Buffer Tanks

Try NGWAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Career Center at www.careers.ngwa.org for more opportunities. Whether you are looking for the right job or the right employee, the NGWA Career Center can provide you with an industry-specific listing to hone your search. Questions? Call Rachel at 800 551.7379, ext 504, or e-mail at rjones@ngwa.org. NGWA.org

Water Well Journal February 2011 75/

105 Injection Pumps

115 Mud Pumps

116 Mud Systems

Hydraulic drive mud pumps â&#x20AC;&#x201D;small and lightweightâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;

DESANDER

3 #; + ; / 8 7 , / 0 1 . 0 1 ,, 2 #"" 1 " 3 4

, 5 1 6 . , /% 1% / . 7

, 1 ,. . 7 * , 9, * 8 , : * , , * , !!"#$ %&'!!"( #) #! * +&'!!"( #) !$)# *, -* ,.

Mini-Desander 71/2 10 duplex pump â&#x20AC;˘ Fits in the place of a 5 6 â&#x20AC;˘ Pumps 300 GPM at up to 800 PSI â&#x20AC;˘ Weighs 1000 lbs. less than a 5 6 â&#x20AC;˘ Single and three cylinder models also available U.S Pat. #6,769,884 and others pending

Add a color to your display classified ad for only $49.

Centerline Manufacturing 903-725-6978 www.centerlinemanufacturing.com

Please call Shelby to make arrangements 1-800-551-7379 ext. 523

MUD MIXER CM Consulting & Equipment Jerry Mason Specialist in your drilling and grouting problems. 1640 Oppenheimer Rd., Bedford, PA 15522

(814) 623-1675

(814) 623-7285 FAX

Put your companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message here! Classified advertising is a great way to reach the water well industry. Call Shelby to make arrangements at 1-800-551-7379 ext 523.

106 Installation Accessories

ATTENTION Buy Direct from Manufacturer Why pay retail â&#x20AC;&#x201D; when you can buy direct We ship any amount to anywhere

Select Environmental Supplies LLC P.O. Box 6036 Concord, NC 28027 5 6 Monitoring Well Manhole 8 7 1â &#x201E;2 Monitoring Well Manhole 8 12 Monitoring Well Manhole

$18.25/ea. $22.15/ea. $23.35/ea.

OBSERVATION MONITORING WELL MANHOLES â&#x20AC;˘ H-20 Load Rating â&#x20AC;˘ 2-Bolt with O-Ring (9â &#x201E;16 ) Bolt Head â&#x20AC;˘ Galvanized Skirts with Welded Seam â&#x20AC;˘ Aluminum I.D. Tags â&#x20AC;˘ Stainless Bolts & Washers with Neoprene Washer

We carry prepacked screens and other testing supplies.

Heat Shrink from B & B Wholesale Why pay higher prices for lower quality products? Check out the prices on our Heat Shrink Splice Kits. 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Wire Kit (for #10/12/14, clear) $1.82 ea. 4â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Wire Kit (for #10/12/14, clear) 2.22 ea. 1 â &#x201E;2 3 Tubes (clear) .45 ea. 1 â &#x201E;2 48 Tubes (clear) 8.81 ea.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; custom kits for up to 4/0 wire â&#x20AC;&#x201C; volume pricing available â&#x20AC;&#x201C; labeling available â&#x20AC;&#x201C; choose from 3 types of shrink tubes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; also available is a large selection of installation accessories such as pressure gauges, tapes, tank fittings packages, and valves.

800-593-9403

Call (704) 467-6092 or (704) 425-7838 Fax (704) 795-1638 Visit our Web site www.selectenvironmentalsupplies.com We accept Visa and MasterCard

76/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

NGWA.org

116 Mud Systems

128 Pump Pullers

860-651-3141

fax 860-658-4288

125 Pump Hoists 139 Slotting Machines J & K To o l C o m p a n y

PVC Screen Slotting Machines

PVC Threading Machines

Perforating Machines Affordable, easy to operate automated machines with touch screen programming.

www.jktool.com sales@jktool.com Tel 320-563-4967 Fax 320-563-8051

174 Wanted EQUIPMENT WANTED: Electric motors wanted. Vertical hollow shaft pump motors. 20 to 500 hp good or bad, will pick up. PH: (800) 541-1562.

NGWA.org

2010 Models in Stock S4,000 Pump Hoist, 8,000# cap., 35 telescoping mast, 30 gal. oil tank, hydro pump, 5T safety hook, hydro controls and variable speed engine control . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,245 S6,000 Pump Hoist, 16,000# 3L cap., 35 telescoping mast, 30 gal. oil tank, hydro pump, 5T safety hook, hydro controls and variable speed engine control . . . . . $16,445 S8,000 Pump Hoist, 22,000# 3L cap., 36 telescoping mast, 30 gal. oil tank, hydro pump, 7T safety hook, hydro controls and variable speed engine control . . . . . $20,845 S10,000 Pump Hoist, 30,000# 3L cap., 40 telescoping mast, 30 gal. oil tank, hydro pump, 9T safety hook, hydro controls and variable speed engine control . . . . . $28,545 S12,000 Pump Hoist, 48,000# 4L cap., 44 telescoping mast, 6000# tail out line, 72 gal. oil tank, hydro pump, 11T safety hook, hydro controls and variable speed engine control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $32,945 S15,000 Pump Hoist, 60,000# 4L cap, 48 telescoping mast, 6000# tail out line, 72 gal. oil tank, hydro pump, 13T safety hook, hydro controls and variable speed engine control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40,645

S20,000 Pump Hoist, 80,000# 4L cap, 40 telescoping mast, 6000# tail out line, 72 gal. oil tank, hydro pump, 13T safety hook, hydro controls and variable speed engine control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$53,845 S25,000 Pump Hoist, 100,000# 4L cap, 40 telescoping mast, 6000# tail out line, 100 gal. oil tank, hydro pump, 15T safety hook, hydro control and variable speed engine control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$61,545 S30,000 Pump Hoist, 120,000# 4L cap, 40 telescoping mast, 6000# tail out line, 100 gal. oil tank, hydro pump, 15T safety hook, hydro control and variable speed engine control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$76,945 Contact us at 1-800-541-1562 for a list of our used equipment.

SEMCO Inc. P.O. Box 1216 7695 U.S. Highway 287 North Lamar, CO 81052 (719) 336-9006 / (800) 541-1562 Fax (719) 336-2402 semcopumphoist@yahoo.com www.SEMCOoflamar.com See our ad on page 65.

Water Well Journal February 2011 77/

135 Rigs VISIT LAIBECORP.COM FOR RECENT RIG DELIVERIES Leading The Industry With Innovative State-of-the-art Drilling Rigs

VERSA-DRILL MODEL LINE-UP ! ÂŽ

DRILLING EQUIPMENT Mobile Generators

500â&#x20AC;&#x2122; OF AUTOMATED ROD HANDLING AVAILABLE! " # $ % & ' 500â&#x20AC;&#x2122; OF AUTOMATED ROD HANDLING AVAILABLE! ( ) * ! * * !

( * ( + , - + %. + + / ' 0 * + 1 . * 2 + ÂŽ Versa-Drill V-100NG

Versa-DrillÂŽ V-50GTRX

% , /. .

Versa-DrillÂŽ V-1040DP

3-(% 0 * 4 2 ! #$#

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ROD HANDLING STANDARD!

Did you know? Phone: (540) 982-8001 Fax: (540) 342-0546ÂŽ Versa-Drill V-1040TRX nolanddrill@noland.com NEW, USED, RENTALS Âž Best in Class Starting Âž Rugged & Reliable Âž High Performance

Water Well Journal classified advertisements appear online (at no additional cost)

Versa-Drill V-1555 Versa-Drill % / 5 , / %6 ) ÂŽ

ÂŽ

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V-2000NG

each month at

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www.nolanddrilling.com Versa-DrillÂŽ V-2000ADP

Versa-DrillÂŽ V-2095EXP

Versa-DrillÂŽ Versa-Sonic

140 Spring Boxes FOR SALE: 1990 Driltech on Ford L9000. NOW FEATURING MUD840/350 PUPPY & GEO-LOOP 350 hp Cat with Jake. compressor BUY DIRECTLY FROM THE MANUFACTURER PRODUCTS & SERVICES! with clutch. 1,000 DP 6 and 8 hammers. (1) 83â &#x201E;4 drill collar, many bits, and hole openers. Welder and cutting torch. 1978 KW 8V92 with Jake. 2,000 gallon flatbed water truck with 40 ton winch and rolling tailboard. 2,500 gal. skidded mud system. SALES â&#x20AC;˘ SERVICE/REBUILDS Toll Free (800) 942-3388 â&#x20AC;˘ www.laibecorp.com Visit us at PARTS â&#x20AC;˘ RENTALS A complete drilling package. Will separate. 1414 Bates Street â&#x20AC;˘ Indianapolis, IN 46201 U.S.A. â&#x20AC;˘ Telephone: (317) 231-2250 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax: (317) 266-8426 www.LaibeCorp.com $145,000. Call Jim (209) 293-7260.

RIG

AQuarius Spring Box FINANCING AVAILABLE

100% stainless steel Talk to us â&#x2014;? Collects all about trade-in spring types opportunities! â&#x2014;? Easily installed â&#x2014;? Durable and lockable â&#x2014;?

Visit LaibeCorp.com COLLECTS WATER FROM YOUR NATURAL SPRING SOURCE FOR CLEAN, SAFE for Available New and Pre-Owned Rigs, Brochures and Specifications Enid Drill Systems Inc DRINKING WATER www.eniddrill.com 580-234-5971 Fax 580-234-5980

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Transfer of Technologyâ&#x20AC;? - the must have book for all drillers!

78/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

AQuarius Spring Box LLC (541) 263-0712 E-mail: aquariuspumpllc@live.com www.aquariuspump.com Pat. Pending DHS Approved

NGWA.org

176 Water Level Measurement

Ground Water Monitoring Instrumentation Geokon, Inc. manufactures high quality hydrological instrumentation suitable for a variety of ground water monitoring applications.

Phone: 760-384-1085

Fax: 760-384-0044

Geokon instruments utilize vibrating wire technology providing measurable advantages and proven long-term stability. The World Leader in Vibrating Wire Technology

Waterline Envirotech Water level indicators made in the USA for over 30 years.

360-676-9635

Geokon, Incorporated 48 Spencer Street Lebanon, New Hampshire 03766 | USA

1 • 603 • 448 • 1562 1 • 603 • 448 • 3216 info@geokon.com www.geokon.com

www.waterlineusa.com

178 Water Treatment

AER-MAXsystems for sulfur and iron problems

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A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION

Check out WWJ’s Buyers Guides online All of Water Well Journal ’s buyers guides can be found on www.ngwa.org in the area dedicated to NGWA’s publications. Check out the annual buyers guides as well as ones for pumps, rigs, and water quality and treatment products and services. The annual buyers guide is searchable so you have the information you need at your fingertips in seconds!

NGWA.org

Air Pump Water Solutions, Inc.

10983-E Guilford Road • Annapolis Junction, MD 20701

e-mail: sales@air-pump.com

1-877-4-AER-MAX 1-877-423-7629 Water Well Journal February 2011 79/

180 Water Trucks Specializing in quality custom built epoxy coated Flattanks any gallon or tank length sizes with or without material handling IMT cranes. All tanks are sandblasted and painted with polyurethane paint. Many options available.

FOR SALE: 2000 Sterling. 48,000 miles. 300 hp Cat, aluminum wheels, 8LL tran. 18 F. 40R. 1800 gal. water bed, 150 gal. fuel tank. North Carolina. $35,000. Call (910) 639-1548 (cell phone).

CED

U RED Engineered for convenience and durability, allows the user to operate at any type of drilling operation. Our drill site rig tenders are built with simplicity and functionality. Call us for our used truck – new tank inventory list.

NORTHWEST FLATTANKS Steve Wipf (406) 466-2146 E-mail: steve@northwestflattanks.com

Check out our new Web site

Cell (406) 544-5914 www.northwestflattanks.com

186 Well Screens

P a te nt No. 6,868,904

PRODUCTION SERIES SIZES

Well screen manufacturer: stainless steel, galvanized and carbon steel. Sizes: 0.75" to 24.0" OD. Rod base, pre-pack and pipe base screens. Environmental flush joint monitor pipe, T&C stainless drop pipe, drive points, etc. Contact: Jan or Steve 18102 E. Hardy Rd., Houston, TX 77073 Ph: (281) 233-0214; Fax: (281) 233-0487 Toll free: (800) 577-5068 www.alloyscreenworks.com

2000 gallon Rosewall water tank mounted on a 1992 Ford L8000 6 6. 240 hp 7.8L diesel, MT 653 Allison automatic, 4.56 gears, 11R22.5 tires, air brakes. 53,220 GVW, 222 WB, Braden 18,000 lb. front hydraulic winch, toolboxes all around. More pictures and info available upon request. $20,000 OBO. Call (765) 438-0318, ask for Mark, or email mark.ortman@ortmandrilling.com.

Did you know? Water Well Journal classified advertisements appear online (at no additional cost) each month at www.ngwa.org/publication/wwj/index.aspx

Check it out!

ADVANTAGES x Mos t e ffe ctive wa y to de ve lop a ny we ll x P roduce more wa te r, le s s color a nd turbidity x Only the s urge block me thod “ba ck wa s he s ” the

we ll s cre e n, re moving cla y bridge s x Fle xible wipe r cre a te s s uction a nd pulls wa te r into

x x x x x x

s cre e n, not a va ila ble with othe r de ve lopme nt me thods Ba ll va lve a llows for pumping wa te r to s urfa ce a nd pre ve nts wa te r from flowing ba ck into we ll, will not clog with s e dime nts Ca pa ble of lifting wa te r ove r 50 fe e t Fa s t, e ffe ctive , a nd s a ve s time Cons tructe d of s trong ine rt ma te ria ls P olyure tha ne wipe rs ma de to la s t, re pla ce a ble 1-1/2-inch NP T s te e l pipe thre a d ca n be us e d on drill pipe or we ighte d wire line Ca n be us e d with che mica l a dditive s to bre a kdown mud ge l or re de ve lop proble m we lls For more information call or visit:

850.727.4427 / www.welldeveloper.com

80/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

NGWA.org

185 Well Rehab

184 Well Packers

Ph. 303 789-1200 or 800 552-2754 Fx. 303 789-0900

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+\GURORJLFDO 7HVWLQJ Â&#x2021; ,QMHFWLRQ :LWKGUDZDO Â&#x2021; 6WDQGDUG &XVWRP 6L]HV 0DWHULDOV :DWHU 0LQLQJ (QYLURQPHQWDO Â&#x2021; *URXWLQJ 6DPSOLQJ *HRWHFKQLFDO +\GURIUDFWXULQJ Â&#x2021; 5HFLUFXODWLRQ :HOOV Â&#x2021; 6WHDP ,QMHFWLRQ Â&#x2021; 5HOLQH &DVLQJ To discuss your questions and applications, call

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Put your companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message here! Classified advertising is a great way to reach the water well industry. Call Shelby to make arrangements at 1-800-551-7379 ext 523.

NGWA.org

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Water Well Journal February 2011 81/

www.QSPPackers.com

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JOURNAL

184 Well Packers A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION

Quality - Service - Price

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Serving Your Complete Packer Needs i INFLATABLE PACKERS - Water Well, Environmental, Pressure Grout, Wireline. Custom Sizes & Fabrication available i MECHANICAL PACKERS - Freeze Plugs, Custom Applications Call or email us with all your Packer questions!!

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Classified Advertising Rates Line Classified Ads

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360.552.6662 www.aardvarkpackers.com

195 Wire Rope

Get Safety Resources online You can never be too safe so take advantage of safety resources online. Go to the Web site of the National Ground Water Association and check out the resources it has available at www.ngwa.org/ PROGRAMS/safety/index.aspx. Also while you are at the Web site, make sure to check out NGWA Press’ newest safety item, Safety Meetings for the Groundwater Industry, a set of 52 sheets that provide information so companies can hold weekly safety meetings on topics specific to their industry.

82/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

Deadlines: First day of the preceding publication of magazine (December 1 for February issue). No guarantees after that date. This applies to renewals, cancellations, and any revisions. All classified ads must be prepaid by check or credit card. Commission rates do not apply to classified ads. Current month’s classified ads are posted on our Web site at www.ngwa.org/pdf/classify.pdf for no extra charge. To place a classified advertisement in Water Well Journal, please send ad text to Shelby Fleck by e-mail at sfleck@ngwa.org or fax to 614 898.7786. Upon receipt, you will be contacted and provided a quote. Thank you! NGWA.org

Card No./ Page AMS/Art’s Mfg. (800) 635-7330 www.ams-samplers.com A.Y. McDonald Mfg. (800) 292-2737 www.aymcdonald.com ASTEC Underground (800) 527-6020 www.astecunderground.com B&B Chlorination tbehr76355@bellsouth.net www.bbchlor.com Baker Mfg., Water Systems Division (800) 523-0224 www.bakermfg.com Better Water Industries (507) 247-5929 www.betterwaterind.com CCV Engineering & Mfg. (800) 671-0383 www.ariesccv.com Centennial Plastics (402) 462-2227 www.centennialplastics.com Central Mine Equipment (800) 325-8827 www.cmeco.com ClimateMaster (800) 299-9747 www.climatemaster.com Cotey Chemical (806) 747-2096 www.coteychemical.com Covalent Laboratories www.covalentlabs.com EnoScientific (910) 778- 2660 www.enoscientific.com

Foremost Industries (800) 661-9190 (403) 295-5834 (fax) Franklin Electric (260) 824-2900 www.franklin-electric.com GEFCO/King Oil Tools (800) 759-7441 www.gefco.com Geo-Hydro Supply (800) 820-1005 www.geohydrosupply.com GeoPro (877) 580-9348 www.geoproinc.com Geoprobe ® Systems (800) 436-7762 www.geoprobe.com Geothermal Supply (270) 786-3010 www.geothermalsupply.com Gus Pech Mfg. (800) 383-7324 www.guspech.com Hoeptner Perfected Products (408) 847-7615 www.freezeflow.com In-Well Technologies (920) 829-5690 www.in-welltech.com ISCO Industries (800) 345-4726 www.isco-pipe.com Jet-Lube (800) 538-5823 (713) 678-4604 (fax) Little Beaver (800) 227-7515 www.littlebeaver.com

That’ll work Two sisters, one blonde and one brunette, inherit the family ranch. Unfortunately, after just a few years, they are in financial trouble. In order to keep the bank from repossessing the ranch, they need to purchase a bull from the stockyard in a town far away so they can breed their own stock. They only have $600 left to their name. Upon leaving, the brunette tells her sister, “When I get there, if I decide to buy the bull, I’ll contact you to drive out after me and haul it home.” The brunette arrives at the stockyard, inspects the bull, and decides she wants to buy it. The man tells her he will sell it for $599. After paying him, she drives to the nearest town to send her sister a telegram to tell her the news. She walks into the telegraph office and says, “I want to send a telegram to my sister telling her that I’ve bought a bull for our ranch. I need her to hitch the NGWA.org

INDEX OF

ADVERTISERS

Card No./ Page

Card No./ Page 14 IBC

Lorentz Solar Water Pumps (888) 535-4788 (866) 593-0777 www.lorentz.de Marks Products (800) 255-1353 www.geovision.org Merrill Mfg. (712) 732-2760 www.merrillmfg.com Mount Sopris Instruments (303) 279-3211 www.mountsopris.com NGWA/Bookstore (800) 551-7379 www.ngwa.org NGWA/Career Center (800) 551-7379 www.ngwa.org NGWA/Certification (800) 551-7379 www.ngwa.org NGWA/NGWREF (800) 551-7379 www.ngwa.org NGWA/Ground Water Awareness Week (800) 551-7379 www.ngwa.org NGWA/Ground Water Summit (800) 551-7379 www.ngwa.org NGWA/WellGuard (800) 551-7379 www.ngwa.org New England Water Well Expo (860) 286-4238 (401) 364-6285 (fax)

27 OBC

31 32

30 63

North Houston Machine (800) 364-6973 nhmi2@earthlink.net Powers Electric Products (559) 275-3030 www.powerselectric.com Reliable Pipe Threads (512) 914-0330 www.reliablepipethreads.com SEMCO (719) 336-9006 www.semcooflamar.com SIMCO Drilling Equipment (800) 338-9925 www.simcodrill.com Solinst Canada (800) 661-2023 www.solinst.com Southwire (770) 832-4590 www.southwire.com Star Iron Works (814) 427-2555 www.starironworks.com Tibban Mfg. (760) 954-5655 www.tibban.com Wyo-Ben (800) 548-7055 www.wyoben.com Zilmet 01139.049.88.40.662 www.zilmet.it

Gotcha!

A minister told his congregation, “Next week I plan to preach about the

44 IFC

Welcome New Advertisers! Geo-Hydro Supply Geothermal Supply Reliable Pipe Threads

DOWNHOLE trailer to our pickup truck and drive out here so we can haul it home.” The telegraph operator explains that he’s glad to help and then adds, “It’s 99 cents a word.” Well, after paying for the bull, the brunette only has $1 left and knows she can only send her sister one word. After a few minutes of thinking, she nods and says, “I want you to send her the word comfortable.” The operator shakes his head. “How is she ever going to know that you want her to hitch the trailer to your pickup truck and drive out here to haul that bull back to your ranch if you send her just the word comfortable?” The brunette explains, “My sister is not real bright. She’ll see the big word and read it very slowly . . . com-for-dabull.”

HUMOR

sin of lying. To help you understand my sermon, I want you all to read Mark 17.” The following Sunday, as he prepared to deliver his sermon, the minister asked for a show of hands. He wanted to know how many had indeed read Mark 17. Every hand went up. The minister smiled and said, “Mark has only 16 chapters. I will now proceed with my sermon on the sin of lying.”

That works too!

When NASA first started sending up astronauts, they quickly discovered that ballpoint pens would not work in zero gravity. To combat this problem, NASA scientists spent a decade and $12 billion developing a pen that writes in zero gravity, upside down, underwater, on almost any surface including glass, and at temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 500°F. The Russians use a pencil. Water Well Journal February 2011 83/

CLOSING

TIME Walton Corp., a Newark, Delaware, drilling contractor incorporated in 1951, is noted for successfully completing specialized jobs in adverse conditions. The company uses air and mud rotary rigs for drilling in the piedmont and coastal plain areas—installing production, monitoring, and geothermal wells. The company was founded by Roy T. Walton and has operated from the same location for the past 60 years. Max R. Walton is the president and has run the company for four decades.

For the second time in as many years, Walton Corp. celebrated its team’s championship in the Delaware over-30 men’s senior baseball league. Walton Corp. sponsored the “Walton Drillers” baseball team throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. After a 14-year hiatus, a group of former Driller players reunited to form the core of a resurrected Walton Drillers in 2009. Top left to right: Nick Sanna, Ryan Newell, Mark Wilhelm, Scott Quinn, Tom Esterling, David Ross, Shane Noonan, Joe Bolinski, Chris Hill, Ron Hill, and Max R. Walton. Bottom left to right: Bill DiIenno, Tripp Fischer, Chris Winburn, Tommy Messick, Max B. Walton, and Shawn McGee. Not pictured: Rob Heisler and Bobby Lougheed. Photos submitted by Max B. Walton.

“Closing Time” is the page of Water Well Journal that showcases—you! It will always feature a few pictures of people at work at job sites around the world. Please send in photos and brief descriptions and you just

84/ February 2011 Water Well Journal

may be the subject on the last page of an issue of WWJ. And remember, if your photo is selected as the cover image of WWJ, you receive $250. If your photos are selected, you will be

A drill rig is set up to provide a residential well on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, with the Atlantic Ocean serving as the job site’s backdrop. The well, and one for the owner’s neighbor, was drilled one day after lightning from a violent thunderstorm took out both wells. The new wells were drilled on the same day in time for the drilling crew to catch the evening ferry home. Photo submitted by David Jenkins of Paul Jenkins & Sons Inc. asked to fill out a photo disclaimer form that grants the National Ground Water Association the royalty-free right to display the photos. Please send high-resolution digital photos to tplumley@ngwa.org.

NGWA.org

Not only has the Foremost Dual Rotary repeatedly proven its ability in some of the toughest overburden formations, its versatility in a variety of applications keeps the DR ahead of the competition. t t t t t t t

Two independently-operated rotary drives for simultaneous drilling & casing Uses conventional tools Enables greater casing depths Lower drive casing rotation results in very straight holes Minimizes sidewall friction, casing, and joint stress Pull back casing using the lower drive to expose well screens or abandon wells simply Directly-connected hydraulic feed systems means easy maintenance

t t

Control of discharge for sampling, environmental, or safety reasons Continue to drill open hole after reaching casing depth without tripping out or changing tools

Drill open-hole like always. Drill overburden like

never before.

Foremost Dual Rotary Drills are now mounted on 2011 Kenworth T800 Tier 4 compliant chassis.

Foremost Industries LP Circle card no. 14 Tel: 403.295.5800 Fax: 403.295.5810 1225 64th Ave NE, Calgary, Alberta CANADA T2E 8P9

1.403.295.5800 or visit www.foremost.ca

Circle card no. 27