Drilling using a sonic rig is becoming a popular method in various drilling operations where fast and cost-effective drilling is needed.
The concept of sonic technology is actually not new in the drilling industry. Various research and developments were conducted for several years to learn more about this revolutionary technology and harness its power.
For centuries, simple to more advanced drilling techniques have been utilized in drilling sites to get optimal results.
The most common drilling methods used in oil and gas explorations are rotary drilling, electro-drilling, percussion or cable drilling, and directional drilling.
But today, the sonic rig is considered the most reliable method in any overburdened material. Its speed and versatility make it a more effective method when compared to the conventional method.
The most common applications of sonic drilling include environmental drilling, mineral exploration, geothermal, geotechnical, civil construction, and many more.
In this article, we will be finding out why sonic drilling rig is considered the most reliable and field-proven drilling technique.
Extremely Efficient Operations
Sonic technology uses high-frequency resonance to eliminate the friction between the core barrel and subsurface material and allow efficient penetration and maximum core recovery in any overburdened material.
The drill speed is 3-5 times faster than the other conventional methods. It can also provide undisturbed and continuous samples even to a depth of 300 feet.
Continuous Core in All Formations
What makes the sonic rig more efficient and reliable is its capacity to carry out continuous coring in all formations.
Sonic is the only drilling technique that can provide continuous cores in any overburdened soils such as sands, gravels, glacial tills, etc.
Sonic Rig Delivers Superior Information
Regardless of materials or formations, sonic drilling provides continuous and undisturbed core samples with unparalleled quality and accuracy. Drillers, environmental scientists, and geologists are sure where the sample came from because of their less than 1% deviation.
Sonic Drilling Reduces Wastes and Pollution
One advantage of sonic technology is its ability to reduce waste by up to 80%. The utilization of the innovative casing advancement system helps eliminate the slough, resulting in an improved sample with high integrity even though unconsolidated materials.
Also, sonic drilling reduces noise levels compared to hammering with probe rigs.
Safety and Ease of Use
In any drilling operation, worker safety remains and should always be everyone’s priority. Considering the dangerous working conditions in drilling sites, the use of reliable, safe, and easy to use drilling machines is a crucial factor in creating and maintaining a safer working environment.
With the sonic drill, artificial intelligence (AI) enabled operating systems were utilized so that only a few people are needed on the site to operate the machines. By doing this, risks of injuries due to human error can be mitigated and minimized.
Lastly, sonic technology may not be the solution to every drilling project, but it certainly holds the potential as the most reliable and field-proven choice for fast, cost-effective drilling in any type of overburdened material.