Lesson 1Rig mobilization and set-up: leveling, anchoring, mast erection, anchoring of compressors and pumpsThis section details safe rig moving, site placing, levelling, anchoring, tower raising, and securing compressors, pumps, fuel, and lines for steady, quick drilling.
Route planning and rig transport logisticsSelecting and marking final rig locationRig leveling, cribbing, and stability checksMast erection, pinning, and guying proceduresAnchoring compressors, pumps, and fuel skidsLesson 2Progressive drilling through strata: changing bits, adjusting rotation/ROP, mud vs air parameters, and managing lost circulationThis section explains pushing holes through different rocks, picking and swapping bits, controlling spin and pressure, tweaking mud or air, and fixing lost fluid while guarding the rock.
Bit types for unconsolidated and hard formationsSetting rotation speed and weight on bit limitsOptimizing rate of penetration without deviationMud properties for hole cleaning and stabilityLost circulation detection and remedial actionsLesson 3Initial drilling sequence: spudding, pilot hole drilling, bit selection, rotation speed and weight on bit guidanceThis section outlines starting drill from first cut and pilot hole, bit choice, setting spin and pressure, and watching early chips to check straightness, stability, and safe settings.
Spudding methods for different drilling systemsPilot hole diameter and trajectory planningBit selection for pilot and enlargement passesSetting initial RPM and weight on bit rangesMonitoring returns and adjusting early parametersLesson 4Gravel packing and annular sealing: gravel pack design, placement methods, and top-of-casing grout proceduresThis section covers gravel pack plans, sizes, placing for different fluids, tube and covered methods, ring sealing with bentonite or cement, and top pipe sealing checks.
Selecting gravel size and gradation criteriaGravel pack volume calculations and orderingTremie placement and circulation techniquesBentonite and cement grout mix designTop-of-casing grout placement and verificationLesson 5Casing and screen installation: setting depth, centralizers, jointing methods, sealed couplings and surface casing concernsThis section explains picking pipe and screen lengths, setting depth, using spacers, joining, couplings, surface pipe, and checking straightness for strong, working boreholes.
Selecting casing and screen materials and gradesDetermining screen length and setting depthCentralizer spacing and installation methodsThreaded joints, welding, and sealed couplingsSurface casing design and regulatory concernsLesson 6Wellhead completion: surface seals, sanitary well caps, protective slotted risers and securing the siteThis section describes clean wellheads, with surface seals, pipe stick-up, grout bases, caps, guard pipes or posts, and site locks to stop dirt and damage.
Surface casing stick-up and cutoff criteriaDesigning and pouring sanitary grout padsInstalling sanitary well caps and ventsProtective risers, posts, and lockable enclosuresSite fencing, signage, and access controlLesson 7Site reconnaissance and preparation: access, clearing, grading, erosion control and utility locatingThis section covers pre-drill checks, road access, bush clearing, grading, drain plans, erosion stops, and marking pipes and wires to avoid breaks and keep safe.
Access assessment for heavy drilling equipmentClearing vegetation and debris within pad limitsGrading for drainage and rig pad stabilityErosion and sediment control best practicesUtility locating, marking, and permit checksLesson 8Safety checks and pre-start inspections: rig inspection, PPE, lifting gear, emergency plan and toolbox talksThis section stresses pre-start safety, rig checks, guards, PPE, lift gear, emergency plans, talks, and crew toolbox meetings.
Daily rig walk-around and structural checksVerifying guards, interlocks, and controlsPPE selection, inspection, and enforcementInspection and tagging of lifting equipmentEmergency plan review and toolbox talk stepsLesson 9Recognizing aquifer entry: interpreting cuttings, surge of water returns, change in penetration rate and water showsThis section teaches spotting water layers by reading chips, speed changes, water rushes, matching logs, and knowing when to stop drilling and start finishing.
Cuttings logging and lithologic descriptionTracking penetration rate and torque changesIdentifying water shows and return surgesCorrelating with geophysical and nearby wellsDeciding total depth and transition to completion
