Lesson 1Rig mobilization and set-up: leveling, anchoring, mast erection, anchoring of compressors and pumpsThis lesson details safe rig moving, site picking, levelling, anchoring, tower raising, and securing compressors, pumps, fuel, 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 lesson shows advancing holes through layers, picking/changing bits, controlling spin speed and pressure, tweaking mud/air, fixing lost fluid while guarding 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 lesson outlines start drilling from first cut, pilot hole, bit pick, spin speed, pressure setup, watching early chips for straight, stable, safe running.
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 lesson covers gravel pack design, size, placing for fluids, tube methods, space sealing with clay or cement, top pipe grout and 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 lesson explains picking pipe/screen lengths, depth, spacers, joining, surface pipe, checking straightness for strong, working wells.
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 lesson describes clean well tops with seals, pipe height, grout base, caps, guards, 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 lesson covers pre-drill checks, road access, bush clearing, grading, drain plans, erosion stops, marking pipes/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 lesson stresses pre-start safety: rig checks, guards, gear, PPE, lift tests, emergency plans, talks, crew briefings for safe work.
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 lesson teaches spotting water layers by chips, water rush, speed change, signs, log match, deciding to stop drill and finish well.
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
