Home Drilling Rig Operation Guide: Complete Instructions

Home Drilling Rig Operation Guide: Complete Instructions

Chapter 1: Pre-Work Preparation – Safety and Site Survey

Policy Confirmation: First, consult the local village committee or water authority to confirm that private well drilling is permitted.

Underground Pipeline Confirmation: Call the municipal hotline to ensure there are no cables, fiber optic cables, or gas pipelines below the work site.

Site and Material Preparation: Clear a flat, firm working surface.

Prepare Materials: Drill rods, drill bits, well casing (filter pipe/solid pipe), gravel, clay (if needed), tools.

Ensure water and power supply (or sufficient fuel).

Chapter 2: Start-up and Operation – Standards and Procedures

Step 1: Equipment Setup and Leveling

Move the drilling rig to the work site and deploy the hydraulic outriggers or stabilize the base.

Use a level to ensure the drilling rig is level. This is fundamental to ensuring the wellbore is vertical.

Connect the power supply (cable or hose) and check that all connections are secure.

Step 2: Hole Opening and Drilling (Core)

Installing Drill Pipe and Bit: Install the first drill pipe and a drill bit suitable for the formation (usually a three-wing scraper bit is used initially).

Vertical Hole Opening: Start the mud pump (if necessary), then start the rotary drilling rig and drill downwards at low speed and low pressure. The first 1-2 meters must be kept absolutely vertical.

Drilling with Connecting Drill Pipe:

After the first drill pipe is drilled, stop the pump and the rotary drilling rig.

Raise the drill pipe to the connecting height and remove drill cuttings.

Stop the machine and connect the second drill pipe.

Repeat this process until the target depth. Adjust the rotation speed and pressure according to the formation (soil, sand, rock) during this process.

Step 3: Well Completion Process (Determines Well Quality)

Running the Well Casing: Once the depth is reached, immediately and in one go, run the connected well casing string (bottom filter pipe, top solid pipe) into the well.

Gravel Filling: Evenly and slowly fill the annular space between the well casing and the well wall with selected gravel (such as quartz sand).

Well Cleaning: Lower a small submersible pump and repeatedly start and stop it, pumping water until the effluent is clear and free of sand. This process clears the aquifer and improves natural filtration.

Chapter 3: Routine Maintenance – Extending Lifespan

Daily (or Per Shift) Inspection:

Check all bolts and nuts for looseness.

Check hydraulic oil levels and engine oil/fuel/coolant levels.

Check hydraulic lines for leaks.

Clean drill pipe threads and apply thread lubricant.

Regular Maintenance:

Strictly follow the instruction manual to change engine oil, hydraulic oil, and filters.

Clean or replace the mud pump filter.

Regularly lubricate rotating spindles, chains, and other moving parts with grease.

Long-Term Storage:

Thoroughly clean the equipment and retract all cylinders.

Drain engine coolant (if water-cooled) and store the equipment in a dry place.

Apply rust-preventive oil to exposed metal parts.

Chapter 4: Safety Red Lines – Must Be Followed

Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear a safety helmet, safety glasses, non-slip gloves, and safety shoes. Operating Discipline: Touching the drill rod or approaching moving parts while the drilling rig is rotating is strictly prohibited.

Receiving or removing drill rods, performing maintenance, or other operations while the rig is running is strictly prohibited.

Excessive "pressure" drilling is strictly prohibited. If the drill string gets stuck, move the drill string first; do not force it up.

Electrical Safety: Ensure cables are intact and properly grounded.

Summary: The core of this guide is "Preparation is more important than operation, maintenance is more important than repair, and safety is paramount." Proper well completion procedures (casing and gravel packing) are the soul of a good well. By following this guide, you can not only operate safely but also ensure the long-term reliability of your well, making your investment worthwhile.