Understanding and communication of common problems during drilling (such as encountering rocks and sand)

Understanding and communication of common problems during drilling (such as encountering rocks and sand)

During the drilling process, it is not uncommon to encounter problems such as hard rock formations or sand in the well. As an owner, understanding the nature of these problems and mastering communication methods with the construction team are crucial to ensuring the smooth progress of the project and controlling additional costs.

1. Understanding and communicating when encountering hard rock layers

Problem understanding:

Normal geological conditions: Drilling through hard rock formations (such as granite and limestone) is a common obstacle to reaching deep high-quality aquifers. It is not the fault of the construction party, but it will significantly increase the difficulty, time and cost of construction.

Key impact: Ordinary drill bits cannot effectively break rocks and need to be replaced with special drill bits (such as alloy drill bits, roller cone drill bits) or the impact drilling process may be used, which may lead to increased machine wear and slower progress.

Key points for effective communication:

First-time confirmation: When the construction party informs that hard rock is encountered, it is required to check the core samples or cuttings taken out to intuitively understand the rock hardness.

Ask about solutions and costs: Ask clearly: "What methods are we going to use to continue drilling this rock? What drill bits or equipment need to be replaced? How much time and cost will this add?" Ask the other party to give a clear explanation and a written quotation change order.

Decision-making options: Based on the new quotation and information, you can decide: whether to agree to additional investment and continue drilling deeper; whether to try to complete the well at the current location (if a certain amount of water is already produced); or to terminate the project and settle based on the completed work. Avoid verbal commitments and all changes should be confirmed in the form of supplementary agreements.

2. Understanding and communicating about the continuous discharge of sand (muddy water) in the well

Problem understanding:

Well-forming process problems: If sand and water in a new well continue to be turbid for a long time after initial well cleaning, this is usually not a "normal phenomenon" and most likely points to a defect in the well-forming process. Possible reasons include: the pores of the water filter pipe (flower pipe) are too large, the filter material (gravel) is unqualified or unevenly filled, and the well cleaning is not thorough, resulting in the filter layer not being formed.

Severity: Long-term sand production will wear out water pumps, block wells, reduce water output, and may eventually lead to the well being scrapped.

Key points for effective communication:

Distinguish between "well cleaning muddy" and "long-term muddy": it is normal for the well cleaning water to be muddy at the end of construction. But it should be clearly required: "Well cleaning must be carried out until the pumped water is completely clear and free of sand. This is one of my acceptance criteria."

Communicate after discovering the problem: If the water is still turbid after moving in and using it, you should contact the construction company immediately. State the facts when communicating: "The well water continues to produce sand, which does not meet our agreed acceptance standards. Please send someone to check whether it is a problem with the filter material or the water filter pipe."

Clarify responsibilities and solutions: require the construction party to conduct a second thorough well cleaning free of charge. If the well is still ineffective after cleaning, the well structure should be inspected and repaired (such as filling the filter material), and the related costs should be defined according to the warranty terms of the contract. This is a core quality issue that owners should insist on resolving.

3. General Communication Principles

Stay Calm and Respectful: Be solution-oriented and adopt a collaborative, “how can we get through this together” attitude rather than pointing fingers.

Keep written records: For any plan changes, fee increases, problem descriptions and resolution commitments, try to leave written records via WeChat, text messages or supplementary agreements.

Act according to the contract: Review the relevant clauses in the contract (such as formation changes, acceptance standards, warranty liability, etc.) as the legal basis for communication.

Summary: informed, confirmed, written

When faced with unexpected problems in drilling, your role should be that of a “clear decision-maker” and a “supervisor of quality.” The core lies in: understanding the technical nature of the problem → requiring the construction party to provide clear solutions and cost implications → making written decisions. For process defects such as "continuous sand release", we should take a firm stand and require the construction party to be responsible for repairs according to the acceptance standards. Good communication can protect your rights and interests and also encourage the construction party to complete the work more responsibly.