Equipment

How It Works

​Hollow stem augers are a versatile and effective method for advancing the borehole under certain conditions. They work much like a temporary casing in that the centers of the augers are open to allow for soil, water sampling, and/or well installation. As the augers are advanced into the subsurface, the auger spirals convey the unconsolidated formations to the surface, typically with no drilling fluids. Auger drill rigs are the preferred drilling method for a variety of applications including geotechnical, environmental, and construction drilling. Hollow stem augers are commonly used for soil sampling and ground water monitoring well installations.

Mud rotary drilling is an open hole, fluid based recirculatory method of drilling. The drilling fluid lubricates the drill bit, carries drill cuttings to the surface, and provides hydrostatic pressure in the borehole to keep the hole open and stable for sampling and installations. Mud rotary drilling is used in geological areas that prohibit the use of hollow stem augers, including: bedrock, broken rock, and dense sand or gravel formations.