Diverse Drill Rig Models Aid Adapting To Market Fluctuations

Two DM Drill Rig Models Better Than One for Geothermal Projects

During 2020, ISLAND GEO DRILLERS purchased a DM250 in order to go after additional municipal geothermal projects. Their success coupled with expansion of geothermal industry prompted them to recently add a DM450 to their fleet.

“The geothermal industry has taken off. There are a lot more school and commercial projects while we're also seeing residential pick up with extension of tax credits,” Joe Dalba, president, said. “When we had a project where we needed more power to do 66, 500-foot, 1.5-inch loops, we started looking for another rig.”

They considered other manufacturers, but when it came to price point and being tailored to geothermal projects, the DM450 became the clear choice.

“The big piston pump clears holes faster with the up-hole velocity of the pump pressure,” Dalba said.

They chose the optional rod carousel and loaded it up with as much pipe as possible.

“We can go to 300 feet in 45 minutes without the helper having to load pipe,” Dalba said. “Most of the work we do is 300 feet but backloading is key to keep it quick when doing 500-foot bores.”

The optional rod spinner also makes the helper’s job easier.

“We’d never operated a rod spinner before, but it saves the helper's energy to do more bores,” Dalba said. “It takes a lot of out of a person to take rods apart by hand, so this keeps them going longer.”

The DM450, in many ways, mirrors their DM250, but the larger rig aids maneuverability on challenging geothermal project sites.

“Mounted on the International makes it capable of going through some pretty gnarly job sites, but not so massive that we can’t use it on residential jobs,” Ryan Maletta, owner, said.

The additional power of the larger rig and efficiency of the carousel and larger pump has amplified their production.

“The increased pullback provides more power to get out of trouble,” Dalba said. “We’ve gained 25% drilling production.”

They recently installed geothermal loops for 110 homes.

“We’re completing 500-foot bores, and we’re able to do three wells by noon without struggling by any means,” Maletta said. “We’re doing more all around. Production is 25% more efficient, it’s easier on the guys, and makes for a better workplace.”

They believe the one-two punch of a DM250 and DM450 drill rig models positions their geothermal company for continued growth.

“The DM250 is non-CDL, tight, compact, and great for residential and retrofits. We’ve taken it to 500 feet, but wouldn’t be able to do more,” Dalba said. “Now that New York allows going deeper than 500 feet for geothermal, the DM450 can certainly handle 700-plus feet. Maybe even further.”

Diversifying Drill Rig Models Doubles Capabilities

Coupling a need to retire aging equipment with a desire to expand their services, Kelly Well Drilling combined all they love about their DM250 with the ability to handle larger diameters when adding a DM450 to their water drill fleet.

“We liked the DM250 and its easy controls and wanted the same brand with similar parts,” John Bowman, operator, said. “We thought we could expand our clientele with the bigger DM450.”

They opted to outfit the DM450 the same as their DM250, but now have the bigger pump for greater depth and larger diameter to complete the 300- to 500-foot, 12-inch wells.

“With the DM250 and DM450, we’re that much more versatile,” Scotty Kelly, owner, said.  “I think it’s an advantage to diversify our fleet versus doubling down on a single model.”

Now they choose their water drill weapon based on anticipated site conditions.

“The DM250 easily gets into places, but when encountering bigger gravels we go with the DM450 with bigger pump. Sometimes you just need more power,” Bowman said. “’Our older rig couldn’t do what the DM250 can, so we’ve doubled what we’re able to offer customers.”

He appreciates the rod spinner to break rods loose and the open deck space to load more tools.

“We’re teaching the guys to run it right now. Drilling is a lot by feel, but training a helper to run the rod loader — it’s like a video game to them,” Kelly said. “They can pull a few levers to get work done, and it’s fun to operate.”

The simple operation and decreased maintenance compared to their older water drill rig has increased morale among the team and their client base.

“Clientele have a sense of confidence when you roll up in a new rig versus something from the ’70s that’s leaking and creaking,” Kelly said.

They’re completing 400-foot wells without trouble and are confident they have the Geoprobe^® support system for either water drill rig.

“It’s nice to have one place to call and know they can solve your issues,” Kelly said.