From Well Service to Air Rotary Drilling Rig Operator

When Trevor Nash began doing well service work for a drilling company in 2009, he never imagined becoming a driller. But buying out the service work in 2010 eventually led him to purchase the company’s old Midway rig.

“I didn’t ever want to drill. Being young with a couple of kids, I just thought it was too risky,” said Nash, owner of Nash Water Well Service LLC. “But we had wells booked so I ended up buying it. It’s been a challenging, fun ride — it’s been good.”

Seeking Efficiency and Versatility in an Air Rotary Drilling Rig

As Nash gained experience, he realized the limitations of his older rig. He wanted more efficiency, the ability to drill deeper and larger wells, and a transition from piston to centrifugal pumps.

“We wanted the efficiency in time and a reduction in breakdown costs of a new rig. We wanted a simpler rig for the helper to run,” Nash said. “We also wanted the ability to diversify — doing cathodic protection, monitoring wells, irrigation wells, and geothermal loops. We needed a rig to do these different techniques and get down the road safely.”

Determined to upgrade, and "not getting any younger," Nash researched options. Talked to other drillers. Watched DM series rigs run.

“We saw the integrity of the derrick to hold up to the drilling we do. We recognized the availability of the parts and service. We’re close to the Geoprobe^® Kansas headquarters,” Nash said.

A Partnership, Not Just a Rig

Beyond the metal, Nash valued the partnership that comes with buying a Geoprobe^® rig.

“We liked having sales, engineers, and service all involved and having those connections and relationships with the individuals within the company. You can network with sales, engineers and tell them things you’d do differently, and they don’t get offended,” Nash said. “I mean it’s more than nine months after delivery, and Donnie [Wood, water well product line manager] is still checking on me, answering questions.”

The DM650 Air Rotary Drilling Rig Delivers

With the purchase of a DM650 air rotary drilling rig, he’s achieved his goals and more.

• Efficient: “I can adequately tweak how much foam while drilling air.”
• Drill Deeper: “I can carry an extra 100-feet of drill rod."
• Switch from Piston to Centrifugal Pump: “With the dual centrifugal pumps, I can run separately or boost without using power from the mud machine.”
• Faster: “It saves me a whole day on a deep well. The capability to upream and not have to ream a hole twice due to clay means we can go down 500 feet, drill back up 500 feet, and have a clean hole.”
• Simple Operation: “A new guy can run the levers quickly.”
• Ability to Diversify: “You can option the rig to meet your needs and tailor it to your formations. There’s a lot of things on the rig that help us out, like the sandline.”

Confidence on the Job Site

Nash also notes the influence on client confidence.

“Clients have more confidence having a new, updated rig on job sites,” Nash said. “It puts customers’ minds at ease and gives them confidence in the job you’re doing for them.”