Review of the Members' Forum

On 3 April, the 7th DCA members' forum took place in Aachen, where over 80 participants from 8 countries gathered at the Novotel. The topic of the forum focussed on the comparison of the systems ‘mud motor versus double rod system’ when drilling in rock.

The DCA traditionally invited members to a get-together in the Elisengarten restaurant the evening before. The exceptionally good atmosphere in the heart of the time-honoured imperial city was used by many for intensive networking.

DCA Vice President Marco Reinhard, who was in charge of organising the forum, and the board members Jörg Himmerich and Marc Schnau led the two German-speaking groups the following day, while DCA President Jorn Stoelinga accompanied the English-speaking group. The board members were supported in the organisation of the forum by DCA members from a wide range of areas, so that, as in previous years, a lively discussion was able to develop during the event. The workshop-style forum was divided into four sessions with the following content:

• History, technical structure, modes of operation
• Comparison of measuring methods/locating methods
• Drilling mud and borehole hydraulics
• Comparison table/differentiation matrix and project examples.

The two systems were compared for the use of drilling rigs with a maximum tensile force of between 180 kN and 540 kN. The measurement and localisation methods were examined in more detail, as it is currently not possible to carry out wireline measurement methods with double drill pipe systems, but only the walk-over method can be used for localisation. However, at least one group held out the prospect that this would soon change. In the course of the discussions, it was frequently noted that comparability, e.g. in terms of controllability, drilling speed and accuracy, is quite difficult. A fundamental difference is the different pumping rate, which then influences numerous other technical parameters such as water requirement, borehole cleaning, speed, wear, etc. In a final table, the results were summarised again - in some cases only qualitatively. It should be emphasised once again that the content of the forum is based on the contributions and exchanges of experts. The statements, recommendations and information presented do not constitute legally binding statements and are no substitute for individual and professional advice. The information is intended for orientation and professional dialogue. It does not claim to be complete or legally binding.

The board would like to take this opportunity to thank the members for their professional support and the participants for their many contributions to the discussion!

In conclusion, it can be summarised that the forum has now become an integral part of DCA events. This format gives members the opportunity to exchange expertise within the industry. There was already a lot of positive feedback from the participants immediately after the forum.

Marco Reinhard, DCA-Vice president 

Task group Steering - Looking for members to join

Dear members,

As you may have heard during the February members meeting in Oldenburg we are planning to put together a Steering task group. In our technical guidelines we cannot go too deep into details of the various options and terminology. We therefore intend to create a dedicated paper, going deeper into the various aspects of locating and steering.

Over the past few years we have seen new tools come onto the market as well as updated existing tools which all offer new or extended capabilities. This has extended the boundaries of what is possible with regards to pilot hole steering in HDD. We feel that it is a good time to create a dedicated paper to reflect these new developments to be sure that they are technically accurate and relevant and are also prepared for potential developments in the near future.

With this in mind we are asking which of our members would be willing to join the steering task group to support these efforts. We would like to involve not just the suppliers and manufacturers of these steering tools, but we would also like to involve a range of contractors, both large and small scale. It is important to have a contractor’s input regarding what is practically possible using the tools that are currently on the market as well as understanding which tools are best used according to the applications that a contractor might come across.

We would also like to have representation in the Task Group of end customers and network operators for their opinion on what their preferences and needs might be with regards to steering tools. Hopefully with the input from all three sides, suppliers, contractors and end customers we can produce something technically accurate, up to date and easy to understand.

So, please let us know if you would like to help to Steer the Steering group!

Best regards

dbillig@sharewellhdd.com

Phone: +31 (612)100545