AirComp LLC

A Division of Allis-Chalmers Energy

Introduction to Air Drilling

Introduction to Air Drilling

Section 1:
Section 2:
Section 3:
Section 4:
Section 5:
Section 6:
Section 7:
Section 8:

Air Drilling Applications

Dust Drilling
Mist Drilling
Foam Drilling
Aerated Drilling
Nitrogen
Air Hammer & Bits
Performance / Results

Section 1 -- Air Drilling Applications

What describes an
Ideal Candidate for Air Drilling?

Ideal Candidate for Air Drilling

Long wellbore sections with Minimal Formation Pressures
Medium - Hard Formations w/ Low ROP
Deviation Problems due to High Formation Dip Angles
Lost Circulation Problems
Formations that have Minimum Water Influx
Water Sensitive Formations (Shales) are time sensitive to
sloughing.
Hydrocarbon zones are typically Gas bearing.

Advantages of Air Drilling

Faster R.O.P. (2-5 times faster than on Mud)
Improved Deviation Control (light WOB)
Minimal Formation Damage in Production section
Effective Pressure Control thru Lost Circulation Zones
Detection of Low Pressure Zones
Faster return of drilled cuttings (formation evaluation)
Overall Lower Cost per Foot

Most Common Air Drilling Applications

Hard Rock Drilling where ROP is less than
15 ft/hr using mud.
Areas that have Deviation Problems with conventional
BHAs and use light WOB.
Lost Circulation Problems
Pay-Zones that are sensitive to Formation Damage
w/mud.

Disadvantages of Air Drilling

Large amount of Air Volume High Annular Velocity is required to carry

cuttings up the hole;
3000 ft/min Minimum Annular Velocity required for Hole Cleaning
Angels Curves in 1957
5000 ft/min Annular Velocity suggested for Optimum Hole Cleaning

Formation Pressure Control is minimal;

Can Not drill when H2S zones are present

Danger of Down-hole fires:

as per

Use Nitrogen
Use Fire Float / Stop
Use Mist

Limited Applications: geological regions with mature, stable and relatively

dry formations (water influx limitations);

Problems with Down-hole motors (high speeds) & EM-MWD (high vibrations)
but improvements are being made and performance has improved with Mist
Drilling

Section 2 -- Dust Drilling

What is Dust Drilling ?

What is Dust Drilling?

Compressed air is used as the sole
circulating medium.
No fluid (Water / Soap) injection means
the annular returns are Dust.
Cuttings are carried to surface by High
Annular Velocity and routed to a pit
through a Blooie-Line.

AirComp LLC
A Division of Allis-Chalmers Energy

Rig Floor Manifold Set Up

G uage
G uage

B a ll V a lv e
C h e c k V a lv e

S t d P ip e

B a ll V a lv e
B a ll V a lv e

B y - P a s s to B lo o ie L in e

B y - P a s s T o P r im a r y J e t

M a in A ir F e e d F / C o m p r e s s o r s

Advantages of Dust Drilling System

Optimum environment for use with Air Hammers
Least Expensive operations
No fluid system to clean up or Disposal at
the surface.
Maximum Penetration Rates.
Extended bit life.

Dust Drilling Limitations

Wellbore fluid influxes cannot be handled
effectively with Dust drilling.
Influxes will wet cuttings resulting in mud rings
in the annulus, restricting hole cleaning.
Switching to Mist or Foam allows continued Air
Drilling in the presence of water.
Chance of Down-Hole Fire if Mud Rings are not
eliminated.

Section 3 -- Mist Drilling

When and Why should you Mist Drill ?

What is Mist Drilling?

Air Drilling with the addition of liquids usually
water, soap and chemical inhibitors.
Mixture of water and soap is added to the air
stream at surface at a controlled rate to
improve annular hole cleaning.
Misting can use many different mediums
(water, surfactant, etc.)
When Misting the Annular Pressure increases
so the ROP will typically drop VS Dusting
applications
Additional Air Volume can help improve ROP

When should you Mist Drill ?

Wellbore becomes wet due to fluid influx.
Annular cleaning problems lead to inconsistent
flow at the Blooie line / pressure increase.
Wellbore fluid influx is up to 100+ gpm / 150
Bbls/Hr but is dependent upon Air Volume.
Reservoir produces large amount of Gas /
Condensate which creates hole cleaning problem.
Hole showing fill after connections suggesting
Sloughing problems. caution Mist could
increase sloughing if shales are sensitive.

AirComp LLC
A Division of Allis-Chalmers Energy

Advantages of Mist Drilling

Higher ROP than with conventional mud.
Enables drilling to proceed while
producing fluids.
Improves Hole Cleaning capacity
Reduces risk of downhole fires.
Eliminates need for Nitrogen

Mist Drilling Limitations

Slower penetration rate than Dust drilling due
to increased annular hydrostatic pressure.
ROP = 30 50% less than Dusting

Limited tolerance to water influx.

High amounts of Water influx typically makes Mist
Drilling uneconomical.
When large liquid influxes are encountered; options
Switch to Foam
Switch to Aerated Mud

Extra Costs for Air Drilling

Air Package = $ 4800 / day + Fuel (30 gal/hr)
4 - 1200 CFM x 1150 psi Compressors / Boosters
1 - Mist Pump (40 Bbls/hr; 28 gpm)
2 Operators (12 hour tour) + 1 Supervisor

Rig Modifications = $ 25,000 estimate

Blooey Line Fabrication 9 5/8 Casing x 150 feet
Standpipe Fabrication / Modification

Section 4: Foam Drilling

What is Foam Drilling ?

What is Foam Drilling ?

Foam is created by combining water,
surfactants and air.
Foam (stiff; like shaving cream) is circulated as
the drilling fluid.
Cuttings carrying capacity is 6-7 times grater
than Air / Dust.
Required annular velocity for optimum hole
cleaning is significantly lower Air / Mist Drilling.
AV = 1000 1500 ft/ min

AirComp LLC
A Division of Allis-Chalmers Energy

Advantages of Foam Drilling

Foam has excellent cuttings carrying capacity.
Lower Air Volume requirements can mean less
Air Compression equipment required than Dust
or Mist drilling.
During connections (break in circulation) the
cuttings will remain suspended in the annulus.
Holding Back Pressure on Annulus can help
reduce water influx and/or maintain hole wall
stability.

Limitations for Foam Drilling

Surface requirements (pits) for Foam
can become a problem.
Large pits have to be built to contain the
Foam and allow time for settling.
Chemical cost to break down Foam can
become expensive.
Large influx of Fluids can break down
Foam and thus reduce hole cleaning.

Section 5: Aerated Drilling Fluids

What is an Aerated Drilling Fluid ?

What is an Aerated Drilling Fluid ?

Air or Nitrogen is added to the liquid
phase of the drilling fluid.
This will lower the effective mud weight.
This can be accomplished by injecting
air/nitrogen directly into the standpipe.
This can also be achieved using parasite
string or concentric casing strings.

AirComp LLC
A Division of Allis-Chalmers Energy

Standpipe Injection Option 1

Parasite String
Air or Nitrogen can
be injected using a
parasite string.
Parasite string is
attached to casing
and cemented in
place.
Pieance Basin in CO

Standpipe Injection Option 2

Concentric Casing
Air or Nitrogen
can be injected by
using a concentric
casing string.
Concentric casing
is uncemented
casing run to the
insertion point.

Aerated Drilling Fluids

Guideline for using Air or N2
Air can be used in water based drilling
fluids.
Corrosion inhibitors are highly recommended

N2 must be used with oil based mud

N2 are highly recommended when Oil or
condensate influx is anticipated.
N2 must be used, when working with a
Closed Loop System (closed separator).

Advantages of Aerated Fluids

Can be utilized with most types of
drilling fluids.
Allows for the adjustment of
bottomhole pressures by changing
the gas injection rates.
Increases Penetration Rates by
Lowering the annular pressure on
the formation.

Section 6: How the Nitrogen

Membrane works

Nitrogen Membrane Advantages

Minimizes chance of Downhole Fire
Membrane Units typically will reduce
operating costs VS cryogenic (liquid)
nitrogen.
Not limited by liquid N2 transportation
problems.
US Patent owned by Weatherford

Other Options to prevent

Downhole Fires
Misting
Minimizes chances of spark ignition
prevents mud rings (pressure
ignition

Fire Stop
Stops Air / Oxygen Flow which
extinguishes Fire

Fire Float / Fire Stop

Improved Drilling Performance

with Air / Hammer Applications

Val Verde Basin

San Juan Basin
Arkoma Basin
Barnett Shale

(West Texas)
(Farmington, NM)
(S E Oklahoma)
(Fort Worth Basin)

AirComp LLC
A Division of Allis-Chalmers Energy

Improved Drilling Performance

with Air / Hammer Applications
Air Hammers & Bits
Hammer Designs -- How does it work?
Bit Designs -- Diamond Enhanced !!!
Drilling Applications
Val Verde Basin
San Juan Basin
Pieance Basin
Arkoma Basin
Appalachian Basin
Fort Worth Basin

(West Texas)
(Farmington, NM)
(Southern Rockies)
(Oklahoma / Arkansas)
(WV, PA, NY, KY, VA)
(Barnett Shale)

Faster R.O.P.
(Rate of Penetration)

Air Hammers & Bits

Hammer Designs
Conventional Air Hammers
New Oilfield Air Hammer -- FAM-Us

Hammer Bit Design

Diamond Enhanced Inserts
Bit Retainer Assembly

Foot Valve (Plastic)

Conventional Air Hammer

Operation

Bit is off-bottom
Air Circulates
Bottoms Up

Bit is On-Bottom
Air fills bottom
Chamber which lifts
piston upward

Bit is On-Bottom
Air now fills top
chamber forcing
piston downward

Piston strikes the

top of the bit
With high energy
300,000 lbs force

FAM-Us (Oilfield Designed) Air Hammers

Foam Air Mist - Underbalanced Series
Developed in 2003; Commercialized in 2004
API Reg. Pin Connection

Fishable Length Top Sub with Float

Small-Nose Piston
* Eliminates possible
Foot Valve Failures
* Improves ROP
especially when Misting

Air Feed Tube With By-Pass Choke

* Increases Hole Cleaning
Capability

Pin-Drive Spline
* Eliminates Metal-to-Metal
Contact / Galling
Double Sleeve
Retainer System
(Patent Pending)

New Bit Cutting Structures

* Designed to Improve
Toughness & Footage

FAM-Us Air Hammers

Improved Lower Chamber Exhausting
Conventional Air Hammer

FAM-Us Air Hammer

FAM-Us Air Hammer

Lower Compression Ratio
Yields Higher Impact Energy

FAM-Us Air Hammer

Conventional Air Hammer

Diamond Enhanced
Hammer Bits
Footage per bit is increased by 3-4 fold over
Carbide bits
Medium strength formations can be drilled 80+
feet/hour for 100+ hours
Hard formations require Higher Energy levels
(i.e. High Pressure compressors) which require
improved hammer and/or bit metallurgy, bit
designs, and tougher diamond inserts.
Double-Sleeve Retaining System (Patent
Pending) allows diamond cutting structure to be
fully utilized without fear of bit body fatigue.

8 C783G Hammer Bit

Face Design

Gage Row
12 15/16 DEI @
40 Degree Angle
Adj. Gage Row
6 13/16 DEI @
20 Degree Angle

3 Exhaust Ports
Optimized
Face Cleaning
Flat Bottom Row
3 13/16 DEI
near Shank Diameter
Improves Energy Dist.
Concave Face
Stabilizes C/S and
Improves Directional
Control

New Technology

Diamond Insert Technology

Manufacturer of polycrystalline diamond inserts used in oil and gas

drilling

Proprietary interface technology

Enhances diamond/carbide attachment strength
FEA improved designs favorably manage residual stresses
inherent to diamond inserts for longer life

Application-specific percussion insert properties:

Highly impact resistant
Resistant to wear (long life)

ISO 9001 Certified Quality Goals

Deliver defect free products
Ship directly to customer inventory

Development capabilities
In-house testing necessary to develop impact resistant diamond
inserts.
U S Synthetic facilities allow testing of multiple designs quickly
to improve product performance for its customers

Diamond Air has Exclusive Rights to inserts developed together

15/16 Gage inserts

FEA DESIGN CAPABILITY

2600 TON CUBIC PRESS

Bit Design
With
Double-Sleeve
Retainer System

Diamond Air / Marquis Bits

Bit Retaining System (Patent Pending)
Large Solid Bit
Retaining Shoulder
(No Thread unscrewing)

Positive Locking
Split Sleeve
(locks bit head to hammer)

Protective Outer Sleeve

(keeps inner sleeve together)

Marquis Hammer Bit Nomenclature

087 - C683G
087 -- Size of hammer bit diameter in inches (8.750)

-- Face Profile (Shape)

C = Concave
CV = Convex

-- Second number designates the Dominate (Gage) Insert Size

2 = 1/2
3 = 5/8
4 = 3/4
5 = 13 /16
6 = 7/8
7 = 15/16
8= 1
9 = ??

Semi Round Diamond Insert

Semi Round Diamond Insert
Semi-Round Diamond Insert
Semi Round Diamond Insert
Semi round Diamond Insert
Semi Round Diamond Insert
Semi Round Diamond Insert
Semi Round Diamond Insert

-- Designates Hammer Size/Spline Type

D = Drop Center
F = Flat Bottom

3
G

4 =
6 =
7 =
8 =
9 =
2 =
15 =

Halco Dominator 400 Hammer

Halco Dominator 600 Hammer
Halco Dominator 750 Hammer
Halco Mach 88 Hammer
Halco Dominator 1000 Hammer
Halco Dominator 132
Mission SD-15 Hammer

w/ IR-340 spline
w/ IR-360 spline
w/ SD-8 spline
w/ IR-380 spline
w/ SD-10 spline
w/ IR112 spline
w/ SD-15 spline

-- Number of Air Holes in Bit Head

-- Extra Gage Protection Inserts placed on the side of bit to prevent reaming.

Marquis Hammer Bits

Standard Product List
Size . Type Feature
046.CV342 - G
060.CV462 - G
061.CV462 - G
062.CV462 - G
065.CV462 - G
067.CV463 - G
078.C673 - G
078.C683 - G
084.C683 - G
087.C683 - G
088.C683 - G
098.C693 - G
110.C693 - G
122.C623 - G
123.C623 - G
147.C623 - G
175.C6153 - G

Bit Description
4 Convex
6 Convex
6 1/8 Convex
6 Convex
6 Convex
6 Convex
7 7/8 Concave
7 7/8 Concave
8 Concave
8 Concave
8 7/8 Concave
9 7/8 Concave
11 Concave
12 Concave
12 3/8 Concave
14 Concave
17 Concave

Hammer Spline
IR-340
IR-360
IR-360
IR-360
IR-360
IR-360
SD-8
IR-380
IR-380
IR-380
IR-380
SD-10
SD-10 or IR-111
IR-112
IR-112
IR-112
SD-15 or IR-112

Superior Hammer Repair & Maintenance Quality

Hammer Parts are micrometer
inspected and are actually held
to tighter tolerances than the
Manufacturers Specifications.

Put in Black Light

Inspection Photo

Black Light Inspection of ALL hammer Parts

minimizes the chance of Down-Hole failures.

Hammer Bits go through additional QC

processes including Black Light
Inspection as well as being tracked by
Hours as well as Footage and are then
specifically chosen for each application.

Air Drilling / Hammer Supervision

Similar to Directional Drillers
Train / Supervisor Drillers on how to operate Air
Hammers / Bits
Optimize Bit Life and ROP
Monitor Hole Cleaning
Keeps rig/drillers out of trouble
Determine when / if Mist Drilling is required
Lower chance of Burn Offs

Best Drilling Practices for

Air Hammer Drilling
Air Volumes VS Annular Velocity
Minimum A.V. of 3000 feet/min. (Angels curves)
Optimum A.V. of 5000+ feet/min. (Field experience)
30% additional air volume suggested for Misting and/or
Directional applications.

Hammer Configuration
Choke size should be determined to operate 350psi
differential across the hammer.
Hammer with heavy piston has been found to be faster in
misting and/or Hard-Rock applications
Hammer with lighter piston but higher frequency has
been found to be faster in medium to soft rock while
dusting.

Best Drilling Practices for

Air Hammer Drilling
WOB & RPM
Weight-On-Bit should be minimized but must maintain
a closed hammer.
Typically 500 lbs or less per inch of hole diameter is
found to be sufficient. (i.e. 3-4k lbs WOB for 8 3/4 hole)
RPM should depend upon formation, hole size and
frequency of the hammer.
RPM with high frequency hammer in soft formation
would utilize higher RPM (i.e. 40-60 RPM for 8 3/4 hole in
shale)

RPM for hard abrasive formations in large (12 1/4 - 17

1/2) hole sizes should be as low as possible (i.e. 10-20
RPM).

Operations Comparison
8 3/4

Roller Cone VS

Rotary:

70 - 100 rpm

VS

20 - 50 rpm

WOB:

30-40 klbs

VS

2- 6

ROP:

20-40

Deviation: 2 8+ deg.

DEI Hammer Bit

VS

klbs

60-100 ft/hr
VS

0 2+ degrees

Lost Cone Concerns

VS

Fixed Head Bit

Gage Wear Concern

VS Diamond Gage

Best Drilling Practices for

Air Hammer Drilling
Undergage Hole
Use of the G feature minimizes need for reaming
Dropping Hole size (8 7/8 8 - 8 5/8) with
consecutive bits will eliminate reaming but is NOT
necessary with G feature.
BHA Configurations
Slick is typically suggested, even in most deviated
areas.
Pendulum is utilized to drop angle at a faster rate
than slick.
Packed BHA is utilized in most Extreme deviation
areas with the use of Tri-Collars but can cause torque
problems if not run under-gage.

Directional Drilling Applications

No True Directional Control
We can NOT Steer an Air Hammer
Surveying Options
Single Shot used most of the time
Steering Tool ? Can be used but must pull out
wireline/electronics
EM-MWD ? Not on Dust; maybe on Mist

BHA Options - Build Assembly -- Stabilized Hammer

Maintain Assembly -- Packed BHA
Drop Assembly -- Slick or Pendulum BHA

Applications - CBM -- Packed BHA in Horizontal sections -- NEUS

Near Horizontal -- Packed BHA in Texas (Pan Handle)
Hammer below a Motor -- Can it be done?

Air Hammer Drilling -- Arkoma Basin

What has be done?

17 1/2 Intermediate (TVD 60 600):
BP (Red Oak) -- Arkoma Basin
Year 2001 using Rig Air (2400 SCFM)
Average ROP = 30 - 40 ft/hr for hammer;
20 ft/hr on Mud with RC bits
Year 2002 - 2004 using 3400 SCFM of Air Volume
Air Hammer with Diamond Hammer Bit drills to Casing Point
Average ROP = 75 ft/hr.
World Record = 104 ft/hr by H & P # 189 (Top Drive)

Cost Savings 3/4 days = $ 10k $ 15k

Air Hammer Drilling -- Arkoma Basin

What has be done?

12 1/4 Intermediate (TVD 500 3500):
BP (Red Oak) -- Arkoma Basin
Year 2001 using Rig Air (2400 SCFM)
Air / Hammer to top of Hartshorne Sandstone
then Roller Cone Bit on Mud
Average ROP = 50 - 60 ft/hr for hammer; 20 ft/hr on Mud
Year 2002 - 2004 using 3300 SCFM of Air Volume
Air Hammer with Diamond Hammer Bit drills to TD (200 feet
into Atoka Shale)
1 trip; ROP = 120 ft/hr
by H & P # 158
World Record = 243 ft/hr by H & P # 189 (Top Drive)
Improved Bits and Higher Air Pressures yield reduced # of trips and
ROP increase.
Cost Savings 3 - 4 days = $ 45k $ 60k
Recent Test with 2700 SCFM of Air on Nabors # 981 drilled only 65 ft/hr
instead of 120+ ft/hr.

Red Oak Spiro

12-1/4" Air Hammer
Performance History

180.0

6000
161.4

160.0
143.5

140.0
Published World Record
97.9 ft/hr

120.0

117.8

123.1

130.3

127.1

102.5
100.0

91.8 88.6

95.5

4000

107.9
97.8

3000

80.0
56.7

60.0 50.4

49.8
37.4

40.0

40.3 37.4

58.5

52.1

2000

44.7
1000

20.0
0.0

E
G
EO R 8
R
G
R E9
EE
G
D
EO
A6
R
G
E
R 10
EE
ID
A
D
H
7
O
LL
M IE
AX 3
EY
6
N
AN
H
ES
1
TO
D
Y
N
E
9
M
AR
TI
FO N 8
LO RD
8
W
G RE
EO Y
5
R
G
E
1
JO 2
E
1
M
U
SI
BL C 2
AI
R
LE 10
H
EN WI
S
R
9
Y
M
H
C
FE ILL
9
R
R
AN
SI
M 9
O
N
H
IL 1
L
BL A 7
AI
R
11

ID

IL

EC
C

Rate of Penetration (ft/hr)

5000
136.0

Well
ROP

Footage

Footage (ft)

145.9

Air Hammer Drilling -- Barnett Shale

What has been Done ?
8 3/4 Production Hole (Vertical Section)

Objective: Drill Production Hole from 1500 to KOP @

6500
2003 -- using Mud and Roller Cone Bits (some on motors)
3 - 4 trips for bits; ROP = 40 - 50 ft/hr average
6 - 8 days depending upon deviation problems
2004 -- using Air Hammer with 2400 - 3000 SCFM of Air
1 bit / 1 trip; 80% of jobs; 3 days; Avg. ROP = 85+ ft/hr
2 bit / 2 trip; 20% of jobs; 4 days; Avg. ROP = 100+ ft/hr
Increased Air Volumes and Pressures increases ROP but
Bit life has been lowered.
Performance Drilling = Cost Per Foot (Guarantee)
Cost Savings 2 - 4 days = $ 30k $60k
Deviation issues are also being overcome

Air Hammer Drilling -- San Juan Basin

What has been Done ?

6 1/4 Production Hole (Vertical Section)

Objective: Drill Production Hole from 3500 to TD @ 8000

1998 -- using Air and Roller Cone Bits
2 RC Bits (5.1.7. + 5.4.7) ;
ROP = 40 - 50 ft/hr average
Hole problems due to time with open hole and fluid influx
2004 -- using Air Hammer with 1800 - 2200 SCFM of Air
1 bit / 1 trip; 90+% of jobs;
2 days; Avg. ROP = 110 ft/hr
Bit Rerunable for Mesa Verde well 80+% of the time
Increased Air Volumes and Pressures increases ROP but
Bit life can be sacrificed in Dakota sands.
Cost Savings 2 - 3 days = $ 30k $60k

2005 World Records

Set by Diamond Air & Marquis Bits
Size

Type

Footage

Hours

ROP

Customer / Well #

County, State

20

C45

1060

31.25

33.9

Nuevo Energy

Terrell, TX

18

C45

346

6.0

57.7

BP America / Golds. 7

Laflore, OK

17

C624G

314

3.0

104.6

BP America / Hills # 7

Latimer, OK

14

C623G

4983

134.3

37.1

Nuevo Energy

Terrell, TX

12 3/8

C623

3228

20.0

161.4

BP America / Blair # 10

Latimer, OK

12

H42

3709

25.5

145.5

BP America / Lowery 5-34

Leflore, OK

9 7/8

C693G

7380

97.0

76.1

Newfield

Edwards, TX

8 7/8

C683G

7746

120.0

64.6

Southwestern Energy

LeFlore, OK

C683G

12,480

167.0

74.7

Newfield

Val Verde, TX

C683G

1020

8.75

116.5

BP America

San Juan, NM

CV462

3968

28.25

140.5

Williams /Bobdad # 7A

Rio Arriba, NM

CV462

5003

46.0

108.8

Pure Res. / Rincon # 133R

Rio Arriba, NM

* Bold Face = Specific World Record Category

Air Hammer Drilling - Val Verde Basin

What can be done?

17 Surface Holes (TVD = 1300 feet):
Year 2001 2002
Carbide hammer bit
ROP = 20 - 25 feet per hour
2400 - 3000 CFM of Air/Mist.

Year 2002 2004

Footage Price using Diamond Hammer Bit used for 2 - 4 holes
ROP = 50 - 60 feet per hour while Misting
3600+ SCFM air and 18 - 20 Bbls of water & 4-6 gallons of soap.

Increased in Air Volume / Pressures help improve hole

cleaning and thus ROP
3600 4800 CFM @ 400 - 500 psi.
Minimal problems getting casing to bottom

Cost Savings

1+ day = $15k - $20k

Air Hammer Drilling - Val Verde Basin

What can been done?

12 1/4 Intermediate Hole (from 1300 feet -- 7000 feet):
Year 2001 2002
2 3 Hammer bits
ROP = 30 - 40 feet per hour
3000 - 3600 CFM of Air Dust.

Year 2002 2004

Fully Diamond Hammer Bit could drill entire section with 1 bit ?
ROP = 50 - 60 feet per hour while Dusting
3600 - 4800 CFM air will be required.

Increased in Air Volume / Pressures help improve hole

cleaning and thus ROP
4800 CFM @ 500 - 600 psi.
Minimal problems getting casing to bottom

Cost Savings

3 - 4 days = $50+k

Air Hammer Drilling - Val Verde Basin

What can been done?

8 3/4 Production Hole (from 7000 feet 13,500 feet):

2 3 Fully Diamond Hammer bits

3000 3600+ CFM of Air Dust.
ROP = 60 - 70 feet per hour
Increased in Air Volume / Pressures help improve hole cleaning and
thus ROP
Production Zones will be encountered
Nitrogen is being considered ?
Fire Stops may be utilized ?
Misting will be last option ?

Cost Savings

3 - 4 days = $50+k

Diamond Air Drilling Services

Contact List

Houston --

Terry Keane -- President

John Meyers VP of Percussion Drilling
Office 281-951-4043
Cell 281-380-6466
E-Mail
tkeane@aircompllc.com
E-Mail
jmeyers@aircompllc.com

Wilburton, OK -Pat Hannigan (District Manager)

Phone 325-277-2314
E-Mail
phanigan@aircompllc.com

Farmington, NM -Rick Coffman (Regional Manager)

Office 505-564-4873; 505-325-8144
E-Mail
rcoffman@aircompllc.com

Grand Junction, CO -Burke Dailey -- Regional Manager

Ron Bond -- Technical Services Manager

San Angelo, TX -Kevin Haby - Operations Manager

Phone 915-651-3110
Fax
915-651-3011

E-Mail
khaby@aircompllc.com

Fort Stockton, TX --

Clif Lemons (Regional Manager)

Phone 432-336-3932
Cell
432-290-0743
E-Mail
clemons@aircompllc.com

Midland, TX -

Bill Butler -- VP of Sales

Office
432-552-7034
Cell
432-559-5262
E-Mail
bbutler@aircompllc.com

Office 970-640-2776
E-Mail
bdailey@aircompllc.com
E-Mail
rbond@aircompllc.com

Healdsburg, CA -Robert Bryant -- Product Manager

Cell 707-480-0800
rbryant@aircompllc.com
E-Mail