A TECHNICAL REPORT

On
BOREHOLE DRILLING
HELD AT
GRA ALONG NAJEEM YASIN HOUSE OFFA
WRITTEN BY;
(GROUP H).
1.Ajibade Michael Adetayo CE/ND/F21/2105
2.Owomewaji Fadilullahi O. CE/ND/F21/2140
3.Oyewola Oluwaferanmi Isaac. CE/ND/F21/2081
4.Oyebode charles CE/ND/F21/2207
5 .Dare Eniola Omotayo. CE/ND/F21/2156
6.Yusuf Yusuf. CE/ND/F21/2118
7. Rueben Elisha Abiodun. CE/ND/F21/2209
8. Ayanlakin Majeed Ayanleye. CE/ND/F21/2107
9. Adebayo Temitope Emmanuel. CE/ND/F21/2054
10. Sanni Abdulsamad CE/ND/F21/2186

SUBMITTED TO
THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, FEDERAL
POLYTECHNIC OFFA, KWARA STATE.
MAY 2023.

CERTIFICATION OF REPORT

This is to certify that the hydrogeological project report titled [BOREHOLE DRILLING] prepared
by AJIBADE MICHAEL ADETAYO and other group members from the Department of Civil
Engineering Federal Polytechnic Offa,Kwara State .The report has been reviewed and found to
be in accordance with the standards and guidelines set forth by the instructor and supervisor for
conducting hydrogeological project.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the hydrogeological conditions in the study
area and includes detailed information on the geology, groundwater quality, and groundwater
availability. The methodology used for conducting the survey was sound and the data collected
is reliable.
ENGR MRS KOMOLAFE Signature and Date
SUPERVISOR.
 ______________
ENGR. MRS ADEYEMI A.O   Signature and DATE
(HEAD OF DEPARTMENT)
 
 

DEDICATION
We hereby dedicate this explicit report to our Almighty God for his love and care towards all of us
throughout the theoretical and practical aspect of the project.

1.1 HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE

The hydrological cycle, also known as the water cycle, is the continuous process by which water
circulates through the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and land. The cycle has no starting point and
no end, and it involves the exchange of water between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere.
The hydrological cycle is a vital process that helps to maintain the Earth's water balance and
sustains life on the planet. It plays a crucial role in climate regulation, weather patterns, and the
distribution of water resources across the planet.
 Fig 2.0. Hydrological Cycle

1.2 WATER EXPLORATION

The exploration for water requires several important steps in order to get adequate and portable
water for consumption and other domestic significant. Therefore, before any borehole
construction is done, a geophysical survey should be carried out on the site to know the most
suitable point and depth where the borehole should be drilled in order to have maximum
groundwater potential. Hence, a geophysical survey tells whether a proposed borehole site
should be approved or abandoned

1.2 GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY

Geophysical techniques are non-invasive technologies that measure the variations in the physical
characteristics of the surface and subsurface geology either NATURAL ORARTIFICIAL generated
within the earth crust. Such variation result from differences in physical characteristic such as
density, elasticity, magnetism, and electric resistivity

1.3 METHODOLOGY
In an attempt to identify a suitable site for the drilling and construction of a productive borehole,
a geophysical survey is usually carried out.
There are various methods used in conducting Geophysical survey. These include: Electrical
Resistivity method, Magnetic/Electromagnetic method, Seismic Method and other geophysical
survey method that can be applied in groundwater investigation, in special situations include
gravity method, induced polarization (IP), Self Potential (SP),

2.2 BOREHOLE DRILLING CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPEMENT

Borehole drilling is the process of drilling a hole in the ground to extract water, oil, gas, or other
natural resources. Boreholes are also used for geothermal energy extraction, environmental
monitoring, and mineral exploration.
Borehole construction and development involve several steps, which can vary depending on the
purpose of the borehole. Here are the general steps involved in borehole drilling:

1. Site selection: The first step in borehole construction is to select a suitable site for drilling.
Factors such as the depth of the water table, soil type, and the presence of rocks and other
obstacles are considered when selecting a site.

2. Surveying: Once a site is selected, a survey is conducted to determine the exact location and
depth of the borehole.

3. Drilling: The drilling process involves using a drilling rig to bore a hole into the ground. The
type of drilling rig used depends on the type of borehole being constructed.

4. Installation of casing: After the borehole has been drilled, a casing is installed to prevent the
sides of the borehole from collapsing. The casing is usually made of steel or PVC and is inserted
into the borehole and cemented in place.

5. Development: After the casing is installed, the borehole is developed by washing it with water
or air to remove any debris and improve the flow of water or other resources.

6. Installation of pumping equipment: Once the borehole is developed, pumping equipment is

installed to extract the water, oil, gas, or other resources. The type of pumping equipment used
depends on the purpose of the borehole.

7. Testing: Finally, the borehole is tested to ensure that it is producing the desired amount of
water or other resources.

Borehole drilling is a complex process that requires specialized equipment and expertise. It is
essential to follow all safety procedures and regulations to ensure a successful and safe drilling
operation.
2.2.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE EQUIPMENT USED
The following equipment are used as attachment equipment during drilling:
2.3

Halco v866 drilling rig capable of drilling to 200 m depth. An Atlas Copco Compressor
A portable Mud Pump
A water tanker
Drilling bit
A service truck.

BOREHOLE DESIGN
Borehole design is the process of specifying the physical materials and dimension of bore hole
with the main objectives of securing the highest sustainable yield. In borehole design, it is helpful
to consider the borehole structure as consisting of two main elements.
Case portion of the borehole.
Intake portion of the borehole.
The case portion of the borehole also known as the blind portion, is the part of the borehole that
seals surface water and undesirable groundwater as well as provide structural support against
caving material. The intake portion of the bore hole or the screen portion are perforated casings
which allow maximum amount of water to enter the well and prevent movement of sand into hole
as wells stabilize the side of the borehole

2.3 PROCESSES INVOLVED IN DRILLING

Mobilization of Equipment and Personnel to Site

This involves conveying the drilling rig and every other equipment to be used for
drilling to site together with all the man power involved. Positioning and Pluming the Drilling
Rig.
This involves setting the rig at the exact spot where the geophysical survey had recommended
and also ensuring the rig is plumed so as to ensure that the hole is straight and vertical.
Construction of the Mud Pit (in the case of Rotary Mud Drilling) This involves the digging of
two pits; one in which cutting materials settle (Storage pit) and the other from which water is
pumped and re-pumped to the hole through the drilling rig(Suction pit)
Drilling to the required depth.

2.3.1 DRILLING METHOD

A large variety of methods and equipment are available for excavating holes in the earth. The
technique used in a particular situation in the field depends on a number of factors including
availability of equipment and majorly, the mode of occurrence of ground water in the area. The
method of drilling which was employed during my period of attachment was the rotary method of
drilling method. The rotary drilling method is one of the fastest methods of drilling wells and is
particularly adapted in the drilling of large size holes. The drilling process involves boring a hole
by using rotating bit to which a downward force is applied. I was exposed to two types of rotary
drilling during the period of my attachment, these are;
Rotary-mud drilling and
Rotary-air drilling
In rotary-mud drilling, the first activity usually carried out is digging of the storage and suction
pit which are together referred to as the mud pit. Afterwards, drilling is commenced using drilling
fluids. Cuttings of rocks are achieved by rotary bits of various types. The power is delivered to
the rotary bits by a rotary halo-steel tube or drilling pipe attached to the drilling
rig. Pre-mixed mud is forced down the drill pipe and out of the bits. The cuttings are removed by
continuous circulation of the drill fluid (mud) as the bits penetrate the formation. The role of the
mud is to minimize fluid loss into the aquifers and to cool the drilling bits during the drilling
process; it also carries the rock cuttings upward and then deposits them in the mud pit. The
storage and suction pits are dug in such a way that the fluid from the former overflows into the
latter from where it is then pumped back through the drill pipe and the circle is repeated(See
Plate 2.6). The heavy cuttings settle in the storage pit while the tiny ones flow into the suction
pit. This kind of drilling takes place where the overburden is thick, to do away with the mud
before proceeding to air-drilling. The drilling mud consists of Suspension of Water, Betonies,
Extender, Polypulus,(Carboxylmethylcellulose) (CMC).

2.4 WELL COMPLETION

2.4.1 FLUSHING
This is the process of flushing out after completion of borehole. Flushing is done to remove dirty
water which has been contaminated during drilling. When using the compressor to flush, after
inserting permanent casing and gravel parking, you can either slot in your flush horse or you
send the drill pipe again and the compressor supply compress air bringing out the water in the
hole.
2.4.2 CASING
This entails the lowering and connection of PVC pipes both screens and blinds into the borehole
in accordance with the borehole design. The blinds are usually cylindrical materials with both
ends open and prevent dirty particles in the ground from in-filtrating the hole. The screens are
also cylindrical materials but perforated. They are often placed in the hole where the aquifer is so
that ground water can filter through it to the hole. The borehole is flushed again before gravel
packing/sand packing. This is done to make the hole clean.
2.4.3 GRAVEL/SAND PACKING
This involves placing of coarse sand or fine gravel chippings in- between the wall and the casing
of the borehole. The boreholes are gravel packed to provide a zone of high permeability.
Stabilize the aquifer.
Minimize sand pumping.
Hold the blinds and screen firmly to the ground 2.4.5 GROUTING

It is important to note that the gravels should not be placed to within 3-6 to the surface as this
space is for grouting. Grouting involves the mixing of cement, gravels, sand and water to fill the
space after gravel packing. This was done to avoid the percolation of surface water that may
pollute or contaminate the borehole.
2.5 BOREHOLE DEVELOPMENT
This is the final stage in the construction and completion of a borehole. It involves the removal of
finer materials in the aquifer. This process also increases permeability and porosity of the aquifer
in the immediate area of the borehole. In mud-drilled holes, the aquifer formation is invaded by
the mud around the periphery of the hole and a mud cake is formed on the walls of the hole.
Development is needed to remove this mud and violently agitate the gravel packing materials
behind the screened section to remove fines and form a stable permeable filter.
The following are borehole development methods
Pump installation
For pump installation a list of items are required; Pipe centralizer, Rise main pipe, Pump rods and
Nylon ropes etc. Basically we have two types of pump installations;
Manual hand pumps installation. and,
Motorized pump installation.
The following are borehole development methods;
Pump installation
For pump installation a list of items are required; Pipe centralizer, Rise main pipe,
Pump rods and Nylon ropes etc. Basically we have two types of pump installations;
Manual hand pumps installation. and,
Motorized pump installation.
Flushing
This is one of the final stages of the borehole development. It involves the flushing of the hole
with a submersible pump to get the hole cleaned there by making the water clear. This is
normally done if the hole is not clean after back washing.
Capping and grouting:
This involves covering the borehole with a fabricated material, to prevent dirt particles from
entering the borehole and also to prevent little children around the hole

from falling into the hole. This material often covers the casing which protrudes from the
borehole

2.7 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the borehole drilling report provides valuable information about the drilling
process, including the location of the borehole, the depth of the drilling, and the geological
formations encountered. It also provides a detailed analysis of the water quality and quantity
found in the borehole and recommendations for any necessary treatments or maintenance.