Research Drilling Program Equipment

By Research Drilling Program

The Research Drilling Program operates a fleet of drilling rigs configured for several methods, from air and mud rotary to wireline coring. Each rig deploys as a self-contained unit carrying its own support vehicles, fluid handling, and downhole logging equipment, which allows crews to work at sites well away from established infrastructure.

Rig at Sunset — A USGS Research Drilling Program rig operates at sunset alongside the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. The rig carries its own power, water and support equipment, so crews can work at sites with no infrastructure nearby.

Equipment and Capabilities

Drilling Methods
Available techniques include:

Air and mud rotary (direct circulation)
6-inch and 8-inch air ODEX systems, which are air hammers that advance casing as the hole deepens
4- to 12-inch air percussion hammers
Wireline coring systems, which bring core to the surface through the drill string without pulling the pipe from the hole

Each method can collect continuous or intermittent core samples, depending on what the investigation requires.

Rig Configuration
Each drilling rig deploys as a fully self-contained unit. A typical setup includes:

Rig-tender water truck outfitted with a crane, welder, torches, generator, winch, and fuel tank
Mud filtration and recycling shaker system, which cleans and reuses drilling fluid on site
Trailer configurations suited to equipment transport or to sites with limited access
Positive-displacement grouter for sealing the space around the casing
One or more complete drilling systems, including pipe and accessories
Dedicated crew
Tool and fuel trucks
Geophysical logging truck for downhole data acquisition

Because the unit carries its own water, fuel, fluid handling, and logging capability, crews can operate at locations without local services.