FRTR Field Sampling and Analysis Technologies Reference Guide

3 ACCESS TOOLS

3.2 DRILLING METHODS - CONSOLIDATED FORMATIONS

3.2.3 Rotary Diamond Drilling

Use:

Rotary diamond drilling is used for borehole drilling and coring in consolidated rock.

Description:

This method uses a rotating bit consisting of a tube 10 to 26 feet long, with a diamond-studded ring fitted to the end of the core barrel. Water is circulated through the bit to cool the cutting surface. The diamond bit cuts through rock, with a solid core remaining in the tube.

Analytes:

2. Non-Halogenated SVOCs	6. Pesticides/Herbicides	10. Explosives
4. Halogenated SVOCs	7. Metals	11. TPHs
5. PAHs	8. Radionuclides

Media:

Soil:	Ground Water:	Surface Water:	Gas/Air:
MINIMUM	MODERATE	Not Applicable	MAXIMUM

Maximum Depth:	>1000 feet.
Production Rate:	Sample is available after an extended wait.
Investigation Derived Waste Volume:	Large volume of waste.
Technology Status:	Commercially available and routinely used field technology.
Certification/Verification:	Technology has not participated in CalEPA certification and/or CSCT verification program.
Relative Cost per Sample:	Most expensive.

Limitations:

Limited to use primarily in consolidated bedrock but can be used in highly compacted tills.

Limited to use primarily in consolidated bedrock but can be used in highly compacted tills
Diamond bits are more expensive than conventional roller bits.
Requires experienced driller and additional specialized equipment.
Completed monitoring well may be difficult to develop, especially small diameter wells, because of mud or filter cake on wall of the borehole.
Lubricants used during drilling can contaminate the borehole fluid and soil samples.
Location of water-bearing zones during drilling can be difficult to detect.
Difficult drilling in formations that contains boulders and cobbles.
Use of drilling mud can contaminate water samples, especially the organic, biodegradable muds.
Circulation of drilling fluid through a contaminated zone can contaminate clean zones and create a hazard at the ground surface at the mud pit.

ASTM Standards:

D 2113 - 83	Method for Diamond Core Drilling for Site Investigation.
D 5783 - 95	Guide for the Use of Direct Rotary Drilling with Water-Based Drilling Fluid for Geoenvironmental Exploration and the Installation of Subsurface Water Quality Monitoring Devices.

Sample Access/Collection Matrix

Sample Analysis Matrix

Home

Areas of Interest