How Do You Know If You Have Hit A Water Layer When Drilling?

A water layer refers to a rock layer or soil layer containing water underground, also known as a groundwater layer. When drilling, drilling into a water layer can increase the water source, but it may also cause the wellbore to collapse or even cause dangerous situations such as explosions.

So how do you know if you have hit a water layer when drilling? You can judge by observing the drill cuttings and logging.

1. Drill cuttings observation

During the drilling process, the color and shape of the drill cuttings can indicate the type of formation. The drill cuttings of some formations will also show mud wetting. At this time, you need to pay more attention, because the drill cuttings wetted with mud may come from the water layer. This method can be used to roughly judge whether the groundwater layer has been drilled.

2. Logging device

It uses the porosity and resistivity of the well wall to determine whether the water layer has been drilled. Generally, logging is required during drilling. Data such as resistivity and natural gamma radiation can be measured from the well by instruments. After drilling into the water layer, the data will show abnormalities.

What measures should be taken when drilling into a water layer?

1. Strengthen cementing

When drilling into a water layer, the rock cuttings on the inner wall of the wellbore will be washed away by water, and the wellbore wall will collapse. Strengthening cementing is to inject cementing slurry between the inner wall of the wellbore and the casing to strengthen the strength and sealing of the wellbore wall and prevent the wellbore from collapsing.

2. Measuring water level

After drilling into the water layer, the water level should be measured in time to know the water level height, and the water quality should be tested at any time. At the same time, the wellhead should be well protected to prevent external pollution.

Through the observation of drill cuttings and the logging device, it can be judged whether the water layer has been drilled. If the water layer is drilled, it is necessary to take measures such as strengthening cementing and measuring water level to ensure the smooth progress of the drilling operation. During the drilling operation, you must always be vigilant to ensure safety and smooth completion of the task.

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