Night Shift Precision: Overcoming Shallow Groundwater with the Yeti M10
When the call came in for a late-night geotechnical drilling project, Pacific Drilling Co.’s crew knew it would take focus, adaptability, and teamwork to deliver results safely and accurately. The site conditions included shallow groundwater and limited work windows—making this a perfect assignment for the Yeti M10, our high-torque, truck-mounted rig equipped with an eSPT auto-hammer.
The Challenge
Drilling through shallow groundwater at night adds complexity on every level. Visibility is limited, temperatures shift quickly, and ground conditions can change by the minute. For this project, precision was key—the goal was to install vibrating wire piezometers (VWPs) exactly to the client’s specifications for long-term groundwater monitoring.
The Process
Our crew got to work, coordinating with a vac truck to safely control and remove displaced groundwater as drilling advanced. This not only kept the work area clean but also prevented groundwater from pooling around the borehole—essential for maintaining stability and ensuring accurate instrumentation installation.
The job also required cased air percussion drilling, a technique that demands finesse when balancing air pressure, flow rate, and tool performance. The team experienced a learning curve at first, fine-tuning the method to suit the unique combination of shallow water and subsurface materials. Once dialed in, drilling became smooth, efficient, and precise.
The Outcome
Despite the late hours and challenging conditions, the crew successfully installed the VWPs with accuracy and stability. The result: clean data points, solid installations, and a satisfied client.
From the Field: Driller’s Testimonial
“We were out on a tough night job with the Yeti M10, drilling through shallow groundwater and installing VWPs exactly to the client’s specs. Working at night always adds an extra layer of challenge, but our crew stayed locked in.
We coordinated with a vac truck to manage the displaced groundwater and keep the site clean. There was a learning curve dialing in the cased air percussion methods with those conditions, but once we got it fine-tuned, everything started running smooth.
In the end, we installed the VWPs with precision and wrapped up the job safely and efficiently. Conditions weren’t easy, but that’s what makes the work rewarding—figuring it out as a crew and getting it done right.”
At Pacific Drilling Co., challenges like this are where our experience shines. Whether it’s night work, groundwater drilling, or complex instrumentation installations, our team delivers with precision, persistence, and professionalism—day or night.