Hollow Stem Auger
This drilling method is ideal in unconsolidated soil to install wells and sample soil and groundwater without risk of caving. ABC’s roots are in HSA drilling and has an inventory of every type and style of HSA rig from Limited Access Rigs to the highest power rig ever built. ABC holds records for achieving depths in excess of 300’ with HSA and continue to push the limits of what is possible with augers despite the fact that we offer a multitude of equipment that’s more capable to achieve these depths at a higher cost. We are committed to providing value to our clients by recommending the most cost effective solutions based on over 40 years of experience.
Direct Push Technology
Direct Push originated in the 1980’s with the goal of creating a system that doesn’t generate soil cuttings. What started as a quick shallow investigation tool evolved into machines now that exceed 50’ or more in the right geology. This was a game changer for the environmental industry since the equipment was less expensive and eliminated the cost of soil disposal. ABC offers a variety of direct push rigs in different configurations including Dolly Mount, Skid Steer Mount, 4 x 4 Truck Mount, and Rubber Track Mount. This includes specialized Limited Access Rigs with custom exhaust systems that produce no fumes for indoor work and a compact track-mounted rig with a custom low clearance cylinder to allow it to push under 8’ ceilings. Whatever the application ABC has the equipment to get it done.
Limited Access
There are sites that are tough to access due to height, width, or weight restrictions. Having the right rig and capabilities to access drilling locations is key to getting your project done on time and within budget. Whether it’s drilling under a low overhead canopy, working inside buildings or maneuvering around obstacles, ABC has numerous rigs designed for these types of challenging sites.
Air/Mud Rotary
Rotary Drilling techniques are suited for unconsolidated and consolidated soils and can allow drilling depths and diameters that far exceed those attainable by HSA, DPT, and Sonic, particularly in challenging geology. Rotary is used for the Environmental, Geotechnical and the Water Resources industry. ABC offers a variety of equipment specialized for every soil type and years of experience to make sure that your project is completed as efficiently as possible. Rotary Methods include, Mud using tricone, Air using tricone, Casing Hammer using Air, Down the Hole Hammer using Air, Eccentric using Air, and Casing Advanced using air. Additional Mud Rotary support equipment includes mud systems from small compact systems designed for tight urban applications for Mud Rotary Geotechnical and Wireline Coring projects to large linear shaker systems with desanding cones allowing drill depths in excess of 1500’ bgs.
Casing Hammer
Air Rotary Casing Hammer (ARCH) is a drilling technique that targets unconsolidated soil, alluvial soil, and challenging conglomerates of soil and rock. In this technique, temporary threaded conductor casing is driven to depths until a consolidated formation is reach. Once the consolidated formation is reached conventional Air/Mud Rotary drilling techniques are used until the desired total depth is achieved. The casing is then extracted as the borehole/well is completed. ABC offers cutting edge hydraulic drill and drive ARCH rigs with experienced operators needed to break through almost any unconsolidated formation.
Well Development
After a well is installed it is paramount to properly develop the well to enable optimum groundwater flow and well function. The groundwater industry has evolved tremendously over the years and so have the well types and purpose. Having the right equipment, knowledge, and experience to properly develop a well is as important as well installation. With industry-leading cutting edge equipment that includes the first ever electric over hydraulic hybrid battery operated pump hoist, ABC redefines how wells are developed.
Aquifer Testing
Zone aquifer tests are the most effective method for determining groundwater quality for well construction. Aquifer testing is mandatory prior to the installation of Municipal Drinking Water Wells. These tests are used to create groundwater models to determine the best zones to set these types of wells. ABC has a number of proprietary methods for performing these zone tests providing cost-effective accurate results.
Wire Line Coring
Wireline coring has traditionally been a popular drilling and sampling technique used in the Mineral Exploration industry due to its speed and accuracy. Using modified systems, ABC has effectively adopted the same methods in the Environmental and Geotechnical industries. Unlike mineral exploration Environmental and Geotechnical goals often necessitate sampling in unconsolidated formations as well as consolidated formations. This means having the versatility to make quick changes to adapt to variations in geology. ABC has the tooling, equipment and industry-leading experts that are needed to make this happen.
Resonant Sonic
Resonant Sonic Drilling was originally developed for the Petroleum Industry with the intent of speeding up penetration rates during drilling. Later this technique was adapted in Mineral Exploration and eventually gained popularity in the Environmental and Geotechnical Industry. The advantages of using Sonic Drilling include collecting excellent recovery large diameter continuous core samples during drilling, the ability to penetrate challenging lithology to depths upwards of 1000’, casing the borehole during drilling which includes sealing off aquifers along the way, drilling a plumb borehole, and producing limited drill cuttings while limiting or in most cases completely eliminating the need to use fluids or additives. Although this drilling technique dates back to the early 1980’s, the equipment and tooling has recently evolved significantly, increasing efficiency and depth capabilities. ABC entered the Sonic market by building a dream team composed of the most experienced management and field employees in the industry and matched it with the latest most capable drill rigs, support equipment, and tooling. Our sonic division has seen the most demand and will continue to grow as we firmly believe in this preeminent technology that continues to advance.
Air Knife Technology
Vacuum Excavation using Air Knife technology has proved to be the industry standard for locating underground utilities prior to drilling. This method uses air to excavate and vacuum to break up soil and suck soil cuttings simultaneously moving the soil into a temporary holding tank until the borehole is cleared with no utility conflicts. The soil can then be backfilled back into the borehole and tampered at the surface for compaction to eliminate settlement. This method dramatically reduces the risk of hitting underground utilities since the borehole is day lighted giving a below-ground visual prior to drilling. ABC maintains a fleet of Air Knife units capable of reaching depths of 20’ and including equipment to cut concrete and asphalt if needed. No soil or groundwater cuttings are produced during the process which drastically saves on disposal costs.
Soil Sampling
ABC’s roots are in the Environmental and Geotechnical industries. Soil sampling is an integral part needed for both industries. As the company evolved so did the many drilling and soil sampling capabilities. With over 40 years of experience, ABC has diversified its soil sampling arsenal to include continuous and interval sampling using a wide variety of drilling techniques. These include wireline coring, Direct Push Technology Sampling, continuous oriented dry coring, SPT and Cal Mod auto hammer sampling with auger and mud rotary, soil gas sampling, and sonic sampling. This also includes performing regular geotechnical field calibration tests for energy efficiency for all of our Auto Hammers for all of our HSA and Sonic Rigs. With a variety of different sampling systems, and varying diameters and lengths while practicing ASTM standards ABC has your sampling needs covered.
Groundwater Sampling
Groundwater quality assessment is the primary goal in the Environmental and Water Resources industries. Obtaining depth discrete groundwater samples is essential in planning well construction. Having the right tools is a necessity. ABC offers a multitude of techniques and systems including Hydropunch, Temporary Wells, and Simulprobe for retrieving representative samples ranging from the top of the groundwater to depths greater than 1500’. With over 40 years of experience, ABC has expertise in providing the best results.
