TIM BUTTERFIELD
President
Tim Butterfield Drilling Inc.
Somerset, Wisconsin
FAVORITE ASPECT OF DUAL ROTARY DRILLING?
My favorite aspect to the dual rotary is the control of the borehole through unstable formations. Advancing the casing simultaneously without oversizing the hole creates tremendous stability through boulders, loose formations, soft lenses of bedrock, etc.
NO. 1 TIP FOR CONTRACTORS CONSIDERING DUAL ROTARY?
My tip for a contractor looking to possibly use a DR would be to examine your normal well style and drill rig requirement. This style of drilling has great advantages in tough formations but lacks the speed and versatility for easy formations in addition to rod handling.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR AN EXPERIENCED OR NOVICE DRILLER TO LEARN TO RUN A DR?
I would say a year to learn the controls and a lifetime to deal with the situations drilling presents.
WHAT MADE YOU GO WITH DUAL ROTARY AND HOW MANY FOREMOST DR RIGS DO YOU RUN?
We were predominantly casing hammer drillers in an area that has very rocky glaciated formations. We were frequently bending casing through boulders and not able to get good seals into the top of the granite. I currently run three DR-24 machines and have a new one arriving in spring 2024.
HOW EFFICIENT ARE YOUR DR RIGS ON FUEL CONSUMPTION?
The DR drill is as efficient as any other PTO-driven large air compressor drill. However, fuel efficiency is not one of the highlights to this style of air drilling.
NO. 1 LESSON LEARNED RUNNING A DR RIG?
No matter which style of drill method you use, taking your time with the borehole and identifying problems before they become major issues is still key no matter what.