The area served by Eaton Drilling Co., Inc. hosts a variety of geologic formations. In order to construct the most efficient wells, we drill them using the following methods:

Direct Circulation Mud Rotary Drilling

• Is used in holes ranging up to 24” in diameter
• Typically used in consolidated formations including gravel, sand, clay and cobbles
• Is used in unstable geologic conditions

Direct Circulation Mud Rotary techniques rely on the use of drilling fluid additives, bentonite and polymer based. The mud based drilling fluids support the borehole walls, preventing a collapse during drilling and well construction. These additives also serve as a lubricant and are used to remove the cuttings from the borehole. Drilling mud is pumped through the drill pipe and exits through holes on the bottom of the drill bit. The fluid then travels up the borehole to the surface and exits the borehole carrying the drill cuttings.

Exiting the borehole, the drilling mud is pumped into a mud cleaning system. The mud cleaning system includes shaker screens, which allows the mud to pass through, while capturing and removing gravel, rocks and heavy clays. The drilling fluid is then pumped through a series of centrifuges that further remove silts sands and larger clay particles still in suspension. The drilling mud then returns to a basin where it is recycled and pumped down the borehole (as mentioned above).

• Specialized form of drilling
• Projects generally completed on a 24 hour “around the clock’ basis
• Uses water instead of bentonite clays
• Preferred method for fast drilling, cleaner borehole, quick development/production time on larger diameter holes