The Aurora Quest Service team is pleased to announce the successful completion of its first core-drilling project in the Central Kazakhstan region.
Drilling was performed with a triple-column set, the core was oriented with ACT3 Core Orienters, and intermediate inclinometry measurements were taken with a Reflex EzTrac inclinometer. Upon completion of drilling, the borehole column was checked with a Reflex Gyro Sprint gyroscopic inclinometer.
Wells with depths up to 750 meters, diameter HQ3, were drilled at the project.
During the drilling process, anti-vibration lubricants were used, and environmentally friendly polymers were used to thicken the drilling mud. Water-resistant grease was used to lubricate the core barrel bearing assembly. The threaded joints were lubricated with graphite grease to prevent contamination of the core material.
AQS management pays great attention to safety, so additional measures have been taken as:
- equipping each rig with eyewash stations;
- equipping high-pressure hoses (HP hoses) with safety restraints to prevent injury when they break loose;
- equipping all electrical equipment with Safety Cut-Off Devices (SPDs);
- provision of limit switches for guards of rotating elements;
- use of special racks for stacking core and drill rods to avoid injuries due to fatigue;
- equipping personnel with satellite telephones and radio stations to provide at least one working means of communication;
- equipping all vehicles with GPS transmitters to track the movement and ensuring drivers comply with traffic rules;
Production under Covid conditions.
All company employees are equipped with all the necessary protective equipment and strictly follow sanitary standards and preventive measures to ensure the exclusion of COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, 64% of all personnel are vaccinated. In addition, further precautions have been taken such as:
- assigning separate transport to the drilling team to minimize contact between the teams;
- PCR testing before all personnel, including those who have been vaccinated, arrive at the site;
- daily express PCR tests for personnel in frequent contact with the local population to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at early stages;
The reclamation of the wells was carried out with the help of local equipment. During reclamation, the task was to minimize the consequences of the drilling operations; for this purpose, the soil and fertile layer were stacked separately, and a sign was placed on it.
At the end of drilling, the cuttings were pumped out and disposed of; after applying soil to the empty sump, the topsoil was spread evenly over the surface.
Drilling rigs and auxiliary equipment were mobilized to the second project; AQS’s drilling season continues.
In parallel with the drilling operations, we are expanding our rig fleet, which currently includes 13 rigs, including rigs for core drilling and rigs for reverse circulation (RC) drilling.
Two Toyota Hilux pickup trucks and two Ural NEXT water trucks were added to AQS's fleet of auxiliary equipment. Currently, there are 29 pieces of equipment, not including diesel generators.
