Sonic Drilling
Continuous sampling through difficult ground
Sonic drilling uses controlled resonant energy to advance the drill string and recover relatively undisturbed in-situ samples. It is well suited to difficult or unconsolidated formations where sample integrity, casing control, instrumentation or well installation matter.
Our Approach
Sampling and borehole control through variable formations
We align sonic energy, tooling, temporary casing and sample handling to the formation, site conditions and technical objective of each program.
Representative Continuous Samples
Configured for the Objective
What We Bring
Sonic Drilling Capabilities
Our sonic drilling capabilities combine controlled energy, sample recovery and casing advancement to support work in difficult or unconsolidated formations.
Controlled Sonic Energy
Continuous Sample Recovery
Casing Advancement
Multiple Applications
How Sonic Drilling Works
Advance through difficult ground while protecting the sample
Sonic drilling uses controlled resonant energy to advance the core barrel through the formation. Temporary casing can then support the borehole before the sample is recovered and the sequence continues.
Recovered Sample
Relatively undisturbed core for handling and analysis
The Process
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Advance
Resonant energy is directed through the drill string as the core barrel advances through the formation.
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Case
Temporary outer casing advances over the barrel to support the borehole and help control unstable ground.
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Recover
The core barrel is retrieved with a relatively undisturbed sample for handling and analysis.
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Repeat
The core barrel advances again and the sequence continues toward the required depth or next project objective.
Controlled energy at the source
Resonant energy starts at the Sonic head
The Sonic head generates resonant energy and directs it down the drill string. Operating parameters are adjusted to the formation and advancement objective.
- Controlled Energy
- Borehole Support
- Sample Recovery
The coordinated sequence connects controlled energy, sample recovery and casing support as the borehole progresses.
Our Technical Expertise
Energy, casing and recovery matched to the ground
Experienced sonic crews adjust energy, advancement, casing and recovery practices as formation conditions change. The field setup is planned around sample quality, borehole stability and the next technical objective.
Experienced Sonic Crews
Sampling and Installation Programs
Our Experience
Sonic Drilling Expertise
Our people, equipment and operating practices support representative sampling and controlled borehole advancement across varied ground conditions.
Relatively Undisturbed Samples
Sampling focused on preserving representative in-situ material through the recovered interval.
Temporary Casing
Casing advancement supports borehole control as drilling progresses through unstable formations.
Multiple Applications
Sampling, pre-collaring, instrumentation and well-installation applications within one drilling method.
Controlled Energy
Resonant energy is adjusted to formation response and the advancement objective.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Sonic drilling in practice
Explore sonic drilling projects involving deep sampling and solution-well installation.See how our Sonic Drilling teams apply the method in the field.
Sonic Drilling Reaches 900 ft With Less Than 1% Deviation
Sonic Wells Recover 6,100 oz of Gold From a Heap Leach Pad
Our Capabilities
Related Capabilities
Explore related drilling capabilities that may support your program.
Dewatering
Water Production Drilling
TECHNICAL INSIGHTS
Understanding the sonic method
Learn how sonic drilling works and where it can help address difficult formations.
Sonic Drilling: When Sample Quality Matters
Drilling Methods Overview
Directional Drilling: Reaching Path and Target Control
From Ground to Sample
Match the method to the ground
Tell us the formation, sampling objective, casing needs and installation requirements. We can help determine whether sonic drilling is the right fit.