NGWA - STUDY GUIDE – GENERAL
Define a water well. - Answers :An excavation or structure created in the ground by
digging, driving, boring, or drilling to access groundwater.
List all the parts of a cable tool drill string. - Answers :Drill bit
Drill stem
Rope socket
Jars
Swivel
Fishing tools (when needed)
List all the parts on a rotary drill string. - Answers :Drill bit
Drill pipe
Drill collar
Kelly (for traditional rotary rigs)
Stabilizers
Crossover subs
Tool joints
Float valve (optional)
What is a well screen? - Answers :A well screen is a filtering device placed at the
bottom of a well, usually in the water-bearing formation, to allow groundwater to enter
the well while keeping out sediment, sand, and other fine materials.
List the common types of fishing tools and explain how they are used. - Answers
:Overshot
Spear
Fishing Magnet
Junk Basket
Impression Block
How is the screen sized in sand and gravel wells? - Answers :Grain Size Analysis
Slot Size Selection
Screen Length
Name the four cables on a cable tool rig and tell what they do. - Answers :Drilling Line
(Mainline): This is the primary cable used to raise and lower the drill string, which
includes the drill bit, drill stem, and jars, into and out of the wellbore.
Sand Line: This cable is used to operate the bailer or sand pump to remove cuttings,
debris, and water from the wellbore during and after drilling operations.
Bull Rope: This cable is used to hoist heavy components of the rig or drilling tools, such
as the drive clamps or swivel, and assist in rigging operations.
, Casing Line: This cable is used to raise, lower, and set casing in the well. It helps
position and secure the casing strings as they are installed into the wellbore to prevent
collapse or contamination.
What purpose does a cat-head serve in cable tool work and in auger drilling? - Answers
:Cable Tool Drilling: In cable tool drilling, the cathead is a rotating drum or spool on the
rig. It is used to apply or release tension on the various cables (such as the drilling line
or sand line) by wrapping the cable around the drum. By controlling the friction, the
operator can raise, lower, or hold heavy drilling tools in place.
Auger Drilling: In auger drilling, the cathead is similarly used to apply or release tension
on lines or ropes that assist in handling the auger or other equipment. It allows for the
controlled raising and lowering of the auger or drill string, making it easier to operate the
equipment manually.
How does a drill wire rope differ from a bailer wire rope? - Answers :The drill wire rope
is heavier and stronger to support drilling operations, while the bailer wire rope is lighter
and more flexible for debris removal.
Explain the difference between rotary "table drive" and "top head drive". - Answers :A
rotary table drive rotates the drill string from the rig floor using a Kelly and requires more
time to add pipe sections during drilling. A top head drive rotates the drill string from the
top, allowing for continuous drilling and faster operations without the need for a Kelly.
Name and describe 4 methods of developing a well. - Answers :Airlifting
Surging
Jetting
Bailing
List 3 types of bailers for cable tool drilling and the purpose for each. - Answers :Sand,
valve, junk.
How do you dress a cable tool bit? - Answers :Dressing a cable tool bit involves
reshaping and sharpening the bit to ensure effective drilling.
1. Inspection
2. Heating
3. Forging
4. Tempering
5. Final Sharpening
What type of maintenance is used on rotary bits? - Answers :Inspection
Cleaning
Lubrication
Sharpening or Replacement
Monitoring Torque and Weight
Define a water well. - Answers :An excavation or structure created in the ground by
digging, driving, boring, or drilling to access groundwater.
List all the parts of a cable tool drill string. - Answers :Drill bit
Drill stem
Rope socket
Jars
Swivel
Fishing tools (when needed)
List all the parts on a rotary drill string. - Answers :Drill bit
Drill pipe
Drill collar
Kelly (for traditional rotary rigs)
Stabilizers
Crossover subs
Tool joints
Float valve (optional)
What is a well screen? - Answers :A well screen is a filtering device placed at the
bottom of a well, usually in the water-bearing formation, to allow groundwater to enter
the well while keeping out sediment, sand, and other fine materials.
List the common types of fishing tools and explain how they are used. - Answers
:Overshot
Spear
Fishing Magnet
Junk Basket
Impression Block
How is the screen sized in sand and gravel wells? - Answers :Grain Size Analysis
Slot Size Selection
Screen Length
Name the four cables on a cable tool rig and tell what they do. - Answers :Drilling Line
(Mainline): This is the primary cable used to raise and lower the drill string, which
includes the drill bit, drill stem, and jars, into and out of the wellbore.
Sand Line: This cable is used to operate the bailer or sand pump to remove cuttings,
debris, and water from the wellbore during and after drilling operations.
Bull Rope: This cable is used to hoist heavy components of the rig or drilling tools, such
as the drive clamps or swivel, and assist in rigging operations.
, Casing Line: This cable is used to raise, lower, and set casing in the well. It helps
position and secure the casing strings as they are installed into the wellbore to prevent
collapse or contamination.
What purpose does a cat-head serve in cable tool work and in auger drilling? - Answers
:Cable Tool Drilling: In cable tool drilling, the cathead is a rotating drum or spool on the
rig. It is used to apply or release tension on the various cables (such as the drilling line
or sand line) by wrapping the cable around the drum. By controlling the friction, the
operator can raise, lower, or hold heavy drilling tools in place.
Auger Drilling: In auger drilling, the cathead is similarly used to apply or release tension
on lines or ropes that assist in handling the auger or other equipment. It allows for the
controlled raising and lowering of the auger or drill string, making it easier to operate the
equipment manually.
How does a drill wire rope differ from a bailer wire rope? - Answers :The drill wire rope
is heavier and stronger to support drilling operations, while the bailer wire rope is lighter
and more flexible for debris removal.
Explain the difference between rotary "table drive" and "top head drive". - Answers :A
rotary table drive rotates the drill string from the rig floor using a Kelly and requires more
time to add pipe sections during drilling. A top head drive rotates the drill string from the
top, allowing for continuous drilling and faster operations without the need for a Kelly.
Name and describe 4 methods of developing a well. - Answers :Airlifting
Surging
Jetting
Bailing
List 3 types of bailers for cable tool drilling and the purpose for each. - Answers :Sand,
valve, junk.
How do you dress a cable tool bit? - Answers :Dressing a cable tool bit involves
reshaping and sharpening the bit to ensure effective drilling.
1. Inspection
2. Heating
3. Forging
4. Tempering
5. Final Sharpening
What type of maintenance is used on rotary bits? - Answers :Inspection
Cleaning
Lubrication
Sharpening or Replacement
Monitoring Torque and Weight
