Auger drilling has been used in drilling for hundreds of years. To this day, it still serves an important purpose in well monitoring. If you plan to have a monitoring well of your own, then you should understand what an auger is and how it is an important process to use. Start with the guide of the basics below to know why an auger is your best solution for constructing, installing and developing the well.

What to Know About Auger Drilling

What It Is

An auger is a type of drill bit with a helical screw blade. As you drill, the blade rotates in a spiral motion, which moves the drilling material upward out and out of the hole. There are different types of auger drills that can each be used in specific circumstances or purposes. For example, a hollow-stem auger is most often used for shallow monitoring wells in unlithified or poorly lithified soils. Meanwhile, solid stem augers are ideal for more cohesive sediments.

Why It’s Important in Monitoring Wells

Augers are the main tool used for groundwater monitoring wells, due to the unique benefits that they provide. These borings providing the access needed to reach soil samples at specific depths for an accurate date from a range of locations. They offer complete control over the cuttings, or materials pulled out of the hole, which reduces the likelihood of contamination issues. The smaller rig means that you cause this technique for soil and groundwater sampling in even remote areas.

Since 2002, the team at GeoTek Alaska has been the trusted geo-technical drilling contractors of Alaska. Though they are based in Anchorage, they work on projects across the state, using their small rigs to access remote locations that others cannot. They use the latest cutting-edge technology to provide the most accurate analyses at cost-effective prices. Learn more about their auger drilling services on their website and call (907) 569-5900 to talk with a friendly team member today!