FAQs & Points For Discussion
What are the strengths of the LD RHINO Cable Tool Drill Rig?
The advantages of the LD Rhino are best illustrated relative to conventional rotary drilling, and include the following:
○ Easier to operate & maintain
○ Lower operating cost
○ More efficient for fuel and for drilling additives
○ The Rhino is operable by one person, for most of the drilling process, compared to 2+ full-time workers for rotary drilling
○ The Rhino is more profitable to operate, consequently it provides faster return on investment
○ Many Rhino parts are universal machine parts, and thus are readily available worldwide
○ Rotary – by drilling faster with greater amounts of pressure – is at risk of flying through water veins, where cable rigs, though slower, are more likely to locate water.
What are the general capabilities of the LD Rhino?
o It is tough, reliable, and capable of drilling all types of geology, including hard rock.
o For many situations, it will be the most cost-effective rig available, especially for drilling wells up to 450 feet deep.
o The Rhino is versatile yet easy to maintain
o It is a powerful and economically viable approach to drilling and constructing water wells in regions where logistics pose a challenge; where fuel and trained personnel are scarce The Rhino does not require a mud pump or air compressor, thus reducing fuel costs, drilling re-agent (for example, mud) costs, and breakdown potential.
What are the Towing and Shipping considerations of the LD Rhino?
o The Rhino rig was designed compact enough to be towed by a pickup truck.
o With some reassembly required, two rigs will fit into a 20 foot shipping container.
o In terms of service and maintenance, most components are readily available from third party industrial vendors around the world.
o A Rhino drill is shipped as a self-contained unit, with everything required to start drilling, including a locking tool and storage box.
What are suitable water well drilling scenarios for the LD RHINO?
o Expected drilling depth is 450 feet or less
o The drilling project can accommodate an extended period of drilling, perhaps 2 or 3 times longer than would be expected with a large conventional rotary rig
o The project site is remote, and possibly inaccessible to a larger rig. Of course, the Rhino can also drill in areas that are not remote, though for remote areas it will have an added advantage.
o A large diameter, high yield pump will not be required in the completed well. In this sense, the Rhino may be more suitable for moderate use water supplies that will serve
o 10s to 100s of users, rather than large, high yield municipal wells that may serve 1000s.
However, a high yield well may be within the capabilities of the Rhino, in an area with highly permeable geology.
How many LD RHINO rigs are in use in the world right now?
o The company that previously manufactured the rig sold 12 units, 8 in the US and 4 in the developing world (Indonesia, Botswana, Haiti, and one that ultimately ended up in Chile)
o Additional potential sales were terminated at the start of COVID.
o The current manufacturer (Winchester) has sold 4 units, to the US and developing countries.
o A full-on marketing effort is now under way, to make the world aware of the big advantages of this little rig!
Why do drillers continue to use conventional rotary drilling?
o Rotary drilling is generally faster
o Large rotary rigs can go deeper and drill larger holes.
o In other words, large rotary rigs may be the best choice for large, time-sensitive projects where higher yield wells are required, and budget is less-constrained.
o Suitable rotary projects may include those drilled for high-population municipal clients, where large borehole diameter is required, to enable installation of large high yield pumps
o However, for situations where the speed of drilling is not a critical factor, and high yield pumps are not required, the Rhino is a highly competitive candidate.
What are the Performance Features of the LD Rhino?
o The Rhino is an affordable water well drilling rig that combines the proven drilling technology of cable tool drilling with today’s reliable hydraulic drive technology to produce a rig specifically designed for drilling in all types of geology.
o It can drill through both rock and unconsolidated formations up to a depth of 450 feet or 137 meters.
o Persons with some experience on other types of drills can be trained on the LD RHINO in very little time
o The Rhino can be set up and operated by a single person.
Can you summarize the technical and logistical highlights of the LD RHINO?
o One person operation — Less training, easier to use, inexpensive to operate
o Drills unconsolidated formations at rate of 1-3 meters per hour
o Drills through rock at rate of .3-1 meter per hour
o Ships and tows easily – usable in remote locations
o Two rigs fit in a standard shipping container
o 75 liter (20 gallons) fuel tank provides approximately 12 hours of continuous operation
o No air compressor required
o No mud pump required
o 150 liter water storage with on-board pressure pump
o Accommodates 3” – 10” carbide button bits
Can you tell me the approximate drilling rates of the LD RHINO?
o Drilling rates are a function of 2 factors: 1) Formation (geology) hardness and 2) Bit diameter. Of course the penetration rate is faster with a smaller bit and or with softer formations.
o With cable tool drilling, regular cleaning of the hole will still be required, which takes approximately the same amount of time, regardless of bit diameter and geology.
o The following drilling times are intended as a general guideline for moderately hard rock i.e clay or shale or greywacke)
o 9inch bit – complete a 200ft well in 7-8 days
o 7.5inch bit – complete a 200ft well in 6-7 days
