Rigging Up
The Geo. N. Mitchell Drilling Company has the most technologically advanced rotary rig fleet and drilling experience in the Illinois Basin. Our drilling depth ranges from 5,000 feet (1.5 km) to 10,000 feet (3 km) and beyond.
Heavy Haulers
Before rigging up, the site is leveled and debris is cleared. Our heavy equipment operators are careful in the preparation of the site to be respectful of the surrounding environment. We have excavators, bulldozers, track loaders, backhoes, winch trucks, and drop deck trailers. Mitchell Drilling is heavy-haul capable.
After unloading the rig, the substructure is erected followed by the construction of the rig floor, the derrick, drawworks, stairways, power system, and auxiliary equipment.
While one crew sets up the drilling structure, another crew installs the circulating system. We recently added new Tri-Plex mud pumps to accommodate the higher volume and pressure required for horizontal drilling.
When everything is in place, the rig manager inspects the rig for security and safety. We then begin the process of drilling the conductor hole (if required), the rathole, and the mousehole making sure that our field crew is outfitted with necessary safety attire.
Transporting the rig to the drilling site takes meticulous planning and organizational skills. Mitchell Drilling’s ‘mobe and de-mobe’ rates are attractive because of our central location in the Illinois Basin.
President, Geologist
New Rig Site Offices
Designed by our staff for the comfort and convenience of our clients, our Rig Site Offices (nicknamed “Geo Shacks”) are equipped with two bunk beds, kitchen, and desk space. They offer a welcome retreat for studying samples, preparing reports, and getting much needed rest.