ASTM D5781-95(2006)

Dual-wall reverse-circulation drilling can be used in support of geoenvironmental exploration and for installation of subsurface water-quality monitoring devices in unconsolidated and consolidated materials. Dual-wall reverse-circulation drilling methods permit the collection of water-quality samples at any depth(s), allows the setting of temporary casing during drilling, cuttings samples can be taken continuously as circulation is maintained at all times during drilling. Other advantages of the dual-wall reverse-circulation drilling method include: (1) the capability of drilling without the introduction of any drilling fluid(s) to the subsurface; (2) maintenance of hole stability for sampling purposes and monitor-well installation/construction in poorly-indurated to unconsolidated materials.

Note 3—The user of dual-wall reverse-circulation drilling for geoenvironmental exploration and monitoring-device installations should be cognizant of both the physical (temperature and airborne particles) and chemical (compressor lubricants and possible fluid additives) qualities of compressed air that may be used as the circulating medium.

The application of dual-wall reverse-circulation drilling to geoenvironmental exploration may involve soil or rock sampling, or in-situ soil, rock, or pore-fluid testing.

Note 4—The user may install a monitoring device within the same borehole wherein sampling, in-situ or pore-fluid testing, or coring was performed.

The subsurface water-quality monitoring devices that are addressed in this guide consist generally of a screened- or porous-intake device and riser pipe(s) that are usually installed with a filter pack to enhance the longevity of the intake unit, and with isolation seals and low-permeability backfill to deter the movement of fluids or infiltration of surface water between hydrologic units penetrated by the borehole (see Practice D5092). Inasmuch as a piezometer is primarily a device used for measuring subsurface hydraulic heads, the conversion of a piezometer to a water-quality monitoring device should be made only after consideration of the overall quality and integrity of the installation to include the quality of materials that will contact sampled water or gas.

Note 5—Both water-quality monitoring devices and piezometers should have adequate casing seals, annular isolation seals and backfills to deter communication of contaminants between hydrologic units.

1.1 This guide covers how dual-wall reverse-circulation drilling may be used for geoenvironmental exploration and installation of subsurface water-quality monitoring devices.

Note 1—The term reverse circulation with respect to dual-wall drilling in this guide indicates that the circulating fluid is forced down the annular space between the double-wall drill pipe and transports soil and rock particles to the surface through the inner pipe.

Note 2—This guide does not include considerations for geotechnical site characterizations that are addressed in a separate guide.

1.2 Dual-wall reverse-circulation for geoenvironmental exploration and monitoring-device installations will often involve safety planning, administration, and documentation. This guide does not purport to specifically address exploration and site safety.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.