DRAGIN Drilling is a leader in the development and testing of new drilling and sampling technologies and equipment. Our continual research helps us provide the highest and most effective services possible. A number of innovative drilling techniques were fabricated solely to meet our clients' needs.

Screened-Auger Groundwater Sampling
The Screened-Auger Groundwater Sampling Technique has become an indispensable sampling method used in the performance of environmental investigations. State and Federal regulatory agencies have acknowledged this method as the accepted and preferred method for collection of groundwater samples during drilling activities.

The ability to collect accurate and discrete groundwater samples from a source area or downgradient plume and obtain timely laboratory screening data is essential during the investigation stage of any project. The screened-auger sampling method facilitates this and enables:

· Confirmation of the absence or presence of groundwater contaminants
at multiple depths within a borehole
· Generation of vertical and horizontal groundwater contaminant profiles
· Determination of optimal single or double well screen placements

The screened-auger sampling method consists of the use of a 5-foot screened or slotted lead auger (4.25-inch for single wells or 6.25-inch for double wells) with a bottom plug. The augers are advanced to the depth of the desired sampling interval.

A submersible pump and packer assembly is lowered into the augers and the packer is inflated just above the screen. Once fully inflated, the screened zone becomes isolated and is able to be sampled. A purge volume (typically three system volumes) is pumped prior to the collection of a sample to ensure a representative aquifer sample. The system is decontaminated between intervals to eliminate cross-contamination or false positives.

DRAGIN Drilling's average time to collect a sample is 5-10 minutes, depending on the flow-rate and the formation yield. With the presence of an onsite laboratory, analytical results in most cases can be provided prior to the completion of drilling activities.