Reverse Circulation Drilling
Efficient for creating large-diameter boreholes in unconsolidated formations. Provides uncontaminated samples and excellent borehole stability
Deep Boreholes
Unlocking the Potential of the Subsurface
About
Deep Drilling
Deep boreholes are essential for accessing water, energy, and geological data from significant depths beneath the earth’s surface. These boreholes support industries ranging from geothermal energy to groundwater abstraction and environmental monitoring.
At Igne, we have the expertise, equipment, and experience to drill deep boreholes efficiently and safely, overcoming the challenges that come with working at extreme depths.
Explainer
What Are Deep Boreholes? How Deep is Deep?
A borehole is considered deep when it extends significantly beyond standard drilling depths, often exceeding 200 metres and, in some cases, reaching depths of over 1,000 metres. The definition of "deep" depends on the project’s requirements - what might be deep for a water supply borehole is shallow for geothermal energy extraction or deep geological research.
Drilling at these depths requires specialist planning, advanced techniques, and robust equipment to manage pressure, temperature, and geological variations. Igne has extensive experience in deep borehole drilling, ensuring safe and effective results for a range of applications.
The Reasons
Why Are Deep Boreholes Needed?
Deep boreholes serve a wide range of industries and applications, offering unique advantages that shallower boreholes cannot provide. They are needed for:
- Accessing deep aquifers for sustainable water supply
- Extracting geothermal energy for heating and power generation
- Monitoring subsurface conditions for environmental and geological research
- Installing deep foundation piles for infrastructure and construction projects
- Seismic monitoring and geological mapping
- Accessing old mine workings for investigation
- Storage of materials at depth including carbon or nuclear waste
- To investigate a specific target at depth
- Predrilling for deeper boreholes such as geothermal
Without deep boreholes, many large-scale infrastructure and energy projects would not be feasible. Igne’s drilling expertise ensures that these boreholes are drilled efficiently, safely, and in accordance with all relevant regulations.
The Uses
Who Needs Deep Boreholes?
A variety of industries require deep boreholes for essential operations, including:
- Water Utility companies needing access to deep groundwater sources
- Geothermal Energy developers looking to tap into subsurface hea
- Mining companies conducting deep geological exploration
- Environmental Agencies monitoring underground water and pollution levels
Igne works across all these sectors, delivering tailored deep borehole solutions that meet the specific needs of each project.
Weighing it up
The Pros & Cons of Deep Boreholes
Advantages
- Access to deeper, untapped resources such as groundwater and geothermal energy
- Reduced risk of contamination compared to shallow boreholes
- Enhanced geological data for site investigation and risk assessment
- Potential for long-term operational efficiency and sustainability
Challenges
- Increased cost due to the complexity of deep drilling operations
- Higher risk of geological unpredictability, including high pressures and extreme temperatures
- Extended drilling time compared to shallow boreholes
By working with Igne, clients can mitigate these challenges and ensure that their deep borehole projects are delivered successfully.
The Process
How Are Deep Boreholes Drilled?
Deep borehole drilling requires careful planning and execution to ensure borehole stability and efficiency. The process typically includes:
- Initial site investigation to assess ground conditions and drilling feasibility
- Selection of the most suitable drilling technique including reverse circulation or directional drilling
- Use of drilling fluids to stabilise the borehole and manage pressures
- Installation of full grouted casing and liners to prevent collapse and maintain borehole integrity
- Monitoring and testing to confirm borehole performance and resource availability
Igne’s experienced drilling teams use the latest techniques to ensure deep boreholes meet all operational and environmental requirements.
Eliminating Risk
Specialist Equipment & Challenges in Deep Borehole Drilling
Drilling at depth presents unique challenges that require specialist equipment and expertise. Deep borehole drilling rigs must be capable of handling extreme forces, and high-pressure or weighted drilling fluids are often necessary to maintain stability.
Key challenges include:
- Dealing with subsurface pressures
- Managing drill string weight and borehole stability over long depths
- Ensuring efficient cuttings removal to maintain drilling progress
- Handling unexpected geological conditions such as voids or artesian pressure
With advanced equipment and decades of experience, Igne has the capability to overcome these challenges and deliver deep boreholes that perform as required.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Boreholes
- What is considered a deep borehole?
A borehole is typically classified as deep if it extends beyond 200 metres, though some projects require depths of over 1,000 metres.
- Why would a project need a deep borehole?
Deep boreholes are used for water abstraction, geothermal energy, environmental monitoring, and structural support in large-scale infrastructure projects.
- How long does it take to drill a deep borehole?
The time required depends on depth, ground conditions, and drilling method, but deep boreholes typically take longer than standard boreholes due to increased complexity.
- What drilling methods are used for deep boreholes?
Rotary drilling, mud drilling, and casing-while-drilling techniques are commonly used to manage stability and efficiency at depth.
- What are the biggest challenges when drilling deep boreholes?
High pressures, temperature variations, borehole stability, and cuttings removal are among the main challenges that require specialist expertise.
- How can Igne help with deep borehole drilling?
Igne provides specialist deep borehole drilling services, offering tailored solutions to meet the needs of infrastructure, energy, and environmental projects.
The Next Step
Need Expert Support for Deep Borehole Drilling? Contact Igne Today
Drilling deep boreholes requires expert knowledge, specialist equipment, and an experienced team capable of handling complex geological conditions. Igne has the skills and resources to take on any deep borehole project, delivering safe, efficient, and reliable drilling solutions.
If you need a deep borehole for water abstraction, geothermal energy, or infrastructure support, contact Igne today.
Our specialists are ready to help you achieve your project goals with precision and expertise.
Artesian Boreholes
Specially designed to access confined aquifers under pressure. Igne offers complete design, drilling and testing services.
Angle Boreholes
Used where vertical access is limited or to intercept specific targets such as old mine workings or structural features. Can be cored or open holed depending on project requirements.
Drilling with Mud
Supports borehole stability and facilitates drilling in soft or variable ground. Suitable for a range of geotechnical and environmental applications.
Large Diameter Boreholes
For water supply, dewatering, geothermal energy or structural support. Igne has the equipment and expertise to drill large diameters efficiently and safely.
Deep Boreholes
Our teams are experienced in drilling to significant depths, whether for monitoring, exploration, energy or environmental purposes.
Acidisation
Used to improve borehole performance by dissolving scale, mineral deposits or blockages within the borehole or surrounding formation to improve the yield.
Hydrofracturing
Enhances borehole yield by opening fractures in the surrounding rock to increase water flow.
Dewatering
Design and installation of boreholes to lower groundwater levels for construction or mining projects.
Monitoring Boreholes
For groundwater sampling, piezometric monitoring or other environmental assessments. Igne handles design, drilling, installation and instrumentation
Vibrating Wire Piezos
Installation of vibrating wire piezos for accurate measurement of pore water pressure and ground movement.
Fibre Optics
Deployment of fibre optic sensors within boreholes for monitoring temperature, strain or acoustic signals.
Seismic Monitoring
Drilling and installation of boreholes to house seismic monitoring equipment, supporting geotechnical and structural assessments.
Deep Wireline Coring
Recovery of continuous core samples from depth for geological, geotechnical or environmental analysis. In Geobor S, PQ, NQ and HQ.
Gas Control
Design and drilling of boreholes for gas extraction, venting or monitoring, often in brownfield or landfill sites.
Deep Soakaways
Installation of deep boreholes for sustainable drainage and infiltration of surface water.
Decommissioning
Safe and compliant sealing and decommissioning of redundant boreholes to prevent environmental risk.
Specialist Plant & In Hole Equipment Hire
Provision of advanced drilling equipment and downhole tools to support client and contractor projects.
Recovery & Fishing Trouble Shooting
Expert services to retrieve lost or stuck equipment from boreholes and troubleshoot downhole challenges.