ASTM D5782-18

Standard Guide for Use of Direct Air-Rotary Drilling for Geoenvironmental Exploration and the Installation of Subsurface Water-Quality Monitoring Devices

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The application of direct air-rotary drilling to geoenvironmental exploration may involve sampling, coring, in situ or pore-fluid testing, installation of casing for subsequent drilling activities in unconsolidated or consolidated materials, and for installation of subsurface water-quality monitoring devices in unconsolidated and consolidated materials. Several advantages of using the direct air-rotary drilling method over other methods may include the ability to drill rather rapidly through consolidated materials and, in many instances, not require the introduction of drilling fluids to the borehole. Air-rotary drilling techniques are usually employed to advance drill hole when water-sensitive materials (that is, friable sandstones or collapsible soils) may preclude use of water-based rotary-drilling methods. Some disadvantages to air-rotary drilling may include poor borehole integrity in unconsolidated materials without using casing, and the potential for volitization of contaminants and air-borne dust.
Note 3: Direct-air rotary drilling uses pressured air for circulation of drill cuttings. In some instances, water or foam additives, or both, may be injected into the air stream to improve cuttings-lifting capacity and cuttings return. The use of air under high pressures may cause fracturing of the formation materials or extreme erosion of the borehole if drilling pressures and techniques are not carefully maintained and monitored. If borehole damage becomes apparent, consideration to other drilling method(s) should be given.
Note 4: The user may install a monitoring device within the same borehole in which sampling, in situ or pore-fluid testing, or coring was performed.  
4.2 The subsurface water-quality monitoring devices that are addressed in this guide consist generally of a screened or porous intake 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 a low-permeabil...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers how direct (straight) air-rotary drilling procedures may be used for geoenvironmental exploration and installation of subsurface water-quality monitoring devices.
Note 1: The term direct with respect to the air-rotary drilling method of this guide indicates that compressed air is injected through a drill-rod column to a rotating bit. The air cools the bit and transports cuttings to the surface in the annulus between the drill-rod column and the borehole wall.
Note 2: This guide does not include considerations for geotechnical site characterizations that are addressed in a separate guide.  
1.2 Direct air-rotary drilling for geoenvironmental exploration 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 All observed and calculated values are to conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026. The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objective; and it is common practice to increase or reduce the significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond t...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2017
• ICS: 73.100.30 - Equipment for drilling and mine excavation
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.21 - Groundwater and Vadose Zone Investigations

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D5782-95(2012) - Standard Guide for Use of Direct Air-Rotary Drilling for Geoenvironmental Exploration and the Installation of Subsurface Water-Quality Monitoring Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM D5088-20 - Standard Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment Used at Waste Sites
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D5608-16 - Standard Practices for Decontamination of Sampling and Non Sample Contacting Equipment Used at Low Level Radioactive Waste Sites
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2016
• Refers: ASTM D5088-15a - Standard Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment Used at Waste Sites
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015
• Refers: ASTM D5088-15 - Standard Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment Used at Waste Sites
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2015
• Refers: ASTM D653-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2014
• Refers: ASTM D1587-08(2012)e1 - Standard Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
• Effective Date: 15-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM D1586-11 - Standard Test Method for Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM D653-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Refers: ASTM D5608-10 - Standard Practices for Decontamination of Field Equipment Used at Low Level Radioactive Waste Sites
• Effective Date: 01-May-2010
• Refers: ASTM D5434-09 - Standard Guide for Field Logging of Subsurface Explorations of Soil and Rock
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM D1452-09 - Standard Practice for Soil Exploration and Sampling by Auger Borings
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2009
• Refers: ASTM D653-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2009
• Refers: ASTM D653-08a - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2008
• Refers: ASTM D653-08 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008

Overview

ASTM D5782-18 is a comprehensive standard guide developed by ASTM International for the use of direct air-rotary drilling in geoenvironmental exploration and the installation of subsurface water-quality monitoring devices. This standard provides clear guidelines for applying direct air-rotary drilling techniques in both unconsolidated and consolidated materials, focusing on best practices to enhance data quality, minimize environmental impact, and support effective groundwater monitoring.

The guide is essential for professionals engaged in environmental site investigation, groundwater monitoring, and geoenvironmental assessment. It outlines the advantages and limitations of direct air-rotary drilling, offers procedures for proper equipment use, and details steps for the accurate installation of monitoring devices.

Key Topics

• Direct Air-Rotary Drilling Method:

  • Utilizes compressed air to circulate drill cuttings and cool the drill bit.
  • Minimizes the need for drilling fluids, making it suitable for drilling in water-sensitive materials.
  • Enables rapid advancement in consolidated formations.

• Applications and Limitations:

  • Preferred for formations where water-based rotary-drilling methods may not be effective, such as friable sandstones or collapsible soils.
  • Potential disadvantages include maintaining borehole integrity in unconsolidated materials and the risk of contaminant volatilization or airborne dust generation.

• Installation of Monitoring Devices:

  • Guidance for installing subsurface water-quality devices with screened or porous intakes, riser pipes, filter packs, and annular seals.
  • Emphasizes the importance of proper sealing and backfill to prevent cross-contamination between hydrologic units.

• Quality Control and Documentation:

  • Recommends detailed documentation of drilling methods, additive usage, sampling, installation records, and borehole conditions.
  • Adopts industry-standard guidelines for significant digits in geotechnical data reporting.

• Health, Safety, and Environmental Considerations:

  • Users must establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices, and evaluate relevant regulatory limitations prior to application.

Applications

ASTM D5782-18 is widely used in:

• Geoenvironmental Exploration:

  • Sampling and coring for environmental site characterization.
  • In situ and pore-fluid testing for contaminants and hydrogeological properties.

• Groundwater Monitoring:

  • Installation of monitoring wells and piezometers to track groundwater quality.
  • Evaluates the movement and presence of pollutants in the vadose and saturated zones.

• Remedial Investigations and Environmental Audits:

  • Assessing the effectiveness of site remediation actions.
  • Supporting compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations.

• Construction and Post-Construction Site Assessment:

  • Monitoring groundwater at construction sites to ensure no adverse environmental impacts.

Related Standards

Practitioners implementing ASTM D5782-18 should also be familiar with the following standards:

• ASTM D5092 – Practice for Design and Installation of Groundwater Monitoring Wells
• ASTM D5088 / D5608 – Practices for Decontamination of Field Equipment
• ASTM D2113 – Practice for Rock Core Drilling and Sampling of Rock
• ASTM D1452 – Practice for Soil Exploration and Sampling by Auger Borings
• ASTM D6026 – Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
• ASTM D5434 – Guide for Field Logging of Subsurface Explorations

These related ASTM standards ensure comprehensive coverage of all aspects of subsurface exploration, monitoring device installation, and environmental protection.

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Keywords: ASTM D5782-18, direct air-rotary drilling, geoenvironmental exploration, groundwater monitoring, subsurface water-quality monitoring, environmental site investigation, ASTM standards, filter pack, borehole integrity, environmental sampling.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D5782 − 18
Standard Guide for
Use of Direct Air-Rotary Drilling for Geoenvironmental
Exploration and the Installation of Subsurface Water-Quality
Monitoring Devices
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5782; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis
method or engineering design.
1.1 This guide covers how direct (straight) air-rotary drill-
ing procedures may be used for geoenvironmental exploration 1.6 This guide offers an organized collection of information
and installation of subsurface water-quality monitoring de- or a series of options and does not recommend a specific
vices. course of action. This document cannot replace education or
experienceandshouldbeusedinconjunctionwithprofessional
NOTE 1—The term direct with respect to the air-rotary drilling method
judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all
of this guide indicates that compressed air is injected through a drill-rod
circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to repre-
column to a rotating bit.The air cools the bit and transports cuttings to the
surfaceintheannulusbetweenthedrill-rodcolumnandtheboreholewall.
sent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of
NOTE 2—This guide does not include considerations for geotechnical
a given professional service must be judged, nor should this
site characterizations that are addressed in a separate guide.
document be applied without consideration of a project’s many
1.2 Direct air-rotary drilling for geoenvironmental explora-
unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this
tion will often involve safety planning, administration, and
document means only that the document has been approved
documentation. This guide does not purport to specifically
through the ASTM consensus process.
address exploration and site safety.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
only.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
2. Referenced Documents
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.5 All observed and calculated values are to conform to the
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
Fluids
Practice D6026. The procedures used to specify how data are
D1452 Practice for Soil Exploration and Sampling byAuger
collected/recordedorcalculatedinthisstandardareregardedas
Borings
theindustrystandard.Inaddition,theyarerepresentativeofthe
D1586 Test Method for Standard PenetrationTest (SPT) and
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
D1587 Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Fine-
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
Grained Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
ations for the user’s objective; and it is common practice to
D2113 Practice for Rock Core Drilling and Sampling of
increase or reduce the significant digits of reported data to be
Rock for Site Exploration
commensuratewiththeseconsiderations.Itisbeyondthescope
D3550 Practice for Thick Wall, Ring-Lined, Split Barrel,
Drive Sampling of Soils
ThisguideisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoilandRock
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.21 on Groundwater and
Vadose Zone Investigations. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2018. Published February 2018. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D5782 – 95 (2012). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D5782-18. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5782 − 18
D4428/D4428M Test Methods for Crosshole Seismic Test- development or, (2) act as a formation stabilizer when the
ing aquifer is suitable for natural development.
D5088 Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment 3.2.7.1 Discussion—Under most circumstances a clean,
Used at Waste Sites quartz sand or gravel should be used. In some cases, a
D5092 Practice for Design and Installation of Groundwater pre-packed screen may be used.
Monitoring Wells
3.2.8 hoisting line, n—in drilling, or drilling line, is wire
D5099 Test Methods for Rubber—Measurement of Process-
rope used on the drawworks to hoist and lower the drill string.
ing Properties Using Capillary Rheometry
3.2.9 in-situ testing devices, n—in drilling, sensors or
D5434 Guide for Field Logging of Subsurface Explorations
probes, used for obtaining mechanical or chemical test data,
of Soil and Rock
that are typically pushed, rotated, or driven below the bottom
D5608 Practices for Decontamination of Sampling and Non
of a borehole following completion of an increment of drilling.
Sample Contacting Equipment Used at Low Level Radio-
However, some in situ testing devices (such as electronic
active Waste Sites
pressure transducers, gas-lift samplers, tensiometers, and so
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
forth) may require lowering and setting of the device(s) in a
Data
preexisting borehole by means of a suspension line or a string
of lowering rods or pipe. Centralizers may be needed to
3. Terminology
correctly position the device(s) in the borehole.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of common technical terms
3.2.10 intermittent-sampling devices, n—in drilling, usually
used in this standard, refer to Terminology D653.
barrel-type samplers that are driven or pushed below the
bottom of a borehole following completion of an increment of
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
drilling. The user is referred to the followingASTM standards
3.2.1 bentonite, n—in drilling, the common name for drill-
relating to suggested sampling methods and procedures: Prac-
ing fluid additives and well-construction products consisting
tice D1452, Test Method D1586, Practice D3550, and Practice
mostly of naturally occurring montmorillonite. Some bentonite
D1587.
products have chemical additives which may affect water-
quality analyses.
3.2.11 subsurface water-quality monitoring device, n—in
drilling, an instrument placed below ground surface to obtain a
3.2.2 cleanout depth, n—in drilling, the depth to which the
sample for analysis of the chemical, biological, or radiological
end of the drill string (bit or core barrel cutting end) has
characteristics of subsurface pore water or to make in situ
reached after an interval of cutting. The cleanout depth (or
measurements.
drilled depth as it is referred to after cleaning out of any
sloughed material in the bottom of the borehole) is usually
4. Significance and Use
recorded to the nearest 0.1 ft (0.03 m).
4.1 The application of direct air-rotary drilling to geoenvi-
3.2.3 drawworks, n—in drilling, a power-driven winch, or
ronmental exploration may involve sampling, coring, in situ or
several winches, usually equipped with a clutch and brake
pore-fluid testing, installation of casing for subsequent drilling
system(s) for hoisting or lowering a drilling string.
activities in unconsolidated or consolidated materials, and for
3.2.4 drill hole, n—in drilling, a cylindrical hole advanced
installation of subsurface water-quality monitoring devices in
into the subsurface by mechanical means. Also known as a
unconsolidated and consolidated materials. Several advantages
borehole or boring.
of using the direct air-rotary drilling method over other
3.2.5 drill string, n—in drilling, the total rotary-drilling methods may include the ability to drill rather rapidly through
assemblyunderrotationincludingbit,sampler/corebarrel,drill consolidated materials and, in many instances, not require the
introduction of drilling fluids to the borehole. Air-rotary
rods, and connector assemblies (subs). The total length of this
assembly is used to determine drilling depth by referencing the drilling techniques are usually employed to advance drill hole
when water-sensitive materials (that is, friable sandstones or
position of the top of the string to a datum near the ground
surface. collapsible soils) may preclude use of water-based rotary-
drilling methods. Some disadvantages to air-rotary drilling
3.2.6 air rotary drill string, n—in drilling, the total direct
may include poor borehole integrity in unconsolidated materi-
air-rotary drilling assembly under rotation including bit,
als without using casing, and the potential for volitization of
sampler/core barrel, drill rods, and connector assemblies
contaminants and air-borne dust.
(subs). The total length of this assembly is used to determine
drilling depth by referencing the position of the top of the NOTE 3—Direct-air rotary drilling uses pressured air for circulation of
drill cuttings. In some instances, water or foam additives, or both, may be
string to a datum near the ground surface.
injected into the air stream to improve cuttings-lifting capacity and
3.2.7 filter pack, n—in drilling, also known as a gravel pack
cuttings return. The use of air under high pressures may cause fracturing
or a primary filter pack in the practice of monitoring-well of the formation materials or extreme erosion of the borehole if drilling
pressures and techniques are not carefully maintained and monitored. If
installations. The gravel pack is usually granular material,
borehole damage becomes apparent, consideration to other drilling meth-
having specified grain size characteristics, that is placed
od(s) should be given.
between a monitoring device and the borehole wall. The basic
NOTE 4—The user may install a monitoring device within the same
purpose of the filter pack or gravel envelope is to act as: (1)a
borehole in which sampling, in situ or pore-fluid testing, or coring was
nonclogging filter when the aquifer is not suited to natural performed.
D5782 − 18
have organic or metallic constituents, or both, that could be interpreted as
4.2 The subsurface water-quality monitoring devices that
contaminants if detected in a sample. Various lubricants are available that
are addressed in this guide consist generally of a screened or
havecomponentsofknownchemistry.Theeffectofdrill-rodlubricantson
porous intake and riser pipe(s) that are usually installed with a
chemicalanalysesofsamplesshouldbeconsideredanddocumentedwhen
filter pack to enhance the longevity of the intake unit, and with
usingdirectair-rotarydrilling.Thesameconsiderationanddocumentation
isolation seals and a low-permeability backfill to deter the
should be given to lubricants used with water swivels, hoisting swivels, or
other devices used near the drilling axis.
movement of fluids or infiltration of surface water between
hydrologic units penetrated by the borehole (see Practice
5.1.1.4 Rotary Bit or Core Bit, provides material cutting
D5092). Inasmuch as a piezometer is primarily a device used
capability for advancing the hole. Therefore, a core barrel can
for measuring subsurface hydraulic heads, the conversion of a
also be used to advance the hole.
piezometer to a water-quality monitoring device should be
NOTE 9—The bit is usually selected to provide a borehole of sufficient
made only after consideration of the overall quality of the
diameter for insertion of monitoring-device components such as the
installation to include the quality of materials that will contact
screened intake and filter pack and installation devices such as a tremie
sampled water or gas.
pipe. It should be noted that if bottom-discharge bits are used in loose
cohesionless materials, jetting or erosion of test intervals could occur.The
NOTE 5—Both water-quality monitoring devices and piezometers
borehole opening should permit easy insertion and retraction of a sampler,
should have adequate casing seals, annular isolation seals, and backfills to
oreasyinsertionofapipewithaninsidediameterlargeenoughforplacing
deter movement of contaminants between hydrologic units.
completion materials adjacent to the screened intake and riser of a
monitoring device. Core barrels may also be used to advance the hole.
Coring bits are selected to provide the hole diameter or core diameter
5. Apparatus
needed. Coring of rock should be performed in accordance with Practice
5.1 Direct air-rotary drilling systems consist of mechanical
D2113. The user is referred to Test Method D1586, Practice D1587, and
components and the drilling fluid.
Practice D3550 for techniques and soil-sampling equipment to be used in
sampling unconsolidated materials. Consult the DCDMA technical
5.1.1 The basic mechanical components of a direct air-
manualandpublishedmaterialsofAPIformatchingsetsofnestedcasings
rotary drilling system include the drill rig with rotary table and
and rods if nested casing are to be used for drilling in incompetent
kelly or top-head drive unit, drawworks drill rods, bit or core
formation materials.
barrel, casing (when needed to support the hole and prevent
5.1.1.5 Air Compressor, should provide an adequate volume
wall collapse when drilling unconsolidated deposits), air com-
of air, without significant contamination, for removal of
pressor and filter(s), discharge hose, swivel, dust collector, and
cuttings. Air requirements will depend upon the drill rod and
air-cleaning device (cyclone separator).
bit configuration, the character of the material penetrated, the
NOTE 6—In general, in NorthAmerica, the sizes of casings, casing bits,
depth of drilling below groundwater level, and the total depth
drill rods, and core barrels are usually standardized by manufacturers
of drilling. The airflow rate requirements are usually based on
according to size designations set forth by the American Petroleum
an annulus upflow air velocity of about 1000 to 1300 m/min
Institute (API) and the Diamond Drill Core Manufacturers Association
(about 3000 to 4000 ft/min) even though air-upflow rates of
(DCDMA). Refer to the DCDMA technical manual and to published
materials of API for available sizes and capacities of drilling tools less than 1000 m/min are often adequate for cuttings transport.
equipment.
For some geologic conditions, air-blast erosion may increase
theboreholediameterineasilyerodedmaterialssuchthat1000
5.1.1.1 Drill Rig, with rotary table and kelly or top-head
m/min may not be appropriate for cuttings transport. Should
drive unit should have the capability to rotate a drill-rod
air-blasterosionoccur,thedepth(s)oftheoccurrence(s)should
column and apply a controllable axial force on the drill bit
be noted and documented so that subsequent monitoring-
appropriate to the drilling and sampling requirements and the
equipment installation quality may be evaluated accordingly.
geologic conditions.
5.1.1.2 Kelly, a formed or machined section of hollow drill
NOTE 10—The quality of compressed air entering the borehole and the
steel that is joined to the swivel at the top and the drill rods
quality of air discharged from the borehole and the cyclone separator
should be considered. If not adequately filtered, the air produced by most
below. Flat surfaces or splines of the kelly engage the rotary
oil-lubricated air compressors inherently introduces a significant quantity
table so that its rotation is transmitted to the drill rods.
of oil into the circulation system. High-efficiency, in-line air filters are
5.1.1.3 Drill Rods, (that is, drill stems, drill string, drill
usually needed to prevent significant contamination of the borehole.
pipe) transfer force and rotation from the drill rig to the bit or
5.1.1.6 Pressure Hose, conducts the air from the air com-
core barrel. Drill rods conduct drilling fluid to the bit or core
pressor to the swivel.
barrel. Individual drill rods should be straight so they do not
5.1.1.7 Swivel, directs the air to the rotating kelly or
contribute to excessive vibrations or “whipping” of the drill-
drill-rod column.
rod column. Threaded connections should be in good repair
5.1.1.8 Dust Collector, conducts air and cuttings from the
and not leak significantly at the internal air pressure needed for
borehole annulus past the drill rod column to an air-cleaning
drilling. Drill rods should be made up and kept secure by
device (cyclone separator).
wrench tightening at the threaded joint(s) to prevent rod
5.1.1.9 Air-Cleaning Device, (cyclone separator) separates
damage.
cuttings from the air returning from the borehole by means of
NOTE 7—Drill rods used for air drilling jointed to make sure that the
the dust collector.
cutting’s-laden return air will not be deflected to the borehole wall as it
passes the return air were deflected against the borehole blasting and
NOTE 11—A correctly sized cyclone separator can remove practically
erosion of the borehole wall would occur. all of the cuttings from the return air. A small quantity of fine particles,
NOTE 8—Drill rods usually require lubricants on the thread to allow however, are usually discharged to the atmosphere with the “cleaned” air.
easy unthreading (breaking) of the drill-rod tool joints. Some lubricants Some air-cleaning devices consist of a cyclone separator alone; whereas,
D5782 − 18
some utilize a cyclone separator combined with a power blower and
6.2.5 Stop rotation and lift the bit slightly off the bottom of
sample-collection filters. It is virtually impracticable to direct the return
the hole to facilitate drill-cuttings removal, and continue air
“dry” air past the drill rods without some leakage of air and return
circulation for a short time until the drill cuttings are removed
cuttings. Samples of drill cuttings can be collected for analysis of
from the borehole annulus. If sampling is to be done, stop air
materials penetrated. If samples are obtained, the depth(s) and interval(s)
should be documented. circulationandrestthebitontheholebottomtodeterminehole
NOTE12—Zonesoflowairreturnandalsozonesofnoairreturnshould
depth. Document the hole depth and amount of caving that
be documented. Likewise, the depth(s) of sampled interval(s) and quality
occurred. If caving is apparent, set decontaminated casing to
of samples obtained should be documented.
protect the boring.
NOTE 13—Compressed air alone can often transport cuttings from the
boreholeandcoolthebit.Forsomegeologicconditions,injectionofwater 6.2.6 Increase drilling depth by attaching an additional
into the air stream will help control dust or break down “mud rings” that
drill-rod section to the top of the previously advanced drill-rod
tend to form on the drill rods. If water is injected the depth(s) of water
column and resuming drilling operations according to 6.2.2
injection should be documented. Under other circumstances, for example,
through 6.2.5. Record drilling behavior as drilling progresses.
if the borehole starts to produce water, the injection of a foaming agent
This recorded information should include: air-circulation
may be needed. The depth when a foaming agent is added should also be
recorded. When foaming agents are used, a cyclone-type cuttings separa-
pressures, depth(s) of low or lost circulation, depth(s) of
tor is not used and foam d
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D5782 − 95 (Reapproved 2012) D5782 − 18
Standard Guide for
Use of Direct Air-Rotary Drilling for Geoenvironmental
Exploration and the Installation of Subsurface Water-Quality
Monitoring Devices
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5782; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This guide covers how direct (straight) air-rotary drilling procedures may be used for geoenvironmental exploration and
installation of subsurface water-quality monitoring devices.
NOTE 1—The term direct with respect to the air-rotary drilling method of this guide indicates that compressed air is injected through a drill-rod column
to a rotating bit. The air cools the bit and transports cuttings to the surface in the annulus between the drill-rod column and the borehole wall.
NOTE 2—This guide does not include considerations for geotechnical site characterizations that are addressed in a separate guide.
NOTE 1—The term direct with respect to the air-rotary drilling method of this guide indicates that compressed air is injected through a drill-rod column
to a rotating bit. The air cools the bit and transports cuttings to the surface in the annulus between the drill-rod column and the borehole wall.
NOTE 2—This guide does not include considerations for geotechnical site characterizations that are addressed in a separate guide.
1.2 Direct air-rotary drilling for geoenvironmental exploration 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 All observed and calculated values are to conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice
D6026. The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry
standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not
consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objective;
and it is common practice to increase or reduce the significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations.
It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis method or engineering design.
1.6 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.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D420 Guide to Site Characterization for Engineering Design and Construction Purposes (Withdrawn 2011)
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.21 on Groundwater and Vadose
Zone Investigations.
Current edition approved Sept. 15, 2012Jan. 1, 2018. Published December 2012February 2018. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 20002012
as D5782 – 95 (2012). (2006). DOI: 10.1520/D5782-95R12.10.1520/D5782-18.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5782 − 18
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D1452 Practice for Soil Exploration and Sampling by Auger Borings
D1586 Test Method for Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils
D1587 Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Fine-Grained Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
D2113 Practice for Rock Core Drilling and Sampling of Rock for Site Exploration
D3550 Practice for Thick Wall, Ring-Lined, Split Barrel, Drive Sampling of Soils
D4428/D4428M Test Methods for Crosshole Seismic Testing
D5088 Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment Used at Waste Sites
D5092 Practice for Design and Installation of Groundwater Monitoring Wells
D5099 Test Methods for Rubber—Measurement of Processing Properties Using Capillary Rheometry
D5434 Guide for Field Logging of Subsurface Explorations of Soil and Rock
D5608 Practices for Decontamination of Sampling and Non Sample Contacting Equipment Used at Low Level Radioactive
Waste Sites
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Terminology used within this guide is in accordance with Terminology For definitions D653. Definitions of
additional terms may be found in of common technical terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology D653.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 bentonite—bentonite, n—in drilling, the common name for drilling fluid additives and well-construction products
consisting mostly of naturally occurring montmorillonite. Some bentonite products have chemical additives which may affect
water-quality analyses.
3.2.2 bentonite granules and chips—irregularly shaped particles of bentonite (free from additives) that have been dried and
separated into a specific size range.
3.2.3 bentonite pellets—roughly spherical- or disk-shaped units of compressed bentonite powder (some pellet manufacturers
coat the bentonite with chemicals that may affect the water-quality analysis).
3.2.2 cleanout depth—depth, n—in drilling, the depth to which the end of the drill string (bit or core barrel cutting end) has
reached after an interval of cutting. The cleanout depth (or drilled depth as it is referred to after cleaning out of any sloughed
material in the bottom of the borehole) is usually recorded to the nearest 0.1 ft (0.03 m).
3.2.5 coeffıcient of uniformity—C (D), the ratio D /D , where D is the particle diameter corresponding to 60 % finer on the
u 60 10 60
cumulative particle-size distribution curve, and D is the particle diameter corresponding to 10 % finer on the cumulative
particle-size distribution curve.
3.2.3 drawworks—drawworks, n—in drilling, a power-driven winch, or several winches, usually equipped with a clutch and
brake system(s) for hoisting or lowering a drilling string.
3.2.4 drill hole—hole, n—in drilling, a cylindrical hole advanced into the subsurface by mechanical means. Also known as a
borehole or boring.
3.2.5 drill string—string, n—in drilling, the completetotal rotary-drilling assembly under rotation including bit, sampler/core
barrel, drill rods, and connector assemblies (subs). The total length of this assembly is used to determine drilling depth by
referencing the position of the top of the string to a datum near the ground surface.
3.2.6 air rotary drill string—string, n—in drilling, the completetotal direct air-rotary drilling assembly under rotation including
bit, sampler/core barrel, drill rods, and connector assemblies (subs). The total length of this assembly is used to determine drilling
depth by referencing the position of the top of the string to a datum near the ground surface.
3.2.7 filter pack—pack, n—in drilling, also known as a gravel pack or a primary filter pack in the practice of monitoring-well
installations. The gravel pack is usually granular material, having specified grain size characteristics, that is placed between a
monitoring device and the borehole wall. The basic purpose of the filter pack or gravel envelope is to act as: (1) a nonclogging
filter when the aquifer is not suited to natural development or, (2) act as a formation stabilizer when the aquifer is suitable for
natural development.
3.2.7.1 Discussion—
Under most circumstances a clean, quartz sand or gravel should be used. In some cases, a pre-packed screen may be used.
3.2.11 grout packer—an inflatable or expandable annular plug attached to a tremie pipe, usually just above the discharge end
of the pipe.
3.2.12 grout shoe—a drillable plug containing a check valve positioned within the lowermost section of a casing column. Grout
is injected through the check valve to fill the annular space between the casing and the borehole wall or another casing.
D5782 − 18
3.2.12.1 Discussion—
The composition of the drillable plug should be known and documented.
3.2.8 hoisting line—line, n—in drilling, or drilling line, is wire rope used on the drawworks to hoist and lower the drill string.
3.2.9 in-situ testing devices—devices, n—in drilling, sensors or probes, used for obtaining mechanical or chemical test data, that
are typically pushed, rotated, or driven below the bottom of a borehole following completion of an increment of drilling. However,
some in situ testing devices (such as electronic pressure transducers, gas-lift samplers, tensiometers, and so forth) may require
lowering and setting of the device(s) in a preexisting borehole by means of a suspension line or a string of lowering rods or pipe.
Centralizers may be requiredneeded to correctly position the device(s) in the borehole.
3.2.10 intermittent-sampling devices—devices, n—in drilling, usually barrel-type samplers that are driven or pushed below the
bottom of a borehole following completion of an increment of drilling. The user is referred to the following ASTM standards
relating to suggested sampling methods and procedures: Practice D1452, Test Method D1586, Practice D3550, and Practice D1587.
3.2.16 mast—or derrick, on a drilling rig is used for supporting the crown block, top drive, pulldown chains, hoisting lines, and
so forth. It must be constructed to safely carry the expected loads encountered in drilling and completion of wells of the diameter
and depth for which the rig manufacturer specifies the equipment.
3.2.16.1 Discussion—
To allow for contingencies, it is recommended that the rated capacity of the mast should be at least twice the anticipated weight
load or normal pulling load.
3.2.17 piezometer—an instrument for measuring pressure head.
3.2.11 subsurface water-quality monitoring device—device, n—in drilling, an instrument placed below ground surface to obtain
a sample for analysis of the chemical, biological, or radiological characteristics of subsurface pore water or to make in situ
measurements.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The application of direct air-rotary drilling to geoenvironmental exploration may involve sampling, coring, in situ or
pore-fluid testing, installation of casing for subsequent drilling activities in unconsolidated or consolidated materials, and for
installation of subsurface water-quality monitoring devices in unconsolidated and consolidated materials. Several advantages of
using the direct air-rotary drilling method over other methods may include the ability to drill rather rapidly through consolidated
materials and, in many instances, not require the introduction of drilling fluids to the borehole. Air-rotary drilling techniques are
usually employed to advance drill hole when water-sensitive materials (that is, friable sandstones or collapsible soils) may preclude
use of water-based rotary-drilling methods. Some disadvantages to air-rotary drilling may include poor borehole integrity in
unconsolidated materials without using casing, and the possible potential for volitization of contaminants and air-borne dust.
NOTE 3—Direct-air rotary drilling uses pressured air for circulation of drill cuttings. In some instances, water or foam additives, or both, may be injected
into the air stream to improve cuttings-lifting capacity and cuttings return. The use of air under high pressures may cause fracturing of the formation
materials or extreme erosion of the borehole if drilling pressures and techniques are not carefully maintained and monitored. If borehole damage becomes
apparent, consideration to other drilling method(s) should be given.
NOTE 4—The user may install a monitoring device within the same borehole in which sampling, in situ or pore-fluid testing, or coring was performed.
4.2 The subsurface water-quality monitoring devices that are addressed in this guide consist generally of a screened or porous
intake 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 a 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 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
movement of contaminants between hydrologic units.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Direct air-rotary drilling systems consist of mechanical components and the drilling fluid.
5.1.1 The basic mechanical components of a direct air-rotary drilling system include the drill rig with rotary table and kelly or
top-head drive unit, drawworks drill rods, bit or core barrel, casing (when requiredneeded to support the hole and prevent wall
collapse when drilling unconsolidated deposits), air compressor and filter(s), discharge hose, swivel, dust collector, and
air-cleaning device (cyclone separator).
NOTE 6—In general, in North America, the sizes of casings, casing bits, drill rods, and core barrels are usually standardized by manufacturers according
to size designations set forth by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Diamond Drill Core Manufacturers Association (DCDMA). Refer to the
D5782 − 18
DCDMA technical manual and to published materials of API for available sizes and capacities of drilling tools equipment.
5.1.1.1 Drill Rig, with rotary table and kelly or top-head drive unit should have the capability to rotate a drill-rod column and
apply a controllable axial force on the drill bit appropriate to the drilling and sampling requirements and the geologic conditions.
5.1.1.2 Kelly, a formed or machined section of hollow drill steel that is joined to the swivel at the top and the drill rods below.
Flat surfaces or splines of the kelly engage the rotary table so that its rotation is transmitted to the drill rods.
5.1.1.3 Drill Rods, (that is, drill stems, drill string, drill pipe) transfer force and rotation from the drill rig to the bit or core barrel.
Drill rods conduct drilling fluid to the bit or core barrel. Individual drill rods should be straight so they do not contribute to
excessive vibrations or “whipping” of the drill-rod column. All threaded Threaded connections should be in good repair and not
leak significantly at the internal air pressure requiredneeded for drilling. Drill rods should be made up securely and kept secure
by wrench tightening at the threaded joint(s) at all times to prevent rod damage.
NOTE 7—Drill rods used for air drilling jointed to ensure make sure that the cutting’s-laden return air will not be deflected to the borehole wall as it
passes the return air were deflected against the borehole blasting and erosion of the borehole wall would occur.
NOTE 8—Drill rods usually require lubricants on the thread to allow easy unthreading (breaking) of the drill-rod tool joints. Some lubricants have
organic or metallic constituents, or both, that could be interpreted as contaminants if detected in a sample. Various lubricants are available that have
components of known chemistry. The effect of drill-rod lubricants on chemical analyses of samples should be considered and documented when using
direct air-rotary drilling. The same consideration and documentation should be given to lubricants used with water swivels, hoisting swivels, or other
devices used near the drilling axis.
5.1.1.4 Rotary Bit or Core Bit, provides material cutting capability for advancing the hole. Therefore, a core barrel can also be
used to advance the hole.
NOTE 9—The bit is usually selected to provide a borehole of sufficient diameter for insertion of monitoring-device components such as the screened
intake and filter pack and installation devices such as a tremie pipe. It should be noted that if bottom-discharge bits are used in loose cohesionless
materials, jetting or erosion of test intervals could occur. The borehole opening should permit easy insertion and retraction of a sampler, or easy insertion
of a pipe with an inside diameter large enough for placing completion materials adjacent to the screened intake and riser of a monitoring device. Core
barrels may also be used to advance the hole. Coring bits are selected to provide the hole diameter or core diameter required.needed. Coring of rock should
be performed in accordance with Practice D2113. The user is referred to Test Method D1586, Practice D1587, and Practice D3550 for techniques and
soil-sampling equipment to be used in sampling unconsolidated materials. Consult the DCDMA technical manual and published materials of API for
matching sets of nested casings and rods if nested casing must are to be used for drilling in incompetent formation materials.
5.1.1.5 Air Compressor, should provide an adequate volume of air, without significant contamination, for removal of cuttings.
Air requirements will depend upon the drill rod and bit configuration, the character of the material penetrated, the depth of drilling
below groundwater level, and the total depth of drilling. The airflow rate requirements are usually based on an annulus upflow air
velocity of about 1000 to 1300 m/min (about 3000 to 4000 ft/min) even though air-upflow rates of less than 1000 m/min are often
adequate for cuttings transport. For some geologic conditions, air-blast erosion may increase the borehole diameter in easily eroded
materials such that 1000 m/min may not be appropriate for cuttings transport. Should air-blast erosion occur, the depth(s) of the
occurrence(s) should be noted and documented so that subsequent monitoring-equipment installation quality may be evaluated
accordingly.
NOTE 10—The quality of compressed air entering the borehole and the quality of air discharged from the borehole and the cyclone separator mustshould
be considered. If not adequately filtered, the air produced by most oil-lubricated air compressors inherently introduces a significant quantity of oil into
the circulation system. High-efficiency, in-line air filters are usually requiredneeded to prevent significant contamination of the borehole.
5.1.1.6 Pressure Hose, conducts the air from the air compressor to the swivel.
5.1.1.7 Swivel, directs the air to the rotating kelly or drill-rod column.
5.1.1.8 Dust Collector, conducts air and cuttings from the borehole annulus past the drill rod column to an air-cleaning device
(cyclone separator).
5.1.1.9 Air-Cleaning Device, (cyclone separator) separates cuttings from the air returning from the borehole by means of the
dust collector.
NOTE 11—A properlycorrectly sized cyclone separator can remove practically all of the cuttings from the return air. A small quantity of fine particles,
however, are usually discharged to the atmosphere with the “cleaned” air. Some air-cleaning devices consist of a cyclone separator alone; whereas, some
utilize a cyclone separator combined with a power blower and sample-collection filters. It is virtually impossibleimpracticable to direct the return “dry”
air past the drill rods without some leakage of air and return cuttings. Samples of drill cuttings can be collected for analysis of materials penetrated. If
samples are obtained, the depth(s) and interval(s) should be documented.
NOTE 12—Zones of low air return and also zones of no air return should be documented. Likewise, the depth(s) of sampled interval(s) and quality of
samples obtained should be documented.
NOTE 13—Compressed air alone can often transport cuttings from the borehole and cool the bit. For some geologic conditions, injection of water into
the air stream will help control dust or break down “mud rings” that tend to form on the drill rods. If water is injected the depth(s) of wat
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