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Tips for Working in Cold Weather Adapted from information by Vermeer Corporation’s Navigator Nation Drilling companies often have to make a tough call when winter hits and temperatures fall, deciding whether or not to send employees and equipment out into the elements. However, no mat- ter how cold the weather gets, some projects and utility installations simply cannot be put off. Most companies have procedures in place to determine when temperatures are too cold for man or beast (machine). Nevertheless, if a crew decides to brave winter conditions and get the job done, there are things you can do to help en- sure the equipment stays functional and the integrity of the jobsite is maintained. The main thing is to focus on fluids. Water - Equipment maintenance in below-freezing weather centers on water and cleanliness. When temperatures fall below freezing, operators have a limited window of keeping water from freezing. Water is needed not only to maintain lubricity and remove cuttings from the borehole during the boring process, but also to help keep the equipment clean after the job. Drilling Fluid - Drilling fluid is crucial to a successful bore. However, it can create issues if it’s not removed after boring in the winter. Failing to clean the drill from top to bottom after each day of work can cause drilling fluid to freeze around the hydraulic hoses and drill com- ponents on the front of the rig, creating a nightmare the next morning. Antifreeze - The third item on the winter fluid checklist is antifreeze. When the temperatures dip dangerously low, a mud pump can freeze and break quickly. Operators should flush the system with environmentally-friendly antifreeze when they are shutting down for a period of time or overnight. Diesel Fuel - No. 2 ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel is ideal for a horizontal directional drill rig. However, once colder temperatures arrive, gelling can be a concern with No. 2 fuel. To prevent this, consider making a temporary switch to No. 1 diesel fuel when the temperatures drop. It’s also important to note many Tier 4 final engines use diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), which is a blend of water and urea. Since DEF is a water-based solution it can freeze. DEF will begin to slush before it freezes and will reach a solid state when the fluid temperature reaches 12ºF (11ºC). DEF will also expand when it freezes, so its important to make sure the DEF tank on the equip- ment is not completely full. During winter, once the engine is started, the DEF will thaw quickly and return to a useable state with no effect on its quality or per- formance. Don’t forget to protect your crew from the cold. The combination of per- sonal protective equipment (PPE) and cold-weather gear is essential for opera- tor comfort and safety during the winter months. Outdoor labor of any kind can lead to a heightened risk of frostbite. To help alleviate these concerns, crews should be equipped with warm and safe clothing. It’s also important the crew takes adequate breaks to warm up and escape the cold temperatures. Often- times they are dealing with water and mud, and can run the risk of getting wet. They’ve got to have time to dry off or take a break. 4< /*2'3* "& > > > > ,'< ? /2+ '6* /3+6 /3+6 ')1/3- " " !8=2+ /7843 4* 4* ')1/3- !+8 5)7 !8'3*'6* $'2:+ 9((+6 6':+2 $'2:+ 9((+6 !+'87 9((+6 $'2:+ 37+687 #6+8.'3+ $'2:+ 37+687 $'2:+ !56/3- ! ! $'2:+ 4:+6 '71+8 ? !;/:+2 ')1/3- ? !+6/+7 ? !+6/+7 ? !+6/+7 ? !+6/+7 ? !+6/+7 ? !+6/+7 < /3+6 < /3+6 < /3+6 < /3+6 < /3+6 6/)+7 !9(0+)8 "4 .'3-+ %/8.498 48/)+ !@ @ < < < < < 27 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® JANUARY 2017