WorldWide Drilling Resource

43 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® JULY 2015 Adapted from Information Provided by Airwell Technology The Airwell Team: Airwell Technology is a newcomer in the field of drilling in the U.S. It began in 2009 when John Richmond and James Dart, both engineers, decided there was a need and an opportunity to improve water treatment in domestic wells without adding chemicals or salt, and without using complicated, expensive filters. Based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Richmond and Dart had been partners and coinventors in several successful water treatment projects. They designed and patented the Airwell Technology device, and surrounded themselves with qualified, respected members of the groundwater and well drilling communi- ties. Sadly, John Richmond died in early 2014. Rory Murphy (Company President) based in Ireland, and Simon Anstey (Director) in Grimsby, Ontario, together refinanced the company. The Airwell sys- tem was now proven and working, and new funding enabled the company to drive on and start selling in earnest. They recruited engineer and General Manager John Baxter to help get the com- pany off the ground. He has vast experi- ence reorganizing and developing companies, both large and small. Since joining Airwell, he’s concentrated on re- establishing the Airwell Unit in Ontario. Baxter has also been developing sales leads, distributors, and customers in the New England area. He’s beginning to find distributors in warmer states too, which will ensure continuing momentum, even in the event of a cold and snowy winter. James Dart is currently the technical director and chief scientist of Airwell, bringing a huge depth of knowledge, along with his solid reputation in environ- mental matters acquired from senior roles in Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment and the Ontar io Water Resources Commission. Director Kevin Constable is a former president of the Canadian Ground Water Association, and is president and owner of Fred Constable Drilling in Bradford, Ontario. He provides a full range of water well and pump services to residential and commercial customers. Director James MacKinnon and Robert MacKinnon are drilling profession- als in Pembroke, Ontario. They were both instrumental in developing the Airwell unit in the field. Bill Morrison is an environmental engineer who’s worked closely with James Dart on developing the Airwell system. Stephen Agnew is a water treatment expert in Alliston, Ontario. He’s played a major role in expanding sales and accept- ance of Airwell. Scott Hill is a marketing consultant in Cambridge, Ontario, and advises the company on development of the Airwell system in the market. Airwell has four employees at this time: General Manager John Baxter; Technical and Chief Scientist James Dart; Managing Director Rory Murphy; and Chief Financial Officer Simon Anstey. The Airwell System: The Ai rwel l Technology uni t is mechanical and needs little or no replace- ment or maintenance. Above all, it treats the water in the well and not in the house. A pipe with an aeration section is inserted into the well bore, down to the bottom of the well. Pressurized air is fed into this pipe on an ongoing basis causing water from the bottom of the well to be air- lifted to the top of the pipe. Recirculating the water in this manner oxidizes contam- inants in the well, and actually penetrates back into the aquifer. Results show the Airwell system quickly and reliably removes contami- nants. Tests on the device began in 2010 and the results have been impressive. Airwell is not licensed to install the system into wells, but does have the capability to train operators and supervise initial installations of the first few units for each customer. A training video and writ- ten instructions are also available for installers. The Airwell unit is patented in both the U.S. and Canada. It makes an almost immediate, tangible difference in well water for drilling contractors’ clients. As long as there’s a source of stable power, and the well under review is suit- able for an Airwell system in terms of depth, flow, and water usage, this is an economical and reliable option for treat- ing problem water. The unit can change the water from problem to potable in a matter of hours. Get in on the action and become a dealer! WWDR photo of John Baxter.