The drilling team at Howell has acquired amazing new tech upgrades to help retrieve better data for our engineers. The first is Cone Penetration Technology (CPT) tooling. Traditionally we’ve utilized standard penetration tests (SPT) with split spoons. Now, we have an incredible piece of technology with CPT.

It features a cone packed with sensors on the tip of rods that push into the earth. Using a ratio of parameters; tip pressure, sleeve pressure, pore pressure and an inclinometer, it gathers data for every centimeter of ground. It provides a more complete picture compared to SPT sampling, where samples are retrieved every 2 feet. The best comparison I’ve heard is that it’s like going from 8-bit to 4K resolution. We are very excited to expand our capabilities and range of services to better help our engineers acquire the best data possible.

Another big upgrade for the drilling crew is the acquisition of a Freightliner Versatran Retriever. The Versatran, a great addition to the fleet, is a combination of a ramp truck and roll back. It seems like it was designed specifically to move our 7822dt drill. This truck allows us to have separate mobilizations for our equipment and support efforts. We show up better prepared and spend more time drilling out in the field.

On the personal side of updates, I have recently had my wisdom teeth successfully removed at 31 years of age, albeit with some pain. I’ve learned that you need to schedule maintenance before maintenance schedules it for you. Mark, the other half of the team, reports that his son Aspen recently turned 18 and is off to West Chester University. We wish him a Happy Birthday and a great experience in college. After 18 years of parenthood, Mark’s advice is “Don’t wait, weight broke the wagon.”

Thanks for letting us share our good news, if you see us rolling down Route 30, please give us a wave!