Kotech KDP-25/35 Twin-Pressure Compressor Powers Deep Water Well Drilling in Jordan
In Jordan's Disi aquifer and Azraq Basin, a water drilling contractor deployed the Kotech KDP-25/35 twin-pressure portable rotary screw air compressor for a 180-day multi-well drilling campaign targeting depths of 1,000–1,500 metres. The unit features switchable pressure settings—25 bar for upper fractured limestone formations (to prevent borehole collapse) and 35 bar for deep hard sandstone and basement rock (to drive DTH hammers effectively). Powered by the Cummins QSZ13-C550 13-litre turbo diesel engine producing 410 kW (550 HP) with 2,650 Nm peak torque, the compressor delivers 37 m³/min at 25 bar and 32.5 m³/min at 35 bar. Equipped with a high-ambient cooling package rated for 50°C, the unit achieved 98.5% uptime and delivered an estimated 18–20% fuel savings over the 6-month campaign.
Customer Pain Points
Jordan ranks among the world's most water-scarce countries. The Disi Water Conveyance Project—the country's largest infrastructure project—draws from the ancient Disi aquifer in southern Jordan to supply Amman with 110 million cubic metres of water annually . To sustain this supply, the Water Authority of Jordan requires ongoing development of new production wells across the Disi and Azraq basins.
A Jordanian water drilling contractor won a contract to drill multiple production wells across the Disi aquifer system. The target depths ranged from 1,000 to 1,500 metres through alternating layers of hard sandstone, fractured limestone, and abrasive formations. The project had two unique challenges that standard compressors couldn't handle:
- **Dual-pressure requirement was a nightmare**. The drilling operation needed two separate pressure regimes. The lower sections—through hard sandstone and basement rock—required 35 bar to drive DTH hammers effectively. But the upper sections, particularly the fragile limestone formations above 600 metres, couldn't handle that much pressure without fracturing and collapsing the borehole. The client needed one compressor that could deliver 25 bar for the upper sections and 35 bar for the deep sections, switching between the two without reconfiguring the entire system.
- **Fuel logistics were brutal**. The Disi aquifer sits in Jordan's southern desert, hundreds of kilometres from the nearest fuel depots. The client's older compressors burned through diesel at unsustainable rates, and every litre had to be trucked across the desert. Fuel costs alone were eating into the project budget.
- **Reliability was critical**. Drilling water wells at 1,500 metres takes time. Each well required weeks of continuous drilling. Any unplanned breakdown meant pulling the drill string, losing circulation, and risking hole collapse. The client couldn't afford equipment failures.
Solutions
Kotech deployed the KDP-25/35 diesel portable rotary screw air compressor—purpose-built for twin-pressure water well drilling applications.
The unit delivers **25 bar for upper formations** and **35 bar for deep hard rock**, with a simple switch between pressure settings. At 35 bar, it delivers **32.5 m³/min airflow**; at 25 bar, flow increases to 37 m³/min—enough to keep DTH hammers hammering and flush cuttings from 1,500-metre boreholes .
The engine is a **Cummins QSZ13-C550**, a 13-litre, 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel producing **410 kW (550 HP)** at 1,900 rpm, with a peak torque of 2,650 Nm . This engine is widely used in heavy construction and drilling equipment for its reliability and fuel efficiency.
Two configurations made the difference for Jordan's desert terrain:
- **Dual-pressure compression system**. Two-stage compression with switchable pressure settings—the operator selects 25 bar for upper formations or 35 bar for deep drilling without reconfiguring the compressor.
- **High-ambient cooling package**. Jordan's summer temperatures exceed 45°C. The upgraded cooling system keeps the compressor running in temperatures up to 50°C.
The client integrated the KDP-25/35 with their rotary drilling rigs and ran it as the primary air source for the full 6-month campaign.
Implementation Steps
- **Multi-site field assessment** – Kotech engineers visited drilling sites across the Disi aquifer to verify depth requirements, formation types, and pressure specifications
- **Equipment customization** – Configured the KDP-25/35 with dual-pressure system and high-ambient cooling; completed factory performance testing
- **Logistics and transport** – Coordinated delivery to remote desert drilling sites
- **On-site installation** – Managed pipeline connections and integration with existing DTH drilling systems
- **Full commissioning** – Conducted pressure calibration and operational parameter optimization under real drilling conditions
- **Continuous monitoring** – Performed field operation monitoring and output adjustment throughout the drilling campaign
- **Operator training** – Delivered training on safe operation, remote-site preventive maintenance, and daily inspection standards
Customer results
Products Used in This Case
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Why is twin-pressure (25/35 bar) important for water well drilling?
Different formations require different pressures. Upper sections with fractured limestone need lower pressure (25 bar) to prevent borehole collapse. Deep sections with hard sandstone require higher pressure (35 bar) to drive DTH hammers effectively. Twin-pressure compressors allow operators to switch between settings without reconfiguring the equipment.
What makes the Cummins QSZ13-C550 suitable for drilling applications?
The QSZ13-C550 is a 13-litre, 6-cylinder turbo diesel producing 410 kW (550 HP) with peak torque of 2,650 Nm. The broad torque band (1,300–1,500 rpm) provides consistent power under varying loads, making it ideal for heavy drilling application
How does the KDP-25/35 handle Jordan's desert heat?
The compressor is equipped with a high-ambient cooling package rated for operation up to 50°C. The cooling system maintains optimal operating temperatures even during peak summer heat, preventing overheating shutdowns.
What depth water wells can the KDP-25/35 support?
The unit is capable of supporting DTH drilling for water wells up to 1,500 metres, depending on formation conditions and rig specifications. The airflow (37 m³/min at 25 bar, 32.5 m³/min at 35 bar) provides sufficient volume for deep-hole cuttings flushing .