EXPLORATION AND SAMPLING
In a recent product development shown at MINExpo, Boart Longyear has combined proven technology from its most popular surface coring drill rigs to create the powerful LF™160
Always a company to put significant resources into R & D, Boart Longyear has also signed a licening agreement with the Deep Exploration Technologies Cooperative Research Centre( DET CRC) for the Wireless Sub, a new patent pending technology solution that enhances safety and productivity in diamond drilling.
The Wireless Sub couples the drill rig to the drill rods in the hole and provides more accurate, real-time measurement of drilling parameters – such as feed force, torque, water pressure, rotation speed, axial acceleration and tangential acceleration. Extensive DET CRC testing operations, using parameters monitored by the
Wireless Sub, have achieved substantial gains in rate of penetration and bit life when compared to drilling operations at the same locations using information from traditional drill rig gauges.
“ The Wireless Sub provides vital information from detailed parameters and is the next step in driving safe drilling productivity,” said Mike Ravella, Director of Geological Data Services for Boart Longyear.“ We are very pleased to add the Wireless Sub to our suite of innovations. We look forward to commercialising it and developing additional applications for the technology in the future.”
Real-time data from remote drilling sites can be reviewed worldwide by exploration teams, and the technology’ s data logging feature allows drillers to replicate the highest performing parameters in any drilling program.
The Wireless Sub was developed by DET CRC participants and affiliates CSIRO, Globaltech Corp, Epslog and Boart Longyear.
The DET CRC was established in 2010 under the Australian Government’ s CRC Program to develop technologies to discover new mineral deposits at depth beneath barren rock cover.
When paired with the FL262 FREEDOM™ Loader, Boart Longyear’ s LF160 combination is ideal for contractors who want to target sophisticated surface
drilling exploration contracts that stipulate some of the highest safety standards, without compromising on productivity. Attributes include: n Totally hands free rod handling n Optimal safety without compromising on productivity n Designed to today ' s rigorous CE standards n Up to 1,800 m of NQ™ depth capacity.
The newest addition to its technologically advanced drilling rig family of products, the new FURY series leverages the Schramm heritage of high mobility, rugged durability and power density to deliver what the company describes as“ a cutting-edge, configurable fit-for-purpose machine.”
“ This new rig series, including its name, was designed and developed with direct customer feedback to meet their ever-evolving needs today and as the industry ramps up activity in a continued low-price environment,” said Michael Dynan, Schramm’ s Vice President of Portfolio and Strategy.
“ From concept to iron, this rig series leverages our 116-year experience in design and innovation to showcase the very best Schramm has to offer.”
Feature highlights of this next-generation machine include electronic controls providing real-time hydraulic response, remote monitoring functionality, US EPA Tier 4 Final compliance, tight turning radius for improved mobility, and a tilting top drive to facilitate hands-free pipe handling. Additionally, the air and hydraulic power systems are decoupled, which provide significant fuel savings. Customers working in mining applications that include large-diameter water management and exploration now have a new tool to drive value for their stakeholders.
“ We sought to build a drilling rig to meet our needs for a safer, faster and more costcompetitive machine than what’ s on the market today,” said Tyson Thomas, President of Thomas Drilling, which took delivery of the first unit.“ Schramm is a recognised leader in innovation, and with the advanced manufacturing, assembly and testing facility located in Pennsylvania, Schramm has been the ideal partner to ensure optimal quality control and on-time delivery. We are extremely pleased with FURY and know our customers will be as well.”
Atlas Copco showcased its new Christensen 140 surface core drilling rig at MINExpo 2016. The rig offers a new feed guard with interlock function, a more robust mast and a rotation unit that reduces maintenance time.
Marie Bergman, Product Manager, Atlas Copco, described the rig as“ a powerful, more robust
18 International Mining | FEBRUARY 2017