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TS8 PDF
TS8 PDF
Crucial operation
Selection criteria
Atlas Copco is an experienced ISO certified supplier offering a full range of equipment for all underground and surface exploration drilling applications. This includes rigs and a full range of high technology and high quality products, including (ITH) In-The-Hole tools and core drilling bits which are designed to maximize customer profitability. All products are designed to minimize downtime and maximize productivity. Atlas Copco core bits range from a Series 1 bit for the softest application to Series 10 bit for the hardest application. The numbers correspond to the different rock groups by hardness, and as a general rule, the harder the formation, the higher the series number required. However, other factors bear on the choice of bit, most important of which are the characteristics of the rock
Drilling with a core bit is introduced at an advanced stage of the exploration operation, by which time substantial resources have already been spent. The quality and continuity of the captured core is crucial in the assessment of a potential mine, making the core bit a key component of a core drilling rig. Core bit selection is based on the size and depth of hole and the hardness of the rock, taking into account the rig capacity and condition, the flushing medium, and the skills of the driller. To ensure the correct core bit, the drilling contractor needs a reliable bit supplier with the right hands-on experience to advise the best solution for every condition. Atlas Copco manufactures the entire range of core drilling tools, and will recommend and supply the type and designation most suited to the application.
formation, its hardness, grain size, abrasiveness, competence, and whether the strata is fractured or changing. The lift and feed force of the drilling rig, together with its rotation speed and chuck and rod holding capacity are other factors. Some rigs have better controls than others, and this must be taken into account. Smooth control of feed force, and accurate control of water flushing and rotation are key factors, along with the drillers technique. A variety of core bit types is available based on the diamond cutting elements used in their construction. The impregnated diamond core bit is most popular, followed by surface set diamond bits, tungsten carbide and polycrystalline diamond composite bits. Impregnated diamond bits should generally be used with a peripheral speed of 2-5 m/sec, depending on rock condition and machine capacity.
exploration drilling
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Talking Technically
according to rock hardness. Extended channel f lushing (ECF), channel flushing (CF), and face discharge (FD) waterways can be selected, along with Torpedo V and JET crown profiles for competent formations. Atlas Copco manufactures core bits in 10, 13 and 16 mm crown heights. In terms of drilling parameters, weight on bit and rate of penetration have to be taken into account, as do fluid volume, and rotation speed. The revolution per rate of penetration is normally in the range of 150-250 rev/in (RPI) or 60-100 rev/cm (RPC).
Torpedo "V"
Jet
Face Discharge
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Talking Technically
Reaming shells
A reaming shell should always be used in a coring system. It is a core barrel component, which joins the bit to the core barrel outer tube. The outside surface of the reaming shell is set with diamonds to a specified diameter, normally larger than the bit diameter. This provides a constant hole diameter independent of bit wear, and accommodates changing the bit without getting stuck in the hole. They also serve as a stabilizer, reducing vibration and prolonging the life of the bit. Reaming shells are designed with a tapered leading edge to ream the hole. Well designed waterways, reinforced with PDC pins, facilitate effective flushing and contribute to long service life and good drilling economy for both reaming shells and drill bits. For some core barrel systems there are optional reaming shells, longer than the standard, designed with two or three diamond set gauge rings. The longer reaming shells have to be used together with an optional extension sleeve for the inner tube. Double and triple ring reaming shells are used to improve hole deviation problems. Impregnated reaming shells full hole profile are also available, when added stability is required. Casing and rod shoes are manufactured to handle a broad range of conditions, from unconsolidated overburden to broken, abrasive formations. Impregnated standard and heavy duty casing shoes as well as surface set casing shoes are available, rod shoes are available only in an impregnated design.
quality is S, which is a natural, selected-, processed diamond, suitable for almost all applications. The size of diamonds, or stones per carat, is important because the harder the rock, the smaller the stones.
recommended in medium to mediumhard sedimentary formations. All TC bits can be used in clean-out operations, such as for the removal of steel fragments from a drill hole.
Summary
To maximize drilling efficiency, choose the right drill bit and utilize sound drilling practices. There is no substitute for testing the system at site, because all sites are different, all formations are different, and all clients requirements are different.
Gerry Black
exploration drilling
Talking Technically
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