New technology and multi-tasking for today's exploration drilling crews

Drilling developments to minimize drill downtime utilizing adaptable equipment suitable for several roles.

LONDON - 

Boart Longyear Canada engineers note that with significant investment in capital equipment on the line, drilling contractors can't afford under-utilised rigs. Even during recent boom times, many drilling contractors realised that it wasn't always practical to add rigs that are only capable of one application to their fleet. Smart manufacturers have responded by continuing to invest in multipurpose rig lines, capable of different kinds of drilling methodology.

Within the Environmental & Infrastructure market, project requirements often demand extremely adaptable equipment. Contractors meet these site-specific requirements by using multipurpose rigs to perform geotechnical and subsurface investigation work, geothermal drilling and wireline coring all from the same drill. However, functionality is only one part of rig use - availability is also key. Contractors with a higher percentage of multipurpose drill rigs often realise quicker mobilisation.

Similar productivity requirements exist for tooling and consumables in the field.

Bit life is a critical concern in drilling and exploration applications. Bits that last longer deliver incremental savings by maximising the amount of time operators spend 'in the hole' while reducing the number of bits required to complete a project.

The most advanced rigs on the market now feature hands-free rod management systems, capable of rod transport and making and breaking joints. This technology completely removes the operator from the rod handling process, and eliminates the risk of injury through manual rod handling. In addition to safety precautions in the drilling area, significant work has also gone into decoupling the operator from the rig through remote and cable control systems, and advanced electronics.

Electronics are also being used to help drillers more accurately and efficiently manage rig operation. Smart technology is being developed that will monitor drilling to ensure optimum performance based on geology and other parameters. By better controlling rig power, electronics help manage fuel consumption and emissions, adjusting rig power to meet application demands. Onsite, smart technology can provide self-diagnostic capability, and guide the operator to the appropriate corrective action, in addition to preventing costly downtime by keeping track of scheduled maintenance.

Technology that boosts productivity and safety is always at a premium. But like opposite sides of the same coin, this technology also delivers cost efficiencies that position mine operators and drilling contractors at a competitive advantage in today's economy.

John Chadwick is editor/proprietor of International Mining magazine - www.im-mining.com

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