Drilling technology is always improving and air core drilling is so far the most preferred way of exploration drilling today. This method of drilling is the best if you are interested in the safe removal of sample materials before going full thrust. Unlike Percussion Rotary air blast drilling and diamond drilling that removes a small amount of rock core, air-ore drilling is less expensive and faster.
As its name suggests, air core drilling uses compressed air to remove stone cuttings from the holes. It is good, especially if you are looking to collect safe and cleaner samples in a more cost-effective way.
How Does Air Core Drilling Work?
Air core drilling is where three-bladed steel or tungsten drill bits are drilled into the fresh rocks or loose soil to get drill samples for analysis. The drill bits are usually hollow and have an inner tube that resembles that used in RC drilling. To penetrate into the deeper ends of the rocks, the drill rods are [pushed with the help of pressure. Pressured air is compressed into the drilled spaces to remove the cuttings out for deeper penetration. The flushed samples are then passed through a horse and later collected for further review and analysis.
Where is Air Core Drilling is Used?
Air core drilling is useful when companies are looking to eliminate or minimize the risks of contaminating the samples. Usually, this method is applied in first-pass exploration projects, especially when working on unconsolidated grounds. They can drill up to an optimal depth of up to 300 meters.
Merits of Air Core Drilling
Air core drilling has many advantages over other drilling methods. Here are some of the reasons you may want to go for air core drilling.
You do not have to cast holes
It gives a representative sample of the substances being sampled. This is because the materials expelled can easily be analyzed.
It is a safer way of removing the sample. The method relies heavily on compressed air, it has minimal effect on the samples collected compared to other drilling methods.
• Increased efficiencies and reduced costs. Air core drilling is by far an efficient drilling method and also ensures the real-time collection of the samples. This means faster drilling, which means reduced drilling costs.
• Reduced Risk of Sample Contamination. The compression of air to inject materials minimizes the risk of polluting the sample.
Ready to kickstart your drilling project? Get in contact with Drilling Contractors Goldfields to discuss the best drilling options. Professionals will help you decide the most cost-effective drilling method and choose the right equipment for the best results.
No Comments