Description
Blasthole Sampling/Mineral Grade Control
In mineral mining applications, ore grade control is based on samples obtained from drill holes. Although extensive exploratory drilling is usually done prior to the mining operation, many ores vary in grade to the degree that samples of each hole in the blasting patterns are required for accurate decisions on the part of the mining staff.
Obviously, the assayers desire is to obtain the best samples possible. A Divertech unit, mounted in conjunction with a cyclone separator on the blasthole drill can provide accurate representative samples from each borehole. In many cases, this could lead to enhanced mineral recovery and better mill utilization.
Mineral Grade Control Oil and Gas Well Spudding
Many modern oil and gas drilling operations utilize air as a circulating medium. Up to now, there has been no effective means of controlling dust and rock chip disposition until after conductor and/or surface casing is installed and cemented in the borehole.
Since Divertech provides a seal against the ground, it is now possible to “spud” a well using a similar flow line to that utilized after casing is installed. This eliminates the mess and shoveling involved in this early stage of oil and gas well drilling. Once the surface hole is drilled, Divertech may be easily removed from the derrick and stored on location until the well is completed.
NOTE: The Divertech Pneumatic Diverter is neither represented nor intended as a replacement for blowout preventers, rotating heads, or any other conventional means of well control. Once casing is set and cemented, other well head equipment, intended for this purpose, should be installed.
Underground Mining
In the underground mining and tunnelling industries, dust and rock chips from blasthole drilling can represent constant safety hazards and disposal problems. A Divertech model specifically designed for this application may be mounted on the base of each drill boom. Dust and cuttings are controlled and removed from the rock face and may be deposited wherever desired, thru a flow line, or collected for grade control purposes, if required.
Improved Bit Life and Penetration Rate
In many drilling applications, water is injected into the air streams for dust control, traveling through the drill pipe and bit or downhole hammer. The injected water forms an abrasive compound which can have a negative effect on bit life, as well as penetration rates.
With the use of Divertech Pneumatic Diverter, dust and cuttings are trapped beneath the rig and exhausted through a flow line. As a result, it is possible to inject dust-control water into the flow line or at the cyclone separator outlet. In many cases, this allows the bit to operate on a dry rock face, while controlling the dust before its release into the atmosphere. Often, increased bit life and penetration rates are observed as a result of this “dry drilling”.
Construction
In many construction applications, particularly elevator shaft drilling, the hole must be drilled in a partially completed structure. Divertech allows these holes to be drilled, either with air or other fluids, without creating clean-up problems. The drill cuttings can be piped away from the structure and deposited in an appropriate container or outdoor area.
