Three new drills have been introduced into the underground diamond drilling market in the past year, according to a survey of the three major manufacturers with offices in Canada. JKS Boyles International of Toronto has introduced three new machines (two in the past two months and another one six months ago) and Craelius, the Swedish manufacturer with offices in Brockville, Ont., has introduced one new machine. Longyear Canada of North Bay, Ont., is marketing no new machines at this time.
One of the most recent new products has been the hnh Hydramatic from JKS, a powerful, high-torque drill suited for large-diameter (bq-size) holes in such applications as methane drainage in coal formations. Maximum depths that can be drilled with this machine are 305 m with the Hydramatic and 885 m with the Hydramatic Super. The Hydramatic has a maximum thrust and pullback of 423 N m. The corresponding figure for the Super model is 667 N m. Maximum rotation on both machines is 1,450 rotations per min (r.p.m.).
Another new JKS model consists of the B-10 and B-15 hydrostatic drills, introduced in Canada six months ago. Feedframes constructed of aluminum and steel are designed to be lightweight yet reliable. The drills offer synchronized rod-handling (which means the operator does not have to use a wrench to thread the rods together or take them apart when a run is completed), a 1.6-m stroke, and ample power (30-37 kW) for wireline drilling. Other features include fingertip control of speed and torque and a feedframe reversing capability for uphole drilling. The 3-component system (operator’s console, power unit and the drill itself) is constructed in modules for fast setup and ease of mobility. The power unit is mounted on skids.
The reversible feedframe is an exclusive feature of this drill, JKS says. The single, heavy-duty chain drive exerts maximum pull for downhole drilling, then in the reverse position allows maximum thrust for uphole drilling.
In addition, the company has developed an exploration drill unit designed to be operated from any 44.13-kW agricultural tractor. The drill, which is based on the Boyles BBS-18, is called the Field Marshall. It provides an economic and convenient method of carrying out site investigations in construction, quarrying, opencast mining or wherever geological data is required, the company says.
The drill may be equipped with either the Boyles 12BH or 12HH swivelhead with optional hydraulic chuck. It has a depth of 455 m (1,492 ft) with aq wireline and is complete with a 3-m (10-ft) pull mast raised by cable or optional hydraulic ram. A mast-mounted wireline hoist and cathead may be fitted if required. Power is provided through the tractor power take-off which gives a bit speed of 0 to 1,500 r.p.m. The twin-cylinder hydraulic feed, powered through the tractor’s hydraulic system, has a maximum thrust of 4,200 kg and maximum pull of 6,400 kg. Completing the drilling equipment is a Brahma belt-driven quadruplex piston pump designed to provide a smooth, uniform flow, eliminating surge and pulsation associated with some drill pumps.
Late last year, Craelius introduced a new underground drill to the Canadian market. It is called the Diamec 230 and was designed in Sweden for any drilling situation where space is limited, as in mine shafts or exploration ramps. Features include: lightweight components (a 25-kg control panel; a 230-kg power pack and a 350-kg drill unit); a choice of three different power packs (compressed air, diesel or electric); a double pump system (one for the feed system and one for rotation); synchronized rod-handling; and an ergonomically-designed control panel.
The Diamec 230 can deliver maximum torque of 180 N m and a maximum speed of 2,200 r.p.m. Power packs are rated at 17 kW (electric) and 15 kW (air). A diesel-powered unit is also available for any surface applications.
Three drills are operating in Canada, says Division Manager Eric Wickman, and 50 units have been sold worldwide.
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