Continuous Innovation in RC Drilling
The primary objective of any Reverse Circulation drilling program is to provide the most accurate representation of the mineralisation of a target. The focus of these programs needs to be on the quality of material recovered from each sample interval such that it is not influenced by:
- Contamination from other intervals within the hole, or
- An incomplete recovery of the sample interval.
In order to optimise the recovery process, OME Drilling frequently conducts quality assurance audits on the performance of its sample recovery techniques. This includes weighing the amount of material recovered through the splitter and comparing it with the weight that should optimally be recovered for a given hole diameter and specific gravity of the material.
The monitoring of these results has led to OME's development of specialised equipment and systems designed to further improve the sample recovery:
- Custom designed collection chambers and splitter systems aimed to reduce contamination and effectively deliver the sample though to the collection point.
- Testing different RC hammers available on the market to identify tools that maximise the sample recovery and quality.
- Maximising in-hole pressures through the use of heavy wall starter rods to minimise sample loss through outside return, by forcing the cuttings into the rod string.
- Inspection doors throughout the splitter system to allow for effective cleaning and monitoring of the movement of the material through the system.
- Automatic diverter systems directly adjacent to the cyclone to divert water away from the collection chambers and splitter, thereby maintaining a dry environment that reduces the amount of “hang-up” and therefore contamination.