Using a wireline drill rod for rock coring in the mining industry requires careful planning and execution. Here are some steps to reasonably use a wireline drill rod for rock coring:
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Pre-Drilling Preparations:
- Equipment Inspection: Ensure that all wireline drilling equipment, including the drill rod, core barrel assembly, and wireline winch, is in proper working condition. Check for any signs of damage or wear and address any issues before starting the coring operation.
- Core Barrel Selection: Select an appropriate core barrel based on the anticipated rock formations and desired core sample size. Consider factors such as core bit type, core barrel diameter, and core recovery system (split or non-split inner tube) based on the specific requirements of the mining project.
- Site Preparation: Prepare the drilling site by clearing any obstacles and ensuring a stable and level platform for the drilling rig. Evaluate the ground conditions to determine the drilling technique and equipment setup required.
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Drill Rod Deployment:
- Rig Setup: Position the drilling rig in a suitable location, ensuring proper alignment with the target drilling spot. Assemble the drill rod sections and connect them securely using compatible thread connections. Make sure all connections are tightened properly to prevent any drilling fluid or sample loss during coring.
- Rod Handling Precautions: Handle the drill rod sections with care to avoid damage or distortion. Avoid dropping or dragging the drill rod on abrasive surfaces, as this can compromise their integrity and affect the drilling performance.
- Thread Lubrication: Apply a suitable thread lubricant to the drill rod connections to minimize friction and facilitate smooth rotation during drilling. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the type and amount of lubricant to use.
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Wireline Drilling Operation:
- Drilling Fluid Management: Select an appropriate drilling fluid (mud) that matches the anticipated rock formations and drilling conditions. Maintain proper circulation of the drilling fluid to cool the core bit, remove cuttings, and provide pressure control during coring.
- Core Bit Selection: Choose a core bit suitable for the rock type and hardness encountered. Diamond bits are commonly used for hard formations, while PDC bits are effective for softer formations. Ensure the core bit is securely attached to the bottom of the core barrel.
- Drilling Parameters: Set drilling parameters such as rotation speed, weight on bit, and drilling fluid flow rate based on the rock type, desired core recovery, and drilling efficiency. Adjust these parameters as necessary during the coring process to optimize performance and core quality.
- Continuous Coring: Utilize the continuous coring capability of wireline drilling to obtain long, uninterrupted core samples. As the core barrel fills with rock cuttings, ensure proper core tube advancement through the core lifter mechanism to prevent sample loss and maintain effective coring.
- Core Sample Retrieval: When the desired depth or core length is reached, initiate the wireline retrieval process. Use the overshot assembly to engage with the core barrel and retrieve the core sample to the surface without pulling out the entire drill string.
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Core Sample Handling and Storage:
- Core Sample Extraction: Once the core sample is retrieved, handle it with care to avoid any damage or contamination. Use dedicated core handling tools such as core splitters or core saws to extract the core from the inner tube.
- Core Sample Packaging: Place the extracted core sample in appropriate core trays or boxes. Label each tray with relevant information, including the borehole location, depth, and other necessary details. Organize the core trays systematically for easy identification and retrieval during analysis and storage.
- Core Sample Preservation: Take measures to preserve the integrity and quality of the core sample. Wrap the core samples in plastic or place them in sealed bags to protect against moisture loss and contamination. Store the core samples in a controlled environment to maintain their physical and chemical properties.
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Quality Control and Analysis:
- Data Documentation: Record detailed information about the drilling parameters, core recovery, lithology, and any notable observations during the coring process. Maintain accurate and comprehensive logs to support subsequent analysis and interpretation.
- Core Sample Analysis: Send the core samples to a laboratory or conduct on-site analysis to determine the physical, mineralogical, and geotechnical properties of the rock formations. This data helps in understanding the rock characteristics, identifying mineral resources, and assessing the feasibility of mining operations.
It is crucial to follow industry best practices, safety guidelines, and manufacturer recommendations when using a wireline drill rod for rock coring in the mining industry. Proper equipment maintenance, careful operation, and meticulous sample handling are essential to ensure reliable and representative core samples for geological and mining studies.
Size |
Outer Diameter (mm) |
Inner Diameter(mm) |
AQ |
44.7 |
37.3 |
BQ |
55.7 |
46.1 |
NQ |
70.0 |
60.2 |
HQ |
89.0 |
78.0 |
PQ(PHD) |
114.5 |
101.5 |
BTW |
56.3 |
48.0 |
NTW |
73.3 |
64.0 |
HTW |
91.3 |
81.0 |
AW/AWJ/AWY |
43.7 |
30.7 |
BW/BWJ/BWY |
54.0 |
38.0 |
NW/NWY |
66.8 |
51.0 |
HW |
89.0 |
71.0 |
42mm |
42.0 |
30.0 |
50mm |
50.0 |
37.0 |
60mm |
60.0 |
48.0 |
70mm |
73.0 |
54.6 |
90mm |
89.0 |
69.0 |
S75A |
71.0 |
60.0 |
S95A |
89.0 |
78.0 |
S110 |
110.0 |
98.0 |
S130 |
129.0 |
117.0 |
Name: |
Wireline Drill Rod |
Product Basic parameters |
Model: |
AQ,BQ,LTK48,NQ,NQ3,HQ,HQ3,PQ,PQ3 NTW, BTW, HTW |
Material: |
Alloy Steel Tubing |
Dimensions: |
0.5,1m, 1.5m, 2m,2.5,3m length or customized |
Color: |
Black or customized |
Applications: |
Drilling Tools |
Standard: |
ISO-9001 |
Application: |
Mining or geological Drilling |
Rod Model |
OD (mm) |
ID (mm) |
Thread Pitch(mm) |
Pin Length(mm) |
Rod Length(m) |
Unit Bundle Qty (pcs) |
BAU(Q) |
55.6 |
46.1 |
8.5 |
44.5 |
3 |
19/25/30 |
NAU(Q) |
69.9 |
60.3 |
8.5 |
44.45 |
3 |
19/25/30 |
HAU(Q) |
88.9 |
77.8 |
8.5 |
44.45 |
3 |
19/25/30 |
BRAU(RQ) |
55.6 |
46.1 |
8.5 |
42 |
3 |
19/25/30 |
NRAU(RQ) |
69.6 |
60.3 |
8.5 |
42 |
3 |
19/25/30 |
HRAU(RQ) |
88.9 |
77.8 |
8.5 |
42 |
3 |
19/25/30 |
PHD |
114 |
102 |
10.2 |
63 |
3 |
79/25/30 |
FAQ:
Q1: How do you connect drill rods together?
A: Drill rods are connected end to end using threaded pin and box connections. The box end of one rod screws onto the pin end of the next rod to form a continuous string.
Q2: What tool is used to screw the rods together?
A: A power tong or torque wrench is used to apply the precise torque needed to screw the drill rod connections together safely.
Q3: How do you safely lift and handle drill rods?
A: Proper lifting techniques like using slings and an overhead crane should be employed. Gloves help when connecting by hand. Watch for pinch points and keep the area clear.
Q4: How do you replace a damaged rod in the drill string?
A: Pull the string, then use a power spinner or jar to break the rod loose. Remove it and screw a new rod back into the string.
Q5: How do you trip pipe in and out of the well?
A: Connect stand after stand using the power tong as the drill string is lowered or pulled out of the hole one section at a time.