WorldWide Drilling Resource

Fulfilling a Vital Need in Chile Adapted from Information Provided by Rocktrain Rocktrain is the first independent drilling technical training center for exploration and water wells in Antofagasta, Chile. They offer technical, safety, and operation training for drill operators, helpers, supervisors, geologists, and engineers. Most of the drill operators in Chile have learned their job just by watching, hearing, and repeating what older drill operators taught them, and they are the ones giving the same training to the next generation. The problem is, sometimes misconceptions or lack of a technical background makes this generation- to-generation teaching a chain of wrong concepts. At the end, most of the operative problems, such as tool breakage and therefore loss of the hole, result in time, money, and sometimes even lifes lost. Rocktrain’s General Manager Igor Proestakis recognized the critical lack of an entity capable of training drill operators with technical expertise in drilling with air (down-the-hole and reverse circulation), and in the drilling of water wells in the region. The company wants to ensure complete technical training, from the most basic concepts of drilling, until reaching a very high technical level. This takes time, and requires the planning of several theoretical and practical courses to eliminate myths so operators fully understand the science behind the perforation. Courses are designed to guarantee successful learning, since they are made sequentially and with increasing difficulty. Each level requires different technical evaluations and resolution of real problems related to the learning achieved, with the final assessment being delivered to the company which enrolled the individual. All courses can be customized for each company, type of drilling, or orientation the com- pany needs, such as basic, intermediate, or advanced air drilling; use of conventional or reverse circulation hammers; or basic, intermediate, or advanced water well drilling. The team has the expertise to help with projects, improve processes, perform failure analy- ses, and consult on the use of horizontal directional drills, along with conventional drilling machines. Courses cover a wide variety of topics related to drilling, where students will learn all the technical aspects to prepare them for the resolution of problems, and improvement of oper- ating conditions. The goal is to deliver the necessary tools to respond to the demands and con- stant changes in the market, including mining. Rocktrain’s consulting and advisory service consists of allocating time to the review of machines, verification of reports with the contract manager of the company which provides the service, implementation of new control systems, and analyses of failures or situations which are not normal. They will hold an explanatory meeting with the geologists / supervisors / drill oper- ators, presenting a full report with technical analyses of failures, problems, and detentions, delivering tools and alternatives to improve processes, along with security suggestions. In addition, the company’s service includes telephone consultations and virtual conferences; emergency visits to help with the revision or generation of technical aspects of drilling contracts and bidding rules; act as a technical mediator during conflicts with suppliers or customers; and evaluation of drilling equipment and tools to be used. Rocktrain is dedicated to the optimiza- tion of the resources of its customers, to improve production, and reduce the acci- dent rate of drilling workers. 16 JANUARY 2018 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® WWDR photo of Igor during the 2015 EXPONOR international mining event in Antofagasta, Chile. March Issue Deadlines! Space Reservation: January 25 th Display & Classified Ad Copy: February 1 st