WorldWide Drilling Resource

Achieving Better Success Rates! Adapted from Information by Capital Drilling Capital Drilling had a 35% improvement in hole success rate, which re- duced costs in some areas for their client. A directional drilling project, based in eastern Europe, had a difficult time penetrating the surface prior to Capital’s commencement. This contributed to holes not reaching client requirements and only a 50% hole success rate on the directional targets. The company significantly improved results by imple- menting a number of measures. They improved equipment capability, invested in the latest consumables technologies, employed world-renowned drilling professionals, and provided best practice training to local drill crews. Specialized equipment and larger drill rigs were imported from around the world to ensure the crews reached the deep directional targets. Centrifugal pumps were also used to recycle drilling muds. This significantly reduced the usage of muds and water at the site, delivering real savings to the client. Cementing processes and mud programs were for- mulated for the difficult conditions, reducing downhole failures. Production rates increased, achieving greater than 90 feet per day on several machines at depths of 5900-7200 feet. On an even deeper hole, the required total depth was reached 11 days earlier than expect- ed, and progress exceeded client expectations by over ten feet per day. Improved hole stability reduced hole abandonment and enabled two of the deepest holes to be com- pleted to depths greater than 7400 feet, with capacity to continue drilling. By improving hole success rates, specified targets required to meet stringent ore body definition criteria were achieved where they were pre- viously unattainable. 23 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® JANUARY 2019 Epiroc Invests in Autonomous Technology Adapted from a Press Release by Epiroc Drilling Solutions, LLC Epiroc Drilling Solutions has acquired 34% of ASI Mining, a subsidiary of Autonomous Solutions Inc. ASI Mining, based in Mendon, Utah, owns onboard hardware and software to switch vehicles to autonomous operation, and system level software platforms to command and control autonomous fleets across various mining applications. The solutions work with various mobile mining equipment, regardless of make or model, and are used by mining customers around the world. “We believe in the ASI Mining vision and the benefits they can bring to the min- ing community,” said Jose Manuel Sanchez, president of drilling solutions at Epiroc. “We’re excited about the potential that can be realized through the ASI products and Epi roc global footprint in min- ing.” The purchase price is not material relative to Epiroc’s market capi- talization and is not dis- closed. Epiroc Drilling Solut ions LLC is the investing company of ASI Mining. Revenues and operating profit will not be consolidated. The shift to autonomous technology in the mining industry has several benefits according to Jon Torpy, vice president of marketing drilling solutions at Epiroc. “A decade ago, we started the Pit Viper automation program that has now led to a par- adigm change in how drilling is done in surface mining. We see that the ASI Mining solutions will also fundamentally change the industry toward higher productivity and improved safety. We are excited about the potential that exists when we work together to bring new solutions to the mining community,” he explained. 302-684-3197 FAX: 302-384-0643 142 Broadkill Rd. • Milton, DE 19968 www.atlantic-screen.com email: atlantic@ce.net Manufacturers of Slotted & Perforated Pipe ranging from ½” to 24” diameter Atlantic Screen & Mfg., Inc. • Well Rehab. Products • Manholes • Bentonite • Filter Sock • Inline Chemical Mixers • Sampling Bailers • Clear PVC Pipe • Locking Caps DIR MIN