WorldWide Drilling Resource

What is Air Core Drilling? Adapted from Information by Master Drilling Air core drilling is commonly used when drilling in soft rock and soil formations when heavy machinery isn’t needed. The standout feature of this drilling method is it uses three blades to cut into the earth. The blades are attached to a hol- low tube which takes the materials which are loosened up where the samples and materials are separated. This pre- vents the samples from being damaged, making them easier to analyze. Used primarily for exploration drilling, this method is different from percussion rotary air blast drilling, which can sometimes cause damage to the samples being extracted. To effectively remove the samples from the borehole, air is compressed into the hole and the materials are blasted up and into a hollow tube. Air core drilling has been known to reach depths of up to 980 feet which is great for mining companies looking for min- erals well below the surface. When it comes to exploration drilling, keeping samples from becoming contaminated by other materials is extremely impor- tant, and air core drilling ensures this doesn’t happen. Since the samples are blown into the hol low tube of the machine, the chances of the samples being contaminated are highly unlikely. Air core drilling can take longer than other drilling methods as the process is more accurate. It may also cost more than percussion rotary air blast drilling. While percussion rotary air blast drilling may be quicker, samples have a greater chance of becoming damaged. Air core drilling not only minimizes damage, it also ensures the samples collected are as complete as possible. So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of air core drilling? Advantages , Samples are a more accurate representation of what’s below the surface. This method often pro- duces large pieces of samples which are easier to analyze and to get an accurate representation of, than the smaller pieces. , Holes do not need to be cased. , Great depths can be reached. Disadvantages , Can take longer than other meth- ods. , May cost more. Have you used air core dri l l ing? We’d love to hear what you think of this method of exploration drilling! E-mail: bonnie@ worldwidedrillingresource.com New & Used Equipment Elevators SkyRex We Support Our Troops! Stock Sizes: 1” thru 24” for casing, column pipe, tubing, and drill pipe. *Load test certificates available *Offered with or without base UsedWorldwide HD Elevators • Drill Pipe • Drill Collars • Manual Tongs • Spiders • RC Swivels We have elevators of all sizes, types, and weights; can build to any special applications. • Stabilizers • Bits • Bowls • Centrifugal Pumps • Crossover Subs Available with or without a base 17 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® AUGUST 2018 EXB