Rotary blast hole drilling

good practice guide

2 GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE
GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE 3
Rotary blast hole drilling
good practice guide
4 GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE
GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE 5
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
THE DRILLER .................................................................................................................................................................. 6
PRE-DRILL SETUP AND INSPECTION ............................................................................................................... 7
Bit pre-start inspection .................................................................................................................................. 7
Bench preparation ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Tramming ................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Proper drill rig set-up and operation guidelines ........................................................................... 8
Raising the drill rig ................................................................................................................................................ 8
Lowering the drill rig ............................................................................................................................................. 8
Raising and lowering the mast ........................................................................................................................... 8
Correctly drill out a pattern ................................................................................................................................ 8
DRILLING PROCEDURES .......................................................................................................................................... 9
Running-in new bits .......................................................................................................................................... 9
How a roller cone bit drills rock .............................................................................................................. 9
Penetration rate ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
Abrasion phase ....................................................................................................................................................... 9
Fatigue phase .......................................................................................................................................................... 9
Spalling phase....................................................................................................................................................... 10
Rock failure/Spalling phase ............................................................................................................................... 10
Excess weight ........................................................................................................................................................ 10
Pulldown ................................................................................................................................................................ 11
Precautions ............................................................................................................................................................ 11
Rotation ................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Excessive RPM ...................................................................................................................................................... 11
Collaring ................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Guidelines for WOB and RPM .......................................................................................................................... 11
Bailing air pressure, air volume and nozzles ................................................................................ 12
Nozzle size ............................................................................................................................................................ 12
Bailing velocity ...................................................................................................................................................... 12
Drilling with water ......................................................................................................................................... 12
Drill string ............................................................................................................................................................ 13
Refueling and servicing ............................................................................................................................... 13
BIT SELECTION ........................................................................................................................................................... 14
Hard formation bits ............................................................................................................................................ 14
Soft formation bits ............................................................................................................................................... 14
BIT MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................................................................. 15
Cleaning procedures ...................................................................................................................................... 15
Storage .................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Air bearing bits ..................................................................................................................................................... 15
Sealed bearing bits .............................................................................................................................................. 15
Bit subs and tools ................................................................................................................................................ 15
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................................................................... 16
GLOSSARY ...................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Table of Contents
6 GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
Rotary drilling with roller cone drill bits and
their application in blast hole drilling over the
past few years has changed in two main areas:
The amount of pulldown or weight on bit
(WOB) used.
The amount of rotation speed (RPM)
used.
With rotary bits continually improving, we
must keep up with these improvements to
optimize performance of the drill rig and drill
string.
Of course, there are other critical factors that
contribute to the maximum performance of the
drilling operation, some of these include:
The drillers knowledge and skill
Bench preparation
Drill rig setup
Effcient rig setup over the drill point
Correct bit break-in and maintenance
Effcient pattern drill out
Drill string
Refueling and servicing
Bailing air pressure and volume
Correct bit selection
Housekeeping and maintenance
These factors are considered individually and
together in a troubleshooting section at the end
of this guide.
NOTE: Site-specifc procedures take priority
over the generic rotary drilling good practice
techniques provided in this guide.
THE DRILLER
The driller is the most critical factor in
optimizing drill performance. The drillers skill
and knowledge is critical to achieving the full
potential of the drill and drill string (including
the bit).
Blast hole drilling, in most cases, is not a set
and forget operation. As the ground conditions
change, the driller too must adapt to the
changing conditions and drill accordingly. Some
guidelines include:
Ensure safety is always the highest
priority.
Be attentive at all times.
Dont become a set and forget driller.
Keep the drill clean.
Keep components and tools clean and
properly stored.
Maintain harmony in your drill rig/string.
Avoid excessive vibrations.
Avoid overloading of the equipment.
Dont leave controls unattended when
drilling a hole or tramming the drill.
Report all mechanical defects daily.
Inspect the rig daily.
Ensure a good changeover with the other
crew.
Ensure pre-start inspections are done
correctly.
If shock subs require greasing, grease
them at the proper interval (shift, daily,
weekly, etc.).
Rotary blast hole drilling
good practice guide
GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE 7
PRE-DRILL SETUP AND INSPECTION
Bit Pre-Start Inspection
Note: To be done at the start of each shift.
Inspect the bit prior to beginning to drill at each shift.
Ensure all cones turn.
Sealed bearing bits will be harder to turn by hand.
Never hit a bit with a steel object or use a steel object
to turn the cones.
Check for broken or missing carbide inserts and note on
pre-start report.
Check for clear air passages by fushing with air and water.
Air and water should exit from the bottom of each shirtail
(on air bearing bits only) and from each nozzle. (Photo 1)
Unlock bogged (plugged) bits by fushing with air and water.
Use very low rotation speed and minimal bit weight
and run the bit on the ground. This should free up the
bearings to give further bit life. (Photo 2)
If this does not work, remove the bit from service.
Remove the air screening tubes from within the bit and
clean the air passage with a high pressure cleaner. Once
clear, replace the clean screening tubes and put the bit
back into service.
Bench preparation
Benches should be smooth and level prior to drilling.
(Photo 3)
If you cant jack the machine level, do not take the
machine there.
If you cant level the deck, dont operate the machine.
Whiplashing of the mast on uneven ground
unnecessarily wears out components and stresses welds
in the mast.
Tramming
Turn off the fushing air when tramming.
Put down the mast when tramming over any distance or
rough ground.
Use appropriate speed when encountering uneven
ground.
Avoid tramming over old tram tracks, obstacles or
previous turns.
Over very long distances, tram for 20 minutes, then
rest for 20 minutes to cool the excavator based
undercarriage.
Photo 1
Checking air passages
Photo 2
Bogged bits
Photo 3
Drill on correctly prepared bench
8 GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE
Proper drill rig set-up and operation guidelines
NOTE: Follow your drill rig or site-specifc procedures.
Raising the drill rig
Follow correct rig raising procedure - rear frst, then the
front.
Avoid twisting the machine chassis while raising the rig.
When leveling the drill, do not violate the manufacturers
recommendation for extending and retracting the jacks.
Improper leveling could result in a shift in the center of
gravity, causing a drill to roll over.
Only raise the rig as high as is needed to get it level.
(Photo 4).
Lowering the drill rig
Lower the drill in reverse order: front frst, then rear.
Ensure drill string is fully retracted before lowering the
drill rig.
Raising and lowering the mast
Only raise or lower the mast when the rig is leveled on its
jacks.
Prior to raising or lowering the mast, retract the drill string
as per OEM specifcations.
Ensure no loose objects are in the mast before raising it.
Be aware of overhead obstructions, especially power lines.
Operate the hydraulics in a smooth manner; avoid rocking
the mast.
Be sure the mast side cab door is closed!
If the mast is diffcult to move, ensure the rig is leveled
correctly and the locking pin is fully retracted.
Correctly drill out a pattern
Inspect and walk the pattern prior to beginning to drill.
Make a plan and adhere to it. Communicate movement
plans with other operators and supervisors.
When tramming an electric drill, protect the power cable
from damage from tramming over it. Always pre-inspect
the area to make sure the power cable is pulled off to the
side of the path where the drill will move. Check the cable
location periodically in relation to the tramming path.
Keep drill rigs a safe distance apart during operation, over
46 feet (14 meters) or as site rules designate. (Photo 5)
Leave an access path for service carts and vehicles.
Note danger areas and pass them on to the cross shift
supervisor.
Drill all holes in the correct spot, at the correct angle and to
the correct depth. (Photo 6)
Drill out the hardest to reach holes frst.
Avoid screwing the drill around on the pattern, if possible.
Dip your holes to avoid re-drilling.
As a rule-of-thumb, re-drills cost 3 times the cost of a
normal hole.
Photo 4
Properly leveled rig
Photo 5
Drill rigs too close
Photo 6
Properly spaced holes
GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE 9
DRILLING PROCEDURES
Running-in new bits
All new drill bits should be broken-in at reduced weight and
rotation speeds to ensure that all working surfaces are run-in
and slightly work hardened prior to applying full operating
load. In general, following these recommended guidelines
should maximize bit life (Figure 1):
1. Drill at 50% of normal weight and rotation for the
frst 10 minutes (or for the frst rod in a multi-pass
operation).
2. Drill at 75% of normal weight and rotation for the next
10 minutes (or second rod).
3. Drill as normal (100%).
How a roller cone bit drills rock
Penetration rate
Figure 2 illustrates the effect WOB (weight on bit) has on
ROP (rate of penetration) while the RPM are fxed. After the
rock has been spalled (Point A), additional weight will only
reduce the drilling rate.
Abrasion phase
Figure 3 illustrates the frst phase of rock failure.
Because the WOB is not
suffcient to overcome the
surface strength of the
rock, the inserts wear the
rock rather than drill it.
The cutting action is
similar to sharpening a
knife blade on a grinding
stone. The driller can
easily identify this phase
because the cutting returns
coming out of the hole are
a very fne powder.
Fatigue phase
In Figure 4, the WOB
has been increased while
maintaining the same RPM as in the previous example. By
adding WOB, the inserts are now penetrating slightly into the
rock. Even though the inserts are being forced into the rock,
rock failure has occurred. This phase is called the fatigue
phase of rock failure.
Figure 1
Drill Bit Run-In
Figure 2
Penetration rate
Figure 4
Fatigue phase
Figure 3
Abrasion phase
10 GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE
The driller will recognize this phase because the cutting
returns will contain some small chips along with the fne dust.
By subjecting the rock to many cycles, rock failure can occur
in this phase. Even though the rock failure can occur, ROP
will be very slow and bit wear will be increased.
Spalling phase
In the spalling phase of rock failure, while the RPM remain
constant, enough WOB has been applied to overcome the
surface strength of the rock. Figure 5 indicates the cone
matrix is not impinging on the rock.
Rock failure/Spalling phase
Figure 6 indicates that proper WOB generates a spalling
or chipping action. The chips are circulated up and out of
the hole by the bailing air, allowing the cutting structure to
advance on a clean hole bottom.
When the drilling parameters cause a drill bit to operate in
this zone, the bit is drilling at maximum effciency.
The driller will know the spalling phase has been achieved
because the cutting returns will be predominately chips with
very little dust.
When drilling in the spalling phase, higher rates of
penetration (drilling effciency) can be achieved by increasing
the RPM while the WOB remains constant. The actual
increase in effciency depends on the rock characteristics, and
the drill and drillers capabilities.
NOTE: The preceding discussion is true for brittle rock. The
mechanical characteristics of highly elastic rock might behave
more like the illustration on the fatigue phase (Figure 4)
instead of the spalling phase (Figure 5).
Excess weight
Adding more weight on the drill bit after achieving the
spalling phase is harmful to drilling effciency and the drill bit
life. Figure 7 illustrates how the cone matrix is impinging on
the rock formation, trapping the spalled chips between the bit
and the hole bottom. The result is reduced bit productivity
and increased wear and tear on the drill bit.
Figure 5
Spalling phase
Figure 6
Rock failure/Spalling phase
Figure 7
Excess weight
GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE 11
Pulldown
The amount of pulldown force (WOB) required depends
mainly on the type of ground that is being drilled. There is no
point in exceeding optimal pulldown for the penetration rate
for the ground conditions.
Use the ROP gauge to achieve a stable and smooth
penetration rate.
The rotation torque should be smooth. Spiking torque
can indicate excessive weight on bit.
Conditions with correct WOB:
Cab is stable, level and smooth.
The driller feels limited vibration for suffcient ROP.
Conditions with insuffcient WOB:
Cab bounces excessively.
Low ROP.
Precautions
Overdrilling of a roller cone bit reduces bit life.
Accelerates cone steel and shirttail wear.
Promotes insert loss and bearing exposure.
Overloads the bearings.
Can potentially plug air passages and overheat bearing
elements. (Plugging may be indicated by an increase in
cab air pressure gauge.)
Rotation
Using the correct rotation speed (RPM) for an application
is critical for effective and effcient drilling. Follow these
guidelines.
Always use rotation and air when entering or exiting a
hole.
Decrease RPM in broken or uncertain ground.
Rotation torque should be stable under normal drilling
conditions.
When decreasing the RPM, increase the WOB (and vice
versa).
In soft formations, use higher RPM and lower WOB.
In harder formations, use lower RPM and higher WOB.
Excessive RPM
Causes early wear or fracture to carbide inserts.
Causes inserts to skip on surface rather than penetrating
the rock. This is most signifcant in harder formations
but relevant to all formations.
Reduces bearing life.
Photo 7
Showing good drill collar
Collaring
Collar all holes at reduced RPM and WOB. This
helps avoid hole deviation. (Photo 7)
In coarse sub-drill or hard rock applications,
use minimal WOB and RPM to avoid drill bit
damage.
Once competent rock is reached, increase WOB
and RPM to normal levels.
Guidelines for WOB and RPM
Recommended maximum pulldown varies
considerably on the specifc applications.
Refer to the manufacturers guidelines for the
appropriate bit size.
12 GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE
Bailing air pressure, air volume and nozzles
Bailing air pressure and air volume play an integral part
in achieving optimal bit life and penetration rates. There
must be suffcient air pressure to cool and lubricate the air
bearings within the roller cone bit. Suffcient air volume is
also required to effciently remove the drill cuttings from the
bottom of the hole as rapidly as possible.
Nozzle size
The amount of internal air pressure is regulated by
nozzle size.
Increase the nozzle size to reduce pressure inside the bit.
Decrease the nozzle size to increase pressure.
Nozzles sizes are determined per rig.
Consult with your Sandvik representative or bit
manufacturer prior to changing nozzle sizes. Sandvik
will organize an air test to confrm the correct nozzle
size for your specifc application.
Nozzle the bit to achieve pressures of approximately
35-40 psi (2.4-2.8 bar) in the drill bit.
Note that cab pressure gauges can read signifcantly
higher than this value. As a rule-of-thumb: the
difference between cab and at the bit is 8-10 psi
(0.5-0.7 bar).
Report signifcant changes to cab gauge pressure over
the shift.
Remember to keep the bailing air turned on upon exiting and
entering a hole.
Turn on the air before touching ground to start a new
hole. This cools and fushes the bearings and ensures air
passages are clear prior to starting the hole.
Bailing velocity
Air volume to clean the hole is referred to as bailing velocity
(BV). Generally speaking, the higher the bailing velocity, the
better the hole is cleaned and the higher the penetration rates
and bit life.
An up-hole bailing velocity of 6000-7000 feet per
minute (fpm) (30-36 m/s) is suffcient in light to medium
materials (typically coal overburdens).
In more dense materials (hard rock mines, iron ore, etc.)
or when encountering ground water, maintain an up-
hole bailing velocity of 7000-10000 fpm (36-50 m/s).
Drilling with water
Water is often required during drilling for dust suppression
and to ensure hole quality; however, the use of water can
severely shorten bit life.
Do not use more water than is necessary to operate
effciently to suppress dust and protect your health.
Holes left to stand open for extended periods will
require increased water to prevent collar collapse or
fallback.
Do not wait until the water tank is empty to refll it; this
generates unnecessary downtime.
GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE 13
Drill string
Determine OEM limits for refurbishment/discard.
Check pipe size frequently. Report undersize equipment
immediately.
Avoid excessive rod rattle or bounce as this reduces
component life and penetration rates.
Monitor deck bushings and bit baskets for excessive
wear and replace when necessary. (Photo 8)
Refueling and servicing
Follow any site specifc rules regarding servicing of the
drill rig.
Leave a path within the pattern for service trucks and
water cart.
Stop drilling as vehicles approach.
Use dust suppression to avoid dusting people on the
ground, as site rules designate.
Photo 8
RP434 rotary deck bushing
14 GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE
10 5/8" (270 mm) 60QX2
Hard formation
BIT SELECTION
Bit selection can be a critical factor in the performance of a drilling
operation.
Correct bit selection is essential for optimal bit performance.
The correct bit for a formation will have optimal penetration rates
and good bit life giving the lowest cost per drilled meter.
Consult the Sandvik or other manufacturers product selection charts to
evaluate the correct bit type for drilling conditions. These charts are also
available in the product catalogues and cover both our Ultra Premium
Sealed Bearing (RR440, Charger) and Premium Air Bearing (RR320)
product lines.
If there is any doubt that the correct drill bit is used at your site, contact
your nearest Sandvik area representative.
Hard formation bits
When used in soft formation areas, these bits will have low
penetration rates and reduced bit life.
Soft formation bits
If used in hard formation areas, these bits will suffer early carbide
wear and failure.
An example of the cutting structure visual differences is shown in the
images below. (Photo 9)
Photo 9
10 5/8" (270 mm) 17QX2
Soft formation
10 5/8" (270 mm) 30QX2
Medium formation

GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE 15
BIT MAINTENANCE

Cleaning procedures
Clean all drill bits at the end of the shift.
Flush bits with air and water to remove debris and mud.
(Photo 10)
Stop water when its clean and continue to fush with air
for 1 minute or until bit is dry.
When bit is clean and dry, apply a spray lubricant to the
bearings if available.
(Note: Lubricant should be used on air bearing bits
only.)
Storage
Store used and new bits in a clean dry area. (Photo 11)
Use the original Sandvik box, if possible.
Cover threads to prevent dust buildup.
Air bearing bits
For extended storage, store air bearing bits in a sealed
container with enough diesel to cover the bearings. This is
useful during hole size changes or extended drill servicing.
Sealed bearing bits
Clean and dry bits with air, then store in a sealed box or
container.
IMPORTANT: Charger sealed bearing bits should NOT be
soaked in diesel or other fuids or greases.
Bit subs and tools
Store bit subs and other drill tools in a safe and secure
manner on the drill deck. The drill deck should be clean,
organized, and free of debris and rubbish. (Photo 12)
Photo 10
Flush bit with air and water
Photo 11
Proper storage
Photo 12
Deck storage for subs and other tools
16 GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE
TROUBLESHOOTING

Dull bit evaluation
For an evaluation of dull bit condition and possible causes, please consult
the Sandvik User's Handbook: A Guide to Using Roller Cone Rock Bits in
Mining.
Application failures
Based on the topics covered in this guide, Tables 1 and 2 show practical
examples of common observations and failures noted in mining operations.
These are generalized and meant as an approximate guide only. Please
consult with your local Sandvik area representative on any specifc failures.
TABLE 1
Typical Drill Cuttings Typical Dull Bit Condition Phase / Observations
Abrasion Phase
Insuffcient weight
Observations
Excessive insert wear
Fine dust-like cuttings
Spalling Phase
Correct weight
Observations
Even wear to cutting structure
Good chip formation in cuttings
Excess Weight
Overdrilling
Observations
Excessive cone erosion, insert loss,
premature cutting structure failure
Large variation in chip formation
due to regrind
Correct Weight on Bit Evaluation
GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE 17
TABLE 2
Typical Drill String Condition Typical Dull Bit Condition Phase / Observations
Low Bailing Velocity
Thinning of sub above tool joint
Observations
Excessive shirttail wear, early exposure
of bearing elements
High Bailing Velocity
Observations
Sandblasting of bit sub resulting in
severe thinning
Loss of cone steel and inner row inserts
Correct Bailing Velocity
Observations
Even wear to bit sub
Even wear to cones and shirttails
Correct Bailing Air Evaluation
18 GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE
Annulus
The clearance in the drill hole between
the drill pipe and the walls of the hole.
API
American Petroleum Institute.
Bailing Air
Compressed air that has passed down
inside the drill string to lift drill cuttings
to the surface.
Bench Drilling
The drilling of blast holes for bench
blasting, which is the simplest form
of blasting. A bench has a free surface
at the front towards which the rock is
blasted. Bench drilling can be carried
out both over and under ground and
drilling can be directed upwards,
downwards or horizontally.
Bit
The tool used in the drilling operation
which cuts the rock or soil.
Carbide
A bit having inserts of tungsten carbide.
Roller
A drill bit consisting of a pin shank, pin
shoulder, bit leg including shirttail, three
separate cones with cutter teeth, nozzles,
and a stamped description. The three
cones with rotating cutters roll as the
bit is rotated.
Blast Hole
A vertical drill hole 4 inches (102 mm)
or more in diameter used for a charge of
explosives.
Box
The female end of a drill pipe.
Box Thread
The female side of API, IF, BECO or RH
thread.
Carousel
The rotating components of the pipe
storage and loader.
Centralizer
A device to assist in alignment of drill
steel in the mast. Primarily used for
angle drilling applications or single pass
machines.
Collaring
Starting a drill hole. When the hole
is deep and solid enough to hold the
bit from moving about, it is said to be
collared.
Deck Bushing
A replaceable bushing located in the
mast table. This bushing centralizes the
drill pipes as they pass through it.
Drill
Blast Hole
A machine capable of drilling holes
4 inches (102 mm) or more in diameter
to a depth of 100 feet (30 m) or more.
Percussion
A pneumatic or hydraulic powered
device used to break rock.
Drill Bit
One of a number of different types of
detachable cutting tools used to cut a
circular hole in rock, wood, metal, etc.
Drill Pipe
The sections of a rotary drilling string
used to advance the drill bit or DTH
into the ground.
Drill String
All rotating components connected
together between the rotary head and
drill bit.
Down-The-Hole-Hammer (DTH)
A pneumatic powered rock drill. A
chuck driver, drill bit, retaining rings
and a foot valve for this type of rock
tool make a very effcient drilling
method.
Feed Cylinders
Hydraulic cylinder(s) used to feed and
retract the drill string by means of a
chain and sprocket or cable and sheave
arrangement.
Flushing Medium
Water, mud, air or foam used to fush
drilled-out material out of the hole.
Holding Wrench
A wrench tool fxed to the drill platform
and used to hold drill pipe and subs
to prevent them from turning when
making and breaking joints.
Jacks
A three-piece assembly used to support
a blast hole drill. A typical blast hole
machine has three or four leveling jacks.
Four leveling jacks are standard on
larger machines.
Lifting Plug/Bail
Lifting plugs/bails are used to handle
heavy equipment such as DTH
hammers, stabilizers, and subs.
Loader
A rotating rack designed to hold drill
pipes, positioned inside or outside the
mast.
GLOSSARY
GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE 19
Multi-Pass Drilling
Drilling to such depth as requires the
use of more than one drill pipe.
Pattern
Blast pattern that shows hole placement,
depth including subgrade depth, burden
and spacing.
Pin
The male end of a drill pipe.
Pin Thread
The male side of API, IF, BECO and RH
tapered thread.
Pipe Support
Mechanisms to support drill pipe in the
mast during pipe changing operations
when angle drilling.
Power Tong
The hydraulic tool fxed at the bottom
of a drill mast, used to clamp and turn
tight drill string components.
Propelling (Tramming)
The act of driving a crawler mounted
drill in either direction. Also may be
referred to as tramming.
Pulldown
The force used to press the drill string
and bit against the bottom of the
hole. It is controlled by the hydraulic
pressure in the feed cylinders (up to the
relief valve setting), and is related to
the overall weight of the drill rig. The
pressure at the bit will be the sum of the
pulldown force plus the force exerted by
the weight of the drill string. The term is
also used to specify the pulldown force,
which is available from a particular
drill.
Receiver
The air tank or reservoir in a
compressor system.
Rotary Head
The hydraulically driven gearbox that
turns the drill string.
RPM
Revolutions per Minute.
ROP
Rate of Penetration.
Single Pass Drilling
Drilling which is completed in only one
pass.
Spacing Stabilizers
A device to assist centering the bit in
the hole, preventing hole deviation and
providing equal weight distribution to
each rotary cone. It is normally placed
immediately behind the bit.
Sub
Bit Subs
Used to connect bits, which have an API
thread, to the drill pipes, which may
have API, IF, RH, BECO threads.
Water Separating Sub
A variation of a bit sub which removes
water from the bailing air and ejects it
prior to it entering the drill bit. This is
designed to extend bit life.
Saver Subs
Connectors between drill pipes, drill bits
and the rotary head that save the thread
of these components from the effects of
constant use.
Shock Subs
Tools that absorb shock and vibration
with a resilient rubber element,
preventing metal to metal contact in the
drill string.
Top Sub
A saver sub used on the rotary head.
Thread Protectors
Covers which prevent damage and
contamination of the threads on drill
string components.
Tooling
Tools used to make and break drill
string joints, e.g. auto tong, holding
wrench.
Torque
The rotational pressure created by a
hydraulic motor and the planetary
reduction gears mounted on a rotary
head.
Up-Hole Velocity/Bailing Velocity
The upward speed of the bailing air in
the annulus of the drill hole.
Water Injection
Addition of a small quantity of water to
the bailing air in order to suppress dust.
WOB
Weight on Bit.
Work Deck
The deck at the base of the mast which
gives access to components in the
drilling area.
SANDVI K MI NI NG AND CONSTRUCTI ON www. sandvi k. com G
o
o
d
P
r
a
c
t
i
c
e
G
u
i
d
e
V
1

2
0
0
9
E
N
G

C
o
p
y
r
i
g
h
t

2
0
0
9

S
a
n
d
v
i
k
.
A
l
l

R
i
g
h
t
s

R
e
s
e
r
v
e
d
.
S
a
n
d
v
i
k

i
s

a

r
e
g
i
s
t
e
r
e
d

t
r
a
d
e
m
a
r
k

o
f

t
h
e

S
a
n
d
v
i
k

G
r
o
u
p
.
Sandvik is a high-technology engineering group with world-leading
positions in selected areas tools for metal working, advanced
materials technology, and mining and construction. We are
represented in 130 countries.
Sandvik Mining and Construction represents one third of the
overall Sandvik Group and serves a broad range of customers in
construction, mineral exploration, mining and bulk materials handling.
Our construction expertise covers quarrying, tunneling, demolition
and recycling, and other civil engineering applications. Our mining
products and services support customers on the surface and under
ground, in all mineral, coal and metal mining applications from
exploration to ore transportation.