I am one of the luckiest people in the exploration industry because I get to visit the drilling operations of a number of contractors in a variety of countries. I get to see shallow diamond core operations, deep coring operations, dual-tube reverse circulation and rotary percussion operations.
Read MoreThis article looks at a few innovations introduced to eliminate some of the hazards associated with inner-tube head assemblies and overshots.
Read MoreDespite the very clever innovations that have been introduced to reduce the risks associated with wireline retrieval, the industry still experiences accidents related to wireline operations.
Read MoreThis article provides some recommendations as a first step in reducing the risks associated with wireline retrieval operations.
Read MoreA summary of the relevant legal requirements of wireline retrieval operations.
Read MoreIn order to fully appreciate the hazards associated with wireline retrieval, a thorough understanding of the process is required. This article explains the processes involved as a starting point for a better understanding of the hazards.
Read MoreThis article explores two of the most significant hazards relating to inner-tube head assemblies.
Read MoreThis article examines some of the most significant hazards associated with overshots.
Read MoreThis article aims to clarify some of the calculations that were published in our articles on the pullback capacity of top drive drill rigs and clear up any misunderstanding, particularly around the Schramm TX 130 drill rig.
Read MoreIt is essential that the meaning of automation is established, with reference to the drilling industry, before requirements are put in place. This article explores the idea of automation and hands-free rod handling.
Read MoreThe type of hands-free system to use, depends on the drilling application. Read more about the relevant types of systems.
Read MoreWhile hands-free rod handling systems are becoming increasingly prevalent, they are not without some issues.
Read MoreChristensen Rod Handling System (RHS) option is used in surface core drilling applications and is available as an option for both the Christensen 140 and Christensen CT20.
Read MoreLoadSafe safely handles heavy drill pipe, drill collars and casing. LoadSafe is designed to safely lift tubulars from horizontal position into alignment with the tilting top head of the drill rig.
Read MoreHave a look at this short reference sheet for the proper use of wrenches, from Rigid.
Read MoreProbably due to a large number of hand injuries whilst tripping drill rods, mining companies are increasingly requesting hands free rod handling systems. In the case of rotary percussion or reverse circulation drill pipe this makes great sense and we have seen many different designs of hands free systems.
Read MoreWe were recently made aware of a fatality involving the use of a pipe wrench. Have a look at this article, which analyses the use of wrenches in drilling operations.
Read MoreThis article examines some of the ways that wrenches are frequently misused.
Read MoreThis article addresses the depth capacity of the second common type of drill rig used on exploration projects.
Read MoreDiligent inspection of wire ropes is an essential part of a pre-start and daily inspection system.
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