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Raise drilling

(2032 products available)

About raise drilling

Types of raise drillings

A raise drilling machine is used to excavate upward vertical holes in mining companies, an area of great importance in raise drilling. Mainly, there are two types of raise drills. The first is a bolt-on elevator, a mechanical contraption that uses pulleys and belts to move the drill stem into position for drilling. It can be added onto existing raise drills to enhance their capabilities, especially when dealing with larger diameter holes or those requiring deeper levels of drilling. Secondly, a continuous flight auger raise drill is designed to drill holes by means of an auger that continuously flights/spirals around its axis during the process. This type of raise drill works well in situations where there may be difficult geological conditions or high levels of groundwater.

Subcage raise drilling machines are compact drills that operate within a mining shaft. They are designed to drill raises or vertical passages between levels in an underground mine. The subcage refers to the enclosed area of the raise drill that is lowered into a shaft or cavity to carry out the drilling operation. Using raise drills in mines has streamlined the process of creating access routes and ventilation openings, as well as facilitating ore extraction while ensuring safety standards are met.

Single-arm raise drilling machines have a fixed arm that supports the drilling unit. They perform drilling operations by lowering the drill into the designated area while simultaneously providing stability and control. On the other hand, double-arm raise drilling machines feature two movable arms. These machines also help to drill vertical or inclined holes in mining areas rapidly, thus making raise drilling an essential part of mine development and maintenance.

The automatic clamp raise drilling machine has a clamping mechanism that securely holds the drill in place during operation. It provides a more efficient and accurate method of drilling raises compared to manual clamping systems. Indeed, raise drills are a critical aspect of mining operations. Drilling raises or vertical openings between levels is essential for creating access points, ventilation shafts, and ore extraction pathways in underground mines.

An electrical raise drill means that its machine design and structure will differ from hydraulic or pneumatic raise drills in how it functions, mainly the motor power source and control mechanisms.

When shopping for raises, buyers will need to consider the features of the raise drill. These include depth capacity, which measures how deep a raise buyers can expect from this machine. Also, the borehole diameter indicates the width of the raise the machine can create, and the raising speed denotes how fast the machine can operate. Power sources also matter. Whether buyers are looking for electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic power, there are variable applications in different mining firms, so customization can always be done.

Specifications and Maintenance of Raise Drilling

  • Drill Diameter

    The diameter for raise drilling will differ to suit the purpose. For instance, drilling raises in ore bodies, the diameter can be 1.5-3.0m. A drill raises with a smaller diameter should be used for ventilation shafts or for connecting to other tunnels.

  • Drill Length

    This is the depth to drill. For blind raises, the length is about 30 to 100m. For open raises, it is about 30 to 2000m. The length will also depend on the type of raise bore method being used.

  • Raise Borer Power

    Raise borers with strong motors reduce drilling time and operating costs. The motor torque or thrust will impact the success of the drilling. The power of raise drills can be 55-250kW, depending on the size of the machine and the borehole diameter.

  • Drilling Speed

    The speed also depends on the raise drill's type and the rock's nature. It can vary from 0.5 to 6 m/h. The speed can be affected by the torque, diameter, and alignment. The raise drill operator can also impact the drilling speed by following the right drilling parameters.

  • Operating Weight

    This is the weight of the drilling machine, and it is usually between 20,000kg and 30,000kg. The machine's weight is based on the size and capacity of its main components. It's important to know the mass of the drill head and other parts, as this will impact their transport and handling at the site.

For proper use and a longer life span of the raise drill, it is important to clean, oil, and check the machine regularly. The drilling machine and its parts should be inspected for damage or wear daily. All moving parts should be lubricated with the right oil. Any loose parts should be tightened. Raise drills that are not used often must be stored in a dry and clean place. All holes should be covered to protect against dust and moisture. Before moving the drill to a new site, clean it of any rocks or debris.

In addition, the main components, such as the hydraulic system, gearbox, bearings, and drum, need detailed servicing at regular intervals. This will help prevent unexpected failures. Hydraulic hoses, belts, and seals must be checked and replaced if there is any wear or damage. Keeping a service record as per the manufacture's guidelines will aid in higher resale value of the drilling machine.

Scenarios of raise drillings

  • Mining Industry:

    In the mining industry, raise drilling machines are primarily employed for vertical ore extraction. By utilizing the raise drill, ore bodies situated above the driller can be accessed and extracted more rapidly. This leads to an increase in production efficiency. Additionally, raise drilling machines create ventilation raises and shaft pockets within mines, facilitating air circulation within the mining tunnels.

  • Construction Industry:

    Raise drilling machines play a crucial role in the construction industry, particularly for foundation drilling. These machines are used to create piles for stabilizing structures and supporting foundations in various construction projects. Raise drills are also employed for creating vertical holes for installing utility shafts, such as those used for electrical, plumbing, and other infrastructure needs within a building or construction site.

  • Tunneling Projects:

    Raise drilling machines find extensive application in tunneling endeavors. They are utilized to excavate vertical ventilation shafts that enable the free flow of air within tunnels, ensuring a safe and comfortable working environment. Moreover, raise drills are employed to create access points or entryways for workers and equipment to reach tunneling sites.

  • Geotechnical Engineering:

    In the realm of geotechnical engineering, raise drilling machines are indispensable for conducting subsurface investigations. They are utilized to create boreholes for soil sampling, allowing engineers to analyze the composition and characteristics of the soil. This information is crucial for designing foundations and determining the feasibility of construction projects. Raise drills are also employed for installing instrumentation such as monitoring wells, piezometers, and inclinometers. These devices provide vital data related to groundwater levels, pore pressure, and soil movement, enabling engineers to monitor and assess geotechnical behavior and stability.

  • Energy Sector:

    In the energy sector, raise drilling machines are utilized for the installation of geothermal wells. These wells serve as the access points for harnessing geothermal energy for heating or power generation. Raise drilling machines are also employed to create vertical holes for installing energy infrastructure such as wind turbine foundations and utility poles. Furthermore, raise drills play a crucial role in the oil and gas industry by aiding in the exploratory drilling process. They are utilized to create vertical holes for seismic probes and test wells, facilitating the identification and assessment of potential oil and gas reservoirs.

How to choose raise drillings

When choosing the raise borer drills for a mining project, several factors will need to be considered to ensure the equipment will work as required and fit the budget.

  • Geological conditions of the site

    Specify the parameters of the drilling area and the material makeup of the drilling area, including the rock type, structure, hardness, and surrounding environment. Ensure the raise drill can adapt to the environmental conditions found in the mine, such as temperature, humidity, gas concentration, and groundwater.

  • Drilling diameter and height

    Consider the parameters of the required raises. Make sure the dimensions of the raise drilling machine can match those dimensions specified by the mining operation engineers.

  • Drilling method

    Evaluate the drilling technique used by the raise drill and make sure it aligns with the preferred mining method. For instance, in the case of conventional raise boring, the operator may prefer the technique of using a pilot hole followed by reaming to increase the size of the raise. Alternatively, the operator may use the hydraulsic down-the-hole (DTH) hammer technique, which involves the use of a concussive drilling mechanism.

  • Equipment performance

    Assess the drilling machine's power, torque, speed, and feeding system capabilities. Make sure their parameters are compatible with the project's requirements and that the chosen machine has a proven track record of reliability and performance.

  • Automation and control

    Consideration should be made for the raise drill's control system. It should have an automated and efficient operation to help ensure accurate, safe, and fast drilling.

  • Cost and budget analysis

    Consider the purchase cost and operating expenses of the raise drill. This will include its energy consumption and maintenance needs. A cost-benefit analysis needs to be conducted to see whether or not the performance of the raise drill matches the project needs and justifies the expenses involved in securing the machine.

Q&A

Q1: What are the latest trends in the raise drilling market?

A1: The raise drilling market is still expanding, with a growing preference for raise drills that can be automated or remotely controlled. Additionally, this market is seeking raises drilling machines that have a better energy efficiency and a lower environmental impact.

Q2: What are the challenges of the raise drilling industry?

A2: The raise drilling industry faces numerous challenges, including maintaining machine stability and precision while drilling at steep angles or vertically. Geological variations also pose challenges for selection and adjustment of drilling parameters.

Q3: What types of businesses use raise drilling?

A3: The types of businesses that use raise drilling are usually large-scale mining operators and specialized contractors.

Q4: What is the future of raise drilling?

A4: The future of raise drilling lies in continuous automation and mechanization. Environmental protection requirements will also promote the development of raise drilling technology to less harmful and more sustainable methods.