The latest addition to Dando Drilling’s range of innovative drilling solutions for the geotechnical and exploration sectors is the Dando Ibex slope drilling rig. Designed in collaboration with leading UK geotechnical contractor Bridgeway Consulting, the track mounted rig is capable of dynamic sampling, SPT and rotary drilling on inclines of up to 55o. It is fully compliant with UK and EU health and safety standards.
Using the Sauer Danfoss Plus+1 automated levelling system, the machine provides a perfectly vertical mast and horizontal deck and walkway on very steep terrain. A longitudinal slewing mechanism allows for uneven ground between the tracks, compensating for roll up to 15o.
On ascending an embankment, the operator anchors the cables from the onboard climbing winch to a point high up the slope using the ‘duck bill’ ground anchors. These provide stability when ascending and tether the rig safely while drilling.
The operator then tracks the rig forward while simultaneously pulling in the cable on the winch using a specially designed radio remote control unit. Upon reaching the desired location, the deck can be progressed toward the embankment on a scissor mechanism so that there is no gap between the deck and the bank.
While the radio remote control is a necessary safety feature given the potential hazards of traversing inclines with heavy machinery, the rig also features a swing–out control console with manually operated drill controls and an illuminated digital blow counter for use when drilling.
Once the rig is in position, a walkway is hydraulically deployed to provide a safe, level work area for the drill team, and easy access to the workbench, sample storage boxes and drill mast.
For easy transportation and to facilitate access to limited space environments, the track unit is designed to expand on hydraulic rams from 1.5 to 2.1 m wide providing a stable base when climbing slopes and drilling, but a much smaller footprint when needed. The walkways also fold up to form a very compact unit.
The tried and tested Dando Dual Mast system provides dynamic sampling, SPT and rotary drilling and a variable height mast extension allows 4 m sections of rod to be tripped out on the winch.
Powered by a 27 kW Hatz silent pack diesel engine, the two-speed hydraulic top-drive rotary head can produce 362 rpm for open hole drilling or coring, or alternatively be switched to 50 rpm at 4,189 Nm of torque should the job require larger diameter drilling, with hollow stem augers for example.
Switching between the rotary mast and percussive mast takes only a pull on a lever; a hydraulic ram slides the mast unit across on a carriage and into perfect alignment over the borehole. Using Dando’s Duplex Drive system which advances the casing at the same time as taking a sample, high quality undisturbed samples in a clear teflon liner can be retrieved, capped, and sent directly for analysis.
Dando says the Ibex “is the ideal rig for a wide range of variable geology, shallow drilling projects in the 0-50 m range where inclined topography is encountered.”
