At PDAC this week in Toronto, Boart Longyear has introduced a series of new technologies including the new LF120A surface exploration rig, the Drill Control Interface (DCi), new casing shoe and reaming shell, and Quick Descent Roller Latch. The DCi allows a driller to operate a Boart Longyear LM series underground drill rig and rod handler at a safe distance. The LM75 and LM90 rigs are compatible with the DCi system, and existing LM drill rigs can be retrofitted. When using a pulse width modulation (PWM) rod handler, the DCi can control both the rig and the rod handler via an integrated control panel. LM rigs can now facilitate unattended drilling with the use of the DCi. This allows the rig to complete a 3 m rod run letting drillers complete a shift change, rest or to catch up on other tasks — which increases productivity.

The DCi also features one-touch rod feed and pull functionality, allowing the operator to efficiently trip rods. A wireline drum counter has been incorporated into the DCi for semi-automatic descent and retrieval of the wireline. The company has also released its next generation surface exploration drill rig, the LF120A. The semi-automated drill rig features a hands-free operating system and self-monitoring technology that provides increased safety and gains in overall productivity. CANBUS technology is central to the LF120A for self-monitoring and efficient rig operation. The system’s large LCD screen leads operators through start-up, drilling and troubleshooting procedures. The LF120A surface coring rig also features the industry’s first truly hands-free rod handling system which comprises a rod handler, an auto-adjusting breakout tool and an innovative hoist plug spinner. The rod handler is equipped with fail-safe jaws and level sensors that limit release positions and prevent accidental rod drops. The LF120A easily manages both 3 m and 6 m rods in sizes ranging from BQ to PQ.

The new RSUMX reaming shell allows drillers to achieve straighter boreholes while maximising the number of metres drilled. The RSUMX is designed to last longer than other leading reaming shells currently on the market. Large thermally stable diamond (TSD) pins are on the leading edge of the RSUMX to maximise diamond volume in high wear zones. The RSUMX also features an increase of 40% in active pad surface area and a new patent-pending impregnated diamond matrix that is three times harder than previous reaming shells. The CSUMX casing shoe, designed for exploration and geo-technical applications, has the ability to drill faster and outlast existing casing shoes in a wide range of ground formations. The CSUMX is described as ideal for drilling contractors seeking a high performance, cost-effective alternative to their current casing shoe selection. The CSUMX has the ability to cut through various ground formations ranging from 1 to 9 on the Mohs hardness scale.

Finally, the group is introducing the Quick Descent Roller Latch to the surface drilling market to decrease wireline trip time by up to 50% and increase the bottom line for drilling contractors. The Quick Descent Roller Latch decreases the time it takes to retrieve core samples and makes tripping the wireline more efficient. Designed with the Boart Longyear Roller Latch technology, the Quick Descent Head Assembly also features a patented free flow design. The design incorporates a hollow spindle, latch body integrated check valve, axial grooves, and a tapered profile that optimises the flow of fluid directly from the inner tube through the head assembly. The result is reduced fluid drag against the Quick Descent Roller Latch for increased tripping speed. The Roller Latch technology eliminates the low strength and jamming associated with traditional “swing-out” latch mechanisms and features a locking coupling that connects the drill string directly to the outer tube — locking the roller latches causes the head assembly to rotate with the rod string. This eliminates the need for any adapter coupling, drive key, or tang feature, for quick and more reliable operation.