Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DRILLING AND POSITIONING A
COLLAR SUPPORT SLEEVE INTO A BLAST HOLE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present invention relates to the field of bore hole drilling,
particularly although not exclusively in blasting operations for mining and
quarrying.
BACKGROUND
[002] Above ground, open cut mining methods can involve blasting with
explosives to dislodge bulk quantities of ore for excavation and recovery.
Bench blasting is a process that involves drilling holes into rock to depths
of up
to 50 metres or more and filing the holes with explosive material to form a
column charge that fractures the rock in a controlled manner. The blasting
holes can have diameters as large as 270 to 311 or even up to 350 millimetres.
[003] Blast holes are typically drilled using percussive drilling
techniques.
Percussion energy is generated by a reciprocating piston wherein each piston
impact causes tungsten carbide buttons in the drill bit penetrate the rock.
The
drill string is rotated after each impact to turn the drill bit to a new
position so
that the buttons strike fresh rock surfaces. Top hammer percussive drilling is
where percussion energy is applied by a piston to an upper end of the drill
string. Down-the-hole percussive (DTH) drilling is where percussive energy is
applied by a piston to a lower portion of the drill string, just above the
bit. Top
hammer drilling is generally used for drilling relatively smaller diameter
holes
whereas DTH drilling is generally used for drilling larger diameter holes.
[004] Rotary drilling is another technique for drilling blast holes. Rotary
drilling does not use percussion. Instead, rotary drilling applies a feed
force
and a rotation torque. The torque causes the bit to rotate, while the feed
force
holds the bit firmly against the rock surface. The combination of rotary
torque
and feed force enables the bit to penetrate the rock by cutting into the rock
surface.
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[005] Most of the rock that is fractured after a blasting operation is
removed
by excavators for further processing. However, significant quantities of loose
rock fragments, or "preconditioned" material, from the sub-drilled region
after
achieving the Reduced Level (RL) can remain on the bench in the location
where blast holes for a subsequent blasting operation are drilled. A
preconditioned layer depth of up to 4 metres or more can improve the
efficiency
of the comminution process by maximising the volume of fine fragmentation
that results from the subsequent blasting operation.
[006] Loose rock fragments from the preconditioned layer surrounding the
blast hole, commonly referred to as the "collar" region of the blast hole, can
collapse into the blast hole after drilling. Applicant's patent application
W02019014716 discloses a collar support apparatus for preventing
surrounding loose rock fragments from falling or collapsing into a blast hole.
The apparatus includes a normally flat flexible sheet that is formed into a
curved
form to define a longitudinal passage and is then inserted into the open end
of
a blast hole. The curved sheet closely faces an internal surface of the blast
hole
and forms a barrier preventing surrounding loose rock fragments from falling
or
collapsing into the open end of the blast hole.
[007] However, even during drilling or immediately after drilling, and
before
the collar support apparatus can be located in position, surrounding loose
rock
fragments can collapse into the bore hole. Accordingly, there exists a need
for
a drilling system that minimises any chance for loose rock fragments from the
preconditioned layer to collapse into the bore hole.
[008] Also the process of manually manipulating a preformed collar support
apparatus and inserting the collar support apparatus into the bore hole can be
laborious and time consuming. Accordingly, there exists a need for a drilling
system whereby a collar support apparatus can be positioned within a bore hole
that is less laborious and time consuming.
[009] Any discussion of background art throughout the specification should
in no way be considered as an admission that any of the documents or other
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material referred to was published, known or forms part of the common general
knowledge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention provides a bore hole sleeve
apparatus for a bore hole drill, the sleeve apparatus including a tube member
adapted to be coupled to a mast of a mobile bore hole drill and to be
positioned
within the collar region of a bore hole, the tube member including a
longitudinal
internal passage for receiving a drill string therethrough and an external
surface
for facing outwardly against a wall of the bore hole.
[0011] Preferably, the tube member and the mast include a coupling for
securing the tube member to the mast.
[0012] Preferably, the coupling is adapted for releasably securing the tube
member to the mast.
[0013] Preferably, the coupling is adapted for permitting movement of the tube
member relative to the mast between a position in which the tube member is
aligned with an axis of the drill string and another position in which the
tube
member is offset from the axis of the drill string while the tube member and
the
mast remain coupled together.
[0014] Preferably, the coupling includes a slot mount coupling.
[0015] Preferably, the coupling includes an adapter secured to the mast that
includes a slot for receiving a flange at an end of the tube member.
[0016] Preferably, the slot is defined between a pair of opposing plates that,
in use, are oriented substantially parallel with the bench surface.
[0017] Preferably, the flange is adapted to enter and exit the slot with
horizontal movement of the adapter relative to the tube member.
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[0018] Preferably, the flange is adapted to move within the slot between a
position in which the tube member is aligned with an axis of the drill string
and
another position in which the tube member is offset from the axis of the drill
string.
[0019] Preferably, the flange is a substantially planar member fixed at the
end
of the tube member. Preferably, the flange has a polygonal shape. Preferably
the flange has opposite tapering edges providing a narrower width at one end
of the flange for guiding the flange into the slot.
[0020] Preferably, the pair of plates each include an opening, preferably
located centrally, for receiving the drill string therethrough and for
alignment
with the longitudinal internal passage of the tube member.
[0021] Preferably, the opening through a lower one of the plates is open to
one side of the plate for receiving the tube member therewithin.
[0022] Preferably, one or more protrusions extend from the flange for
engaging the bench surface and for maintaining a gap between the flange and
the bench surface. Preferably, the protrusions extending from the flange are
adapted for engaging the bench surface and for supporting the mast thereon.
Preferably, the protrusions are adapted to maintain the flange proud of the
bench surface to allow one of the plates of the adapter to locate between the
flange and the bench surface.
[0023] Preferably, the tube member is adapted to be self-supporting within the
collar of the bore hole for receiving a collar support apparatus within the
longitudinal internal passage.
[0024] Preferably, the tube member includes a rigid, cylindrically shaped body
portion with openings at opposite ends and the longitudinal internal passage
extending therebetween.
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[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the tube member is self-supporting with an
end of the longitudinal internal passage at the level of the bench surface.
[0026] In another aspect, the invention provides a drilling apparatus,
including
a mobile platform,
a mast disposed on the platform including a support for a drill string;
a drill string rotation and driving mechanism for driving the drill string to
bore a
hole into rock;
a bore hole sleeve apparatus including a tube member coupled to the mast for
positioning within the collar region of a bore hole, the tube member including
a
longitudinal internal passage for receiving the drill string therethrough and
an
external surface for facing outwardly against a wall of the bore hole.
[0027] In embodiments, the tube member is movable while remaining coupled
to the mast between a position in which the tube member is aligned with an
axis
of the drill string and another position in which the tube member is offset
from
the axis of the drill string. These embodiments are particularly although not
exclusively suited for smaller surface drilling platforms that are typically
used
for drilling bore holes of between about 89 to 165 millimetres in diameter,
commonly referred to as "crawler drilling rigs".
[0028] In embodiments, the tube member is movable axially while remaining
coupled to the mast for lowering the tube member into the bore hole and for
raising the tube member out of the bore hole. Preferably, the bore hole sleeve
apparatus includes a hydraulic actuator to axially translate, for example to
lift
and lower, the tube member relative to the bore hole. These embodiments are
particularly although not exclusively suited for larger surface drilling
platforms
that are typically used for drilling bore holes of between about 165 to 351
millimetres in diameter, commonly referred to as "platform drilling rigs".
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[0029] In embodiments, the drilling apparatus further includes a sheet
deployment apparatus for deploying a flexible sheet into the open end of the
tube member located in the bore hole.
[0030] In embodiments, the sheet deployment apparatus includes a sheet
former adapted to form a flat flexible sheet into a curved form and to feed
the
curved sheet into the open end of the tube member located in the bore hole.
[0031] Preferably, the forming apparatus includes a wide mouth inlet and
tapers to a narrower round outlet to define a path for a flexible sheet and a
feeding mechanism for feeding the flexible sheet through the inlet and the
round
outlet and into the tube member.
[0032] Preferably, the drilling apparatus includes a store of a plurality of
the
flexible sheets and a picker is adapted to pick the sheets one at a time. The
flexible sheets can be flat and arranged in a stack or the flexible sheet can
be
pre-rolled sheet and including a tie that holds each of the pre-rolled sheets
in
the rolled form. In embodiments, the deployment device is adapted to pick one
of the pre-rolled sheets and feed the pre-rolled sheet into the bore hole
through
the tube member.
[0033] Preferably, the drilling apparatus further includes a shroud adapted to
be substantially sealed with the longitudinal internal passage of the tube
member for directing cuttings and/or bailings that emerge from the bore hole
during drilling.
[0034] Preferably, the shroud includes an axial passageway for receiving the
drilling string therethrough and an outlet opening that is oriented
transversely
to the axial passageway.
[0035] Preferably, the outlet opening is adapted to be coupled to a flexible
conduit of a vacuum apparatus.
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[0036] Preferably, the shroud is mounted to the mast and an actuator is
adapted to translate the shroud upwards and downwards in a linear range of
motion.
[0037] Preferably, the drilling apparatus further includes an outlet located
next
to or underneath the mobile platform for directing cuttings and/or bailings
that
emerge from the bore hole during drilling to a pile adjacent to or beneath the
mobile platform.
[0038] Embodiments of the drilling apparatus include various types of mobile
drilling apparatus comprising a mobile, tracked platform comprising a drill
mast
supporting a drill string and accompanying percussion rotary air blast
drilling
apparatus. In some embodiments, such mobile drilling apparatus include
smaller surface drilling platforms that are typically used for drilling bore
holes of
between about 89 to 165 millimetres in diameter, commonly referred to as
"crawler drilling rigs" and produced by manufacturers such as Sandvik, Epiroc,
Komatsu and Caterpillar. In other embodiments, such mobile drilling apparatus
include larger surface drilling platforms that are typically used for drilling
bore
holes of between about 165 to 351 millimetres in diameter, commonly referred
to as "platform drilling rigs" produced by manufacturers such as Sandvik,
Epiroc, Komatsu and Caterpillar.
[0039] Embodiments of the drilling apparatus comprising the shroud for
directing cuttings and/or bailings that emerge from the bore hole during
drilling
are advantageous when implemented in classes of larger mobile drilling
platforms, such as those typically for drilling larger diameter bore holes of
165
to 351 millimetres. Such existing drilling platforms can comprise cuttings
and/or
bailings management systems comprising simply surrounding the bore hole
with flexible curtains attached to and draping down from beneath the platform.
Embodiments of the invention can replace or complement such existing
systems.
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[0040] In embodiments, the drilling apparatus includes a system for injecting
a composition between the external surface of the tube member and the
surrounding wall of the bore hole.
[0041] Preferably, the system for injecting a composition includes a store of
the composition and coupled to a network of conduits and openings formed in
the tube member. Thus, when the tube member is located within the bore hole
the composition comes out of the openings and enters the space between the
tube member and the bore hole or penetrates the surrounding loose rock
fragments or both.
[0042] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of drilling a bore
hole including:
coupling a tube member to a mast of a mobile drilling rig, the tube member
including a longitudinal internal passage for receiving a drill string
therethrough;
boring a hole into a bench surface and lowering the tube member within the
collar region of the bore hole, the tube member including an external surface
for facing outwardly against a wall of the bore hole.
[0043] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of providing a
collar
support apparatus into a bore hole, the method including:
coupling a tube member to a mast of a mobile drilling rig, the tube member
including a longitudinal internal passage for receiving a drill string
therethrough;
boring a hole into a bench surface and lowering the tube member within the
collar region of the bore hole, the tube member including an external surface
for facing outwardly against a wall of the bore hole;
providing a support in the bore hole for stabilising the collar region of the
bore
hole; and
removing the tube member from the bore hole.
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[0044] Preferably, providing a support in the bore hole includes inserting a
collar support apparatus comprised of a flexible sheet of material into the
longitudinal internal passage of the tube member and; wherein removing the
tube member from the bore hole leaving behind the collar support apparatus
within the bore hole.
[0045] Preferably, moving the mast relative to the tube member includes
moving the mast between a position in which the tube member is aligned with
an axis of the drill string and another position in which the tube member is
offset
from the axis of the drill string while the tube member and the mast remain
coupled together.
[0046] Preferably, removing the tube member from the bore hole includes
manoeuvring the mast to raise the tube member out of the bore hole.
[0047] Preferably, coupling the tube member to the mast includes horizontally
translating the mast relative to the tube member. In an embodiment, uncoupling
the tube member and the mast also includes horizontally translating the mast
relative to the tube member.
[0048] Preferably, an adapter secured to the mast includes a slot and an end
of the tube member includes a flange, whereby the horizontal movement of the
mast relative to the tube member causes the flange to move into or out of the
slot.
[0049] In embodiments, providing a support in the bore hole for stabilising
the
collar region of the bore hole includes injecting a composition between the
external surface of the tube member and the surrounding wall of the bore hole.
[0050] In embodiments, the injected composition cures or otherwise hardens
or solidifies to become self-supporting or binds the loose rock fragments to
form
a composite collar support.
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[0051] In yet another aspect, the invention provides a sheet forming device
adapted to form a flat flexible sheet into a curved form and to feed the
curved
sheet into a tube member located within the collar region of a bore hole, the
device including:
a forming apparatus adapted to form a flat flexible sheet into a curved form;
and
a feed mechanism for feeding the curved sheet into the open end of a tube
member located within the collar region of a bore hole.
[0052] Preferably, the forming apparatus includes a wide mouth inlet and
tapers to a narrower round outlet to define a path for the flexible sheet
wherein
the feeding mechanism feeds the flexible sheet through the inlet and the
outlet
of the forming apparatus and into the tube member.
[0053] Preferably, a plurality of the flexible sheets are arranged in a stack
from
which the feed mechanism is configured to pick the sheets one at a time.
[0054] Preferably, the sheet forming device is configured for attachment to a
mast of a bore hole drilling apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0055] The present invention will now be described in more detail with
reference to preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures,
wherein:
[0056] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a tube member of a bore hole
sleeve apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0057] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a longitudinal section of the tube
member of Figure 1;
[0058] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of an adapter of an embodiment
of the bore hole sleeve apparatus;
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[0059] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of a cross section of the adapter of
Figure
3;
[0060] Figure 5 illustrates an oblique perspective view of a drilling
apparatus
including a mobile drilling rig with a hydraulic arm and a drilling mast
attached
thereto and the adapter of Figures 3 and 4 connected to the mast and the tube
member of Figures 1 and 2 coupled to the adapter;
[0061] Figure 6 illustrates a frontal perspective view of the drilling
apparatus
of figure 5;
[0062] Figures 7 to 14 are a set of frontal views of a portion of the drill
mast
and the bore hole sleeve apparatus embodiment of the preceding figures 1 to
6 illustrating a sequence of steps in a method of drilling a bore hole in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention and a method of providing a
collar support apparatus into the bore hole in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention;
[0063] Figure 15 illustrates a front view of the collar support apparatus of
Figures 7 to 14 in a flat configuration;
[0064] Figure 16 illustrates a front view of the collar support apparatus of
Figures 7 to 14 in a curved configuration;
[0065] Figure 17 illustrates an oblique perspective view of a drilling
apparatus
including a mobile drilling rig with a hydraulic arm and a drilling mast
attached
thereto similar to the embodiment of Figure 5 further including a sheet
forming
apparatus adapted to form a flat flexible sheet into a curved form and to feed
the curved sheet into the open end of the tube member located in the bore
hole;
[0066] Figures 18 and 19 are a set of frontal views of a portion of the
drilling
apparatus of Figure 17 including a portion of the drill mast, sheet forming
apparatus and a collar support apparatus comprised of a curved flexible sheet
and illustrating a sequence of steps of forming a flat flexible sheet into the
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curved form and feeding the curved sheet into the open end of the bore hole
sleeve apparatus located in the bore hole and withdrawing the sleeve apparatus
from the bore hole to leave behind the collar support apparatus;
[0067] Figure 20 illustrates an embodiment of the drilling apparatus of Figure
further including a shroud adapted to be substantially sealed with the
longitudinal internal passage of the tube member for directing cuttings and/or
bailings that emerge from the bore hole during drilling;
[0068] Figure 21 illustrates an embodiment of the drilling apparatus of Figure
5 and further including a shroud adapted to be substantially sealed with the
longitudinal internal passage of the tube member, wherein the shroud is
coupled to a flexible conduit of a vacuum apparatus, for directing cuttings
and/or
bailings that emerge from the bore hole during drilling;
[0069] Figures 22 to 25 illustrate an embodiment of a drilling method by
reference to another embodiment of the drilling apparatus of the invention
including a class of surface drilling platform that is typically used for
drilling
larger diameter bore holes of between about 165 and 351 millimetres in
diameter, wherein the sleeve apparatus includes the a hydraulic actuator to
lift
and lower the tube member axially relative to the bore hole and wherein a
hydraulic actuator is adapted to lift and lower the shroud relative to the
tube
member for directing cuttings and/or bailings that emerge from the bore hole
during drilling;
[0070] Figure 26 illustrates another embodiment of the drilling method and
apparatus adapted to pick one pre-rolled and tied flexible sheet at a time and
deploy the sheet pre-rolled sheet into the tube member within the bore hole;
[0071] Figure 27 illustrates and a bottom view of the surface drilling
platform
embodiments of Figures 22 to 26 illustrating an arrangement of curtains
attached to and draping down from beneath the platform to contain cuttings
and/or bailings that are directed by the shroud underneath the drilling
platform;
and
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[0072] Figures 28 and 29 illustrate another embodiment of a method of
stabilising the collar of the bore hole including injecting a stabilisation
composition into the wall of the bore hole or the loose rock fragments
surrounding the bore hole in the collar region.
[0073] The invention will now be described in further detail with reference to
the embodiments illustrated in the Figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0074] Blast-hole drilling is a technique that is used in the extraction of
minerals and rock products from surface mines and quarries. A bore-hole drill
produces bore holes according to a predetermined pattern and depth. The
holes are then charged with explosive and the minerals and rocks are blasted
and fragmented for subsequent removal by excavators for further processing.
Significant quantities of loose rock fragments, or "preconditioned" material,
can
remain on the bench from the sub-drilled region after achieving the Reduced
Level (RL). A preconditioned layer depth of up to 4 metres or more can improve
the efficiency of the comminution process by maximising the volume of fine
fragmentation that results from the subsequent blasting operation.
[0075] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the present invention is directed to a
sleeve apparatus 100 that is adapted for use with a drilling rig 10 for
drilling
bore holes. Referring to Figures 1 to 6 and 9 to 13, the sleeve apparatus 100
includes a tube member 110 adapted in use to be located within a bore hole in
a manner that will be described in further detail below. The tube member 110
includes a longitudinal internal passage 120 for receiving a drill string of
the
drilling rig therethrough. The tube member 110 also includes an external
surface 125 for facing outwardly against a wall of the bore hole.
[0076] The sleeve apparatus 100, in particular the tube member 110, is
adapted to support the collar of the bore hole 2 during drilling and
immediately
after drilling and before a collar support apparatus can be located in
position
within the collar of the bore hole 2. In some embodiments, the sleeve
apparatus
100, and in particular the tube member 110, is adapted to receive a collar
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support apparatus therewithin. The tube member 110 can thereby assist in the
steps of forming the normally flat collar support apparatus into a curved form
and inserting the collar support apparatus into the bore hole.
Drilling Rig
[0077] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate an exemplary mobile drilling rig 10 for
drilling
bore-holes 2. The illustrated drilling rig 10 is a percussive top-hammer type
drilling rig. However, it is to be appreciated that the present invention has
broader application to other types of drilling rigs such as down the hole
(DTH)
and rotary drilling rigs. The embodiment of the mobile drilling rig 10
illustrated
in the figures is a class of surface drilling platform that is typically used
for
drilling bore holes of between about 89 to 165 millimetres in diameter,
commonly referred to as "crawler drilling rigs". However, it is to be
appreciated
that embodiments of aspects of the invention are applicable to classes of
larger
surface drilling platforms that are typically used for drilling bore holes of
between about 165 to 351 millimetres in diameter, commonly referred to as
"platform drilling rigs". Platforms of the smaller and larger classes are
known
to originate from various manufacturers such as Sandvik, Epiroc, Komatsu and
Caterpillar to name but a few.
[0078] The drilling rig 10 comprises a self-propelled vehicle 12 including a
hydraulic arm 14 that supports a mast 20. The mast 20 itself is adapted to
support a drill string 30 comprised of a plurality of drill rods 35 and a bit
37 at
the end of the drill string 30. The drill rods 35 are coupled together by
threaded
connections therebetween.
[0079] In one aspect, the invention is directed to a bore hole sleeve
apparatus
100 adapted to be coupled to the mast 20 in a manner that will be described in
more detail below. In another aspect, the invention is directed to the
combination of the mobile drilling rig 10 and the bore hole sleeve apparatus
100.
[0080] The mast 20 carries a drilling head 25 including a reciprocating piston
or hammer assembly and a rotary assembly which together are adapted to
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apply percussive force and rotational torque to the drill string 30. The
drilling
head 25 can be raised and lowered by a hydraulically driven up-down feed
system 29 to enable pipes or rods to be removed from, or added to, the drill
string.
[0081] The mast 20 contains a store 27 of a plurality of the drill rods 35.
During
a drilling operation, when the top of the uppermost drill rod 35 reaches the
bottom of the mast 20 a subsequent drill rod 35 is swung into position by the
drill rod feed system 29 and into axial alignment with the uppermost drill rod
35
of the drill string 37. The drilling head 25 engages and rotates the
subsequent
drill rod 35 to threadably couple with the top of the drill rod 35 below. The
drilling
head 20 then resumes drilling by applying percussive force and rotational
torque to the drill string 30.
Bore Hole Sleeve Apparatus
[0082] As illustrated in Figures 9 to 13, the sleeve apparatus 100 includes
the
tube member 110 that in use is adapted to be located within the bore hole 2
that has been drilled or is in the process of being drilled by the drilling
rig 10.
Preferably, the tube member 110 is formed of a rigid and durable material such
as metal (e.g. mild steel). The tube member 110 is configured to be releasably
coupled to the bottom of the mast 20. When coupled to the mast 20, the
longitudinal internal passage 120 of the tube member 110 is adapted to be
aligned with the axis of the drill string 30 to receive the drill string 30
therethrough.
[0083] The external surface 125 of the tube member 110 is adapted for facing
outwardly against a wall of the bore hole 2. The diameter of the external
surface
125 of the tube member 110 is ideally slightly greater, or slightly less or
about
the same as the diameter of the drill bit 37. The diameter of the external
surface
125 of the tube member 110 is ideally slightly greater, or slightly less or
about
the same as the diameter of the bore hole 2 to be formed thereby. Accordingly,
different diameter tube members 110 may be provided for use with different
diameter drill bits 37 and/or different diameter bore holes 2.
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[0084] In some bore hole drilling operations, a preconditioned layer depth of
up to 4 metres or more can be employed. The section of the bore hole 2 in the
preconditioned layer is sometimes referred to as the "collar". The
preconditioned layer is comprised of fragmented rock which can consist of a
wide range of particle sizes including fine, medium, and coarse with ranges of
1 mm to 100 mm or more. The bore hole sleeve apparatus 100 is adapted to
provide temporary support for the wall of the bore hole 2 in the collar
region,
both during the drilling operation and after the bore hole has been drilled to
the
desired depth.
Coupling
[0085] In another aspect, the invention is directed to a coupling between the
mast 20 of the drilling rig 10 and the tube member 110 for securing the tube
member 110 to the mast 20. As will be apparent from the foregoing description,
in embodiments disclosed herein, the coupling is adapted for permitting
movement of the tube member 110 relative to the mast 20 between a position
in which the tube member 110 is aligned with an axis of the drill string 30
and
another position in which the tube member 110 is offset from the axis of the
drill
string 30 while the tube member 110 and the mast 20 remain coupled together.
[0086] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the tube member 110 has openings 112,
114 at opposite ends 111, 113 thereof. The longitudinal passage 120 extends
between the openings 112, 114. At one of the ends 111, the tube member 110
includes a flange 115 extending radially outwardly from an edge around the
opening 112. The flange 115 is comprised of a plate which may be welded or
otherwise fixed or formed integral with the end 111 of the tube member 110.
The flange 115 illustrated in the Figures is a substantially planar member
fixed,
such as by welding, at the end 111 of the tube member 110. The flange 115
has a polygonal shape with opposite lateral edges 117, 118. The opposite
lateral edges include parallel edge sections 117a, 118a and tapering sections
117b, 118b. The tapering edge sections 117b, 118b provide a narrower width
dimension at one end 119 of the flange 115. In other embodiments, the flange
115 may be round or in part round or oval shaped. Protrusions 116 extend from
a lower surface of the flange 115 that, in use, are adapted to engage the
surface
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of the bench. The protrusions 116 function to maintain the flange 115 spaced
above the surface of the bench, or proud of the surface.
[0087] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, an adapter 150 is provided that, as
illustrated in Figures 5, 6 and 8 to 14, is configured to be secured to the
mast
20. The adapter 150 includes a foot pad 155 that in some circumstances is
adapted to engage the bench surface during a drilling operation to at least
partially support and maintain the stability of the mast 35. A riser 157
extends
upwardly from foot pad 155 and is adapted to be coupled to the end of the mast
20. The riser 157 can be configured to substitute and fit in place of the
riser of
a proprietary foot assembly for the mast 20 of the drill rig 10, such as the
proprietary foot assembly of Figure 7. In other words, the adapter 150,
including
the foot pad 155 and riser 157, can be configured to be a straight swap for
the
proprietary foot assembly 9, such as is illustrated in Figure 7. In other
embodiments, the adapter 150 is configured without a foot pad 155 or is
configured without a foot pad 155 and riser 157 and instead is coupled to the
riser and foot pad of the proprietary foot assembly 9.
[0088] The adapter 150 also includes a horizontally oriented slot 160 defined
between horizontally oriented upper and lower plates 164, 174. The slot 160 is
closed at laterally opposite sides 161, 163 and is open to one end 162. In an
embodiment not illustrated, the lower plate 174 flares outwardly, however both
the upper and lower plates 164, 174 can flare outwardly at the open end 162 of
the slot 160 or neither can be flared outwardly. The upper and lower plates
164,
174 are located horizontally adjacent to the foot pad 155.
[0089] The riser 157 is formed with a vertical upright section 156 and a pair
of
opposite gusset sections 158, 159 extending between the upright section and
the upper and lower plates 164, 174. The gusset sections 158, 159 provide
structural support and rigidity for the connection between the vertical
upright
section 156 and the upper and lower plates 164, 174.
[0090] The upper and lower plates 164, 174 each include a central opening
165, 175 that, when coupled to the mast 20, are both axially aligned with the
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drill string 30. The gusset sections 158, 159 are arranged opposite each other
and are spaced apart by a distance at least equal to or greater than a
diameter
of the central opening 165 in the upper plate 164. The central opening 175 of
the lower plate 174 opens to the side 162 so that the flange 115 can be
received
into the slot 160 through the opening on the side 162 and be positioned
between
the upper and lower plates 164, 174 with the tube member 110 extending
downwardly through the central opening 175 in the lower plate 174 as
illustrated
in Figures 4 and 5. The horizontally oriented slot 160 and the flange 115
together provide a slot mount coupling between the tube member 110 and the
adapter 150. It will be appreciated that in some circumstances the tube member
110 and the adapter 150, and in turn the mast 20, can be releasably coupled
by horizontally translating the adapter 150 relative to the tube member 110.
[0091] As the adapter 150 translates horizontally relative to the tube member
110 the lower plate 174 of the adapter 150 is received in the space between
the
flange 115 and the surface of the bench maintained by the protrusions 116.
Thus, the protrusions 116 elevate the flange 115 above the surface of the
bench
to allow flange 115 to locate below and engage the bottom surface of the
flange
115.
[0092] The tube member 110 and the adapter 150 are configured so that the
tube member 110 is movable between a position in which the tube member 110
is aligned with an axis of the drill string 30 and another position in which
the
tube member 110 is offset from the axis of the drill string 30. This can be
achieved through different means. However, in the embodiment illustrated in
the figures this is achieved by the relative movement of the flange 115
relative
to the horizontally oriented slot 160. During the movement of the tube member
110 and the adapter, the flange 115 is located within the slot 160 between the
upper and lower plates 164, 174 of the adapter 150.
[0093] The height of the protrusions 116 extending from the flange 115 of the
tube member 110 is greater than the combined height of the lower plate 174
and the foot pad 155, and any protrusions associated with the foot pad. The
protrusions 116 elevate the flange 115 above the surface of the bench by a
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height sufficient to allow the lower plate 174 and any protrusions associated
with the foot pad 155, if any, to locate under the flange 115 and still be
clear of
the surface of the bench. Accordingly, the protrusions 116 of the tube member
110 have a height sufficient so that when resting on the bench surface the
adapter 150 can be clear of the bench surface and can move horizontally
relative to the tube member 110 while the flange 115 is located within the
slot
160.
[0094] In use, the drill string 30 passes through central openings 165, 167 of
the upper and lower plates 164, 174 and, in turn, through the longitudinal
internal passage 120 within the tube member 110 as illustrated in Figures 8 to
10.
[0095] In another embodiment, the adapter 150 may be configured to fit with
the proprietary foot assembly. In such an embodiment, the adapter 150 may
not include the foot pad 155 or the riser 157 and instead may be largely
comprised only of the horizontally oriented upper and lower plates 164, 174.
Drilling Method
[0096] In Figures 9t0 14, a frontal section of an open end at the top of a
single
bore hole 2 is illustrated. However, it is to be appreciated that a multitude
of
such bore holes 2 would be drilled on a bench for a single blasting operation.
The bore hole 2 can be drilled with a diameter as large as 270 to 311
millimetres
or as much as 350 millimetres or more and to depths of as much as 50 metres
or more. After drilling, the bore hole 2 is filled with explosive material
appropriate for the ground conditions, such as a mixture of ammonium nitrate
and fuel oil (ANFO) or an emulsion or a mixture thereof and is primed for
detonation.
[0097] An operator of the drill rig 10 causes the hydraulic arm 14 to
manoeuvre the mast 20 with the adapter 150 secured thereto. The tube
member 110 is preferably supported upright, such as on a vehicle or some other
support structure, with the flange 115 at the top. The mast 20 is manoeuvred
so that the slot 160 is oriented in alignment with the flange 115. The mast 20
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is then manoeuvred relative to the tube member 110 so that the flange 115 is
received into the slot 160 whereby the tube member 110 and the adapter 150,
and the mast 20 connected thereto, are coupled together.
[0098] The width dimension of the slot 160 between the closed laterally
opposite sides 161, 163 is greater than the width dimension between the
parallel edge sections 117a, 118a of the flange 115. The tapering edge
sections 117b, 118b provide a narrower width dimension at one end 119 of the
flange 115 to assist in guiding the flange 115 into the slot 160.
[0099] The drilling rig 10 is moved into position adjacent to the location at
which a bore hole 2 is to be drilled. As illustrated in Figure 8 the drill
string 30
is then lowered down through the tube member 110 and into engagement with
the surface of the bench. The drill head 25 is activated and because the top
layer of material is preconditioned the drill bit 37 penetrates relatively
easily.
The operator causes the hydraulic arm 14 to lower the mast 20 which in turn
lowers the tube member 110 until the protrusions 116 extending from the lower
surface of the flange 115 engage the surface of the bench as illustrated in
Figure 9. At this point, the tube member 110 is almost completely below the
surface of the bench with the external surface 125 of the tube member 110
facing outwardly against the wall of the bore hole 2 and the flange 115 spaced
above the surface of the bench, or proud of the surface. of the bench.
[00100] Drilling continues until the desired hole depth is reached. The drill
string 30 is then withdrawn from the bore hole 2 as illustrated in Figure 10.
As
illustrated in Figure lithe mast 20 is manoeuvred horizontally so that the
flange
115 moves relative to the slot 160.
[00101] In an embodiment, not illustrated in the figures the mast 20 is
manoeuvred horizontally so that the flange 115 moves out of the slot 160
whereby the tube member 110 and the adapter 150, and the mast 20 connected
thereto, are uncoupled. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the mast
20 is manoeuvred horizontally so that the flange 115 moves relative to the
slot
160 but still remains within the slot 160 between the upper and lower plates
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164, 174 of the adapter 150. Embodiments in which the flange 115 remains
within the slot 160 are advantageous in that they do not require the operator
to
reposition the lower plate 174 of the adapter 150 in the relatively small
space
between the flange 115 and to surface of the bench.
Collar Support Apparatus
[00102] The bore hole sleeve apparatus 100 is adapted for use with a collar
support apparatus 200 for preventing loose rock fragments in the
preconditioned layer from falling or collapsing into the bore hole, such as
the
apparatus 200 illustrated in Figures 15 and 16.
[00103] The collar support apparatus 200 includes a flexible sheet 210
including a pair of opposite surfaces 211, 212 and a pair of spaced apart
longitudinally extending side edges 214, 216 and a pair of spaced apart
laterally
extending end edges 215, 217. The normally flat sheet 210 being adapted, in
use, to be formed into a curved, substantially cylindrical shape to define a
longitudinal passage 218 extending between openings at longitudinally
opposite ends 211, 219.
[00104] The flexible sheet 210 is preferably comprised of a resilient
material,
such as a resiliently flexible polymeric material which may be reinforced with
nylon or some other flexible reinforcement. The sheet 210 is preferably
rectangular in shape such that the side edges 214,216 are parallel and the end
edges 215, 217 are also parallel. The side edges 214, 216 are tapered at one
end. The sheet 20 includes a series of apertures 213 that are arranged in
laterally spaced apart and longitudinally aligned pairs for use as hand holds
and
for hanging the collar support apparatus 200 when not in use.
[00105] As illustrated in Figure 12, the collar support apparatus 200 can be
inserted into the longitudinal internal passage 120 within the tube member 110
when it is located within the bore hole 2. As illustrated in Figures 12 to 14,
the
tube member 110 can then be removed from the bore hole 2 by carrying out
the reverse of the process described above. That is, by manoeuvring the mast
20 horizontally so that the flange 115 moves within the slot 160 until the
flange
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155 is substantially fully within the slot 160. The mast 20 is then lifted to
bring
the tube member 110 up out of the bore hole 2 leaving behind the collar
support
apparatus 200 within the collar region of the bore hole 2. The resilient
properties of the material from which the sheet 210 is formed allow the sheet
210 to expand and assume a substantially cylindrical form within the bore hole
2 as illustrated in Figure 14.
[00106] One of the surfaces 211, 212 of the sheet 210 faces outwardly against
the inwardly facing surface of the bore hole 2 and forms a barrier preventing
surrounding loose rock fragments from falling or collapsing into the bore hole
2.
Because the material from which the sheet 210 is formed is resilient the sheet
210 tends towards assuming its flat form and this property causes the surface
211, 212 of the sheet 210 facing outwardly to apply pressure against the
inwardly facing surface of the bore hole 2. At least part of the collar
support
apparatus 200 may also protrude above the bench surface to provide additional
protection against surrounding loose rock fragments on the bench surface from
falling or collapsing into the bore hole 2.
[00107] The longitudinal dimension of the sheet 210 between the longitudinally
opposite end edges 215, 217 may be 1 metre, 1.5 metres, 2, metres, 2.5
metres, 3 metres, 3.5 metres, 4 metres or more in length or any length in
between. When positioned within the blast hole 2 the sheet 210 provides
support for the internal surface of the bore hole 2 through a substantial
portion
of the wall of the bore hole 2 in the collar region.
[00108] The width of the sheet 210 between the pair of parallel side edges
214,
216 is preferably, though not necessarily, slightly more than the
circumference
of the bore hole 2. When the sheet 210 assumes the substantially cylindrical
form within the bore hole 2 the side edges 214, 216 of the sheet 210 slightly
overlap. However, in another embodiment, the side edges 214, 216 of the
sheet do not overlap and are slightly spaced apart.
[00109] The drilling rig 10 is moved into position adjacent to the location at
which the next bore hole 2 is to be drilled and the above described process is
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repeated. The collar support apparatus 200 remains in position within the
blast
hole 30 during a subsequent step of depositing explosives and other
consumables into the bore hole 2. After the bore hole is charged and primed
the collar support apparatus 200 can be removed from the bore hole 2 or
partially withdrawn and formed into a funnel shape prior to depositing of
stemming material into the bore hole 2.
[00110] Figures 17 to 19 illustrate another embodiment of the mobile drilling
rig
310 for drilling the bore-hole 2. The illustrated drilling rig 310 is similar
to the
drilling rig 10 of Figures 5 and 6 and like reference numerals will be used to
identify like features. The principal difference is that the drilling rig 310
further
includes a deployment device 350 mounted to the mast 20 for forming a flat
flexible sheet 210 into a curved form and inserting the curved sheet 210 into
the bore hole sleeve apparatus 100 located within the collar region of the
bore
hole 2 to thereby form the collar support apparatus 200.
[00111] The deployment device 350 includes a plurality of the sheets 210
arranged in a stack 315. The stack 315 of the sheets 210 is supported on a
frame 209. The device 350 includes a sheet picker and feeder 355 that is
operable to pick an individual sheet 210 from the stack 315 and feed the sheet
210 into a vertical forming apparatus 330. In the embodiment illustrated in
Figure 9, the picker and the feeder 355 includes an arrangement of driven
rollers operable to pick one of the sheets 210 at a time from the stack 315
however an arrangement of belts. However, any mechanical arrangement that
is adapted to pick one sheet 20 from the stack 315 and feed the sheet 20 to
the
vertical forming apparatus 330 can constitute another embodiment of the
invention.
[00112] The forming apparatus 330 is operable to form the sheet 210 into the
curved substantially cylindrical shape defining a longitudinal passage 218
extending between openings at longitudinally opposite ends 211, 219. The
forming apparatus 330 includes a wide mouth 331 and tapers to a narrower
round outlet 333 to define a path 335 for a flexible sheet. A feeding
mechanism
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feeds the flexible sheet 210 through the inlet 331 and the round outlet 333
and
into the tube member 110.
[00113] The illustrated embodiment of the forming apparatus 330 includes a
funnel shaped portion 332 defining the wide mouth 331 and transitioning into a
cylindrically shaped portion 336 defining the narrower round outlet 333. The
funnel shaped portion 332 and the cylindrically shaped portion 336 are defined
by a side wall 338 preferably formed out of sheet metal or the like. Instead
of
the funnel shaped portion 332 the forming apparatus could comprise an
elongated and substantially planar opening similar to the shape of the flat
sheet
210 and gradually transitioning into the round shape of the cylindrically
shaped
portion 336. However, other mechanical arrangements adapted to be mounted
to the mast 20 of the drilling rig 10 for picking a single sheet 210 from the
stack
315 and forming the sheet 210 into a curved form and inserting the sheet into
the tube member 110 are within the scope of the disclosure contained herein.
[00114] Referring to Figures 18 and 19, after the bore hole 2 has been drilled
to the desired hole depth the drill string 30 is withdrawn from the bore hole
2
and the mast 20 is manoeuvred horizontally so that the flange 115 of the tube
member 110 moves relative to the slot 160 and the drill string 30 is offset
from
the opening of the tube member 110. The round outlet 333 is thereby located
above and in alignment with the open end of the tube member 110 as illustrated
in Figures 18 and 19. The deployment device 350 is activated to whereby a
single sheet 210 is picked from the stack 315 and formed into a curved form
and inserted into the tube member 110 located within the bore hole 2 as
illustrated in Figure 19. The deployment device 350 includes a further feed
mechanism 339 comprised of one or more driven rollers or belt drive located at
the outlet 333 for inserting the curved sheet 210 a desired depth into the
tube
member 110 and the open end of the bore hole 2.
[00115] The tube member 110 may then be withdrawn from the bore hole 2 in
the same manner described above with reference to the process illustrated in
embodiment of Figures 12 to 14. That is, by manoeuvring the mast 20
horizontally so that the flange 115 moves within the slot 160 until the flange
155
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is substantially fully within the slot 160. The mast 20 is then lifted to
bring the
tube member 110 up out of the bore hole 2 leaving behind the collar support
apparatus 200, comprised of the curved sheet 210, within the collar region of
the bore hole 2.
[00116] The deployment device 350 may be mounted to the mast 20 of the
drilling rig 310 or in another embodiment may be mounted to a separate vehicle
(not shown) or a trailer (not shown) coupled to a vehicle or any other mobile
apparatus adapted to be manoeuvred around a site. The vehicle or other
mobile apparatus may be a truck that is operable manually by a driver or in an
embodiment is configured to operate autonomously or semi-autonomously.
The vehicle or other mobile apparatus may comprise a control module that
includes a GPS location device and is adapted for controlling a drive means
and steering means of the vehicle. The control module is adapted to receive or
be programmed with the coordinates of the location of one or more of a
plurality
of blast holes and to autonomously manoeuvre the deployment device 350.
[00117] Figures 20 and 21 illustrate an embodiment comprising a moveable
shroud 400 for directing cuttings and/or bailings that emerge from the bore
hole
2 during the drilling operation. The shroud 400 is comprised of a body 410
comprising a hollow internal cavity with an opening at the bottom and at the
top.
The top of the body 410 is adapted to be mounted to a moveable shroud
adapter 420 that is coupled to the mast 20 of the drilling rig 10. The
moveable
shroud adapter 420 is adapted to translate upwards and downwards in a linear
range of motion of about 50cm. The shroud 400 is formed out of durable
material such as a metal alloy and has a conical upper part 405 and a flexible
and durable plastic or rubber lower boot 407. The boot 407 is sealed around
the opening at the bottom of the body 410. The shroud 400 is positioned in
alignment with the axis of the drill string 30 and the openings at the top and
the
bottom of the shroud 400 permit the drill string 30 to pass therethrough.
[00118] In use, the moveable shroud adapter 420 is adapted to lower the
shroud 400 down towards the adapter 150 so that the boot 407 contacts with
the upper plate 164. The boot 407 of the adapter thereby provides a seal
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around the central opening 165 of the upper plate 164 of the adapter 150. The
shroud 400 is aligned with the longitudinal passage 120 of the tube member
110 so that the drill string 30 may pass therethrough to permit drilling to
commence. The shroud 400, including the boot 407, are sized and configured
to be positionable between the gusset sections 158, 159 of the adapter 150.
[00119] During drilling, as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, cuttings and/or
bailings that emerge from the bore hole 2 travel up through the longitudinal
passage 120 of the tube member 110 and emerge out of the opening 112. The
cuttings and/or bailings that emerge out of the opening 112 of the tube member
110 are directed up into the body 410 of the shroud 400. The shroud 400
includes an outlet opening 415 for the cuttings and/or bailings to exit the
body
410 of the shroud. The outlet opening 415 is oriented transversely to the axis
of the drill string 30.
[00120] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 20 the outlet opening 415 is
uncovered so that the cuttings and/or bailings can freely emerge from the
outlet
opening 415 and be distributed onto the bench surface adjacent to the bore
hole 2 being drilled. This embodiment is suited for wet drilling operations
where
a slurry comprising the cuttings and/or bailings mixed with water emerge from
the bore hole 2.
[00121] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 21, the outlet opening 415 is
coupled to a flexible hose 425 that in turn is coupled to a vacuum pump
system.
The cuttings and/or bailings that emerge from the outlet opening 415 are drawn
through the flexible hose 425 and are deposited on the bench surface in a pile
located a sufficient distance from the bore hole 2 being drilled. This
embodiment
is suited for dry drilling operations the cuttings and/or bailings that emerge
from
the bore hole 2 are dry and comprise a significant proportion of dry
particulates.
[00122] The opening at the top of the body 410 of the shroud 400 includes a
seal between the opening and the drill rods 35 comprising the drill string 30.
The seal between the opening at the top of the body 410 of the shroud 400 and
the drill rods 35 prevent cuttings and/or bailings that enter the shroud 400
from
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emerging from the opening at the top of the body 410 of the shroud 400. The
seal may be comprised of a circular ring made of metal or of a durable polymer
or rubber material. The seal is sized to within a relatively small tolerance
around
the external circumference of the drill rods 35.
Drilling Platform
[00123] Figures 22 to 27 illustrate another embodiment of mobile platform
drilling rig 510 for drilling bore-holes 2. The illustrated drilling platform
510 can
be for rotary or hammer drilling specifically designed for mining-duty
although it
is to be appreciated that embodiments of the invention may have broader
application. The embodiment of the mobile drilling rig 510 illustrated in the
figures is a class of surface drilling platform that is typically used for
drilling
larger diameter bore holes of between about 165 and 351 millimetres in
diameter and are commonly referred to as "platform drilling rigs". Platforms
of
these larger classes are known to originate from various manufacturers such
as Sandvik, Epiroc, Komatsu and Caterpillar.
[00124] The drilling rig 510 comprises a self-propelled tracked platform 512
including a hydraulic arm that supports a mast 520. The mast 520 itself is
adapted to support a drill string 530 comprised of one or a plurality of drill
rods
535 and a bit 537 at the end of the drill string 530. The drill rods 535 are
coupled
together by threaded connections therebetween.
[00125] The mast 520 carries a drilling head including a reciprocating piston
or
hammer assembly and a rotary assembly which together are adapted to apply
percussive force and/or rotational torque to the drill string 530. The
drilling head
525 can be raised and lowered by a hydraulically driven up-down feed system
to enable pipes or rods to be removed from, or added to, the drill string.
[00126] A bore hole sleeve apparatus 600 is adapted to be coupled to the mast
520 in a manner that will be described in more detail below. The sleeve
apparatus 600 is similar to the sleeve apparatus embodiment 100 described
above and so like reference numerals will be used in relation to like
features.
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[00127] As illustrated in Figures 22 to 26, the sleeve apparatus 600 includes
the tube member 110 that in use is adapted to be located within the bore hole
2 that has been drilled or is in the process of being drilled by the drilling
rig 510.
Similar to other embodiments, in the embodiment of Figures 22 to 27, an
adapter 550 is secured to the platform 512 relative to the mast 520. The
adapter 550 is similar in configuration to embodiments of the adapter 150
described above and so like reference numerals will be used for like features.
[00128] As illustrated in Figure 22, the adapter 550 supports and retains the
sleeve apparatus 600 relative to the platform 512 such that the drill string
530
can pass axially therethrough. The bit 537 engages the bench surface to
initiate
drilling of the bore hole 2. The platform 512 includes a linear actuator, such
as
a hydraulic actuator, to axially translate and thereby raise and lower the
adapter
550 and the sleeve apparatus 600 coupled thereto in the axial direction of the
drill string 530 and the bore hole 2.
[00129] As illustrated in Figure 23, the sleeve apparatus 600 is lowered down
into the bore hole 2 until the protrusions 116 extending from the lower
surface
of the flange 115 engage the surface of the bench. At this point, the tube
member 110 is almost completely below the surface of the bench with the
external surface 125 of the tube member 110 facing outwardly against the wall
of the bore hole 2 and the flange 115 spaced above the surface of the bench,
or proud of the surface of the bench.
[00130] The shroud adapter 420 and the moveable shroud 400 are coupled to
the platform 512 to enable the shroud to be moved up and down in a linear
range of motion. The shroud adapter 420 includes a linear actuator, such as a
hydraulic actuator, is coupled to the shroud 400 to translate axially and
thereby
raise and lower the shroud 400. As illustrated in Figure 23, the shroud 400 is
lowered down onto the sleeve apparatus 600 and provides a seal around the
central opening 165 of the upper plate 164 of the adapter 550.
[00131] During drilling, as illustrated in Figures 24 and 27, cuttings and/or
bailings that emerge from the bore hole 2 travel up through the longitudinal
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passage 120 of the tube member 110 and emerge out of the opening 112. The
cuttings and/or bailings that emerge out of the opening 112 of the tube member
110 are directed up into the body 410 of the shroud 400. The outlet opening
415 of the shroud 400 directs cuttings towards the underneath of the platform
512. In Figures 22 to 27 the outlet opening 415 is coupled to a flexible hose
425, however, it is to be appreciated that there may be no hose and cuttings
and/or bailings emerge directly from the outlet opening 415.
[00132] As illustrated in Figures 24 and 27, curtains 511 are located
underneath the platform 415. Curtains 511 extend along the length of the
platform 415 adjacent to the tracks 502 supporting the platform 415 to block
cuttings and/or bailings from entering the tracks 502. A strip curtain 515 is
extends transversely across the rear of the platform 415 between the tracks
502. Optionally, a further curtain 516 is provided beneath the part of the
platform 512 supporting the mast 520 to contain any cuttings and/or bailings
from that escape from the shroud 400 or that otherwise move forward
underneath the platform 512.
[00133] When the desired bore hole 2 depth is reached, the drill string 530 is
withdrawn and the shroud 400 is lifted. The deployment device 350 is mounted
to the platform 512 and is adapted to pick one sheet 20 from a stack 315 and
to form and feed the sheet 20 as a roll into the bore hole 2 through the tube
member 110. The deployment device 350 includes an inclined chute 352 to
direct the rolled-up sheet 20 into the tube member 110 and clear of the raised
shroud 400.
[00134] In another embodiment, as illustrated in figure 26, a store of pre-
rolled
sheets 20 are supported on the platform 512. Each pre-rolled sheet 20 includes
a tie 21 that holds each of the pre-rolled sheets 20 in the rolled form. The
deployment device 350 is mounted to the platform 512 and is adapted to pick
one of the pre-rolled sheets 20 and feed the pre-rolled sheet 20 into the bore
hole 2 through the tube member 110. The tie 21 can be connected to a ripcord
that when pulled will release the tie 21 and thereby allow the sheet 20 to
open
up and come into face-to-face contact against the wall of the bore hole 2.
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[00135] The platform 512 can then move to the location of the next bore hole 2
to be drilled and the aforementioned process is repeated.
Composite Stabilisation Support
[00136] Figures 28 and 29 illustrate another embodiment of a method of
stabilising the collar of the bore hole 2. The tube member 110 of the bore
hole
sleeve apparatus 100 provides temporary support for the wall of the bore hole
2 in the collar region and acts as a form as a composition is injected and, in
some embodiments can penetrate the surrounding wall of the bore hole 2. The
composition is injected and cures or otherwise hardens or solidifies to become
self-supporting or binds the loose rock fragments to form a composite collar
support 613.
[00137] The composition, which can be a fluid, is injected down a line 610
that
is coupled to a network of conduits and openings 612 formed in the tube
member 110. Thus, when the tube member 110 is located within the bore hole
2 the injected fluid comes out of the openings 612 and enters the space
between the tube member 110 and the bore hole 2 or penetrates the
surrounding loose rock fragments or both. The tube member 110 remains in
the bore hole 2 for a period of time sufficient for the composition to harden,
cure, solidify to become self-supporting or otherwise bind together the
surrounding fine and coarse aggregate material to form the composite collar
support 613.
[00138] In the time taken for the drilling operation to be completed, the
composition will have cured and the bore hole sleeve apparatus 100 can then
be withdrawn from the bore hole 2. A small rotation movement may be applied
to the bore hole sleeve apparatus 100 to crack adhesion with the surrounding
composite collar support 613.
[00139] The composition may be comprised of material, such as a polymer or
resin, injected as a liquid and that subsequently hardens to for a structural,
self-
supporting sleeve between the tube member 110 and the bore hole 2.
Alternatively, the composition may be comprised of material, such as a polymer
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or resin, injected as a liquid and that penetrates into the surrounding fine
and
coarse aggregate material (i.e. preconditioned material) to form the composite
collar support 613.
[00140] The composition may include a polyurethane resin, a cross-linked
polymer or resin, epoxy, polyester or phenolic resin or it may comprise a
mineral
binder such as Portland cement.
[00141] Although the disclosure has been described with reference to specific
examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
disclosure
may be embodied in many other forms, in keeping with the broad principles and
the spirit of the disclosure described herein.
