Exploration

Exploration drilling allows geoscientists to conduct different studies of the rock and probe contents of valuable minerals for further mining developments. It is done by taking samples (cores) of materials using core drilling, air rotary and reverse circulation. The core is left inside a drill bit during the process of opening the hole. This can also be called diamond drilling.

To cut a core, it is necessary to mount a diamond encrusted drill bit onto a drill string connected to a rotary drill and, with the aid of mud or water and pressure, rock sampling is cut and placed into the inner tube. TDS’ product portfolio contains the best tools and equipment for these purposes. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

In the interest of saving money and time, exploration drilling uses wire line coring, where a special tool is run inside the drill pipe using drilling mud pressure. Once the tool (called core barrel assembly) reaches the end of the drill stem, it is locked. The cutter head proceeds with the coring operation and drilling mud passes between the core barrel assembly and the drill collar. Then an overshot is lowered over the upper end of the assembly, allowing it to be removed. This is how a core can be cut without removing tools from downhole. This achieves a reduction of operational times and, thus, costs. TDS have been designing and providing products for wire line coring for many satisfied clients since its foundation.

Another popular practice used in the exploration drilling industry, is the use of forced air between an outer pipe and an inner pipe – – where the outer pipe acts as a drill pipe. Airflow transports cuttings and samples from the bottom to the top and once surfaced they are taken and studied. The principal advantage of this practice is that the samples are completely uncontaminated avoiding geochemical reactions with samples and fluid that could affect the results of studies. Once again, TDS has the appropriate product and solution for this application, which are at your entire disposal.