SAND DRILL
Item
code SDRILL, This unit was designed in the 1950's, specifically to sample minerals in deep
sand deposits. However, more and more are being purchased to fulfil a variety
of other tasks. Some of these include, installing piezometers to monitor
water tables; monitoring the stability of sludge dams; assaying old gold mine
waste stockpiles in the Republic of South Africa; and sampling/testing the
suitability of foundations for designs of major constructions in soft strata.
The
Sandrill can test drill very sandy friable soils, take accurate samples and
record depth to rock levels quickly, cheaply and without disturbing the
ecology. It is ideally suited for preliminary investigation work and is
equally useful for ongoing assessment work. It can be established on remote
or difficult sites cheaply, without the need for other power sources or
pumps. It can be transported by small commercial vehicle or helicopter or
small boat or can be hand carried by the operators without dismantling. It
can be setup and operating in an hour and only needs a small clear level site
for the operators to move around on.
PRINCIPAL FEATURES
- Portability The drill can be transported by plane, helicopter, boat or
1 tonne truck. It can be carried by 2 men, the heaviest component is
73kgs. No dismantling or reassembly is required. No access roads or
clearing is required.
- Simplicity It can be setup in an hour and operated by unskilled
personnel. A small, easy to read information booklet comes with the
drill.
- Low Cost Priced far below the hire rate of other
conventional drilling rigs. Parts are readily available and most can be
sourced at any hydraulic supplier. Very cheap to transport and setup on
site. Very low running costs. No compressors, mud pumps or power sources
required.
- Drilling Rate Up to 30 metres per hour can be achieved in
increments of 1.5 metres. Can drill through layers of clay, indurated
sand and limonite.
- Drilling depth Designed to reach depths of 100 metres in
unconsolidated sand. Can drill through perched watertable (may require
casing).
The
Sandrill consists of 3 main components (Engine unit, Lifting Unit & Drive
Head) plus the accessories plus the augers and extention rods.
Engine Unit Is an 11hp Briggs &
Stratton IC petrol engine coupled to a hydraulic pump and housed in a
protective carry frame with fold away carry handles. The hydraulic reservoir,
filter and controls are mounted on it.
Lifting Unit Is connected to the
Engine Unit by hoses with quick release couplings. The lifting unit raises
and lowers the drill string by a system of hydraulic motors powering concave
rubber drive wheels and is fitted with a hand brake.
Drive Head Unit Is connected to the Engine unit by
hoses fitted with quick release couplings and has a hydraulic motor driving
through a gearbox which simultaneously turns the special counter rotating
inner and outer auger system. There is little physical effort required and no
"kickback" is experienced through the drive unit because of the
balancing effect of the counter and rotating auger system.
Sandrill Accessories These come
with the sandrill as standard equipment and include: rod racks, rod mast, rod
mat, Drive Head stand, bore protector, sample removal equipment, pipe vice on
stand, hand auger (for setting up) and tools.
Sandrill Augers & Extention Rods The augers are 4.5
metres long, 45mm OD and have a special stainless steel spiral inside. The
auger takes 1.5 linear metre samples from the 45mm diameter hole which takes
about 30 seconds. The Drive Head is attached by a quick change bayonet type
coupling.
The extention rods are aluminium with steel threads and come in 3.0 metre
lengths with one 1.5 metre length to alternate. When drilling deep holes the
drilling string is raised and broken into 6 or 9 metre sections which are
stood in the mast (Christmas tree) provided. One hundred metres can be raised
in 12 minutes by an experience crew. The auger is removed and while the
sample is being emptied, another auger is fitted and lowered, to start the
cycle over. The full cycle takes from 2 to 25 minutes depending on the depth
and conditions
