Drilling equipment selection for optimized surface excavation

摘要

The rock excavation process of quarrying is formed by the consecutive sub-processes; drilling -blasting - secondary breaking - loading - hauling - crushing - stockpiling - and delivery of saleable products. Each quarrying case is unique and needs to be planned carefully both in terms of working practice and selection of equipment so as to maximize the profitability of operations. Drilling represents 10-15% and blasting 13-16% of the total cost per produced tonnes of aggregate. Due to technical and economical consequences of the following stages of the excavation process; thorough attention must be paid to the proper selection of equipment in terms of performance, quality and ergonomy. Instrumentation is used to maintain proper drillhole alignment and length. In-hole deflection is minimized by using an optimal drill bit / drill rod combination, and when required - use of guide tubes or pilot rod solutions.