Suspension Core Drill - Project DRACO

摘要

A diamond core drill suspended by a single hose and powered by a water turbine has been developed and tested. For deep hole use, quick access and withdrawal are achieved as drill pipe is not used. 1-1/4-inch cores have been taken from blocks of Barre granite. Georgia marble, and Berea sandstone. Drilling speeds of 36, 40, and 90 Ft/Hr were achieved, respectively, using drill rotational speeds over 3,000 RPM. In addition to its use for core sampling, the device is capable of drilling deep holes including water wells, and for use with flame-jet drills to pass through non-heat-spallable zones. The system is inexpensive and portable. A major disadvantage is the requirement of large flows of water. But, a recirculation system is possible in many cases.