Sam is a professional driller. He has been working in the mining industry for the last 25 years. Sam knows the challenges of drilling – and he is willing to share his best tips and tricks. Whether you have a general question on drilling or need advice on a specific job, Sam is available to help you out. Go ahead, ask him!
Hi Sam!
My name is Carlos and I'm currently drilling in Mexico.
I'm having a problem with water return and the rock is extremely fractured. Plus, my torque is also too high.
What would you recommend?
Thanks! Carlos.
Hi Carlos,
This is indeed, a problem, but I can help you out.
Regarding your water losses, it might be a good idea to use drilling mud. I suggest Expand Coarse, from Matex, which is a product we can supply you with. Its purpose is to seal rock breaks, helping you getting your water return back.
Also, I recommand to keep on using mud to keep you water return. I suggest to continue with our Expand Fine, mixed with some DD 2000. This will help you with your water return, while helping reduce your torque, because of the viscosity of the product, and improve rotation.
Carlos, if you have any other problem, please do not hesitate to contact me again.
Enjoy drilling,
- Sam the Driller
Hi Sam,
I’m a driller in Val D’Or (Québec). Our company uses a lot of products and accessories from Fordia. But I’m wondering how to choose the right bit?
- Serge, driller in Val D’Or
Dear Serge,
First, scratch the rock sample with a MOH’S hardness tool (see MOH’S scale range in our Tips section).
Then, if it measures at least 6.5, is competent, coarse grained and slightly abrasive, try a Fordia Shark 6 impregnated core bit or a T XTREME 6-9 and review its performance.
Finally, if productivity is too slow – try a softer (higher matrix such as a Shark 7. If bit performance is too low, try a harder matrix such as a Shark 4 or a T XTREME 4-6.
Enjoy drilling,
- Sam the Driller
