TY - THES

T1 - Blast Result Improvement with MWD Logger in DTH Applications

AU - Hallett, David Charles

N1 - embargoed until null

PY - 2016

Y1 - 2016

N2 - The mining industry is constantly looking for new technology that has the ability to improve processes and make operations more economical. Measure While Drilling (MWD) has been developed for use on drilling rigs in surface and underground applications. This technology records machine drilling parameters over the length of a borehole which can then be used to interpret rock mass characteristics. Characterization of lithology and geotechnical features, detection of voids or fractured material, and verification of rock quality designation (RQD) are among a few uses. This thesis will focus on how MWD can be used to improve blast fragmentation. A case study using data captured by an MWD logger was performed at the Freeport-McMoRan Climax Mine in Leadville, Colorado USA. Over a week long normal drilling practices and driller tendencies were observed on three drill patterns. The following points were analyzed: · Relationship between logged penetration rate values and RQD block models · Detection of voids and fractured material and the effects on MWD parameters in these zones · The relationship between MWD parameters in different types of ground · Comparison of penetration rate characteristics in boreholes with different RQD values Discussion of the data analysis was then performed using results of previous research and that observed in the case study. It was found that penetration rate is one of the best indicators of variations in ground conditions. Relationships between penetration rate and rotational torque as well as penetration rate and airflow were found when encountering voids and fractured zones. Suggestions were made on how this data could be used to vary charge density along the length of a borehole for improved fragmentation and optimization of the blasting process.

AB - The mining industry is constantly looking for new technology that has the ability to improve processes and make operations more economical. Measure While Drilling (MWD) has been developed for use on drilling rigs in surface and underground applications. This technology records machine drilling parameters over the length of a borehole which can then be used to interpret rock mass characteristics. Characterization of lithology and geotechnical features, detection of voids or fractured material, and verification of rock quality designation (RQD) are among a few uses. This thesis will focus on how MWD can be used to improve blast fragmentation. A case study using data captured by an MWD logger was performed at the Freeport-McMoRan Climax Mine in Leadville, Colorado USA. Over a week long normal drilling practices and driller tendencies were observed on three drill patterns. The following points were analyzed: · Relationship between logged penetration rate values and RQD block models · Detection of voids and fractured material and the effects on MWD parameters in these zones · The relationship between MWD parameters in different types of ground · Comparison of penetration rate characteristics in boreholes with different RQD values Discussion of the data analysis was then performed using results of previous research and that observed in the case study. It was found that penetration rate is one of the best indicators of variations in ground conditions. Relationships between penetration rate and rotational torque as well as penetration rate and airflow were found when encountering voids and fractured zones. Suggestions were made on how this data could be used to vary charge density along the length of a borehole for improved fragmentation and optimization of the blasting process.

M3 - Master's Thesis (University Course)

ER -