Large Diameter Drilling
Refers to the process of drilling holes with a larger diameter than typical drilling operations. It is commonly used in various industries, such as construction, exploration, gas extraction, mining, water boreholes, dewatering and injection boreholes, refuge bays, ventilation shafts and geotechnical engineering, where the standard drilling methods are not suitable or efficient for the required tasks.
It is often used for tasks such as:
Large diameter drilling is frequently employed in foundation construction for buildings, bridges, and other structures. It allows for the installation of deep and wide foundation elements, such as caissons or drilled shafts, that can support heavy loads and provide stability. Large diameter casing installation and telescopic drilling methods are also common in large diameter drilling.
In the mining, large diameter drilling is used for exploration purposes that allows for the extraction samples or the drilling of boreholes to evaluate the presence and quality of mineral deposits or hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Large diameter drilling is also utilised drilling into landfill cell to extract greenhouse gases for the purpose generating renewable energy.
Large diameter drilling is used to create water wells for mining, municipal, agricultural, or industrial purposes. It allows for the extraction of substantial amounts of groundwater to meet the water demand of communities or businesses.
Large diameter drilling is performed to install dewatering and injection boreholes, refuge bays and ventilation shafts where mining activities are taking place. Large diameter casings are usually installed to the full length of the large diameter borehole to prevent cave-ins and stabilise the borehole. Telescopic drilling methods and casing installations is also commonly applied to seal off different sections in underground workings, water sources and unconsolidated ground formations.
Large diameter boreholes are drilled into underground workings that links the surface with the underground and is constructed to sustain life during an emergency or hazardous situation.
Ventilation shafts also known as airshafts or vent shafts, are vertical drilled holes into underground mine workings that assists with dilution and removal of hazardous fumes, hot or contaminated air and replaces it with fresh air.
