State- of-the-art sonic drilling
DRILLING through cobbles, sands, boulders, fill and bedrock is no longer a problem with Groundwave Drilling Services’ sonic drilling technology.
Groundwave managing director Duncan Black said the sonic drilling system employs simultaneous, high-frequency, vibratory energy.
This action produces a uniform borehole while providing continuous, representative, relatively undisturbed core samples of both overburden and most bedrock formations. If you are doing an site investigation (SI) on a tailings dam there is no better method.
The sonic system has many advantages, but the most unique is the inherent ability to obtain large diameter continuous core samples of almost any overburden (or rock) formation without the use of air, fluid or additive circulation, and often with or without rotation.
Mr Black said there was not a lot of in-hole testing the company can’t do, with the ability to do SPT’s, Diamond Tails and push CPT cones directly from the one drill. Experienced sonic drillers are the key to maximising the sonic technology and Groundwave Drilling has the most skilled sonic drillers in APAC.
The company has long been a pioneer in this drilling technique and boasts the largest and most diverse sonic fleet in the Asia Pacific region, with a portfolio of projects in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Antarctica, and the Pacific Islands.
Groundwave Drilling is also ISO-accredited and services the mining, construction and environmental sectors.
“Our speciality sonic drilling services set us apart from others,” Mr Black said.
“We provide world-class drilling services using diverse and innovative techniques to achieve the very best results for our clients.”
Backed by decades of drilling experience, Groundwave prides itself on being safe, reliable and environmentally sustainable.
“With nine sonic drilling rigs all capable of rotary drilling methods, we can provide a drill for jobs large and small,” Mr Black said.
“Our drill platforms range in size from 3000kg to 18,000kg and can drill holes to depths of 240m.
“No other company can match us for versatility and experience and with offices in Perth and Melbourne we can cover all states.”
Mr Black also made the point that although the company specialises in sonic drilling, they also have small footprint tight access rotary drills rigs which can handle most site investigations.
Furthermore, Groundwave Drilling has established industry-leading incident and hazard reporting and investigation procedures that enable the team to analyse potential safety issues and fix problems that have the potential to cause harm, minimising the risk to its staff and clients.
“We are aware of the impact that all drilling operations have on the environment and are committed to keeping our footprint to a minimum on each project,” Mr Black said.
“On a case by case basis, we devise solutions to minimise the negative impact of our business operations on surrounding vegetation, wildlife and waterways.”
Groundwave Drilling recognises that the protection of the environment is crucial to sustained economic growth in the future, and complies with all environmental statutes in the countries in which it operates.