Photo: D-100 in action for one of QED’s clients in the Philippines. Photo Credit: QED
Quest Exploration Drilling (QED) continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation with the recent addition of the SCHRAMM T450 Crawler Rig to its fleet. Serving as the 100th drill in their line-up, the rig is fittingly designed for reverse circulation grade control drilling, showcasing QED's dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions.
In March 2023, QED successfully commissioned rig D100, a custom-built creation by the renowned Schramm Inc. team in Perth, Australia. This milestone achievement signifies QED's longstanding presence and success within the Philippine mining industry. It is worth noting that this rig is the first of its kind, tailored to meet the specific requirements of one of QED's valued clients in the Philippines.
Having been established in the Philippines in 2000, QED initially started as a modest operation following the acquisition of Orica's drilling division. Over time, the company has evolved into a reputable industry leader, offering a comprehensive range of drilling services including exploration, resource definition, geotechnical assessment, and water management. QED has further expanded its operations across Papua New Guinea and Central Asia, solidifying its position in the market.
Reflecting on the company's humble beginnings, Alan Blackley, Chairman and founding member of QED, recalls the initial fleet upgrade, which involved acquiring a second-hand rig named D1 from the Benguet-Dizon Mine. He explains, “We had drilled the discovery hole in the Boyongan and Bayugo copper-gold porphyry mineral deposits discovered by Anglo American and needed to provide more productive and suitable rigs for that project.” This project necessitated the deployment of more efficient and productive rigs." Consequently, additional drills were swiftly procured, setting the stage for QED's remarkable journey.
The SCHRAMM T450 Crawler RC Rig, unique to QED, is equipped with state-of-the-art hydraulic systems to ensure peak performance. This crawler-mounted drill boasts a 30,000lb lattice mast, facilitating easy mobility across various mine sites. With its top drive rotation and efficient pipe handling system, the T450 demonstrates exceptional versatility, significantly enhancing productivity on the job site.
Under the hood, the drill is powered by a Caterpillar C15 deck-mounted diesel engine, delivering a robust 580 bhp power at 1,800 rpm. This power is coupled with a Sullair compressor rated at 900 cfm @ 500 psi. The C15 engine not only provides reliable power to the air and hydraulic systems but also minimises emissions. Combined with the higher-pressure air, the increased power of the C15 engine allows the drill to effortlessly penetrate faulted zones, while ensuring the collection of high-quality samples. This crucial geological information can then be efficiently analysed to develop accurate resource and reserve models for exploration and grade control drilling.
The T450's carousel-style rod handler eliminates manual handling risks, substantially improving safety, reliability, and production. Additionally, its power break-out system enables hands-free breaking and making rod connections, enabling efficient rod handling with minimal effort and risk.
QED's strong commitment to safety is further evident in the rig's hydraulically operated passenger-side walkway and rotation guard. The inclusion of a service bulkhead for remote greasing and fluid drain significantly reduces spillages and potential contamination.
Wayne Smith, QED's Operations Manager, expresses his excitement about the new machine, stating, "We are thrilled to surpass targets and meet deadlines across a wide range of applications, whether in grade control drilling, RC drilling, or deep well drilling. We have already witnessed increased productivity, and we anticipate consistent gains in machine reliability as we move forward."
QED's formidable combination of highly skilled teams, experienced managers, comprehensive training programs, and acquiring the latest powerful rig establishes them as the ideal partner for your next project.
More information on QED’s services can be found at http://www.qedrill.com/.
References:
(n.d.). T450 Rig Series. Schramm Inc. Retrieved April 18, 2023, from https://schramminc.com/
Alan Blackley, personal communication, April 03, 2023
Wayne Smith, personal communication, April 13, 2023
