Patent ID: 8517122
Filing Date: 2013-08-27
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A separator apparatus suitable for separating an air/water mixture into discrete air and water streams during drilling of a blast hole, the separator apparatus including a separator body which is adapted to be installed at a distal or lower region of a drill string and when installed at the distal or lower region forms a separation chamber comprising an inlet adapted to receive the air/water mixture, a first outlet in fluid communication with a drill bit attachment region for releasing air thereto and one or more second outlets in fluid communication with a wall of the blast hole and disposed in the distal or lower region of the drill string to release water separated from the air/water mixture in a region adjacent the drill bit attachment region, wherein the one or more second outlets include a variable adjustment means to vary the size of the second outlet and hence air pressure at the drill bit attachment region, wherein the separation chamber is an annular chamber disposed in a peripheral region of the drill string between an inner wall of the drill string and an outer wall of a neck region of a separator core, the inner wall of the drill string being substantially parallel to the outer wall of the separator core, wherein the at least one first outlet for releasing air from the separation chamber is disposed at an upper region of the separation chamber and the one or more second outlets is disposed at a lower or distal region of the separation chamber for releasing water from the separation chamber so that when in use water is inhibited from egress from the separation chamber through the first outlet, wherein air released from the first outlet lubricates bearings of a drill bit located at the drill bit attachment region.