Patent Description:
Above ground, open cut mining methods can involve blasting with explosives to dislodge bulk quantities of ore for excavation and recovery. Bench blasting is a process that involves drilling holes into rock to depths of up to <NUM> metres or more and filing the holes with explosive material to form a column charge that fractures the rock in a controlled manner. The blasting holes can have diameters as large as <NUM> to <NUM> or even up to <NUM> millimetres.

Blast holes are typically drilled using percussive drilling techniques. Percussion energy is generated by a reciprocating piston wherein each piston impact causes tungsten carbide buttons in the drill bit penetrate the rock. The drill string is rotated after each impact to turn the drill bit to a new position so that the buttons strike fresh rock surfaces. Top hammer percussive drilling is where percussion energy is applied by a piston to an upper end of the drill string. Down-the-hole percussive (DTH) drilling is where percussive energy is applied by a piston to a lower portion of the drill string, just above the bit. Top hammer drilling is generally used for drilling relatively smaller diameter holes whereas DTH drilling is generally used for drilling larger diameter holes.

Rotary drilling is another technique for drilling blast holes. Rotary drilling does not use percussion. Instead, rotary drilling applies a feed force and a rotation torque. The torque causes the bit to rotate, while the feed force holds the bit firmly against the rock surface. The combination of rotary torque and feed force enables the bit to penetrate the rock by cutting into the rock surface.

Most of the rock that is fractured after a blasting operation is removed by excavators for further processing. However, significant quantities of loose rock fragments, or "preconditioned" material, from the sub-drilled region after achieving the Reduced Level (RL) can remain on the bench in the location where blast holes for a subsequent blasting operation are drilled. A preconditioned layer depth of up to <NUM> metres or more can improve the efficiency of the comminution process by maximising the volume of fine fragmentation that results from the subsequent blasting operation.

Loose rock fragments from the preconditioned layer surrounding the blast hole, commonly referred to as the "collar" region of the blast hole, can collapse into the blast hole after drilling. Applicant's patent application <CIT> discloses a collar support apparatus for preventing surrounding loose rock fragments from falling or collapsing into a blast hole. The apparatus includes a normally flat flexible sheet that is formed into a curved form to define a longitudinal passage and is then inserted into the open end of a blast hole. The curved sheet closely faces an internal surface of the blast hole and forms a barrier preventing surrounding loose rock fragments from falling or collapsing into the open end of the blast hole.

However, even during drilling or immediately after drilling, and before the collar support apparatus can be located in position, surrounding loose rock fragments can collapse into the bore hole. Accordingly, there exists a need for a drilling system that minimises any chance for loose rock fragments from the preconditioned layer to collapse into the bore hole.

Also the process of manually manipulating a preformed collar support apparatus and inserting the collar support apparatus into the bore hole can be laborious and time consuming. Accordingly, there exists a need for a drilling system whereby a collar support apparatus can be positioned within a bore hole that is less laborious and time consuming.

<CIT> discloses a drilling head driving device in which two tubes curled from strips wound on spaced apart drums form an assembly for simultaneously driving the drilling head and casing of the bore hole. The first tube, including a drill head and drill bit attached at its free end, is driven downwards by means of a driving mechanism. The second curled tube for casing is arranged coaxially and connected to the first tube via a unidirectional interface such that a downward force pulls the casing tube down into the bore hole and an upward force disengages the interface and leaves the casing tube in the bore hole.

<CIT> discloses a method and device for introducing a tubular assembly into the soil in which a plurality of strips with a curved cross section separately wound on coils are unwound and the adjacent edges connected to form a tube. An axial force drives the formed tube down into the soil and the tube is withdrawn by disconnecting the edges of the strips and winding the strips back in their respective coils.

<CIT> discloses a method for continuously forming and installing a casing into a borehole while simultaneously drilling the bore hole. The method includes attaching a drill bit to the lower end of a rod assembly that produces a borehole. A casing pipe is produced from a plastic film which is unwound from a supply roll in the flat state and is formed into a tubular structure by means by guide rollers. A longitudinal seam of the film is sealed by welding to form the final pipe. As the bore hole is drilled the casing pipe is formed and is carried down into the bore hole by the drill bit at the end of the rod assembly.

Any discussion of background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that any of the documents or other material referred to was published, known or forms part of the common general knowledge.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention provides a bore hole sleeve apparatus for a bore hole drill having a tube member including a longitudinal internal passage for receiving a drill string therethrough and an external surface for facing outwardly against a wall of a bore hole, the sleeve apparatus being characterised by including the tube member adapted to be coupled to a mast of a mobile bore hole drill and to be positioned within the collar region of a bore hole; and the sleeve apparatus includes an actuator for lifting and lowering the tube member relative to the bore hole for temporary insertion in and support of the collar region of the bore hole.

Preferably, the tube member and the mast include a coupling for securing the tube member to the mast.

Preferably, the sleeve apparatus includes a coupling for releasably securing the tube member to the mast.

Preferably, the coupling is adapted for permitting movement of the tube member relative to the mast between a position in which the tube member is aligned with an axis of the drill string and another position in which the tube member is offset from the axis of the drill string while the tube member and the mast remain coupled together.

Preferably, the coupling includes a slot mount coupling.

Preferably, the coupling includes an adapter member secured to the mast that includes a slot for receiving a flange at an end of the tube member.

Preferably, the slot is defined between a pair of opposing plates that, in use, are oriented substantially parallel with the bench surface.

Preferably, the flange is adapted to enter and exit the slot with horizontal movement of the adapter relative to the tube member.

Preferably, the flange is adapted to move within the slot between a position in which the tube member is aligned with an axis of the drill string and another position in which the tube member is offset from the axis of the drill string.

Preferably, the flange is a substantially planar member fixed at the end of the tube member. Preferably, the flange has a polygonal shape. Preferably the flange has opposite tapering edges providing a narrower width at one end of the flange for guiding the flange into the slot.

Preferably, the pair of plates each include an opening, preferably located centrally, for receiving the drill string therethrough and for alignment with the longitudinal internal passage of the tube member.

Preferably, the opening through a lower one of the plates is open to one side of the plate for receiving the tube member therewithin.

Preferably, one or more protrusions extend from the flange for engaging the bench surface and for maintaining a gap between the flange and the bench surface. Preferably, the protrusions extending from the flange are adapted for engaging the bench surface and for supporting the mast thereon. Preferably, the protrusions are adapted to maintain the flange proud of the bench surface to allow one of the plates of the adapter to locate between the flange and the bench surface.

Preferably, the tube member is adapted to be self-supporting within the collar of the bore hole and is adapted for receiving a collar support apparatus within the longitudinal internal passage.

Preferably, the tube member includes a rigid, cylindrically shaped body portion with openings at opposite ends and the longitudinal internal passage extending therebetween.

In a preferred embodiment, the tube member is self-supporting with an end of the longitudinal internal passage at the level of the bench surface.

In another aspect, the invention provides a drilling apparatus, including.

In embodiments, the tube member is movable while remaining coupled to the mast between a position in which the tube member is aligned with an axis of the drill string and another position in which the tube member is offset from the axis of the drill string. These embodiments are particularly although not exclusively suited for smaller surface drilling platforms that are typically used for drilling bore holes of between about <NUM> to <NUM> millimetres in diameter, commonly referred to as "crawler drilling rigs".

In embodiments, the coupling is adapted for permitting the tube member to move axially while remaining coupled to the mast for lowering the tube member into the bore hole and for raising the tube member out of the bore hole.

In embodiments, the drilling apparatus further includes a sheet deployment apparatus for deploying a flexible sheet into the open end of the tube member located in the bore hole.

In embodiments, the sheet deployment apparatus includes a sheet former adapted to form a flat flexible sheet into a curved form and to feed the curved sheet into the open end of the tube member located in the bore hole.

Preferably, the forming apparatus includes a wide mouth inlet and tapers to a narrower round outlet to define a path for a flexible sheet and a feeding mechanism for feeding the flexible sheet through the inlet and the round outlet and into the tube member.

Preferably, the drilling apparatus includes a store of a plurality of the flexible sheets and a picker is adapted to pick the sheets one at a time. The flexible sheets can be flat and arranged in a stack or the flexible sheet can be pre-rolled sheet and including a tie that holds each of the pre-rolled sheets in the rolled form. In embodiments, the deployment device is adapted to pick one of the pre-rolled sheets and feed the pre-rolled sheet into the bore hole through the tube member.

Preferably, the drilling apparatus further includes a shroud adapted to be substantially sealed with the longitudinal internal passage of the tube member for directing cuttings and/or bailings that emerge from the bore hole during drilling.

Preferably, the shroud includes an axial passageway for receiving the drilling string therethrough and an outlet opening that is oriented transversely to the axial passageway.

Preferably, the outlet opening is adapted to be coupled to a flexible conduit of a vacuum apparatus.

Preferably, the shroud is mounted to the mast and an actuator is adapted to translate the shroud upwards and downwards in a linear range of motion.

Preferably, the drilling apparatus further includes an outlet located next to or underneath the mobile platform for directing cuttings and/or bailings that emerge from the bore hole during drilling to a pile adjacent to or beneath the mobile platform.

Embodiments of the drilling apparatus include various types of mobile drilling apparatus comprising a mobile, tracked platform comprising a drill mast supporting a drill string and accompanying percussion rotary air blast drilling apparatus. In some embodiments, such mobile drilling apparatus include smaller surface drilling platforms that are typically used for drilling bore holes of between about <NUM> to <NUM> millimetres in diameter, commonly referred to as "crawler drilling rigs" and produced by manufacturers such as Sandvik, Epiroc, Komatsu and Caterpillar. In other embodiments, such mobile drilling apparatus include larger surface drilling platforms that are typically used for drilling bore holes of between about <NUM> to <NUM> millimetres in diameter, commonly referred to as "platform drilling rigs" produced by manufacturers such as Sandvik, Epiroc, Komatsu and Caterpillar.

Embodiments of the drilling apparatus comprising the shroud for directing cuttings and/or bailings that emerge from the bore hole during drilling are advantageous when implemented in classes of larger mobile drilling platforms, such as those typically for drilling larger diameter bore holes of <NUM> to <NUM> millimetres. Such existing drilling platforms can comprise cuttings and/or bailings management systems comprising simply surrounding the bore hole with flexible curtains attached to and draping down from beneath the platform. Embodiments of the invention can replace or complement such existing systems.

In embodiments, the drilling apparatus includes a system for injecting a composition between the external surface of the tube member and the surrounding wall of the bore hole.

Preferably, the system for injecting a composition includes a store of the composition and coupled to a network of conduits and openings formed in the tube member. Thus, when the tube member is located within the bore hole the composition comes out of the openings and enters the space between the tube member and the bore hole or penetrates the surrounding loose rock fragments or both.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of drilling a bore hole including:.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of providing a collar support apparatus into a bore hole, the method including:.

Preferably, providing a support in the bore hole includes inserting a collar support apparatus comprised of a flexible sheet of material into the longitudinal internal passage of the tube member and; wherein removing the tube member from the bore hole leaving behind the collar support apparatus within the bore hole.

Preferably, moving the mast relative to the tube member includes moving the mast between a position in which the tube member is aligned with an axis of the drill string and another position in which the tube member is offset from the axis of the drill string while the tube member and the mast remain coupled together.

Preferably, removing the tube member from the bore hole includes manoeuvring the mast to raise the tube member out of the bore hole.

Preferably, coupling the tube member to the mast includes horizontally translating the mast relative to the tube member. In an embodiment, uncoupling the tube member and the mast also includes horizontally translating the mast relative to the tube member.

Preferably, an adapter secured to the mast includes a slot and an end of the tube member includes a flange, whereby the horizontal movement of the mast relative to the tube member causes the flange to move into or out of the slot.

In embodiments, providing a support in the bore hole for stabilising the collar region of the bore hole includes injecting a composition between the external surface of the tube member and the surrounding wall of the bore hole.

In embodiments, the injected composition cures or otherwise hardens or solidifies to become self-supporting or binds the loose rock fragments to form a composite collar support.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a sheet forming device adapted to form a flat flexible sheet into a curved form and to feed the curved sheet into a tube member located within the collar region of a bore hole, the device including:.

Preferably, the forming apparatus includes a wide mouth inlet and tapers to a narrower round outlet to define a path for the flexible sheet wherein the feeding mechanism feeds the flexible sheet through the inlet and the outlet of the forming apparatus and into the tube member.

Preferably, a plurality of the flexible sheets are arranged in a stack from which the feed mechanism is configured to pick the sheets one at a time.

Preferably, the sheet forming device is configured for attachment to a mast of a bore hole drilling apparatus.

The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures, wherein:.

The invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the Figures.

Blast-hole drilling is a technique that is used in the extraction of minerals and rock products from surface mines and quarries. A bore-hole drill produces bore holes according to a predetermined pattern and depth. The holes are then charged with explosive and the minerals and rocks are blasted and fragmented for subsequent removal by excavators for further processing. Significant quantities of loose rock fragments, or "preconditioned" material, can remain on the bench from the sub-drilled region after achieving the Reduced Level (RL). A preconditioned layer depth of up to <NUM> metres or more can improve the efficiency of the comminution process by maximising the volume of fine fragmentation that results from the subsequent blasting operation.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the present invention is directed to a sleeve apparatus <NUM> that is adapted for use with a drilling rig <NUM> for drilling bore holes. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the sleeve apparatus <NUM> includes a tube member <NUM> adapted in use to be located within a bore hole in a manner that will be described in further detail below. The tube member <NUM> includes a longitudinal internal passage <NUM> for receiving a drill string of the drilling rig therethrough. The tube member <NUM> also includes an external surface <NUM> for facing outwardly against a wall of the bore hole.

The sleeve apparatus <NUM>, in particular the tube member <NUM>, is adapted to support the collar of the bore hole <NUM> during drilling and immediately after drilling and before a collar support apparatus can be located in position within the collar of the bore hole <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sleeve apparatus <NUM>, and in particular the tube member <NUM>, is adapted to receive a collar support apparatus therewithin. The tube member <NUM> can thereby assist in the steps of forming the normally flat collar support apparatus into a curved form and inserting the collar support apparatus into the bore hole.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an exemplary mobile drilling rig <NUM> for drilling bore-holes <NUM>. The illustrated drilling rig <NUM> is a percussive top-hammer type drilling rig. However, it is to be appreciated that the present invention has broader application to other types of drilling rigs such as down the hole (DTH) and rotary drilling rigs. The embodiment of the mobile drilling rig <NUM> illustrated in the figures is a class of surface drilling platform that is typically used for drilling bore holes of between about <NUM> to <NUM> millimetres in diameter, commonly referred to as "crawler drilling rigs". However, it is to be appreciated that embodiments of aspects of the invention are applicable to classes of larger surface drilling platforms that are typically used for drilling bore holes of between about <NUM> to <NUM> millimetres in diameter, commonly referred to as "platform drilling rigs". Platforms of the smaller and larger classes are known to originate from various manufacturers such as Sandvik, Epiroc, Komatsu and Caterpillar to name but a few.

The drilling rig <NUM> comprises a self-propelled vehicle <NUM> including a hydraulic arm <NUM> that supports a mast <NUM>. The mast <NUM> itself is adapted to support a drill string <NUM> comprised of a plurality of drill rods <NUM> and a bit <NUM> at the end of the drill string <NUM>. The drill rods <NUM> are coupled together by threaded connections therebetween.

In one aspect, the invention is directed to a bore hole sleeve apparatus <NUM> adapted to be coupled to the mast <NUM> in a manner that will be described in more detail below. In another aspect, the invention is directed to the combination of the mobile drilling rig <NUM> and the bore hole sleeve apparatus <NUM>.

The mast <NUM> carries a drilling head <NUM> including a reciprocating piston or hammer assembly and a rotary assembly which together are adapted to apply percussive force and rotational torque to the drill string <NUM>. The drilling head <NUM> can be raised and lowered by a hydraulically driven up-down feed system <NUM> to enable pipes or rods to be removed from, or added to, the drill string.

The mast <NUM> contains a store <NUM> of a plurality of the drill rods <NUM>. During a drilling operation, when the top of the uppermost drill rod <NUM> reaches the bottom of the mast <NUM> a subsequent drill rod <NUM> is swung into position by the drill rod feed system <NUM> and into axial alignment with the uppermost drill rod <NUM> of the drill string <NUM>. The drilling head <NUM> engages and rotates the subsequent drill rod <NUM> to threadably couple with the top of the drill rod <NUM> below. The drilling head <NUM> then resumes drilling by applying percussive force and rotational torque to the drill string <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the sleeve apparatus <NUM> includes the tube member <NUM> that in use is adapted to be located within the bore hole <NUM> that has been drilled or is in the process of being drilled by the drilling rig <NUM>. Preferably, the tube member <NUM> is formed of a rigid and durable material such as metal (e.g. mild steel). The tube member <NUM> is configured to be releasably coupled to the bottom of the mast <NUM>. When coupled to the mast <NUM>, the longitudinal internal passage <NUM> of the tube member <NUM> is adapted to be aligned with the axis of the drill string <NUM> to receive the drill string <NUM> therethrough.

The external surface <NUM> of the tube member <NUM> is adapted for facing outwardly against a wall of the bore hole <NUM>. The diameter of the external surface <NUM> of the tube member <NUM> is ideally slightly greater, or slightly less or about the same as the diameter of the drill bit <NUM>. The diameter of the external surface <NUM> of the tube member <NUM> is ideally slightly greater, or slightly less or about the same as the diameter of the bore hole <NUM> to be formed thereby. Accordingly, different diameter tube members <NUM> may be provided for use with different diameter drill bits <NUM> and/or different diameter bore holes <NUM>.

In some bore hole drilling operations, a preconditioned layer depth of up to <NUM> metres or more can be employed. The section of the bore hole <NUM> in the preconditioned layer is sometimes referred to as the "collar". The preconditioned layer is comprised of fragmented rock which can consist of a wide range of particle sizes including fine, medium, and coarse with ranges of <NUM> to <NUM> or more. The bore hole sleeve apparatus <NUM> is adapted to provide temporary support for the wall of the bore hole <NUM> in the collar region, both during the drilling operation and after the bore hole has been drilled to the desired depth.

In another aspect, the invention is directed to a coupling between the mast <NUM> of the drilling rig <NUM> and the tube member <NUM> for securing the tube member <NUM> to the mast <NUM>. As will be apparent from the foregoing description, in embodiments disclosed herein, the coupling is adapted for permitting movement of the tube member <NUM> relative to the mast <NUM> between a position in which the tube member <NUM> is aligned with an axis of the drill string <NUM> and another position in which the tube member <NUM> is offset from the axis of the drill string <NUM> while the tube member <NUM> and the mast <NUM> remain coupled together.

Referring to <FIG>, the tube member <NUM> has openings <NUM>, <NUM> at opposite ends <NUM>, <NUM> thereof. The longitudinal passage <NUM> extends between the openings <NUM>, <NUM>. At one of the ends <NUM>, the tube member <NUM> includes a flange <NUM> extending radially outwardly from an edge around the opening <NUM>. The flange <NUM> is comprised of a plate which may be welded or otherwise fixed or formed integral with the end <NUM> of the tube member <NUM>. The flange <NUM> illustrated in the Figures is a substantially planar member fixed, such as by welding, at the end <NUM> of the tube member <NUM>. The flange <NUM> has a polygonal shape with opposite lateral edges <NUM>, <NUM>. The opposite lateral edges include parallel edge sections 117a, 118a and tapering sections 117b, 118b. The tapering edge sections 117b, 118b provide a narrower width dimension at one end <NUM> of the flange <NUM>. In other embodiments, the flange <NUM> may be round or in part round or oval shaped. Protrusions <NUM> extend from a lower surface of the flange <NUM> that, in use, are adapted to engage the surface of the bench. The protrusions <NUM> function to maintain the flange <NUM> spaced above the surface of the bench, or proud of the surface.

Referring to <FIG>, an adapter <NUM> is provided that, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, is configured to be secured to the mast <NUM>. The adapter <NUM> includes a foot pad <NUM> that in some circumstances is adapted to engage the bench surface during a drilling operation to at least partially support and maintain the stability of the mast <NUM>. A riser <NUM> extends upwardly from foot pad <NUM> and is adapted to be coupled to the end of the mast <NUM>. The riser <NUM> can be configured to substitute and fit in place of the riser of a proprietary foot assembly for the mast <NUM> of the drill rig <NUM>, such as the proprietary foot assembly of <FIG>. In other words, the adapter <NUM>, including the foot pad <NUM> and riser <NUM>, can be configured to be a straight swap for the proprietary foot assembly <NUM>, such as is illustrated in <FIG>. In other embodiments, the adapter <NUM> is configured without a foot pad <NUM> or is configured without a foot pad <NUM> and riser <NUM> and instead is coupled to the riser and foot pad of the proprietary foot assembly <NUM>.

The adapter <NUM> also includes a horizontally oriented slot <NUM> defined between horizontally oriented upper and lower plates <NUM>, <NUM>. The slot <NUM> is closed at laterally opposite sides <NUM>, <NUM> and is open to one end <NUM>. In an embodiment not illustrated, the lower plate <NUM> flares outwardly, however both the upper and lower plates <NUM>, <NUM> can flare outwardly at the open end <NUM> of the slot <NUM> or neither can be flared outwardly. The upper and lower plates <NUM>, <NUM> are located horizontally adjacent to the foot pad <NUM>.

The riser <NUM> is formed with a vertical upright section <NUM> and a pair of opposite gusset sections <NUM>, <NUM> extending between the upright section and the upper and lower plates <NUM>, <NUM>. The gusset sections <NUM>, <NUM> provide structural support and rigidity for the connection between the vertical upright section <NUM> and the upper and lower plates <NUM>, <NUM>.

The upper and lower plates <NUM>, <NUM> each include a central opening <NUM>, <NUM> that, when coupled to the mast <NUM>, are both axially aligned with the drill string <NUM>. The gusset sections <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged opposite each other and are spaced apart by a distance at least equal to or greater than a diameter of the central opening <NUM> in the upper plate <NUM>. The central opening <NUM> of the lower plate <NUM> opens to the side <NUM> so that the flange <NUM> can be received into the slot <NUM> through the opening on the side <NUM> and be positioned between the upper and lower plates <NUM>, <NUM> with the tube member <NUM> extending downwardly through the central opening <NUM> in the lower plate <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The horizontally oriented slot <NUM> and the flange <NUM> together provide a slot mount coupling between the tube member <NUM> and the adapter <NUM>. It will be appreciated that in some circumstances the tube member <NUM> and the adapter <NUM>, and in turn the mast <NUM>, can be releasably coupled by horizontally translating the adapter <NUM> relative to the tube member <NUM>.

As the adapter <NUM> translates horizontally relative to the tube member <NUM> the lower plate <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> is received in the space between the flange <NUM> and the surface of the bench maintained by the protrusions <NUM>. Thus, the protrusions <NUM> elevate the flange <NUM> above the surface of the bench to allow flange <NUM> to locate below and engage the bottom surface of the flange <NUM>.

The tube member <NUM> and the adapter <NUM> are configured so that the tube member <NUM> is movable between a position in which the tube member <NUM> is aligned with an axis of the drill string <NUM> and another position in which the tube member <NUM> is offset from the axis of the drill string <NUM>. This can be achieved through different means. However, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures this is achieved by the relative movement of the flange <NUM> relative to the horizontally oriented slot <NUM>. During the movement of the tube member <NUM> and the adapter, the flange <NUM> is located within the slot <NUM> between the upper and lower plates <NUM>, <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>.

The height of the protrusions <NUM> extending from the flange <NUM> of the tube member <NUM> is greater than the combined height of the lower plate <NUM> and the foot pad <NUM>, and any protrusions associated with the foot pad. The protrusions <NUM> elevate the flange <NUM> above the surface of the bench by a height sufficient to allow the lower plate <NUM> and any protrusions associated with the foot pad <NUM>, if any, to locate under the flange <NUM> and still be clear of the surface of the bench. Accordingly, the protrusions <NUM> of the tube member <NUM> have a height sufficient so that when resting on the bench surface the adapter <NUM> can be clear of the bench surface and can move horizontally relative to the tube member <NUM> while the flange <NUM> is located within the slot <NUM>.

In use, the drill string <NUM> passes through central openings <NUM>, <NUM> of the upper and lower plates <NUM>, <NUM> and, in turn, through the longitudinal internal passage <NUM> within the tube member <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

In another embodiment, the adapter <NUM> may be configured to fit with the proprietary foot assembly. In such an embodiment, the adapter <NUM> may not include the foot pad <NUM> or the riser <NUM> and instead may be largely comprised only of the horizontally oriented upper and lower plates <NUM>, <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a frontal section of an open end at the top of a single bore hole <NUM> is illustrated. However, it is to be appreciated that a multitude of such bore holes <NUM> would be drilled on a bench for a single blasting operation. The bore hole <NUM> can be drilled with a diameter as large as <NUM> to <NUM> millimetres or as much as <NUM> millimetres or more and to depths of as much as <NUM> metres or more. After drilling, the bore hole <NUM> is filled with explosive material appropriate for the ground conditions, such as a mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil (ANFO) or an emulsion or a mixture thereof and is primed for detonation.

An operator of the drill rig <NUM> causes the hydraulic arm <NUM> to manoeuvre the mast <NUM> with the adapter <NUM> secured thereto. The tube member <NUM> is preferably supported upright, such as on a vehicle or some other support structure, with the flange <NUM> at the top. The mast <NUM> is manoeuvred so that the slot <NUM> is oriented in alignment with the flange <NUM>. The mast <NUM> is then manoeuvred relative to the tube member <NUM> so that the flange <NUM> is received into the slot <NUM> whereby the tube member <NUM> and the adapter <NUM>, and the mast <NUM> connected thereto, are coupled together.

The width dimension of the slot <NUM> between the closed laterally opposite sides <NUM>, <NUM> is greater than the width dimension between the parallel edge sections 117a, 118a of the flange <NUM>. The tapering edge sections 117b, 118b provide a narrower width dimension at one end <NUM> of the flange <NUM> to assist in guiding the flange <NUM> into the slot <NUM>.

The drilling rig <NUM> is moved into position adjacent to the location at which a bore hole <NUM> is to be drilled. As illustrated in <FIG> the drill string <NUM> is then lowered down through the tube member <NUM> and into engagement with the surface of the bench. The drill head <NUM> is activated and because the top layer of material is preconditioned the drill bit <NUM> penetrates relatively easily. The operator causes the hydraulic arm <NUM> to lower the mast <NUM> which in turn lowers the tube member <NUM> until the protrusions <NUM> extending from the lower surface of the flange <NUM> engage the surface of the bench as illustrated in <FIG>. At this point, the tube member <NUM> is almost completely below the surface of the bench with the external surface <NUM> of the tube member <NUM> facing outwardly against the wall of the bore hole <NUM> and the flange <NUM> spaced above the surface of the bench, or proud of the surface. of the bench.

Drilling continues until the desired hole depth is reached. The drill string <NUM> is then withdrawn from the bore hole <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG> the mast <NUM> is manoeuvred horizontally so that the flange <NUM> moves relative to the slot <NUM>.

In an embodiment, not illustrated in the figures the mast <NUM> is manoeuvred horizontally so that the flange <NUM> moves out of the slot <NUM> whereby the tube member <NUM> and the adapter <NUM>, and the mast <NUM> connected thereto, are uncoupled. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the mast <NUM> is manoeuvred horizontally so that the flange <NUM> moves relative to the slot <NUM> but still remains within the slot <NUM> between the upper and lower plates <NUM>, <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>. Embodiments in which the flange <NUM> remains within the slot <NUM> are advantageous in that they do not require the operator to reposition the lower plate <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> in the relatively small space between the flange <NUM> and to surface of the bench.

The bore hole sleeve apparatus <NUM> is adapted for use with a collar support apparatus <NUM> for preventing loose rock fragments in the preconditioned layer from falling or collapsing into the bore hole, such as the apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

The collar support apparatus <NUM> includes a flexible sheet <NUM> including a pair of opposite surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> and a pair of spaced apart longitudinally extending side edges <NUM>, <NUM> and a pair of spaced apart laterally extending end edges <NUM>, <NUM>. The normally flat sheet <NUM> being adapted, in use, to be formed into a curved, substantially cylindrical shape to define a longitudinal passage <NUM> extending between openings at longitudinally opposite ends <NUM>, <NUM>.

The flexible sheet <NUM> is preferably comprised of a resilient material, such as a resiliently flexible polymeric material which may be reinforced with nylon or some other flexible reinforcement. The sheet <NUM> is preferably rectangular in shape such that the side edges <NUM>, <NUM> are parallel and the end edges <NUM>, <NUM> are also parallel. The side edges <NUM>, <NUM> are tapered at one end. The sheet <NUM> includes a series of apertures <NUM> that are arranged in laterally spaced apart and longitudinally aligned pairs for use as hand holds and for hanging the collar support apparatus <NUM> when not in use.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the collar support apparatus <NUM> can be inserted into the longitudinal internal passage <NUM> within the tube member <NUM> when it is located within the bore hole <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the tube member <NUM> can then be removed from the bore hole <NUM> by carrying out the reverse of the process described above. That is, by manoeuvring the mast <NUM> horizontally so that the flange <NUM> moves within the slot <NUM> until the flange <NUM> is substantially fully within the slot <NUM>. The mast <NUM> is then lifted to bring the tube member <NUM> up out of the bore hole <NUM> leaving behind the collar support apparatus <NUM> within the collar region of the bore hole <NUM>. The resilient properties of the material from which the sheet <NUM> is formed allow the sheet <NUM> to expand and assume a substantially cylindrical form within the bore hole <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

One of the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the sheet <NUM> faces outwardly against the inwardly facing surface of the bore hole <NUM> and forms a barrier preventing surrounding loose rock fragments from falling or collapsing into the bore hole <NUM>. Because the material from which the sheet <NUM> is formed is resilient the sheet <NUM> tends towards assuming its flat form and this property causes the surface <NUM>, <NUM> of the sheet <NUM> facing outwardly to apply pressure against the inwardly facing surface of the bore hole <NUM>. At least part of the collar support apparatus <NUM> may also protrude above the bench surface to provide additional protection against surrounding loose rock fragments on the bench surface from falling or collapsing into the bore hole <NUM>.

The longitudinal dimension of the sheet <NUM> between the longitudinally opposite end edges <NUM>, <NUM> may be <NUM> metre, <NUM> metres, <NUM>, metres, <NUM> metres, <NUM> metres, <NUM> metres, <NUM> metres or more in length or any length in between. When positioned within the blast hole <NUM> the sheet <NUM> provides support for the internal surface of the bore hole <NUM> through a substantial portion of the wall of the bore hole <NUM> in the collar region.

The width of the sheet <NUM> between the pair of parallel side edges <NUM>, <NUM> is preferably, though not necessarily, slightly more than the circumference of the bore hole <NUM>. When the sheet <NUM> assumes the substantially cylindrical form within the bore hole <NUM> the side edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the sheet <NUM> slightly overlap. However, in another embodiment, the side edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the sheet do not overlap and are slightly spaced apart.

The drilling rig <NUM> is moved into position adjacent to the location at which the next bore hole <NUM> is to be drilled and the above described process is repeated. The collar support apparatus <NUM> remains in position within the blast hole <NUM> during a subsequent step of depositing explosives and other consumables into the bore hole <NUM>. After the bore hole is charged and primed the collar support apparatus <NUM> can be removed from the bore hole <NUM> or partially withdrawn and formed into a funnel shape prior to depositing of stemming material into the bore hole <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate another embodiment of the mobile drilling rig <NUM> for drilling the bore-hole <NUM>. The illustrated drilling rig <NUM> is similar to the drilling rig <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> and like reference numerals will be used to identify like features. The principal difference is that the drilling rig <NUM> further includes a deployment device <NUM> mounted to the mast <NUM> for forming a flat flexible sheet <NUM> into a curved form and inserting the curved sheet <NUM> into the bore hole sleeve apparatus <NUM> located within the collar region of the bore hole <NUM> to thereby form the collar support apparatus <NUM>.

The deployment device <NUM> includes a plurality of the sheets <NUM> arranged in a stack <NUM>. The stack <NUM> of the sheets <NUM> is supported on a frame <NUM>. The device <NUM> includes a sheet picker and feeder <NUM> that is operable to pick an individual sheet <NUM> from the stack <NUM> and feed the sheet <NUM> into a vertical forming apparatus <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the picker and the feeder <NUM> includes an arrangement of driven rollers operable to pick one of the sheets <NUM> at a time from the stack <NUM> however an arrangement of belts. However, any mechanical arrangement that is adapted to pick one sheet <NUM> from the stack <NUM> and feed the sheet <NUM> to the vertical forming apparatus <NUM> can constitute another embodiment of the invention.

The forming apparatus <NUM> is operable to form the sheet <NUM> into the curved substantially cylindrical shape defining a longitudinal passage <NUM> extending between openings at longitudinally opposite ends <NUM>, <NUM>. The forming apparatus <NUM> includes a wide mouth <NUM> and tapers to a narrower round outlet <NUM> to define a path <NUM> for a flexible sheet. A feeding mechanism feeds the flexible sheet <NUM> through the inlet <NUM> and the round outlet <NUM> and into the tube member <NUM>.

The illustrated embodiment of the forming apparatus <NUM> includes a funnel shaped portion <NUM> defining the wide mouth <NUM> and transitioning into a cylindrically shaped portion <NUM> defining the narrower round outlet <NUM>. The funnel shaped portion <NUM> and the cylindrically shaped portion <NUM> are defined by a side wall <NUM> preferably formed out of sheet metal or the like. Instead of the funnel shaped portion <NUM> the forming apparatus could comprise an elongated and substantially planar opening similar to the shape of the flat sheet <NUM> and gradually transitioning into the round shape of the cylindrically shaped portion <NUM>. However, other mechanical arrangements adapted to be mounted to the mast <NUM> of the drilling rig <NUM> for picking a single sheet <NUM> from the stack <NUM> and forming the sheet <NUM> into a curved form and inserting the sheet into the tube member <NUM> are within the scope of the disclosure contained herein.

Referring to <FIG>, after the bore hole <NUM> has been drilled to the desired hole depth the drill string <NUM> is withdrawn from the bore hole <NUM> and the mast <NUM> is manoeuvred horizontally so that the flange <NUM> of the tube member <NUM> moves relative to the slot <NUM> and the drill string <NUM> is offset from the opening of the tube member <NUM>. The round outlet <NUM> is thereby located above and in alignment with the open end of the tube member <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The deployment device <NUM> is activated to whereby a single sheet <NUM> is picked from the stack <NUM> and formed into a curved form and inserted into the tube member <NUM> located within the bore hole <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The deployment device <NUM> includes a further feed mechanism <NUM> comprised of one or more driven rollers or belt drive located at the outlet <NUM> for inserting the curved sheet <NUM> a desired depth into the tube member <NUM> and the open end of the bore hole <NUM>.

The tube member <NUM> may then be withdrawn from the bore hole <NUM> in the same manner described above with reference to the process illustrated in embodiment of <FIG>. That is, by manoeuvring the mast <NUM> horizontally so that the flange <NUM> moves within the slot <NUM> until the flange <NUM> is substantially fully within the slot <NUM>. The mast <NUM> is then lifted to bring the tube member <NUM> up out of the bore hole <NUM> leaving behind the collar support apparatus <NUM>, comprised of the curved sheet <NUM>, within the collar region of the bore hole <NUM>.

The deployment device <NUM> may be mounted to the mast <NUM> of the drilling rig <NUM> or in another embodiment may be mounted to a separate vehicle (not shown) or a trailer (not shown) coupled to a vehicle or any other mobile apparatus adapted to be manoeuvred around a site. The vehicle or other mobile apparatus may be a truck that is operable manually by a driver or in an embodiment is configured to operate autonomously or semi-autonomously. The vehicle or other mobile apparatus may comprise a control module that includes a GPS location device and is adapted for controlling a drive means and steering means of the vehicle. The control module is adapted to receive or be programmed with the coordinates of the location of one or more of a plurality of blast holes and to autonomously manoeuvre the deployment device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an embodiment comprising a moveable shroud <NUM> for directing cuttings and/or bailings that emerge from the bore hole <NUM> during the drilling operation. The shroud <NUM> is comprised of a body <NUM> comprising a hollow internal cavity with an opening at the bottom and at the top. The top of the body <NUM> is adapted to be mounted to a moveable shroud adapter <NUM> that is coupled to the mast <NUM> of the drilling rig <NUM>. The moveable shroud adapter <NUM> is adapted to translate upwards and downwards in a linear range of motion of about <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> is formed out of durable material such as a metal alloy and has a conical upper part <NUM> and a flexible and durable plastic or rubber lower boot <NUM>. The boot <NUM> is sealed around the opening at the bottom of the body <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> is positioned in alignment with the axis of the drill string <NUM> and the openings at the top and the bottom of the shroud <NUM> permit the drill string <NUM> to pass therethrough.

In use, the moveable shroud adapter <NUM> is adapted to lower the shroud <NUM> down towards the adapter <NUM> so that the boot <NUM> contacts with the upper plate <NUM>. The boot <NUM> of the adapter thereby provides a seal around the central opening <NUM> of the upper plate <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> is aligned with the longitudinal passage <NUM> of the tube member <NUM> so that the drill string <NUM> may pass therethrough to permit drilling to commence. The shroud <NUM>, including the boot <NUM>, are sized and configured to be positionable between the gusset sections <NUM>, <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>.

During drilling, as illustrated in <FIG>, cuttings and/or bailings that emerge from the bore hole <NUM> travel up through the longitudinal passage <NUM> of the tube member <NUM> and emerge out of the opening <NUM>. The cuttings and/or bailings that emerge out of the opening <NUM> of the tube member <NUM> are directed up into the body <NUM> of the shroud <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> includes an outlet opening <NUM> for the cuttings and/or bailings to exit the body <NUM> of the shroud. The outlet opening <NUM> is oriented transversely to the axis of the drill string <NUM>.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> the outlet opening <NUM> is uncovered so that the cuttings and/or bailings can freely emerge from the outlet opening <NUM> and be distributed onto the bench surface adjacent to the bore hole <NUM> being drilled. This embodiment is suited for wet drilling operations where a slurry comprising the cuttings and/or bailings mixed with water emerge from the bore hole <NUM>.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the outlet opening <NUM> is coupled to a flexible hose <NUM> that in turn is coupled to a vacuum pump system. The cuttings and/or bailings that emerge from the outlet opening <NUM> are drawn through the flexible hose <NUM> and are deposited on the bench surface in a pile located a sufficient distance from the bore hole <NUM> being drilled. This embodiment is suited for dry drilling operations the cuttings and/or bailings that emerge from the bore hole <NUM> are dry and comprise a significant proportion of dry particulates.

The opening at the top of the body <NUM> of the shroud <NUM> includes a seal between the opening and the drill rods <NUM> comprising the drill string <NUM>. The seal between the opening at the top of the body <NUM> of the shroud <NUM> and the drill rods <NUM> prevent cuttings and/or bailings that enter the shroud <NUM> from emerging from the opening at the top of the body <NUM> of the shroud <NUM>. The seal may be comprised of a circular ring made of metal or of a durable polymer or rubber material. The seal is sized to within a relatively small tolerance around the external circumference of the drill rods <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate another embodiment of mobile platform drilling rig <NUM> for drilling bore-holes <NUM>. The illustrated drilling platform <NUM> can be for rotary or hammer drilling specifically designed for mining-duty although it is to be appreciated that embodiments of the invention may have broader application. The embodiment of the mobile drilling rig <NUM> illustrated in the figures is a class of surface drilling platform that is typically used for drilling larger diameter bore holes of between about <NUM> and <NUM> millimetres in diameter and are commonly referred to as "platform drilling rigs". Platforms of these larger classes are known to originate from various manufacturers such as Sandvik, Epiroc, Komatsu and Caterpillar.

The drilling rig <NUM> comprises a self-propelled tracked platform <NUM> including a hydraulic arm that supports a mast <NUM>. The mast <NUM> itself is adapted to support a drill string <NUM> comprised of one or a plurality of drill rods <NUM> and a bit <NUM> at the end of the drill string <NUM>. The drill rods <NUM> are coupled together by threaded connections therebetween.

The mast <NUM> carries a drilling head including a reciprocating piston or hammer assembly and a rotary assembly which together are adapted to apply percussive force and/or rotational torque to the drill string <NUM>. The drilling head <NUM> can be raised and lowered by a hydraulically driven up-down feed system to enable pipes or rods to be removed from, or added to, the drill string.

A bore hole sleeve apparatus <NUM> is adapted to be coupled to the mast <NUM> in a manner that will be described in more detail below. The sleeve apparatus <NUM> is similar to the sleeve apparatus embodiment <NUM> described above and so like reference numerals will be used in relation to like features.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the sleeve apparatus <NUM> includes the tube member <NUM> that in use is adapted to be located within the bore hole <NUM> that has been drilled or is in the process of being drilled by the drilling rig <NUM>. Similar to other embodiments, in the embodiment of <FIG>, an adapter <NUM> is secured to the platform <NUM> relative to the mast <NUM>. The adapter <NUM> is similar in configuration to embodiments of the adapter <NUM> described above and so like reference numerals will be used for like features.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the adapter <NUM> supports and retains the sleeve apparatus <NUM> relative to the platform <NUM> such that the drill string <NUM> can pass axially therethrough. The bit <NUM> engages the bench surface to initiate drilling of the bore hole <NUM>. The platform <NUM> includes a linear actuator, such as a hydraulic actuator, to axially translate and thereby raise and lower the adapter <NUM> and the sleeve apparatus <NUM> coupled thereto in the axial direction of the drill string <NUM> and the bore hole <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the sleeve apparatus <NUM> is lowered down into the bore hole <NUM> until the protrusions <NUM> extending from the lower surface of the flange <NUM> engage the surface of the bench. At this point, the tube member <NUM> is almost completely below the surface of the bench with the external surface <NUM> of the tube member <NUM> facing outwardly against the wall of the bore hole <NUM> and the flange <NUM> spaced above the surface of the bench, or proud of the surface of the bench.

The shroud adapter <NUM> and the moveable shroud <NUM> are coupled to the platform <NUM> to enable the shroud to be moved up and down in a linear range of motion. The shroud adapter <NUM> includes a linear actuator, such as a hydraulic actuator, is coupled to the shroud <NUM> to translate axially and thereby raise and lower the shroud <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the shroud <NUM> is lowered down onto the sleeve apparatus <NUM> and provides a seal around the central opening <NUM> of the upper plate <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>.

During drilling, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, cuttings and/or bailings that emerge from the bore hole <NUM> travel up through the longitudinal passage <NUM> of the tube member <NUM> and emerge out of the opening <NUM>. The cuttings and/or bailings that emerge out of the opening <NUM> of the tube member <NUM> are directed up into the body <NUM> of the shroud <NUM>. The outlet opening <NUM> of the shroud <NUM> directs cuttings towards the underneath of the platform <NUM>. In <FIG> the outlet opening <NUM> is coupled to a flexible hose <NUM>, however, it is to be appreciated that there may be no hose and cuttings and/or bailings emerge directly from the outlet opening <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, curtains <NUM> are located underneath the platform <NUM>. Curtains <NUM> extend along the length of the platform <NUM> adjacent to the tracks <NUM> supporting the platform <NUM> to block cuttings and/or bailings from entering the tracks <NUM>. A strip curtain <NUM> is extends transversely across the rear of the platform <NUM> between the tracks <NUM>. Optionally, a further curtain <NUM> is provided beneath the part of the platform <NUM> supporting the mast <NUM> to contain any cuttings and/or bailings from that escape from the shroud <NUM> or that otherwise move forward underneath the platform <NUM>.

When the desired bore hole <NUM> depth is reached, the drill string <NUM> is withdrawn and the shroud <NUM> is lifted. The deployment device <NUM> is mounted to the platform <NUM> and is adapted to pick one sheet <NUM> from a stack <NUM> and to form and feed the sheet <NUM> as a roll into the bore hole <NUM> through the tube member <NUM>. The deployment device <NUM> includes an inclined chute <NUM> to direct the rolled-up sheet <NUM> into the tube member <NUM> and clear of the raised shroud <NUM>.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, a store of pre-rolled sheets <NUM> are supported on the platform <NUM>. Each pre-rolled sheet <NUM> includes a tie <NUM> that holds each of the pre-rolled sheets <NUM> in the rolled form. The deployment device <NUM> is mounted to the platform <NUM> and is adapted to pick one of the pre-rolled sheets <NUM> and feed the pre-rolled sheet <NUM> into the bore hole <NUM> through the tube member <NUM>. The tie <NUM> can be connected to a ripcord that when pulled will release the tie <NUM> and thereby allow the sheet <NUM> to open up and come into face-to-face contact against the wall of the bore hole <NUM>.

The platform <NUM> can then move to the location of the next bore hole <NUM> to be drilled and the aforementioned process is repeated.

<FIG> illustrate another embodiment of a method of stabilising the collar of the bore hole <NUM>. The tube member <NUM> of the bore hole sleeve apparatus <NUM> provides temporary support for the wall of the bore hole <NUM> in the collar region and acts as a form as a composition is injected and, in some embodiments can penetrate the surrounding wall of the bore hole <NUM>. The composition is injected and cures or otherwise hardens or solidifies to become self-supporting or binds the loose rock fragments to form a composite collar support <NUM>.

The composition, which can be a fluid, is injected down a line <NUM> that is coupled to a network of conduits and openings <NUM> formed in the tube member <NUM>. Thus, when the tube member <NUM> is located within the bore hole <NUM> the injected fluid comes out of the openings <NUM> and enters the space between the tube member <NUM> and the bore hole <NUM> or penetrates the surrounding loose rock fragments or both. The tube member <NUM> remains in the bore hole <NUM> for a period of time sufficient for the composition to harden, cure, solidify to become self-supporting or otherwise bind together the surrounding fine and coarse aggregate material to form the composite collar support <NUM>.

In the time taken for the drilling operation to be completed, the composition will have cured and the bore hole sleeve apparatus <NUM> can then be withdrawn from the bore hole <NUM>. A small rotation movement may be applied to the bore hole sleeve apparatus <NUM> to crack adhesion with the surrounding composite collar support <NUM>.

The composition may be comprised of material, such as a polymer or resin, injected as a liquid and that subsequently hardens to for a structural, self-supporting sleeve between the tube member <NUM> and the bore hole <NUM>. Alternatively, the composition may be comprised of material, such as a polymer or resin, injected as a liquid and that penetrates into the surrounding fine and coarse aggregate material (i.e. preconditioned material) to form the composite collar support <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A bore hole sleeve apparatus (<NUM>) for a bore hole drill (<NUM>) having a tube member (<NUM>) including a longitudinal internal passage (<NUM>) for receiving a drill string (<NUM>) therethrough and an external surface (<NUM>) for facing outwardly against a wall of a bore hole, characterised in that:
the tube member (<NUM>) is adapted to be coupled to a mast (<NUM>) of a mobile bore hole drill (<NUM>) and to be positioned within the collar region of a bore hole (<NUM>); and
the sleeve apparatus includes an actuator for lifting and lowering the tube member (<NUM>) relative to the bore hole for temporary insertion in and support of the collar region of the bore hole.