11 Drilling Operations

If the same system is used down to a depth of nine metres and at higher altitudes, the motor for the drill rig needs to be larger because it was working at its maximum capacity at 2000 metres. The Stihl 056 motor which was used to drive the compressor would probably be suitable. This system also needs modifications to the air cooling system. The simplest of these would be to extend the air intake away from the warm air environment created by the compressor.

The Winkie Drill tripod supplied by ANTNZ was also used beyond its safe working load at these depths. Unless the legs of the tripod can be braced at mid-height, the leg with the attached winch will bow out dangerously. The loading on the tripod was also increased by the addition of a block in the system to give a 2:1 ratio. The winch on the tripod is reasonably page break light weight and should be more robust for future drilling projects of this nature.