Multifunctional core barrel system from Sandvik

Sandvik has introduced a multifunctional NSU (N surface and underground) core barrel system for core drilling applications, said to be the first of its kind to feature interchangeable components, along with standard and pump-in applications in a single system.

Chris Daws, Sandvik Mining’s core drilling product line manager, says the design of the NSU core barrel system not only increases productivity, but also offers a more cost-efficient solution by reducing net working capital and spare parts inventory, resulting in safer operations when handling the system.

Sandvik’s NSU core barrel system

“Our newly patented iQ-FCV valve provides and maintains a constant alert via sustained high water pressure, assuring the operator that the inner tube assembly has positively latched into the core barrel, eliminating mislatches and ensuring valuable time is not lost,” Daws said.

“For better water efficiency, the iQ-FCV has been designed to always retain the volume of water in the drill string even in broken ground or dry holes – an important benefit in core drilling.”

In addition, Daws said, the overshot attachment to the wireline no longer requires cable eyes or cable splicing, enabling easier maintenance and repair in the field. A newly-designed logic tip on the overshot allows for in-hole dry releasing of the inner tube assembly once the water level has been reached, shortening the release time.

“Our ‘intelligent’ overshot design is automatically latch-locking, while latches can be released without operators  having to use fingers in potentially high-risk areas,” he said.

A knuckle joint on the overshot ensures easier handling, particularly in confined underground drilling conditions, while load-rated breakaway safety pins also provide a safer way to release the overshot from stuck inner tubes.

“The Sandvik NSU – along with our forthcoming HSU (H surface and underground) – core barrel systems have a high commonality of components used in the core barrel head assembly,” Daws continued.

“With this interchangeable design for both systems, the NSU core barrel head assembly can easily be converted into an HSU core barrel head assembly, and vice versa. This will significantly reduce parts and spare parts inventory.”

Source from here