SOP-D-005 Rotary Core Drilling (Wireline and Conventional)

Standard Operating Procedures
Document Rotary Wireline and Conventional Core Drilling

Reference BAS-SOP-D-005 Issue / Revision 0 Date 30/04/2012 Page 1 of
1.0 SCOPE
To define the processes involved in rotary wireline and conventional core drilling.
2.0 DEFINITION
Rotary wireline core drilling is carried out by a minimum of a two man crew. The Lead Driller,
who is one of the crew, will be suitably experienced and may hold relevant certification.
3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
The Meridian Drilling Site Supervisor is responsible for:

 inducting the site team on the contents of the work which includes the risk assessment
 the setting out of each borehole at the location required by the contract and agreeing any
revised locations
 the identification and avoidance of buried services or overhead objects at each borehole
location
 general site, safety and environmental management
 issuing drilling and testing instructions to the Lead Driller using a Borehole Instruction (or
similar) prior to commencement of drilling. These instructions may be varied as the
borehole progresses, depending on and / or as a result of conditions encountered during
drilling.
 Ensure all persons at the drilling platform, including site operatives and visitors, are aware
of the risks associated with drilling and wearing the appropriate PPE.
The Lead Driller is responsible for:

 ensuring that the control measures specified in the Risk Assessments are implemented
and advising the Site Supervisor of any change in conditions which may require those
measures to be varied
 the safe and environmentally sound condition and operation of the drilling equipment.
 the supervision of the drilling team.
 carrying out whatever coring, testing and installation required in the borehole as advised
on the Borehole Instruction,
 safely transporting and setting the rig up over the borehole location, the safe execution of
the borehole, and dismantling on completion
 proper backfilling of the borehole on completion and reinstatement of the borehole site
and access routes used.
 ensuring where practicable that the site adjacent to the borehole is kept tidy, and that
equipment and cores are accurately and properly labelled, stored and maintained as
necessary.
 ensuring the safe transportation of cores to a designated storage area at the end of each
shift, or on completion of each borehole.
 produce and submit daily records as detailed in the procedure below.
 Ensure all persons at the drilling platform, including site operatives and visitors, are aware
of the risks associated with drilling and wearing the appropriate PPE.
Drill Helpers, Geologists, other Site Operatives and Visitors
BADA African Services Inc. Woodbourne Hall. PO Box 3162. Tortola VG1110. British Virgin Islands
Commercial in Confidence
All other persons on the drilling platform must be made aware of the risks associated with
drilling. All persons working on the platform must undergo a platform induction. Any visitors
must be accompanied by an authorised person to escort them around the operational drilling
platform. All persons on the platform must wear appropriate PPE according to the drilling
operations taking place such as hard hat, safety boots, high visibility clothing, eye and ear
protection. All persons on the drilling platform must adhere to the instruction of the Lead
Driller at all times. Any person not obeying the instruction of the Lead Driller, nor wearing
suitable PPE, will be removed from the platform immediately or denied entry.
4.0 PROCEDURES
Rotary wireline core drilling is carried out as described in British Standards BS5930: Section
20.7 and as detailed below.
Pre-requisites
Drilling will normally be carried out using a rotary rig, core barrels and attendant downhole
equipment, casings (where necessary) and a flushing medium. It is normal for diesel engine
powered rigs to be used, however, electric or pneumatic rigs are also available.
The rotary rigs will be of either top drive or spindle driven and are mounted on a variety of
carriers, e.g. lorry, tractor, trailer, tracks or skids.
The core barrel could be conventional but for most mineral exploration projects will be of
wireline type.
Conventional coring may comprise double tube barrels of various configurations are available,
the most commonly used conventional barrels being the H to S sizes, or similar from the
metric T series, and wireline barrels being S size (see BS EN ISO 22475 Part 1 for nominal
hole and core diameters).
Wireline coring for mineral investigation would typically comprise NQ, HQ or PQ and consist
of a wireline barrel with core bit, inner sample barrel and overshot assemblies. Core is
retrieved by lowering the overshot assembly on a wireline until it latches on to the top of the
inner barrel. The inner barrel is then pulled to the surface with the core retained inside.
For conventional drilling, the barrels are usually fitted with a semi rigid plastic liner (coreline)
in which the core is withdrawn from the barrel and preserved prior to logging. For wireline
purposes, the core barrel often has two semi-circle splits which provide stability for the core
during the drilling and retrieving of core activities.
Core bits would normally be of the tungsten carbide, surface set diamond, impregnated
diamond or poly-crystalline diamond type chosen based upon the anticipated geology.
The flushing medium will conventionally be water, compressed air, air/mist, foam, polymer
mud or bentonite. The flush requires an attendant pump and/or compressor to accompany the
rig.
Coring can be carried out from ground level or from the base of a pre-bored hole. Where a
pre-bored hole is to be used it should be of sufficient diameter to accommodate subsequent
coring.
Selection of the drilling unit and associated equipment should be made after considering
access, ground surface conditions, likely downhole conditions, contract specification and
environmental constraints. Where casings are likely to be necessary the potential need to use
more than one size to progress the borehole should also be considered.
Setting up
Refer SOP-D-004 Set Up Drill Rig and Equipment.
Drilling
The boreholes will be numbered precisely as outlined by the Client or Site Supervisor on the
Borehole Instruction. The diameter and depth of core runs and the diameter and depth of all
casings will be noted on the Rotary Drilling Journal along with depths at which water is
encountered, strata descriptions (given the limitations imposed by using coreline), tests
carried out and any other relevant information.
Equipment and arisings will be placed so as not to present a hazard to the rig operatives, the
environment or the general public.
Where difficulties are encountered, e.g. significant core loss, borehole wall instability, loss of
flush returns, the Lead Driller shall inform the Site / Drill Supervisor. The Supervisor shall, in
conjunction with the Lead Driller, determine a course of action.
Where artesian water is encountered the Lead Driller shall immediately inform the Supervisor.
Under no circumstances shall the casing be removed from the hole until the artesian problem
has been addressed.
In the event of discovering an unexpected condition (e.g. contamination or gassing ground)

drilling should cease and an instruction sought from the Site Supervisor / Drilling Supervisor.
Working areas on the drilling platform will be kept clean and tidy at all times in order to limit
slips, trips and falls with materials stored correctly so that they do not become a hazard.
Handling Diamond Drill Rods
Each rod will be checked for sharp edges and burrs prior to lifting and moving the rod from
the rod carrier, to the rack, and finally to the face of rig. The drill helpers will make sure the
route to the rod rack and drill face is clear of obstacles and the ground is stable and relatively
dry. It is best practice to use two drill helpers to pull and carry the rod from rack to share the
weight. At all times the application of good manual handling techniques is imperative (refer
SOP-S-009).
To add a rod to the drill string, the rod is picked up by two drill helpers from the rack, and the
pin of the rod being added is placed in the box of the uppermost rod in the drilling string being
held in the foot clamp. When the pin is located in the box, the rod is pushed up by 2 offsiders
to meet the sub mounted on the drill head. The Lead Driller then lowers the head to located
the sub and when it connects the drill helpers must stand clear and close the safety cage
allowing the Lead Driller to ‘make up’ the joint.
Good visual contact is to be maintained between the Lead Driller and the drill helpers at all
times.
Casing
The Drilling Supervisor or Lead Driller must ensure the appropriate sized casing is available
for immediate use and that the correct sized lifting clamps are used for the casing size is
being utilised.
The Lead Driller will determine the running method of how best to get the casing to the face of
the rig, and whether a hoist will be used to run in the casing. The running method will be
determined by the size and placement of casing (ie back of rod truck or rod rack). It is
possible that the smaller diameter casing can be loaded in short lengths by hand.
Prior to starting, all equipment, including the casing, shackles, wire ropes and threads will be
checked to ensure they are in good working order.
To commence, the clamp or plug will be securely attached to the casing. The Lead Driller
then operates the winch to hoist the casing into position while it is guided by the Drill helpers.
Good communication between driller and helpers in the lifting operation is essential. Hands
are never placed inside casing and no one is to ever stand directly under any suspended
loads.
The inside of the casing is visually inspected to ensure each length is clear of foreign objects
and that there are no worn or damaged threads and burrs. Gloves will be used by all site
operatives at all times when handling casing.
The casing is lowered into the hole and held securely in the foot clamp, before the casing plug
is removed. The casing plug is then attached to the next length of casing and winched into
position and screwed to the leading length of casing. This process is repeated until the
casing has reached sufficient depth.
One occasion, small welds will be undertaken to temporarily join the casing prior to it being
drilled into the hole. This is to ensure the casing does not snap and snag the drill string. The
welding is small enough so it can be broken when the casing is removed from the borehole.
Core Retrieval
Once a drill run has finished, the core barrel is retrieved by either sending down the overshot
in wireline drilling or tripping rods if using a conventional drill string.
For wireline drilling, the following procedure is used to retrieve the inner core barrel.
 Break the core down hole and pull back the rods. Engage the hydraulic foot clamp and
break the thread on the rods
 After disconnecting the rods, the driller slides the rotating head to one side to allow free
passage of the overshot and wireline, with the rod slide in place
 Send the over shot down the hole. Ensure the wire line is free from tangle and the wire
line is tagged with markers.
 The Drill helpers must inspect the drill spooling action of the wire line drum.
 Ensure the overshot has latched on the inner tube and pull the tube to the surface. When
the over shop arrives at the surface, engage the safety lock before hoisting the inner tube
to the core rack.
 Safety chains must be used if six (6) metre core barrels are being used. Hook up the
safety chains (when necessary) and run the inner tube out on to the rod rack or core rack
ready to empty the core using the overshot.
 To run the spare inner tube back down the borehole to recommence drilling, ensure the
inner tube is assembled correctly and that the backend is greased, serviced and in good
working order.
 Connect the spare tube to the chain or overshot and run into the rods. Ensure the wire
line is not tangled or hooked up on anything and then release the overshot.
 The Lead Driller must make sure the overshot has latched before drilling is commenced.
For conventional drilling, the core will be retrieved by tripping rods in and out (refer next
section).
Tripping Rods into and out of the Borehole
This method is used to retrieve the core barrel during conventional drilling and for changing
the bit during wireline drilling. This process may also be employed should the drill string get
‘bogged’.
For conventional drilling, the hoist plug is screwed all the way into the box end of the core
barrel. The Lead Driller then operates winch to lift the barrel while it is guided by the Drill
helpers. The Driller helpers guide the barrel through the foot clamp. Using the winch, the
driller lowers the barrel into the hole and then grips the locking coupling of the barrel in the
foot clamp. The driller slackens the winch rope and the Drill helper unscrews the hoist plug.
Tripping the rods, which is done during both conventional and wireline drilling, is undertaken
by the Lead Driller letting out the winch rope and Drill helper takes hoist plug to the rod lying
on the rod rack. The Driller helper screws the plug into the rod and when the plug is screwed
completely into the rod, the driller operates the winch to lift the rod to the top of the drill string,
guided by the Drill helpers. The Lead Driller lowers the rod while offsiders guide the pin of the
rod being added to the box of rod through the rod spinner. The joint is then ‘made up’ by the
driller operating the rod spinner. When the joint is made the driller releases the foot clamp
and lowers the rod into the hole. The operation is repeated until the barrel reaches the
bottom.
Tripping the rods out of the borehole is a similar process to tripping in, however in reverse.
The Drill helper screws the hoist plug all the way into the threads of the uppermost rod held in
the foot clamp. The driller operates the winch to pull the rod up and positions the joint
between the rod spinner and foot clamp. The driller operates the rod spinner to break the
joint and unscrew the top rod. The drillers then operates the winch, while the helpers guide
the rod, as it is lifted and lowered on to the rod rack. The driller slackens the winch rope and
the Drill helper unscrews the hoist plug. The helpers then move the rod across the rack to
allow room for the next rod. The driller lets out the winch rope and the helper takes hoist plug
to next rod held in foot clamps. The above steps are repeated until all the rods are removed
from the hole, and the core barrel can be retrieved in using conventional drilling methods.
Core Handling and Presentation
Core is the primary reason for drilling and must be ‘handled and presented’ correctly to
ensure the client has a quality product.
The core is stored in trays once it has been extruded from the core barrel. The trays must be
cleaned, correctly labelled and positioned on a stable platform. The depth reached at the end
of each core run should be marked on the core and by core dividers (which are either plastic
or wooden). It is imperative that the correct measurements are used. A typical core box is
shown below.
The box should be labelled using the standard label format shown below.
Project No Core Box No.
of
Project
BH / TP No. Sample No. Date
Depth from Depth To
The core is released from the wireline inner tube by detaching the backend and the core lifter
case. If using splits, a brass plunger must be inserted into the tub prior to attaching the blow
out cap and pump hose. The driller operates the pump to push out the core. The Drill helpers
must not stand infront of the splits while pumping out. Six (6) metre tubes must be split into
three (3) metre sections for emptying the core. Drill helpers must not attempt to stop the core
coming of the tube with their hands as this may cause injury. The inner tube must be checked
for core that has not been removed. Again, Drill helpers must never look up the tube wihle
the blow out cap is attached. If core is firmly lodged in the inner tube, it may take additional
force to dislodge it. The inner tube must be firmly held with appropriate tube spanners, and
hands well clear of pinch points before attempting to knock the core free when sliding the car
into one end of the inner tube.
The core is then placed on the pre-pared core trays. It is important that the core is not
hammered into one tray, and is gently broken into sections so it fits neatly into the separate
core tray sections. If core is extruded from the inner barrel in broken pieces, it will be
arranged neatly in the core tray in the correct sequence.
If degrading muds and polymers are being used as flush, the core must be washed and all
grease washed / wiped off. Additional storing measures may be required if the core is
susceptible to degradation.
If any problems are encountered regarding recovery and storage of core, this will be reported
to the client as soon as practicable.
Recovery of Bogged or Snapped Drill Rods
On occasion, the rods in the borehole get bogged or stuck. When this happens, the driller will
retrieve the core inner tube which should give an indication of what has happened down the
hole ie burnt bit. .
For hard rock, the water is to be turned off to vent the water pressure from the borehole. A
suitable rotation toque setting is selected, which is dependent on the rod diameter and on the
manufacturers load rating. Then the action of slowly working the rotation back and forth while
applying pressure in an upward motion for between 15 and 30 minutes. If this does not work,
try to pressurise the rod string by using the water pump. If the rod string does not pressure,
begin working the rod string again by rotating back and forth and apply upward pressure and
this is continued for another 15 to 30 minutes.
If the rods are still bogged, the rod string is then left to relax (for approximately 2 to 4 hours) to
allow the ground pressure to subside. Then the slow rotation and upward thrust movement is
repeated for another 15 to 30 minutes. If this does not work, a discussion with the Drill / Site
supervisor and client must be undertaken to assess if the it is possible to reduce the drilling
diameter size. If it is possible, reduce drilling diameter and drill through the core barrel.
In soft ground, such as potash, when the rods get bogged the Lead Driller pressurises the
hole with water/mud. The action of trying to push the drilling string, using the drill head, down
and up using small and quick movements should be employed and continued for up to 12
hours.
If reducing is not possible or core tube is stuck in core barrel, employ the use of a casing
cutter.
Wire Ropes and Grips
Wire ropes on rotary drilling rigs need regular inspection and maintenance. A hammer and
chisel will be required to repair damaged winch rope. All hand tools used in the process must
be in good working order. Eye protection, gloves and steel toe capped boots must be used
when using a hammer and chisel.
If the winch rope requires changing, the process is as follows:

 pull enough rope from winch drum to allow the damaged part of the report to be placed on
a firm surface
 cut winch rope using a hammer and cold chisel
 replace the wire rope grips and thimble, making sure the widest part of the rope is on the
live side of the rope to stop the thinner u-bolt cutting into the load carrying side
 the rope grips should be evenly spaced with the bottom grip holding the thimble firmly in
place
 place weight on the winch rope to tighten the rope grips
 re-check and tension of the grips as required
 no drilling is to start until any winch rope damage is fixed and has been sufficiently tested.
Special Safety Considerations
Certain core barrels are very heavy, especially when full of core, and pose risks for manual
handling. Therefore the use of specialist handling techniques and/or equipment will apply.
Manual handling of core boxes should always be undertaken by two persons.
Cutting of coreliner can be hazardous and the standard procedure using a knife with a
retractable hook blade should be followed.
Backfilling and Completion
On completion of drilling, the borehole will either be grouted up or a monitoring device

installed. Details of any installation must be confirmed before backfilling. A precise record of
backfilling and/or installation will be made on the Rotary Drilling Log.
If it is not possible to extract the casing then the Site Supervisor will be informed to determine
further action. A record of size and depth of any casings left in the ground will be made on the
Rotary Drilling Log.
Where artesian conditions are encountered an instruction shall be sought.
The borehole will be properly reinstated so that no depression is left; a certain amount of
mounding may be required to achieve this in the longer term. The surrounding areas will be
left reasonably clean and cleared of any debris. Any excess spoil will be removed to the site
collection point and removed from site in accordance with the waste management
procedures.
Records
A copy of the Rotary Drilling Log will be given or forwarded daily, at the end of each shift, or
the following morning at the latest to the Site Supervisor who will check the content before
distributing as necessary.
5.0 REFERENCES (Forms, Guidance, etc)
Eurocode 7 Parts 1 and 2: 2007

BS EN ISO 22475: Part1: 2007
BS5930 Amendment 2: 2010
SISG : 'Guidance Notes for the Safe Drilling of Landfills and Contaminated Land'
Form BAS-SOP-S-023-F1 Rotary Drilling Log

SOP-D-005 Rotary Core Drilling (Wireline and Conventional)

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Standard Operating Procedures

Document Rotary Wireline and Conventional Core Drilling

The Meridian Drilling Site Supervisor is responsible for:

The Lead Driller is responsible for:

Drill Helpers, Geologists, other Site Operatives and Visitors

Refer SOP-D-004 Set Up Drill Rig and Equipment.

In the event of discovering an unexpected condition (e.g. contamination or gassing ground)

Handling Diamond Drill Rods

Tripping Rods into and out of the Borehole

Core Handling and Presentation

Project No Core Box No.

BH / TP No. Sample No. Date

Depth from Depth To

Recovery of Bogged or Snapped Drill Rods

Wire Ropes and Grips

If the winch rope requires changing, the process is as follows:

Special Safety Considerations

Manual handling of core boxes should always be undertaken by two persons.

Backfilling and Completion

On completion of drilling, the borehole will either be grouted up or a monitoring device

Where artesian conditions are encountered an instruction shall be sought.

5.0 REFERENCES (Forms, Guidance, etc)

Eurocode 7 Parts 1 and 2: 2007

Form BAS-SOP-S-023-F1 Rotary Drilling Log

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