The implementation of nitrate-free emulsions in Boliden's blasting operations prompted an in-depth investigation into the accumulation of drill cuttings following drilling activities. This master's thesis aimed to understand the contributing factors and quantify drill cuttings, particularly in view of the planned introduction of a new explosive compound. The focal points of the study were the Boliden Kankberg and Garpenberg mines, where a rich variety of data sources were harnessed. The research encompassed a thorough literature review highlighting enduring challenges in drilling and factors that influenced cuttings transport. The study delved into the complex relationships between drilling parameters, including drilling angle, rate of penetration, lithology, and other variables, examining their role in drill cuttings generation and hole evenness. This thesis was a response to the planned introduction of nitrate-free emulsions in Boliden's blasting operations, catalyzed by concerning observations at the Kankberg mine. These observations revealed a significant presence of residual drill cuttings, which raised concerns about their potential impact on blasting effectiveness. The primary focus was on the Kankberg and Garpenberg mines, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of data mainly obtained by filming the drill holes after drilling. A noteworthy aspect of the study was the development and application of a MATLAB-based image processing code to estimate the volume of residual drill cuttings in drill holes. This quantitative approach served as a robust foundation for the investigation. One key finding of the investigation was the disparity in drill cuttings accumulation between the investigated holes in Garpenberg and Kankberg. The "Working from Backwards" approach, employed at the Kankberg mine, underscored the critical importance of controlled drilling angle and rate of penetration in mitigating drill cuttings and achieving uniform drilling outcomes. While this research shed light on these factors, further exploration was needed to fully grasp their intricacies and identify additional variables influencing drill cuttings and hole evenness. These findings offered vital guidance for the development of strategies and practices to enhance drilling operations in the future. Additionally, cluster analysis results emphasized the pivotal role of lithological characteristics in drill cuttings generation. The study provided practical recommendations, including the identification of lithological variations through enhanced mapping, the adjustment of drilling parameters, and the optimization of drilling methods tailored to specific lithologies. / <p>Successful</p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:ltu-107905 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | Sampa, Ng'andu |
| Publisher | Luleå tekniska universitet, Institutionen för samhällsbyggnad och naturresurser |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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