Skip to main content
Conference Proceedings

Eighth International Heavy Minerals Conference 2011

Conference Proceedings

Eighth International Heavy Minerals Conference 2011

PDF Add to cart

The Development of the Aircore Sampling System

Heavy mineral sand exploration drilling prior to the 1970s generally utilised open hole auger and air-blast type drilling. However, mining reconciliations were poor and limitations on accuracy and precision of drilling results were severe.Working with the exploration companies, Wallis Drilling principals designed various systems, including what was termed the Eneabba System' and then the Capel Twin-Tube System'. Eventually the company with its improvements developed and patented the Aircore Drilling System.Aircore drilling has subsequently become recognised as an excellent drilling system for exploration and mine-sample drilling that gives good precision and accuracy in sampling both above and below water. Its use has also been extended to many other commodities and is used in a number of overseas countries.This paper documents anecdotally the development of the system, identifying problems encountered during the times it was evolving and of the means to overcome the problems as being the documentation of the story by the inventors and developers in Wallis Drilling Company. Aircore drilling system is a Western Australian technological development owing its existence to the designing and incorporation of a number of discrete improvements along the way and recognises the tenacity and inventiveness of all who contributed to the system, in both Wallis and also in a number of companies that gave the impetus to succeed._x000D_
FORMAL CITATION:Wallis, J M and Wallis, G D, 2011. The development of the aircore sampling system, in Proceedings Eighth International Heavy Minerals Conference 2011, pp 351-362 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).
Return to parent product
  • The Development of the Aircore Sampling System
    PDF
    This product is exclusive to Digital library subscription
  • The Development of the Aircore Sampling System
    PDF
    Normal price $22.00
    Member price from $0.00
    Add to cart

    Fees above are GST inclusive

PD Hours
Approved activity
  • Published: 2011
  • PDF Size: 1.009 Mb.
  • Unique ID: P201112029

Our site uses cookies

We use these to improve your browser experience. By continuing to use the website you agree to the use of cookies.