Mastering the Air
Mastering the Future
Drill Smarter with AirMaster
GeoRocFor now offers an innovative new option on the Xs GT3, Xs GTE3 and XS F3 systems; the AirMaster. Designed to significantly reduce the risk of air loss in the soil during foundation drilling, especially when using a down-the-hole (DTH) hammer. Air loss is a common issue when drilling through loose or unconsolidated soils, or when air is used to clear the borehole. This can lead to inefficiencies, instability, and even the risk of borehole collapse. The AirMaster option addresses this by controlling and minimizing the escape of air throughout the drilling process.
By integrating the AirMaster option with the overburden casing, it helps to maintain stable pressure within the borehole, ensuring that air is efficiently contained and directed exactly where it's needed. This controlled environment reduces the risk of soil displacement, contamination, and unnecessary loss of valuable drilling resources, such as air.
Our
systems
The Xs GT system is especially designed for piling, micro piling, anchor installation and other civil engineering applications.
The Xs GTE system is especially designed for piling, micro piling, anchor installation and other civil engineering applications.
The Xs F (Floating) system is especially designed for piling, micro piling, anchor installation and other civil engineering applications in shallow holes, whether the casing is left in the hole or pulled.
Danger of Air Loss
One of the greatest challenges when using drilling systems with a down-the-hole hammer is the loss of air into the ground. It is essential to maintain control over the drilling operation at all times. The contractor must be in charge of the works and manage the associated risks.
There are at least two main disadvantages when air is lost during drilling. Firstly, this air loss reduces the ability to evacuate debris from the borehole, which can lead to various problems. If removal becomes difficult or impossible, a large amount of debris remains suspended inside the pipe. In such situations, the air will naturally escape where it finds the least resistance, typically into the ground, thereby increasing the problem. Furthermore, when changing the drill rods, all this debris will fall to the bottom of the hole, which can prevent the down-the-hole hammer from restarting and increases the risk of it becoming stuck. It then becomes very difficult to move this trapped mass of debris inside the pipe.
However, the greatest danger when drilling conditions are not controlled is that escaping air can displace the surrounding soil, causing subsidence and ultimately damaging nearby structures.
Effects of Air Loss
- Differential settlement beneath existing foundations.
- Partial collapse of roadways or concrete slabs.
- Damage or rupture of underground utilities such as pipes, cables, and culverts.
- Cracking of nearby walls or foundations.
- Deterioration of joints in pipelines for water, gas, or sewage.
- Instability in older or fragile structures, including heritage buildings and dry stone walls.