posted by the Epiroc Exploration & OreBody Solutions team
October 30, 2019
Picking the right diamond tool for your drilling project is a topic we’ve covered before in a lot of detail. We’ve written blogs and guides on how to choose the right core bit and the right configuration for that core bit. Oftentimes, our guides include a matrix selection chart to help drillers choose the right core bit depending on the hardness of the ground on Mohs scale.
Our chart provides options according to whether a higher crown height is available and what type of ground you will be drilling in. As we develop new products, we update the chart accordingly, adding the new products to an existing family or creating a new brand. We know that choosing the right tool is really important and can be confusing. We have merged and positioned our Fordia and Epiroc products and we are happy to announce that we have a new matrix selection chart
The engineering team started off by positioning each core bit according to the Mohs hardness scale. After that, the teams had to analyze the special “recipe” that makes each core bit’s matrix so they could better position them on the scale and determine what each bit’s range for optimal performance would be. Comparisons were made, questions were asked and a lot of discussion followed.
The new selection chart allows you to see which family of products a core bit is from and then allows you to choose from the best products according to ground variability, ground hardness and the height of the crown that is required. Ultimately, drillers will get more flexibility in their choices and will benefit from more combined expertise. The new chart is above and will be found in our guides and on our website. It’s important to note that this type of integration will be ongoing with not only core bits but with our other products.
The new chart is pretty intuitive and easy to use. However, if you are not sure about the best choice of core bit for the type of ground you will be drilling in, you can always contact our technical support team. They are always ready to share their knowledge and can give you some great advice on selecting the right matrix. Their goal is to improve drilling performance and make drillers’ lives easier.
