Enerflow celebrates commissioning and hire of flagship SKF Infinity Drill

After delivery of the original rig to the Wangara premises back on 1 March 2018, working under the leadership of the Mechanical and Drill Director Gareth Moody the SKF Infinity transformed into a reliable performer that has been quickly snapped up by one of the biggest producers in the Pilbara.

The transformation took 68 days and nearly 3000 man hours and has seen testing, certification of registered components, a rebuilt carousel, upgraded to 7 in. rods, rebuilt feed cylinder, refurbed cab and controls, refurb of rotatory head and motor, rebuilt deck and gangplank, extensive line boring to mast pivot weldments and modified deck mounts with bushes, rebuilt mast lock system, upgraded mast raise cylinder keepers, rebuilt raise cylinders, hydraulic motor overhauls, upgraded sealed electrical connections throughout, air system valving changes and repairs and a full host of safety features including state of the art visual and lighting instruments. Weighing in at over 80 t, the full support of the Enerflow team was required to co-ordinate the transformation and the 2000 km trip ahead of schedule into the centre of the Iron Ore heart of WA.

Drill Director Gareth stated: “The SKF Infinity is capable of a 12 m single pass hole, which provides some of the fastest drilling times seen in the Pilbara returning the client not only exceptional return on investment, but the ongoing prevision of the service kits and labour further cements Enerflow as an emerging and leading provider to the industry.

“The open nature of the drill provides the onsite service team easy access and reduced downtime, which will result in more drill meters, more processing, more returns and, most importantly, more jobs for West Australians.”

The SKF Infinity as pictured with the iconic Enerflow green back spider has some impressive statistics chalked up already. 20 000 l of fluids, driven by a 900 hp diesel motor, producing 80 t of drill head pressure and capable of drilling rotary and hammer drilling with four onboard drill rods. This drill is safe to say, the biggest diversification of the Enerflow business and cements the name within the Pilbara as the company that delivers innovation, quality and safety.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/exploration-development/16052018/enerflow-celebrates-commissioning-and-hire-of-flagship-skf-infinity-drill/