Air Hammer Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Questions We Get About Our Air Hammers

• How does it work?
• Why should I choose an air hammer system over other rock drilling methods?
• How does it steer?
• Can I steer in non-rock conditions?

• Can I use a hammer on any drill rig?
• What is the environmental impact of this system?
• Can my transmitter survive the pounding action?
• Is any special maintenance required?

How does it work?

The Steerable Air Hammer System combines time proven DTH (down the hole) hammer technology with StraightLines' two-point steering system to deliver accurate bores in a variety of rock formations. Unlike a rotary cutting bit very little torque and minimal thrust is required to penetrate the formation. As the high pressure air passes through the hammer with the bit engaged into the face of the rock, the piston hits the back of the bit forcing the bit into the rock at up to 1,850 blows per minute. The air then passes through the end of the bit and forces the rock cuttings through the annulus and out of the borehole.

Why should I choose an air hammer system over other rock drilling methods?

The Air Hammer system is by far the most versatile hard condition drilling system on the market today delivering high production rates and low cost per foot of operation. The Air Hammer system performs well in a wide range of ground conditions from intermittent conditions such as boulders separated by soil, soft rock and even solid hard-rock formations.

How does it steer?

The air hammer system is equipped with a precise two-point steering system that includes a steering surface on the bit face in conjunction with a 2-degree bent sub to obtain its steering. The steering is accomplished by rotating between 2 clock positions. Example: you are nearing the completion of your bore and desire to begin steering up toward 12 O'clock. The steering operation is conducted by engaging the bit into the face of the tunnel and then rotating the down hole assembly from 9 to 3 and back to 9 (since effective hammering requires only light pressure on the bit face it is OK to carve in both the clockwise and counter-clockwise directions).

Can I steer in non-rock conditions?

Yes. The procedure to steer in a compactible soil is exactly the same as steering in rock, you rotate the bit between 2 clock positions.

Can I use a hammer on any drill rig?

Yes, StraightLines' Air Hammer System will turn any drill into a rock drill. It is as simple as installing a tee and a ball valve on the high pressure side of the mud pump to provide a path for the air supply to be directed into the drill rigs drilling fluid supply line. The initial installation of the system takes approximately 30-minutes and, once installed, connecting the Air Hammer system for your next rock bore takes only a few minutes.

What is the environmental impact of this system?

One of the indirect benefits of drilling with the Air Hammer system is its limited consumption of drilling fluids. Consumption ranges from 0 to 5-gpm and consists primarily of water, therefore the jobsite is kept free of excess drilling fluids yielding virtually no impact on the the surroundings. Additionaly, this method eliminates the costs associated with the management of excess drilling fluids.

Can my transmitter survive the pounding action?

Yes, the transmitter/beacon is placed in a sleeve-within-a-sleeve system. The inner sleeve features a low compression springs on both ends to absorb the shock created by the hammering action.

Is any special maintenance required?

The hammer must always be operated in conjunction with the support pack to prevent internal seizure of the hammer. As long as this is done then very little maintenance is required. It is always recommended that you oil the hammer after each use to prevent internal corrosion and possible seizure. The hammer is completely field serviceable.

Key Air Hammer Features Include:

• High drilling rates (up to 2x traditional drilling methods) result from the constant energy directly behind the bit
• Minimizes wear and tear on the drill as very little of the hammering action is even noticed at the drill
• Environmentally friendly: very low fluid consumption leaves jobsite virtually spotless
• Air flow volume provides efficient flushing and clean holes
• Easy to service and maintain
• Large chip removal provides high production rates with minimal dust emissions and a cleaner work environment and lowest operating costs

All of this adds up to deliver the most profitable way to drill hard ground.