DTARobit Australia have completed trialling of the new DR43 Reverse Circulation hammer.

The DR43 has an overall length of 1105 mm and weighs just 45 Kg without the bit, making it a manageable weight, reducing the manual handling risk. It has a cylinder OD of 107 mm and runs bits in a range from 114 mm (4½”) to 127 mm (5”). The DR43 is designed to operate efficiently at pressures between 350 to 500 psi.

The hammer design promotes improved sample recovery in difficult ground conditions.

The innovative design of the DR43 allows for the Adaptor Screen, Check Valve Spring and Plunger, Adaptor Tube and Sample tube to all be removed through the top sub, eliminating the need to break the hammer down to replace any of these components. This significantly reduces the number of times the hammer needs to be broken out on the rig, making this a much safer and quicker operation.

The DR43 joins DTARobit’s family of proven RC hammers, the DR38 (Bit Range 102 mm – 114 mm), DR44 (130 mm – 140 mm), DR53 and DR53 Retention (133 mm – 143 mm) and the DR55 and DR55 Retention (137 mm – 149 mm).

The Robit Group is proud of its long and innovative history in the Reverse Circulation drilling industry. Remet Engineers and BulrocRobit both members of the Robit Group of companies are pioneers in RC drilling technology. Remet developed the world’s first dual wall drill pipe used in mineral exploration drilling and BulrocRobit developed the world’s first true reverse circulation hammer. This history combined with continual innovation means you can drill with confidence that the DTARobit range of RC hammers, bits and drill string will deliver your client a quality sample, every time.

The hammer has been trialled by respected WA drilling contractor Strike Drilling, in 2 separate locations. The initial phase of the trial was overseen by DTA Robit product support and design engineering personnel. The hammer has now been drilling successfully for several months and is now ready to go to market.

Clay Schmidt, Strike’s Field Operations Manager, has had excellent feedback, with the drillers using the hammer seeing increased penetration rates, better sampling characteristics and ease of operation compared to the competitor’s hammer. “The new design allows for easy assembly and breakdown of the hammer. The upper and lower sample tubes can be replaced without breaking down the hammer making it extremely easy to service in the field”, said Clay.