Air / Foam / Aerated Fluids Drilling
Air, mist, foam and aerated fluid systems to maximise penetration rates and protect productive formations.
Overview
Air, mist and foam drilling replaces conventional mud with compressed air — and, where needed, mist, stiff or stable foam, or aerated fluid — as the circulating medium. Our spread combines high-volume Atlas Copco and Sullair compressors, Hurricane and CIP boosters, after coolers and mist pumps dosing TEXSTIM foamer, paired with 36", 26" and 17½" DTH hammers for fast percussive drilling. The result is dramatically higher rates of penetration, longer bit life and minimal formation damage in hard, depleted or fractured ground.
Key benefits
- Significantly higher rates of penetration
- Reduced formation damage in productive zones
- Early detection and control of lost circulation
- Extended bit life and lower drilling costs
Typical applications
- Hard rock and geothermal drilling
- Depleted and low-pressure reservoirs
- Severe lost-circulation zones
Equipment we run for this service
A self-sustaining, field-proven spread — owned, maintained and operated by our own crews.
Air Compressors
The primary high-volume air supply that powers the whole system, delivering the volume needed to lift cuttings and drive the hammer. A fleet of Atlas Copco and Sullair units.
Air Boosters
Step compressor air up to the higher pressures required for deeper holes, hammer operation and backpressure control. Hurricane and CIP boosters reaching 2,000–3,000 psi.
Mist Pumps
Inject water, foam and corrosion inhibitor into the air stream to create mist or foam, improving hole cleaning and suppressing dust in dry formations.
Drilling Foam (TEXSTIM)
Surfactant foaming agent that creates stable foam for foam and mist drilling, lifting cuttings efficiently while using far less water.
DTH Hammers
Down-the-hole air hammers whose internal piston percussively strikes the button bit thousands of times a minute, delivering very high penetration rates in hard rock. Sizes 36", 26" and 17½".