Vitebsk enterprise developed a unique installation for OJSC «Belaruskali»

A unique directional drilling complex for mine conditions has been created at Vitebsk's SOOO "Natrix" by order of OJSC "Belaruskali". The unit is already working underground – its industrial trials are currently underway. During the verification in real operating conditions, its design will be improved if necessary, and based on the results, the domestic complex will be ready for full-scale geological exploration, and the issue of its replication will be resolved.

According to the enterprise director, Sergey Lysov, the innovative sample was developed by specialists of the "FID" group of companies, which includes SOOO "Natrix", and manufactured in Vitebsk with the highest possible degree of localization. Its total weight is 7 tons. Structurally, the complex is a self-propelled tracked trolley with three modules: drilling, compressor (for supplying compressed air), and pumping (for supplying coolant to the drilling zone). It is operated by a crew of two specialists. The main distinguishing feature of the domestic unit is that its application allows for a significant increase in depth during exploration for mineral resources. The complex is lowered into the mine under its own power or by a loader, after which the crew drills to determine the direction of subsequent work. If the devices currently used at "Belaruskali" allow for studying seams up to a distance of 40 m, then the mastery of the Vitebsk complex will expand this horizon to 300 m.

A significant advantage of the domestic machine is its maneuverability, meaning the drilling module can be rotated 360 degrees in any required direction. Furthermore, the installation has addressed safety issues, eliminating the possibility of detonation of gases associated with mineral deposits, which is particularly relevant for "Belaruskali".

The range of possible applications for the complex is quite broad for such a specialized device, and when mounted on wheeled chassis, it can also be in demand for ground-based geological exploration. After conducting industrial trials, which will take about 3 months, SOOO "Natrix" plans to master the small-scale production of various modifications of the mine scout.

– Each customer has their own requirements for such mechanisms, and this is taken into account at the initial stage when drawing up technical specifications for supply, so each subsequent installation may differ from the previous one, – noted Sergey Lysov. Original domestic developments created by companies of the FID group allow to a significant extent to overcome dependence on imported machinery and technologies in a strategically important sector of the Belarusian economy.

Sergey Antonov, photo by the author. "Vitebskiye vesti".