SMALL DIAMETER SHAFTS
SDI’s well-qualified engineers have earned global recognition for their
successful shaft development in wide variety of ground and site
conditions.
Meeting the special needs of small diameter shafts is no exception.
Contractors, mine operators and engineering firms rely on SDI to
provide innovation in the field that is both safe and cost effective.
- Conduits for Utilities
- Dewatering Systems for Underground Mines
- Ventilation
- Emergency Egress
Given that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line,
shafts often provide the underground operation with the shortest
possible route to the surface. Utilities such as electrical power,
pneumatics (air) and communications can be transported or generated
above ground and then dropped straight down the utility shaft for
distribution as required.
Similarly, small diameter shafts are used to evacuate the underground
works. A prime example is dewatering. Vertical turbine pumps are set
on the surface and the column assembly and bowl assembly are installed
straight down the shaft. Water is drawn up the column assembly and
discharged at the surface. Vertical turbine pumps are capable of
working at depths of up to 2,000 feet.
All shaft development is performed ahead of and independent of any
underground work to eliminate delays.
