Large Diameter Drilling Division

With more than 20 years of experience the Large Diameter Drilling Division of Pierre Gagné Contracting is able to deliver on the most demanding drilling projects thanks to its skilled workforce and a wide range of equipment and machinery.

Types of drilling

Mine shafts
Ventilation Shafts
Access Shafts
Marine Foundation
Building Foundation
Bridge Foundation
Power Tower foundation
Water Wells
Caisson

Foremost DR40 Dual Rotary Drill

The largest DR model is capable of handling casing up to 40” (1 m) in diameter. The DR-40 excels in large diameter drilling. Standard equipment includes a Cummins 600HP deck engine and Sullair 1150/350 compressor. Additional 2700CFM at 350 psi required for the Numa RC 300 hammer and bit.

Casing ø:
up to 40” (1 m)

Down the hole hammer ø:
from 12” (0.3 m) to 40” (1 m)

Maximum torque:
28 kNm

Maximum rotation speed:
46 rpm

Reduced stress on caring walls means less chance of damaged or lost casing.

Casing hammers can put a lot of stress on casing walls and welded joints. When the casing is not straight, the potential for damage becomes greater - like hammering at a bent nail.

The Dual Rotary method reduces the risk of casing damage. Patented carbide studded shoe, welded to the bottom casing joint (see picture on the left) enables the casing to cut its way straight through suspended boulders and helps seat the casing firmly into the bedrock. The bending and deflection that can happen when drilling through boulders are minimized and casing remains straight and intact.

The reduced chance of casing damage has allowed some DR operators to switch to a thinner gauge casing or the reduce the number of passes with the welder to save time and money without affecting the quality of their work.

Safe, accurate sample collection.

Air enters the air inlet and travels down the outer tube. All drill cuttings rise to the surface in the center tube and exit through the discharge swivel. An integral bearing, protected by patented hard metal seals provides support between the rotary casing stationary elbow. Cuttings are fed to an optional sampling cyclone or can be directed by a flexible hose to a convenient dumping point. This system offers safe and manageable disposal of contaminated returns and provides a very accurate method of sampling while rotary air drilling.

Casagrande Rotary Heady H44

Up to 42” (1m) diameter drill rotator for advanced steel casing with high torque. Suited for use in confined spaces.

Casing ø:
up to 42” (1.06 m)

Maximum torque:
467 kNm

Maximum rotation speed:
17.5 rpm

Maximum extraction force:
80 t

Maximum thrust force:
40 t