Thompson, CT USA - Numa, a leading designer and manufacturer of down hole hammers and bits, will be exhibiting at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2002 being held March 19-23 in Las Vegas, Nevada USA. With 2,300 exhibitors and attendees from over 130 countries, CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2002 is the largest trade show in the Western Hemisphere for the construction, aggregates, and ready mixed concrete industries. It is estimated that 135,000 industry professionals will visit the 3.4 million square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibit space.

Located in booth C-6670, Numa will exhibit a full range of down hole hammers and bits that can be used for any rock drilling efforts. Showcased will be Numa’s latest technological breakthrough, the Patriot® hammer line as well as the Impact Ring Bit System®, Dual Fluid Drilling System™ (DFS) and Super Jaws® Under Reaming Bit.

Click photo for larger image (27K).

Recently introduced, the all-new Patriot® Down Hole Hammer Line provides unmatched penetration and durability for drilling in hard rock conditions. The Patriot® is unlike any other drill on the market today with its tremendous penetration rate, vastly simplified design and exceptional hammer life. The entire product range will have a capacity to drill holes 3-1/2 to 48 inches (89 - 1219 mm) in diameter and is perfectly suited for water wells, caissons, tie-backs, exploration holes, pile/rock sockets, utility poles, tunneling under roads and any other construction application that requires drilling in rock. On display will be the Numa Patriot® 35, 60, 120 and 125 DTH hammers.

Click photo for larger image (32K).

The Impact Ring Bit System® is a technically advanced, efficient means of drilling in both horizontal and vertical applications that require simultaneous drilling and casing. The system consists of a unique two-piece design incorporating a center and ring bit combination. Upon completion of drilling, the center bit and drill string can be pulled back out the hole to be used on other projects while leaving the casing installed. This provides the added benefit of lower equipment costs because the product can be reused on multiple projects.

The Dual Fluid System™ (DFS) is designed for vertical drilling in applications such as piling in unconsolidated materials, slurry/ diaphragm walls that require a key into rock, structure stabilization/reinforcement, water well drilling in unconsolidated materials and any other type of drilling that requires fast penetration rates without formation erosion that is typically associated with air flushing. The system consists of a specially designed pneumatic hammer that uses fluid or slurry to flush the spoils out of the borehole instead of air. The air used to power the hammer is directed back to surface without being exposed to the formation.

Click photo for larger image (63K).

Fluid is pumped down a center tube and out the bottom of the drill bit to efficiently flush all drill cuttings up the annulus. The DFS method offers many benefits including the ability to drill straight holes, faster penetration rates in rock formations, no building damage resulting from vibration, immediate full bearing capacity and immediate grouting. The system has been well received in the construction industry because it provides the ability to continuously drill holes in close proximity to each other. Holes can be drilled side-by-side because there is virtually no risk of hole collapse and grouting can follow immediately behind to dramatically save time and money.

Click photo for larger image (66K).

Numa will also display the recently expanded the range of the Super Jaws® Under Reaming Bits. Capable of drilling holes from 5-7/8 to 48-9/16 inches (150 - 1245 mm) in diameter, Super Jaws® is a special under reaming wing bit design made for simultaneously setting casing while drilling in unconsolidated rock formations of boulders and loose strata. It has been widely accepted in the construction/foundation industry as the most efficient means of installing casing due to its ability to deliver improved performance and faster penetration over many traditional casing methods. Over the years, the Super Jaws® Bit has become recognized around the world for its robust construction, ease of operation and overall efficiency. A significant cost savings benefit of the Super Jaws® Bit is that it does not require the use of replacement ring bits that remain down the hole when drilling is complete.

Numa is a major manufacturer of down hole hammers and bits for the international drilling industry. The company designs and builds down hole hammers and bits for drilling vertical and horizontal holes 3-1/2 to 48 inches (89 - 1219 mm) in diameter.