Performance Enhancement of DIAdrill Operations
Conventional drilling of rock, in most mining applications, uses the mechanical impact of a metal tool to create the advancing hole. This technique, which has gradually increased in power and thus penetration rate has, however, certain inherent disadvantages. These range from the overall weight of the equipment which must be located at the free face of the hole to the maintenance of alignment over long distances, particularly with smaller diameter holes, where the limitations of thrust delivery through the small diameter rod can limit performance.
Influencing factors for abrasive flow rate and abrasive flow quality of abrasive injection waterjet systems for tunnel excavation
: A new rock excavation method using an abrasive waterjet system is under development for efficiently creating tunnels and underground spaces in urban areas. In addition, an appropriate abrasive flow rate and abrasive flow quality are important for the new rock excavation (cutting) method using an abrasive waterjet system. This study evaluated the factors influencing the abrasive flow rate and abrasive flow quality, specifically the abrasive pipe height, length, tortuosity and inner diameter, through experimental tests. Based on the experimental test results, this study suggested optimal conditions for the abrasive flow rate and abrasive flow quality. The experimental results can be effectively utilized as baseline data for rock excavation methods using an abrasive waterjet system in various construction locations such as tunnels near urban surroundings, utility tunnels, and shafts.
Integrated land degradation monitoring and assessment: Horizontal knowledge management at the national and international levels
The need for improved horizontal knowledge management at the national and international levels is essential for monitoring and assessment of land degradation and desertification. At the national level, governments utilise scientific, socio‐economic and technical data and information for strategic planning, priority setting and national environment and development planning. However, challenges including the lack of capacity and lack of collaboration and sharing of information across governments affect responses to and the effectiveness of monitoring and knowledge exchange, along with the ability to effectively implement treaties. At the international level, a number of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) share cross‐sectoral themes related to research and monitoring, information exchange, technology transfer, capacity building and financial resources. The need for increased synergies stems from the similarities between the issues they address. Challenges for improving knowledge management at the international level include insufficient interaction between the scientific bodies of the various MEAs; duplication of reporting, monitoring and assessment efforts; limited knowledge management between the various assessments addressing ecosystems and biological diversity during the past decade; and insufficient collaboration between the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the UN system and the international non‐governmental organisation (NGO) community. This paper examines these challenges and offers recommendations on how monitoring and assessment knowledge can be better managed at the national and international levels. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.