Drill Rig Database

The Rig Database stores the physical specifications of every drill rig available on site. BlastCAD uses these parameters to validate hole geometry during ring design — ensuring generated holes are achievable with the specified equipment.

Creating a Rig Entry
Rig Parameters Reference
How Rig Constraints Are Applied
Example: Sandvik DD422i Entry
Importing and Exporting Rig Databases

Creating a Rig Entry

In the Database Manager → Rigs tab, click New Rig. Fill in the following parameters:

Rig Parameters Reference

Identification

Field	Description
Name	Unique rig identifier (e.g., “Sandvik DL432i — Drive A”, “Epiroc Simba M6 C”)

Hole Constraints

Field	Unit	Description
Min Hole Length	m	Minimum achievable hole depth for this rig
Max Hole Length	m	Maximum achievable hole depth (limited by rod string and feed length)
Min Dip Angle	°	Minimum drill inclination from horizontal (e.g., −90° for vertical down)
Max Dip Angle	°	Maximum drill inclination from horizontal (e.g., +90° for vertical up)
Min Dump Angle	°	Minimum lateral tilt of the feed beam within the ring plane
Max Dump Angle	°	Maximum lateral tilt of the feed beam within the ring plane

Pivot Configuration

The pivot is the mechanical point around which the drill feed rotates when changing angle between holes.

Field	Unit	Description
Pivot Height (default)	m	Standard height of the pivot above the drive floor
Pivot Height (min)	m	Minimum achievable pivot height (e.g., by lowering the carrier)
Pivot Height (max)	m	Maximum achievable pivot height (e.g., using a raising frame)
Pivot Offset X	m	Lateral offset of the pivot from the rig centerline
Pivot Offset Y	m	Vertical offset of the pivot above the carrier platform
Pivot Offset Z	m	Longitudinal offset of the pivot along the drill feed axis

Rod & Feed System

Field	Unit	Description
Drill Rod Length	m	Length of each individual drill rod section
Carousel Dimensions	m	Width and height of the rod changing carousel
Carousel Feed Distance	m	Required clearance between the carousel and the drive wall

The carousel parameters are used by BlastCAD to check that the rod carousel can rotate freely within the drive profile without contacting the wall — a critical constraint for narrow drives.

Drill Bits

A rig entry includes a list of drill bit specifications:

Field	Unit	Description
Bit diameter	mm	Available bit sizes (e.g., 76, 89, 102, 127, 165 mm)
Bit type	—	Button, cross, or tricone
Reamer diameter	mm	Follow-up reamer size (if applicable)

Multiple bit entries can be added per rig — BlastCAD matches hole diameter requirements to the available bit list during constraint checking.

How Rig Constraints Are Applied

During Ring Workflow Step 4, when holes are generated from a Drill Template:

Length check: If any generated hole exceeds Max Hole Length or is shorter than Min Hole Length, the hole is flagged in red.
Dip check: The computed hole dip is compared against Min Dip Angle and Max Dip Angle. Violations are logged in the Command Terminal.
Dump check: The ring’s dump angle is validated against Min/Max Dump Angle.
Carousel check: BlastCAD projects the carousel geometry into the drive profile to verify clearance.

Constraint violations do not prevent hole creation — they produce warnings that engineers must manually review and resolve (e.g., by adjusting the ring position or hole collar).

Example: Sandvik DD422i Entry

Name:               Sandvik DD422i
Min Hole Length:    1.0 m
Max Hole Length:    5.4 m
Min Dip Angle:      -90°
Max Dip Angle:      +60°
Min Dump Angle:     -45°
Max Dump Angle:     +45°
Pivot Height:       1.8 m  (min: 1.2 m, max: 2.4 m)
Drill Rod Length:   1.8 m
Carousel W × H:     0.6 m × 0.4 m
Carousel Feed Distance: 0.3 m
Drill Bits:         [48 mm, 64 mm, 76 mm]

Importing and Exporting Rig Databases

The Rig Database can be exported as a JSON file for backup or sharing with other BlastCAD users, and imported from a JSON file to populate a new account. Use the Export Rigs / Import Rigs buttons in the Rigs tab header.