Inside - Schramm Inc.

quarterly news
V2 • Issue 1 • SUMMER 2012
For RC, Bigger Air is Better, Like
our New T685EX
Inside
THIS ISSUE
For RC, Bigger Air is Better, Like
our New T685EX......................................1
2012 Marks 40 Years for Three
Schramm Employees.............................2
Schramm Takes Its Training on
the Road to West Africa.........................2
Schramm Hosts Church Farm
School Aspiring Engineers...................3
Service Tips From
The Schramm-Man.................................4
You Can, Really, Troubleshoot
Rig Electricals...........................................5
Upcoming Events....................................6
INDepth Editor
Cheryl Zultewicz
Corporate Vision:
We will continue our tradition as a privately
owned company focused on providing
superior drill rigs and services, personalized
to meet customer requirements.
Schramm, Inc. is a company dedicated to
meeting the needs of the drilling contractor.
Driven by contractor requirements, Schramm
personnel design and manufacture products
around the traditions of superior quality,
innovation and flexibility. Utilizing the
capabilities of computer aided design
workstations and a fully integrated
manufacturing process capability;
contractor ideas are transformed into
drilling solutions to meet the ever
increasing demands of the industry.
S
chramm is pleased to announce
the introduction of our new
model T685EX to the exploration
drill rig product line. The Schramm
T685EX is a heavy duty drill rig
specifically designed for mineral
exploration applications. A high
capacity top head, sampling
equipment, power breakout and
automated pipe handling systems
make it the perfect choice for your
reverse circulation drilling program.
The T685EX is offered in both track
and truck mounting to offer the
contractor optimum mobility to suit
their particular application’s needs.
We understand that exploration
programs have varying depth
requirements, so the T685EX is
available in hoist packages ranging
from 40,000 lbs (18,180 kg) to 90,000
lbs (40,909 kg).
The T685EX features increased
engine horsepower and compressor
“
With big performance in a
highly mobile package, the
T685EX can be equipped
to meet almost any reverse
circulation drilling program.”
capacity and is equipped with a V-Pack
cooling system for increased efficiency.
The MTU 12V-2000, 905 HP engine
provides the power required for all
hydraulic systems and the high capacity
Sullair compressor, producing 1,350
cfm (38 cu. m/min) @ 500 psi (34.5 bar).
A mechanical clutch is provided to
disengage the air compressor to facilitate
a cold engine start and to conserve
power and fuel when the compressor is
not required. The compressor package
also includes Schramm’s patented
air-CONTROL System which monitors
Continued on page 6
INDepth
troubleshooting Schramm RC rigs in
conditions unique to the region.
Most important, coursework
covered the impact of safety on both
operating personnel and rig total
operating life cycle. Well maintained
rigs operate safer, longer and more
productively. More productive crews
work safer with less fatigue.
Individual course segments tied in
hydraulic, electrical and compressor
control systems. To conclude the
school, all attendees received
certificates of attendance.
An increasing number of mines
throughout Africa require safety and
operations training certification of
their staff. Schramm is committed
to help meet these requirements
by providing complementary,
comprehensive training programs
on a regularly scheduled basis at our
factory in Pennsylvania; in addition
to sessions in foreign countries that
match local language and technical
requirements.
INDepth
2012 Marks 40 Years for Three Schramm Employees
Up Next...
West Africa Training (continued)
Schramm’s semi-annual three day factory
service school will be held November
6th – 8th at our corporate facility in
West Chester, Pennsylvania. This training
program, like all Schramm training events,
is free of charge and open to everyone.
Who should attend? Drillers, drilling
superintendents, tool pushers, mechanics,
helpers, even CEO’s.
To register or for more information on the
November factory service school as well
as custom training opportunities, please
visit www.schramminc.com/servicetechnicalsupport/training-courses g
Jon Ifert, Senior Service Technician (left), Peg Gentry, Finance & Administration(center) and Alan Thomas, Master Scheduler (right) shake the
hand of Ed Breiner, President & CEO (right) for 40 years of service with Schramm
T
his June, Schramm held its Annual
Service Award picnic on the front
lawn of their West Chester factory. Here
at Schramm, long service of its employees is a trademark. Senior Service
Technician Jon Ifert, Finance & Administration’s Peg Gentry and Master Scheduler Alan Thomas were recognized by
President & CEO Ed Breiner for their 40
years of service with the company.
Throughout his 40 year career, 32 of
them spent in a field service role, Jon
Ifert has traveled to more than 50
countries on 6 continents. As our senior
statesman for field service around the
world, his responsibilities include field
start-up training, service and warranty
support. With his wealth of knowledge
and experience, he also takes a lead instructor role at service schools conducted in West Chester and other countries
to promote best practices.
During Peg Gentry’s 40 years of loyal
and dedicated service to the accounting department, she has set the
standard for speed and accuracy. Her
fingers literally fly over the keys as she
completes her daily task of making
sure all payments are made on time
and error free. As the company has
grown, Peg has taken on dramatically
increased transaction workload with
continued attention to detail. She
continues to be a key member of the
Accounting Department, playing an important role in the company’s success.
In his 40 years at Schramm, Alan
Thomas has become our resident “Jack
of all trades”. His contributions include
stints in the machine shop, both as a
supervisor, later as a planner and finally
as a master scheduler. He knows how
inventory planning and assembly planning are vital to efficient rig production
and timely delivery to our customers.
ith a large Schramm presence
at the Wampex Mining Show
in Accra, Ghana on June 6th - 8th,
2012, we took full advantage of the
opportunity to conduct a Schramm
West Africa Service School at the
Accra Holiday Inn on June 4th – 5th to
piggyback the event.
Schramm Service School at the Holiday Inn
in Accra, Ghana
Drilling contractors in Ghana, Mali
and Burkina Faso came for a two day
technical training school that focused
on Schramm T450 and T685 series
they take now—physics, math, Computer-Aided
Design, languages and chemistry are the building
blocks of these careers. “The visit truly forged a
link between the classroom and the real world for
our students,” concluded Dr. Broadrup.
Jim Dolan, V.P. Operations for Schramm, answers students questions while
touring the West Chester factory (Photo courtesy of Church Farm School)
mineral exploration RC drilling rigs that
are in extensive local use. More than
40 people attended, representing their
respective roles across field operations,
service and maintenance.
Shawn Ifert, a second generation
Field Service Technician at Schramm
was lead instructor for the program.
Speaking from his substantial personal
experience in West Africa, Shawn’s
course topics included design concepts,
general operation, maintenance and
Continued on page 3
2
“
The boys loved it...This one day
alone will change the lives of at
least some of our boys.”
We thank Jon, Peg and Alan for nearly
half a century of loyalty and dedicated
effort to our company and our
customers. g
Schramm Takes Its Training on the Road to
West Africa
W
Schramm Hosts Church Farm School Aspiring
Engineers
INDepth • Quarterly Newsletter
Written By: Suzette Baird, Director of Annual Fund & Communications,
Church Farm School
T
his spring Schramm welcomed
16 Church Farm School aspiring
engineers from math and science
classes and their teachers to
the West Chester campus. The
visit included a comprehensive
tour of the plant, lunch, and a
seminar with younger as well
as experienced engineers and
executives focused on engineering
careers.
“The boys loved it,” said Dr. Robert
Broadrup, Chair of the CFS Science
V2 • Issue 1 • SUMMER 2012
Department, adding that, “They
were captivated by the welding,
drilling and assembly portions
of the construction process,
and awestruck by the size and
capacity of the rigs.” During a
panel discussion with some of
the firm’s engineers, students
learned about the skills necessary
for careers at Schramm including
problem solving, foreign language
communication and technology.
They also realized that courses
According to Ed Breiner, President & CEO of
Schramm, “The Church Farm School students
were interested and disciplined, and I saw
great potential in some of them to become
engineers one day.” Kenneth Rogers, Sr., CFS
Director of Academics expressed his appreciation
to Schramm, noting that the “The firm went
above and beyond all of our expectations in the
experience they created for our students. This one
day alone will change the lives of at least some of
our boys.”
Exton based Church Farm School is an Episcopal
boarding and day school for 190 boys, grades
7 through 12, from Chester County, Greater
Philadelphia, the United States and around the
world. Students participate in a rigorous academic
program as well as comprehensive athletics and
arts programs. CFS is not tuition driven and,
through the generosity of friends and alumni,
enrolls many boys who could not otherwise afford
a preparatory school education. g
3
INDepth
Chain Wear: Maintenance & Adjustment
♫♪ Chain, chain, chain...♫♪ Don’t let the chain make a fool of you!
chain pitch in eighths of an inch. To calculate
the pitch (length in inches), divide this
number by 8. For example: 16/8 = 2 inches.
So the chain pitch for 160 chains is 2 inches.
A roller chain is a series of connected journal
bearings that articulate as they enter and
leave the sprockets. This articulation results
in wear on the pins and bushings. As material
is worn away from these surfaces the roller
chain will eventually elongate.
Steve Hanley, The Schramm-Man
Now you ask:
How do I maintain my chains?
How should they be adjusted?
How do I know when they are
worn beyond safe use? What
should I replace?
To answer these questions
you must first understand the
construction and design of the
chain. Starting with the ANSI
roller chain which are typically
numbered 160, 180, 200 etc.
This chain number indicates the
chain pitch (the length of one
link). Here is how you decipher
the pitch from the chain number.
The numbers to the left of the
right-hand digit refer to the
4
Example: If six pitches of a #160 chain
would measure 12 inches, center to center
of the pins, we would add 3% or 12.360
inches. If the actual chain measurement
exceeds this value, it is recommended to
replace the chain.
Leaf chain is a very simple construction: link
plates and pins. The chain number indicates
the pitch and the lacing of the links.
t’s not uncommon for electrical
equipment on drilling rigs to
malfunction, but they can be easy to fix.
• Is there more than one circuit
breaker or fuse protecting the
circuit?
Most problems can be found using
a digital multi-meter (voltage/ohm/
ammeter) and a wiring diagram or circuit
diagram to check the supply voltage,
breaks in the wiring (infinite resistance
or no continuity) and the path to ground
that completes the circuit.
• How can the circuit be tested for
continuity?
(Fig. 1) Digital Multi-meter
(Fig. 2) Leaf Chain
C
hain drives are one of the
primary systems used to
transmit power and to convey
products. In the case of your
Schramm drill rig, the chain
transmits the hydraulic force
from the feed cylinders to the
rotation gearbox that applies or
removes weight from your drill
string. The chain also moves the
rotation gearbox up and down
the mast to add or remove drill
pipe from the drill string. In
short, the productivity of your
drill rig is highly dependent
upon the performance of your
chain and the sprockets or
sheaves that carry them.
we would use the designed length for a
given number of pitches and add 3%.
I
The Best Way to Troubleshoot Electrical
Circuits:
(Fig.1) Chain Elongation
Elongation due to wear is a normal
phenomena during drive operation. The
rate of wear is dependent on several
factors; these include: proper lubrication,
load and degree of articulation between
pins and bushings. Wear measurements
can be made to determine if the chain has
elongated to a length where replacement is
necessary. To ensure accurate results, length
measurements must be done with the chain
in tension.
This can be achieved by placing the rotation
gearbox at the bottom of the mast, with
the mast in the vertical position. Creating a
bridge across the table with solid material,
such as a steel plate, you can bring the
spindle to the table using the slow feed
hydraulic circuit. Make certain that the down
feed relief is backed out to a minimum
pressure setting. Slowly apply hydraulic
pressure using the down feed relief. With
properly adjusted chains, 200 PSI should
be sufficient to place the upper chains in
tension.
Now that the chains are in tension, return the
mast to the cradle and leave the rig running
to maintain pressure in the hydraulic circuit.
You can now measure the upper chain
for elongation from wear. The maximum
allowable wear is 3%. To determine this value
1) Analyze the problem
2) Identify the items to be evaluated
using wiring diagrams
Schramm recommends lubrication of
the mast feed chain every 50 hours of
service. If the chain becomes covered in
contamination, then you should pressure
wash and lubricate. Never use grease as
a lubricant for chain as foreign particles
adhere to the grease and penetration to the
pin cannot be guaranteed. SAE 30 motor
oil may be used or a commercially available
dry chain lubricant can be used to avoid
contaminant build-up.
The importance of proper lubrication
and maintenance of roller chain during
operation cannot be overstated. Close
adherence to lubrication and adjustment
maintenance will not only reduce wear, but
will produce other benefits such as cushion
impact loads, enhance heat dissipation
and avoid damage to the cylinder rods on
your feed cylinders. Adjustment procedures
can be found in your Schramm operator’s
manual and will be covered in a future INDepth edition.
For additional service questions or to speak
with a Service Technician today call 610696-2500 or email service@schramminc.com g
INDepth • Quarterly Newsletter
3) Identify the source of the problem
4) Correct or Repair the fault
Begin by analyzing the problem to
fully understand the issue and its
symptoms. When did the problem
start? Is it intermittent or continuous?
If it’s intermittent, does movement of a
function or weather affect the problem?
Are other items or functions not
working? Are other functions supplied by
the same circuit breaker working?
Answer these questions after reviewing
the wiring diagram:
• What should the voltage be in the
circuit?
• Where is a good place to test for
voltage in the affected circuit?
• Does the affected circuit share any
component with a circuit not
affected?
Begin to identify the source of the
problem by testing the circuit from
the voltage source through all the
components and back to ground. Testing
for voltage will often indicate if the
wiring to the affected device is faulty.
To begin testing for voltage, identify a
known good ground source. The best
ground on the drill rig is the battery
negative: This is where all the circuits
terminate. Other good grounds on a
drill rig are the ground stud on the deck
engine and the “common” or ground
terminals in the circuit breaker panel. You
may need to install a temporary jumper
wire back to a good ground source from
the test location to ensure an accurate
test.
If all the voltage tests confirm that the
circuit wiring to the affected device
is intact, then the ground source to
the device may be at fault. Continue
checking for voltage along the ground
source for the device.
A faulty device can be checked for
resistance. Once the proper resistance of
the device is known, you can use a digital
multi-meter to measure the resistance of
the device. Infinite resistance indicates
an open or “blown” device. An example
of an open device is a bad fuse: The fuse
has carried too much current flow and
opened or “blew” to protect the circuit
it supplies. Zero resistance indicates a
shorted device.
Circuits might include:
• Input/output blocks that connect a
number of devices in close proximity
• PLC’s or programmable logic
controllers
• Low-voltage (0.5 to 4.5VDC) input
devices
• CAN bus digital transmission of
electrical inputs and outputs
Despite the complexity of current
electrical circuits, troubleshooting
involves a few tools and a logical
approach to testing the circuit. With
these simple techniques, you can avoid a
service call and get your rig back up and
running quickly. g
Schramm’s past wiring practice used the
drill rig frame itself for the grounding
source. This could be affected by pivot
points like the greased mast pivot on a
drill rig.
• What is the switching device(s) in
the circuit?
• Is the circuit protected by a circuit
breaker or fuse?
If all the circuit wiring is intact, begin
checking the faulty device itself. Swap
V2 • Issue 1 • sUMMER 2012
the faulty device with a known identical
working device. For example, if a light
is not working, swap light bulbs from a
light that works.
Schramm’s current wiring practice is
to provide a ground source from each
device back to a common ground strip
on a panel box, and then back to battery
negative.
If a wiring fault is found, the bad wire(s)
must be repaired or replaced. Schramm’s
current wiring practice uses modular
wiring harnesses to make a quick
replacement.
• Is there a switch to turn the device
on and off?
INDepth
You Can, Really, Troubleshoot Rig Electricals
Service Tips with The Schramm-Man
Electrician Rick Long solves an electrical
issue on a Schramm rig
5
INDepth
NEW T685EX (continued)
cooling system temperature and
compressor volume requirements,
matching fan speed and the compressor
inlet valve providing maximum power
efficiency. For added safety, galvanized
steel hose whip socks are fitted to
all 2 inch (50.8 mm) and larger hoses
containing air, including the cuttings
discharge hose.
The top head drive is designed to
provide drilling speed and torque
characteristics required for tri-cone
rotary bits or down-the-hole hammers.
Low speed, high torque hydraulic motors
provide a wide torque and speed range
at high overall mechanical efficiency
levels. Spindle thrust forces are handled
by large tapered roller bearings mounted
in heavy fabricated steel housing.
The tracked carrier system includes a
tramming station located at the front
left-hand corner of the machine for
operator convenience. The tramming
station includes an adjustable height
seat, a radio remote tramming control
and a back-up manual hydraulic
tramming system. The radio system
allows for remote tramming when
loading and unloading from transport
trailers. A Caterpillar 330C carrier is
hydraulically driven with two speed,
axial piston type motors, spring applied
parking brake, 29.5 inch (750mm) triple
cleated grousers and full length rock
guards.
A variety of automated pipe handling
systems are available to insure the safest
possible operation. These systems
provide hands-free operation for loading
and unloading of drill rods directly
to the top head. They mount on the
right-hand side of the mast, opposite
the operator and lift rods from the side
rack, remote racks or a support truck.
To further enhance pipe handling
automation, a hands-free, full breakout
and make-up system eliminates the need
for conventional wrenches or tongs.
A hydraulic sliding holding wrench is
supplied to support the drill rods in the
table. A light weight hinge mounted
guard is also supplied to prevent contact
with the rotating drill string while an
exploration jib boom, auxiliary and
sandline winches round out the T685EX
pipe handling package.
The T685EX is factory equipped with
side-inlet and discharge swivels, abrasion
resistant discharge hose and plumbing,
swing-arm mounted cyclone and wet
splitter systems to meet all your reverse
circulation requirements. A variety
of styles are available to suit all the
exploration contractor’s needs.
Assorted water and foam injection
packages are available and can be
combined with on-board water tanks
and mist type dust suppression systems.
If you’re looking for big performance in a
highly mobile package, the T685EX can
be equipped to meet almost any reverse
circulation drilling program. For more
information contact sales@schramminc.
com or visit us at www.schramminc.com g
Upcoming Events
NYIOGA Annual Summer Meeting
July 11th - 12th 2012 • Peek & Peak Resort & Conference Center • Findley Lake, NY
South Atlantic Jubilee
July 21st - 23rd 2012 • Virginia Beach Convention Center • Virginia Beach, VA
Drill Rig Service Seminar
August 9th - 11th & 13th - 15th 2012 • Hotel Terrado • Antofagasta, Chile
Eastern Oil & Gas Conference
August 28th - 29th 2012 • Monroeville Convention Center • Monroeville, PA
Rio Oil & Gas Expo
September 17th - 20th 2012 • Riocentro Convention Center • Rio de Janiero, Brazil
Shale Gas Insight Conference
September 20th - 21st 2012 • Pennsylvania Convention Center • Philadelphia, PA
MINExpo International
September 24th - 26th 2012 • Las Vegas Convention Center • Las Vegas, NV
800 East Virginia Ave • West Chester, PA 19380 • Phone: 610-696-2500 • Fax: 610-696-6950 • www.schramminc.com
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V2 • Issue 1 • sUMMER 2012