Meet Trajectaflex

Main image credit: 

W​​​​​​​ilco Technologies is an Australian manufacturer of the Trajectaflex Resin Firing System – a specialised jumbo resin anchoring and bolting technology. Trajectaflex has proven to be the fastest, safest, and most efficient method of resin set bolting using a jumbo drill, installing resin cartridges in 15 seconds, with completed bolt installations in under 100 seconds. 

In a recent Q&A with Wilco’s Managing Director and Trajectaflex designer - Michael Williams, we discussed Wilco’s presence at MINExpo, the future of resin bolting, and how they are supporting jumbo operators in adopting new jumbo bolting methods.

In the early 2000s, the move towards resin bolting started increasing significantly. Resin grouting of rebar is fast, relatively straight forward to manage requiring less time, labour, and machinery. 

Essentially, I saw the need for a faster, safer way of installing resin for resin set bolting. I spent nearly 20 years underground mining, including several years as a jumbo operator, installing mesh and many bolts. 

I was always trying to improve on my bolting cycle times working on those 1% improvements. It was about having pride in your work and being as efficient as I could be. I guess it is also that competitive nature.  I figured there had to be a better method of installing resin cartridges. The original clear tube insertion method can be a little a time-consuming involving extra manual handling, added jumbo boom movements and occasionally many tube breakages. I thought we could speed things up by designing an air gun type system where we can load resin cartridges into a manifold and shoot them into the pre-drilled bolt hole with air pressure through a robust flexible steel nozzle which could tolerate the hard rock environment and powerful jumbo hydraulics. It would enable us to keep the booms in position up against the rock face and load and shoot the resin cartridges from the jumbo work platform into the pre-drilled bolt hole. It is just a case of moving the boom to the next bolt hole and repeating the process rather than having to bring the boom back down to ground level, step off the drill to load resin, and move the boom back up into position.

Change can be difficult, but with good forethought, assistance from specialists in the field, and smart implementation, the transition can be very rewarding for both the employer and employee. What’s critical is providing best practice training from experienced operators, and making sure that is applied.  

Wilco provides training, initially hands on assistance with Trajectaflex installation onto the jumbo and at the rock face alongside the operator. Follow up on site training is provided when requested. We try to focus initial training with jumbo trainers and the most experienced operators. 

A mining contractor trailed the Trajectaflex system which was recommended by one of their experienced jumbo operators who had used this system at another mine site. Other operators on site were sceptical and initially unsupportive of the change. Following a time and motion study it was proven the Trajectaflex system was safer and up to four times faster than any other form of jumbo resin bolting. Within a 12-month period the Trajectaflex was implemented across site onto another four jumbos. Their jumbo operators were seeing what the experienced operators could do with the Trajectaflex system. When you see another jumbo operator bolting headings in significantly less time than you are, then you must ask the questions and start implementing changes with your own bolting method.  

Having just one experienced Trajectaflex jumbo operator on site provided the inspiration and proof of change to other operators. 

Wilco Technologies offers their first-hand experience and knowledge. From initial engagement, ensuring correct resin is sourced through to advice and assistance with jumbo installation, management of change, maintenance scheduling, operator training and parts inventory. A priority that all aspects of management fully understand what is required when implementing the Trajectaflex system on site. Wilco will continue ongoing support, advice and site visits when required.

The Trajectaflex Resin Firing System is a single pass system that can be installed onto any jumbo drill.

Trajectaflex Resin Firing System increases jumbo drill utilization keeping the drill operator on the work platform for longer periods of time, where they are productive and at safe distance from un-bolted ground. Collaborative efficiencies by reducing boom movements and the ability to load resin cartridges during drill operation. The Trajectaflex robust, flexible steel nozzle offers jumbo operators easy and perfect bolt hole alignment, ensuring high speed resin cartridge installation. Trajectaflex system does not restrict the jumbos drilling capabilities and is easily removed within seconds allowing the jumbo to be converted ready for face drilling.

A clear bolt hole is required, allowing resin cartridges to lodge into the back of the predrilled hole. Bolt hole blockages due to broken ground will cause resin cartridge rupture which requires re-clearing or re-drilling of the bolt hole.

Alternatively, Auger Drill Steels are now recommended to be used in conjunction with the Trajectaflex System when difficult ground conditions are encountered. A reverse spiral twist is formed in the full length of the drill steel which mechanically draws and cleans the bore hole. Observations are indicating up to 70% increase with clear bore holes over conventional drill steels.

Operator training is critical. The art of jumbo bolting should be passed on by an experienced Jumbo operator who has been trained and understands jumbo bolting or a jumbo manufacturer technician who has been trained on all aspects of the jumbo and Trajectaflex system. Different boom movements are required for bolting and scaling which are simple but can have added risk of hose and hydraulic fitting damage if not shown the correct technique. Trajectaflex resin bolting reduces boom movements.

We would like to get across that jumbo bolting is not scary. It can be done in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner. We want to give the miners some confidence and have them share their experience as current frontline jumbo operators and from a management perspective.

Visit Wilco Technologies at MINExpo INTERNATIONAL 2024 to learn more about the Trajectaflex Resin Firing System. Come talk jumbo bolting! 

See you at the Austmine Australian Pavilion, Booth #2921.