Frequently asked questions about drilling rigs, soil investigation and Biosonda equipment
Technical answers about geotechnical drilling, environmental drilling, drilling methods, equipment models, soil sampling and cement injection.
About Biosonda
What does Biosonda manufacture?
Biosonda manufactures equipment for environmental drilling, geotechnical drilling, geotechnics, foundations, mining, soil sampling, hydraulic drilling and cement grout injection. The product line includes track-mounted hydraulic drilling rigs, compact equipment, dual tube sampling systems, injection units and technical accessories for soil and rock investigation.
Does Biosonda manufacture equipment in Brazil?
Yes. Biosonda develops and manufactures equipment in Brazil, covering applications in environmental drilling, geotechnical drilling, contaminated site investigation, foundations, mining and instrumentation installation.
What are the main product lines from Biosonda?
The main lines include the BIO300, BIO400 and BIO1500 drilling rigs, along with the DT63 Dual Tube sampling system, the GP100 injection pump and the Geohammer environmental drill. Each line addresses different needs in terms of access, torque, depth, drilling method and project scale.
Does Biosonda serve both environmental and geotechnical drilling?
Yes. Biosonda has equipment suited to both environmental and geotechnical drilling. The environmental line is recommended for soil sampling, Direct Push, Hollow Stem Auger, CPT/CPTu, monitoring well installation and instrumentation. The geotechnical line covers mechanised SPT, rotary drilling, Hollow Stem Auger, CPT/CPTu, down-the-hole hammer and soil and rock investigation.
Where is Biosonda located?
Biosonda is located in Itapevi, São Paulo, Brazil, and serves clients in different regions of Brazil in the segments of environmental drilling, geotechnics, foundations, mining and soil and rock investigation.
Equipment Choice
Which Biosonda drilling rig should I choose for environmental drilling?
For environmental drilling, the most recommended models are BIO300A, BIO400A and BIO1500A. The BIO300A is a more compact option; the BIO400A offers greater size and intermediate capacity; the BIO1500A is recommended for more demanding environmental applications, with higher torque, crowd force and capacity for larger-diameter Hollow Stem Auger.
Which Biosonda drilling rig should I choose for geotechnical drilling?
For geotechnical drilling, the most recommended models are BIO300S, BIO300M, BIO300CM, BIO400S and BIO1500S HDE. The choice depends on the type of test, depth, tool diameter, need for rotary drilling, mechanised SPT, CPT/CPTu, down-the-hole hammer and site access conditions.
What is the difference between the "A" and "S" lines from Biosonda?
In Biosonda's commercial naming, environmentally focused models use the letter "A", such as BIO300A, BIO400A and BIO1500A. Models aimed at geotechnical drilling use the letter "S", such as BIO300S, BIO400S and BIO1500S HDE.
The environmental line prioritises Direct Push, Hollow Stem Auger, CPT/CPTu and instrumentation installation. The geotechnical line prioritises mechanised SPT, rotary drilling, Hollow Stem Auger, CPT/CPTu and down-the-hole hammer drilling.
Which equipment is best for sites with restricted access?
For sites with restricted access, the choice normally falls on more compact equipment, such as the BIO300 family and the Geohammer. The decision must consider access width, weight, operating height, soil type, drilling method and the need to transport on ramps, in urban areas, warehouses or terrain with low mobility.
Which equipment is best for great depths?
For greater depths and heavier applications, the BIO1500S HDE and BIO1500A are the main options. The BIO1500S HDE is recommended for large-scale geotechnical drilling, including NQ rotary drilling, mechanised SPT, Hollow Stem Auger, CPT/CPTu and down-the-hole hammer. The BIO1500A is aimed at high-capacity environmental drilling.
BIO300 Family
What is the BIO300A?
The BIO300A is a hydraulic drilling rig for environmental drilling. It is recommended for Hollow Stem Auger, Direct Push, mechanised SPT, CPT/CPTu, instrumentation installation and down-the-hole hammer drilling.
Which methods can the BIO300A perform?
The BIO300A can perform Hollow Stem Auger drilling up to 4″ diameter and 60 m depth, Direct Push, mechanised SPT, CPT/CPTu, instrumentation installation and down-the-hole hammer drilling, depending on configuration and field conditions.
What are the main technical specifications of the BIO300A?
The BIO300A features a 47.6 hp diesel engine, maximum operating pressure of 220 bar, head rotation from 0 to 80 rpm, maximum torque of 3,600 N.m, pull-down force of 13,540 kgf and push-up force of 19,000 kgf.
What is the BIO300S?
The BIO300S is a hydraulic drilling rig for geotechnical drilling. It is recommended for mechanised SPT, Hollow Stem Auger, CPT/CPTu, instrumentation installation and down-the-hole hammer drilling.
What is the difference between the BIO300A and BIO300S?
The BIO300A is aimed at environmental drilling, with emphasis on Direct Push and environmental sampling. The BIO300S is aimed at geotechnical drilling, with a focus on mechanised SPT and geotechnical investigation. Both belong to the BIO300 family and share a compact size, but are configured for different applications.
What is the BIO300M?
The BIO300M is a version of the BIO300 family aimed at geotechnical drilling with a wider head rotation range. It can perform Hollow Stem Auger drilling, mechanised SPT, HQ rotary drilling, CPT/CPTu, instrumentation installation and down-the-hole hammer drilling.
When should I choose the BIO300M?
The BIO300M is recommended when the project requires a compact drilling rig but with rotary drilling capability, especially in geotechnical applications that demand higher head rotation compared to versions focused on Hollow Stem Auger and Direct Push.
What is the BIO300CM?
The BIO300CM is a compact version of the BIO300 family, recommended for geotechnical drilling, Hollow Stem Auger, mechanised SPT, HQ rotary drilling, CPT/CPTu, instrumentation installation and down-the-hole hammer. It is an alternative for projects requiring smaller width, less weight and good operational versatility.
What is the BIO300CA?
The BIO300CA is a compact version of the BIO300 family aimed at applications requiring mobility, easy access and versatility. It can be used for methods such as Hollow Stem Auger, Direct Push, mechanised SPT, CPT/CPTu, instrumentation installation and down-the-hole hammer drilling, depending on equipment configuration.
BIO400 Family
What is the BIO400A?
The BIO400A is an intermediate-size hydraulic drilling rig for environmental drilling, recommended for Hollow Stem Auger, Direct Push, CPT/CPTu, instrumentation installation and down-the-hole hammer drilling.
Which methods can the BIO400A perform?
The BIO400A can perform Hollow Stem Auger drilling up to 8″ diameter and 50 m depth, Direct Push, CPT/CPTu, instrumentation installation and down-the-hole hammer drilling, depending on configuration and soil conditions.
What are the main technical specifications of the BIO400A?
The BIO400A features an 85 hp diesel engine, maximum operating pressure of 250 bar, head rotation from 0 to 90 rpm, maximum torque of 6,000 N.m, pull-down force of 16,700 kgf and push-up force of 23,750 kgf.
What is the BIO400S?
The BIO400S is a hydraulic drilling rig for geotechnical drilling. It can perform Hollow Stem Auger, mechanised SPT, HQ rotary drilling, CPT/CPTu, instrumentation installation and down-the-hole hammer drilling.
Which methods can the BIO400S perform?
The BIO400S can perform Hollow Stem Auger drilling up to 8″ diameter and 50 m depth, mechanised SPT, HQ rotary drilling up to 150 m, CPT/CPTu, instrumentation installation and down-the-hole hammer drilling.
What is the difference between the BIO400A and BIO400S?
The BIO400A is configured for environmental drilling, with a focus on Direct Push, Hollow Stem Auger, CPT/CPTu and instrumentation installation. The BIO400S is configured for geotechnical drilling, with emphasis on mechanised SPT and HQ rotary drilling. Both are intermediate-size rigs with an 85 hp engine, but they serve different applications.
BIO1500 Family
What is the BIO1500A?
The BIO1500A is a large hydraulic drilling rig for environmental drilling. It is recommended for projects requiring high force, greater torque and versatility for different soil and rock drilling systems.
Which methods can the BIO1500A perform?
The BIO1500A can perform Hollow Stem Auger up to 10″ diameter and 90 m depth, Direct Push, CPT/CPTu, instrumentation installation and down-the-hole hammer drilling, depending on configuration and field conditions.
What are the main technical specifications of the BIO1500A?
The BIO1500A features a 152 hp diesel engine, maximum operating pressure of 250 bar, head rotation from 0 to 100 rpm, maximum torque of 12,000 N.m, pull-down force of 18,100 kgf and push-up force of 30,600 kgf.
What is the BIO1500S HDE?
The BIO1500S HDE is a high-capacity hydraulic drilling rig for geotechnical drilling. It is recommended for Hollow Stem Auger, mechanised SPT, NQ rotary drilling, CPT/CPTu, instrumentation installation and down-the-hole hammer drilling.
Which methods can the BIO1500S HDE perform?
The BIO1500S HDE can perform Hollow Stem Auger up to 10″ diameter and 90 m depth, mechanised SPT, NQ rotary drilling up to 500 m, CPT/CPTu, instrumentation installation and down-the-hole hammer drilling.
What are the main technical specifications of the BIO1500S HDE?
The BIO1500S HDE features a 160 hp diesel engine, maximum operating pressure of 250 bar, head rotation from 0 to 650 rpm, maximum torque of 12,000 N.m, pull-down force of 18,100 kgf, push-up force of 30,600 kgf, 8″ double chuck, 4,000 kg crowd winch and 500 m wireline winch.
Does the BIO1500S HDE have remote control?
Yes. The BIO1500S HDE can feature wireless remote control for full operation, an LCD display for monitoring and parameter telemetry, depending on equipment configuration.
Drilling and Investigation Methods
What is Hollow Stem Auger?
Hollow Stem Auger is a drilling method using a hollow-stem auger, used for soil drilling with simultaneous borehole casing. This system is widely applied in environmental drilling, geotechnical drilling and monitoring well installation.
Which Biosonda equipment can perform Hollow Stem Auger?
Several Biosonda models can perform Hollow Stem Auger, including BIO300A, BIO300S, BIO300M, BIO300CM, BIO400A, BIO400S, BIO1500A and BIO1500S HDE. Diameter capacity and depth vary according to the model, configuration, soil and accessories used.
Which equipment performs Hollow Stem Auger up to 4″?
Models from the BIO300 family, such as BIO300A, BIO300S, BIO300M and BIO300CM, can be configured for Hollow Stem Auger up to 4″ and depths up to 60 m, depending on operating conditions.
Which equipment performs Hollow Stem Auger up to 8″?
The BIO400A and BIO400S models can be configured for Hollow Stem Auger up to 8″ and depths up to 50 m, depending on soil conditions and configuration.
Which equipment performs Hollow Stem Auger up to 10″?
The BIO1500A and BIO1500S HDE models can be configured for Hollow Stem Auger up to 10″ and depths up to 90 m, depending on field conditions.
What is Direct Push?
Direct Push is a direct-drive method used primarily in environmental drilling, soil sampling and instrument installation. It allows tools to advance into the soil without continuous rotation, depending on the soil type and application.
Which Biosonda equipment can perform Direct Push?
The environmental models BIO300A, BIO400A and BIO1500A can perform Direct Push. Some compact versions can also be configured for this type of application, depending on the project and client requirements.
What is mechanised SPT?
Mechanised SPT is the performance of the SPT test using a mechanised system, reducing manual effort and increasing operational standardisation. It is used in geotechnical investigations to assess soil resistance to penetration.
Which Biosonda equipment can perform mechanised SPT?
The BIO300S, BIO300M, BIO300CM, BIO400S and BIO1500S HDE models can perform mechanised SPT. Some configurations in the BIO300 environmental line can also include mechanised SPT, depending on the client's requirements.
What is rotary drilling?
Rotary drilling is a method used for investigation of resistant soils and rock, using core barrels, core bits and fluid circulation. It is common in geotechnics, mining, foundations and deep investigations.
Which Biosonda equipment can perform rotary drilling?
Biosonda's geotechnical line includes models capable of rotary drilling, such as BIO300M, BIO300CM, BIO400S and BIO1500S HDE. Depth and diameter depend on equipment configuration, tooling, soil or rock and installed accessories.
What are CPT and CPTu?
CPT is the cone penetration test. CPTu is the version with pore pressure measurement. These tests are used for geotechnical characterisation of soil, stratigraphic evaluation and obtaining parameters for engineering projects.
What is down-the-hole hammer drilling?
Down-the-hole hammer drilling, also called DTH, is a method used mainly in resistant and rocky materials. The hammer acts at the bottom of the borehole, transmitting impact energy directly to the drilling tool.
DT63 — Dual Tube Sampling
What is the Biosonda DT63 system?
The DT63 is a Dual Tube sampling system developed to collect continuous, depth-specific soil samples with reduced risk of cross-contamination. It uses outer rods to case the borehole and inner rods coupled to a PVC liner to recover the sample.
What is the Dual Tube DT63 system used for?
The DT63 is used for environmental soil sampling, especially when it is important to maintain sample quality, control the sampling depth and reduce the risk of cross-contamination between soil layers.
How does the DT63 work?
The system uses inner and outer rods driven simultaneously. The outer rods case the borehole while the PVC liner collects the sample. After driving, the inner rods are retrieved with the filled liner, which must be capped, labelled and set aside for analysis.
What is the advantage of the DT63 over conventional single tube?
The main advantage of the DT63 is cased-borehole sampling, reducing cross-contamination and improving sample quality. The system also uses lightweight inner rods, making trips faster and more productive compared to conventional single-tube liner systems.
Does the DT63 allow continuous sampling?
Yes. The DT63 can be used for continuous sampling from the surface or from a specific depth. For continuous sampling, the liner insertion, driving and sample recovery process is repeated until the desired depth is reached.
Does the DT63 use a PVC liner?
Yes. The system uses a PVC liner sampler inserted into the inner rods. The liner receives the soil sample during driving and is then retrieved, capped and labelled.
Geohammer
What is the Geohammer?
The Geohammer is a compact environmental drilling unit from Biosonda, consisting of a drilling unit and a power unit. It is recommended for environmental drilling applications and hydraulic hammer driving in locations where mobility and access are important factors.
What are the main technical specifications of the Geohammer?
The Geohammer uses a Honda GX630 petrol engine with 21 hp, a 16.9 cc/rev gear pump, an Epiroc hydraulic hammer at 1,150 to 1,600 bpm, a Sauer Danfoss 60 LPM control block and an electrically driven heat exchanger up to 100 LPM.
What is the weight of the Geohammer?
The Geohammer has a drilling unit weighing approximately 673 kg and a power unit weighing approximately 340 kg.
Where can the Geohammer be used?
The Geohammer is designed to operate in open areas, including on rainy days, provided that the safety, ventilation, stability and operating conditions specified in the equipment manual are observed.
GP100 — Injection Pump
What is the GP100?
The GP100 is a cement grout injection pump from Biosonda. It is used in injection applications with cement, fresh water, bentonite mixtures and procedures related to geotechnics, foundations and soil treatment.
What materials can be used with the GP100?
The GP100 is designed for injection of cement with fresh water, fresh water with cement and bentonite, or fresh water with bentonite. The use of other materials must be technically evaluated and may not be permitted.
What are the main technical specifications of the GP100?
The GP100 uses a WEG three-phase 220 V electric motor of 15 hp, a 16.9 cc/rev variable axial piston pump, an electrically driven heat exchanger up to 100 LPM and approximate weight of 700 kg.
Does the GP100 require a three-phase power supply?
Yes. The GP100 must be connected to a 220 V three-phase power supply, and the electrical connection must be carried out by a qualified professional.
Safety, Operation and Maintenance
Can Biosonda drilling rigs operate in the rain?
Biosonda equipment is designed to operate in open locations, including on rainy days, respecting the safety limits and procedures specified in each model's manual. They must not be operated in flooded areas.
Can the drilling rigs operate in confined spaces?
Equipment with internal combustion engines must not operate in confined spaces without adequate ventilation, as the engine can produce gases that are harmful to health. Operation must follow the manual's recommendations and applicable safety standards.
What is the maximum slope for operating a Biosonda drilling rig?
Technical manuals generally indicate an operational inclination limit of up to 20° in both directions, depending on the model. For travel, ramps, transport or special applications, the condition must be technically evaluated considering terrain, centre of gravity, engine, tracks and stability.
What safety radius must be observed when operating the equipment?
Before moving or operating the equipment, check that there are no people, animals or objects within the machine's working radius. Manuals indicate special attention to a minimum radius of 3 metres around the equipment before operation.
Is a daily checklist mandatory?
Yes. The daily checklist must be verified before starting operation. It helps identify issues related to lubrication, fastening, hoses, controls, fluid levels, safety devices and other critical points before use.
What PPE is required to operate a drilling rig?
Operation must be carried out with PPE appropriate to the environment and type of work, such as helmet, safety glasses, gloves, safety footwear, ear protection, appropriate clothing and any other equipment required by the site's risk assessment.
Why is preventive maintenance important?
Preventive maintenance increases reliability, reduces unexpected downtime and preserves hydraulic components, engines, controls, hoses, tracks, heads, winches and safety systems. Equipment performance depends directly on correct use and maintenance according to the manual.
Do the machines have safety devices?
Yes. Biosonda equipment may feature emergency stop buttons, interlock systems, protective guards, mechanical protections, signalling, speed controls, electrical safety systems and specific features depending on the model and configuration.
Does the protective guard on the BIO1500 increase safety?
Yes. The front protective guard on the BIO1500 was designed to reduce risks during operation. In configurations with interlocking, opening the guard can automatically reduce the head rotation speed, increasing operational safety.
Purchase, Customisation and Support
Does Biosonda customise equipment according to client needs?
Yes. Biosonda can develop and configure equipment according to the type of application, drilling method, depth, torque, crowd force, site access, accessories, hydraulic systems, paint finish, controls and the client's specific requirements.
Does Biosonda provide equipment manuals?
Yes. Equipment is supplied with an operation and maintenance manual, along with supplementary technical documents such as hydraulic diagram, electrical diagram, warranty certificate and component manuals, depending on the model.
Does Biosonda provide technical support?
Yes. Biosonda provides technical support for its equipment, including operational guidance, maintenance, spare parts and technical assessment according to the client's needs.
How do I request a quote for Biosonda equipment?
To request a quote, provide the type of application, drilling method, desired depth, tool diameter, soil or rock type, operating location, access limitations and requirements for SPT, CPT/CPTu, Direct Push, Hollow Stem Auger, rotary drilling, down-the-hole hammer, sampling system or injection.
What information should I send to choose the ideal drilling rig?
To choose the ideal drilling rig, provide: type of project, drilling method, estimated depth, borehole diameter, soil or rock type, need for environmental sampling, SPT, CPT/CPTu, Hollow Stem Auger, Direct Push, down-the-hole hammer, rotary drilling, site access, weight, width, height restrictions and transport conditions.
Does Biosonda only sell complete machines?
Biosonda can supply complete machines, sampling systems, accessories, tools, components and technical solutions depending on the application. Availability depends on the product, configuration and client requirements.
Quick Reference Table
Summary of the main Biosonda equipment and their applications.
| Equipment | Main Application | Main Methods |
|---|---|---|
| BIO300A | Compact environmental drilling | Hollow Stem Auger, Direct Push, SPT, CPT/CPTu, instrumentation, DTH hammer |
| BIO300S | Compact geotechnical drilling | Hollow Stem Auger, mechanised SPT, CPT/CPTu, instrumentation, DTH hammer |
| BIO300M | Geotechnical drilling with high rotation | Hollow Stem Auger, SPT, HQ rotary drilling, CPT/CPTu, DTH hammer |
| BIO300CM | Compact multifunctional version | Hollow Stem Auger, SPT, HQ rotary drilling, CPT/CPTu, DTH hammer |
| BIO400A | Intermediate environmental drilling | Hollow Stem Auger, Direct Push, CPT/CPTu, instrumentation, DTH hammer |
| BIO400S | Intermediate geotechnical drilling | Hollow Stem Auger, SPT, HQ rotary drilling, CPT/CPTu, DTH hammer |
| BIO1500A | Heavy environmental drilling | Hollow Stem Auger, Direct Push, CPT/CPTu, instrumentation, DTH hammer |
| BIO1500S HDE | Heavy geotechnical drilling | Hollow Stem Auger, SPT, NQ rotary drilling, CPT/CPTu, DTH hammer, wireline |
| Geohammer | Compact environmental drilling | Direct Push, hydraulic hammer driving |
| DT63 | Soil sampling | Dual Tube sampling with PVC liner |
| GP100 | Injection | Cement grout injection, cement with bentonite, bentonite with fresh water |
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