Inner Tube Testers
Matrix Inner Tube Testers are designed to quickly and accurately detect leaks in RC drill rods and inner tube assemblies. Built similarly to a thread protector with a vent hole, the tester threads directly into the pin end of the RC drill rod to create a simple and effective testing setup.
To perform the test, compressed air is introduced through the opposite end of the drill rod. If air escapes through the vent hole in the tester lid, it indicates a leak within the inner tube or sealing system.
In many cases, replacing worn or damaged O-rings will resolve the issue and restore proper sealing. If the leak persists after O-ring replacement, it is likely that the inner tube has ruptured, meaning the inner tube must be replaced or removed from service.
Matrix Inner Tube Testers provide a fast, reliable way to diagnose RC drill rod inner tube leaks, helping drilling crews maintain proper sample recovery and minimize downtime.
Tremie / Grout Pipe
Matrix Tremie Pipe is a flush OD drilling product designed to deliver grout and cement slurry efficiently to depth. Built for strength and durability in demanding drilling environments, Matrix Tremie Pipe ensures reliable material placement in geotechnical, environmental, and foundation drilling applications.
Manufactured with a plasma arc welded alloy tool joint, Matrix Tremie Pipe provides superior strength and long service life. The pipe features a taper lock thread profile, allowing for a tight seal while also enabling fast and easy make-up and breakout in the field.
Matrix Tremie Pipe is available in multiple diameters ranging from 3½” OD down to 1¾” OD and can be supplied in 20 ft and 30 ft lengths, or manufactured to meet custom customer specifications.
Designed for durability and ease of use, Matrix Tremie Pipe delivers dependable performance when placing grout materials at depth.
Shrouded Rock Bits
Matrix offers a full range of shrouded Tricone bits providing top end protection to the Tricone bit body while maintaining a constant annulus. Our shrouds are designed to release the compressed air into the borehole close to the face of the bit for the most efficient clearing of cuttings.
Side Entry Swivels
Placed below the top head, this product directs compressed air into the annular area of the Matrix dual tube rods while allowing a continuous discharge of cuttings through the top head of the rig.
Side Discharge Swivels
A Matrix specialty product. Allows drillers with smaller rigs to be able to drill with larger sized Matrix dual tube rods by discharging the cuttings below the top head. Features replaceable chrome wear rings for easy maintenance.
Stabilizers
Stabilizers are used to assist in providing smooth, supported rotation of the drill string. Many times a formation may be subject to significant erosion, causing the borehole wall to be unstable. Stabilizers help to support the lower end of the drill string. In addition to providing supported drill string rotation, stabilizers enhance production as they keep the drill string aligned with the drill bit. Matrix offers milled spiral stabilizers are available up to 48″ long and to 20″ OD. Straight blade stabilizers are available up to 72″ long and 20″ OD.
Transition Rods
The Transition Rod effectively absorbs drill string torsional and lateral stresses associated with deep hole RC drilling. The redistribution of stresses will increase drill string life and minimize failures making the Transition Rod a prudent addition to your drill string. The Transition Rod is positioned strategically between the Drill Collars and the Dual Tube Drill Rod. Matrix Transition rods are machined from high grade alloy steel. Adaptable to any combination of drill collar and RC drill rod sizing.
Drill Collars
Matrix Drill Collars are used to achieve the correct weight on bit (WOB) to maximize penetration rates and prevent drilling in compression. Matrix Drill Collars are machined from high grade alloy steel corresponding to AISI 4145. Each collar undergoes rigorous quality control procedures during manufacture. Matrix offers a DI-22 thread form and a stress relief groove in the pin tool joint connection. By running Matrix Drill Collars, failures in the drill string will be reduced to a minimum resulting in less cost per foot for the driller.
Casing
Casing is available in sizes ranging from 6 5/8 in. to 24 in., these components are designed for dual rotary drilling rigs and demanding drilling applications. Both left-hand and right-hand thread options are available, along with multi-start thread configurations engineered to handle high-torque drilling conditions.
Large Diameter Reverse Circulation Dual Tube Drill Rod
Matrix dual tube drill rods are available in a wide range of standard and custom sizes, making them adaptable to nearly any drilling rig or drilling program. Inner tube sizes are available up to 7 inches ID, supporting efficient airflow and reliable reverse circulation drilling performance.
Subs and Accessories
Clamshell
This rod handling tool is very popular in angular hole applications. The Matrix Clamshell locks around the drill rod tool joints and assists in the angular positioning of the RC rod. Whether you are adding or removing rod from the drill string, it saves time and makes the task easier.
Saver Subs
Matrix RC Saver Subs are manufactured from heat treated alloy steel and have exceptional strength and durability. The Saver Sub has an inner tube and an outer body. It is used to connect the swivel or Top Head Adaptor to the first RC drill rod. The saver sub becomes the main makeup and breakout connection, protecting the threads on the swivel or top head.
Back Reamers (Digout Subs)
The Matrix Back Reamer (Digout Sub) has multiple functions. First, it helps prevent premature wear to the RC DTH Hammer. The second function of the back reamer is to in fact “back ream” the borehole. This is necessary in the event the borehole wall is unstable and experiencing partial collapse and assists the driller in removing the drill string from a tight borehole. The Back Reamer is positioned between the RC DTH hammer and the first RC Drill Rod. The back reamer consists of an outer body and an inner lift tube. When the inner lift tube of the Back Reamer shows signs of deterioration it can be easily replaced.
Blow Down Subs
The Matrix Blow-Down Sub clears inner tube blockages in RC drill strings quickly and efficiently. Designed for use with dual tube drill rod systems, it seals the annulus and channels airflow through the RC inner tube to clear jammed interchange slots and Rock Bit Adaptors. Two-component design: Blow-Down Sub inner tube + outer body.
Blow Up Subs
The Matrix Blow Up Sub is positioned at the top of the RC drill string, disconnected from the top drive. It directs high-pressure airflow up the inner tube, through the RC head, and into the sample collection tube to clear inner tube blockages quickly and efficiently.
Compatible with all sizes of Matrix RC drilling tools.
Aerator Subs
The Matrix Aerator Sub works in conjunction with the Air Injector Sub to optimize circulation in dual tube flooded reverse circulation drilling applications. It assists in lifting the water column inside the inner tube, enabling consistent circulation in deep hole drilling conditions. The Aerator Sub inner tube features two precision-angled passages that release a calculated volume of compressed air into the inner tube before reaching the bottom hole assembly, ensuring reliable sample transport from depth.
Air Injector Subs
The Matrix Air Injector Sub is used in dual tube flooded reverse circulation drilling applications to aerate the water column inside the inner tube, initiating upward flow and establishing circulation. As the primary high-flow aeration point in the drill string, it is positioned near the bottom of the string where aeration has the greatest impact on lifting capacity and circulation efficiency.
RC Interchanges (Crossover Subs)
The Matrix Interchange is a three-piece assembly consisting of an interchange body, inner tube, and top sub. Used in conjunction with an Reverse Circulation (RC) DTH hammer or tricone rock bit, the Interchange directs drill cuttings from the bit into the inner tube of the RC drill rod, where they flow up the drill string and are discharged at surface. The Interchange is positioned in the drill string directly above the DTH hammer.
Jetted style Interchanges bleed a controlled volume of compressed air into the return sample stream, accelerating cuttings up the inner tube for improved sample recovery. Matrix Interchanges are available in 1, 2, or 3 slot designs, with or without jetting, and are manufactured to fit all Matrix RC tooling sizes.
Rock Bit Adapters
The Rock Bit Adapter (RBA) is employed in RC drilling with a Tricone Rock Bit. The RBA connects directly to the Tricone Rock Bit and its purpose is to direct the cuttings into the inner tube of the RC drill string.
The Rock Bit Adapter is an assembly made up of 4 components:
- RBA Outer Body
- RBA Inner Tube
- Wear Sleeve
- Bladder
Matrix offers size specific RBA connection options to the tricone bit.
Lowering, Hoisting, & Handling
Matrix manufacturers hoisting plugs equipped with heavy duty bails to allow you to safely hoist and lower your RC drill string.
