In mineral exploration and extraction, continuous technological innovation has been the driving force behind industry advancements. As global mineral resources become scarcer and extraction environments increasingly complex, traditional drilling techniques struggle to meet modern mining demands for efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. Against this backdrop, large-diameter DTH hammer deep-hole drilling technology has emerged as a game-changer, offering unique advantages and quickly gaining recognition in the mining industry. This technology significantly improves drilling efficiency, reduces costs, and provides robust technical support for sustainable resource development.
Overview
Large-diameter DTH hammer deep-hole drilling is a method that uses compressed air as the power source to realize effective crushing of rock at the bottom of the hole by high-frequency reciprocating impacts on the drill bit through the internal impact hammer of the DTH hammer and discharging it out of the hole with the air upward (or downward, depending on the specific construction conditions). This technology is especially suitable for drilling hard and brittle rocks, which can significantly improve the efficiency of rock crushing and reduce the construction time and cost.
Technical Features
Large-Diameter Drilling Capability
This technology can achieve boreholes with diameters up to 1000 mm or more, making it ideal for large-diameter applications such as mine backfilling, rescue shafts, and ventilation holes.
High Drilling Efficiency
Due to the impact crushing method, the stress is concentrated, and the contact instant reaches a high value, which makes it easy to produce cracks and break the structure of the rock formation, forming effective volume crushing. Therefore, compared with the traditional cutting and crushing method, the drilling efficiency of a large-diameter DTH hammer is higher, and the drilling speed is faster.
Strong Adaptability
Suitable for various geological formations, including hard rocks like tuff, breccia, and andesite, this technique works efficiently in areas with minimal groundwater, continuing operations even with slight water inflow.
Efficient Debris Removal
During reaming operations, the central guide hole serves both as a guide for the drill and as a channel for debris removal. The slag does not need to be discharged upward out of the hole, but with the airflow carrying the slag a piece of the lower mining area (or upward according to the needs of construction), greatly simplifying the process of slag discharge.
Construction Process
Equipment Selection and Installation
Choose appropriate drilling rigs and compressors based on drilling methods, borehole structure, and target specifications. Ensure stable machinery setup, intact tools, and smooth pipelines.
Guide Hole Construction
Begin with a smaller diameter drill bit to create a pilot guide hole, providing accurate alignment for subsequent reaming.
Sequential Reaming
Gradually enlarge the borehole diameter using incrementally larger drill bits. After each stage, inspect borehole size and wall quality to meet design specifications.
Drilling Parameter Adjustments
Adjust drilling parameters such as feed force, rotation speed, and airflow based on geological conditions to maintain efficiency and borehole quality.
Borehole Monitoring
Utilize instruments such as inclinometers to monitor borehole conditions, including depth, diameter, and wall stability, ensuring safety and quality throughout the entire process.
Development Trends and Challenges
With the continuous development and utilization of mineral resources, the requirements for drilling technology are getting higher and higher. In the future, large-diameter DTH hammer deep hole drilling technology will develop in the direction of more efficient, more intelligent, and more environmentally friendly. By optimizing the DTH hammer’s structure, enhancing compressed air efficiency, and incorporating intelligent control systems, drilling efficiency, and hole formation quality can be significantly improved.
While large-diameter DTH hammer deep-hole drilling technology offers numerous advantages, it still encounters many challenges during practical application. These include high equipment costs, maintenance difficulties, and the need for highly skilled operators. In addition, how to maintain the stability and safety of drilling under complex geological conditions is also a problem that needs to be solved.
Solutions and Recommendations
Reducing Equipment Costs
Encourage innovation in manufacturing to reduce production and operational costs for DTH hammer systems.
Enhancing Maintenance Protocols
Establish comprehensive maintenance systems, ensuring regular inspections, cleaning, and repairs to keep equipment in optimal condition.
Improving Operator Training
Conduct training programs to enhance operator skills and safety awareness, ensuring efficient and safe drilling operations.
Advancing Research and Development
Focus on addressing drilling challenges in complex geology through R&D, exploring new methods and technologies to improve efficiency and quality.
Conclusion
As an essential innovation in the field of modern geological exploration and resource development, the large-diameter DTH hammer deep-hole drilling technology not only significantly improves drilling efficiency and depth but also shows broad application prospects in many fields, such as mineral resources exploration, water conservancy, and hydropower construction, geothermal energy development and so on, by its low energy consumption, high adaptability, and good drilling stability. As material science and intelligent control technology continues to advance, these technologies will increasingly combine automation and information technology. This integration will enable more precise and efficient drilling operations, significantly contributing to geoscientific research and the sustainable development of the national economy. In the future, we have reason to believe that the large-diameter DTH hammer deep-hole drilling technology will continue to revolutionize and lead geological exploration technology to a new height.
