In modern tunnel and underground construction, rock drilling tools play a pivotal role. They not only drive project progress but also ensure quality and safety. However, wear and tear on these tools during use is inevitable, affecting their lifespan, increasing costs, and delaying timelines. Thus, finding effective ways to minimize wear has become a pressing issue for construction teams. This article explores the causes of wear on rock drilling tools and provides control measures to help teams address these challenges effectively.
Causes of Wear on Rock Drilling Tools
Rock drilling tools, such as drill bits, drill rods, couplings, and shank adapters, directly interact with rock, enduring significant impact and friction. The main factors contributing to their wear include:
Rock Strength
Higher rock strength increases the impact and friction on tools, leading to accelerated wear.
Drill Rig Parameter Settings
Improper settings for impact pressure, feed pressure, and rotation pressure can exacerbate wear. For instance, excessive impact pressure or insufficient feed pressure accelerates tool degradation.
Tool Material and Quality
The material and quality of tools significantly influence their resistance to wear. Poor-quality or unsuitable materials wear out faster under identical conditions.
Inadequate Debris Removal
Failing to clear rock cuttings efficiently can lead to debris accumulation, which increases wear on tools and may cause jamming or operational inefficiencies.
Improper Use and Maintenance
Continuous operation without breaks or failure to replace severely worn tools in time can hasten wear and damage.
Working Environment
Environmental factors like humidity, temperature, and water content in rocks also affect tool wear. Adverse conditions accelerate degradation.
Aging of Tools
Over time, tools experience natural aging, such as carbide button wear or loose couplings, reducing their durability and increasing wear.
Measures to Reduce Tool Wear
Adjust Drill Rig Parameters Appropriately
Proper settings for impact pressure, feed pressure, and rotation pressure are critical in minimizing wear. For example:
- Impact Pressure: This should be set to ensure that each strike breaks a rock layer depth of 1/3 to 1/2 of the carbide button length, preventing over-fragmentation and unnecessary energy use.
- Feed Pressure: Adjusted to allow the drill rod to flex slightly during drilling, preventing excessive bending.
- Rotation Pressure: Often self-adjusting to rock resistance, but should still be monitored for efficiency.
Real-time parameter adjustments based on rock conditions are essential for optimal performance and reduced wear.
Timely Replacement of Tools
Heavily worn tools should be replaced promptly. Continuing to use them reduces efficiency, increases wear and risks damaging equipment. A regular replacement schedule based on wear levels and tool lifespan is essential.
Master Drill Rod Repair Techniques
Repairing and reusing drill rods is a cost-effective way to manage wear. Proper techniques help restore drill rods while maintaining material integrity, minimizing unnecessary replacements.
Select High-Quality Tools
Invest in reliable, high-performance tools with enhanced wear resistance to reduce the frequency of replacements and overall wear rates.
Regular Maintenance
Scheduled maintenance helps identify and address potential issues early, extending tool lifespan. Cleaning accumulated debris and ensuring all components are in good working condition is essential.
Improve Operator Skills
Training operators on proper usage and maintenance techniques reduces wear caused by improper handling or misuse.
Conclusion
Reducing wear on rock drilling tools is a multifaceted task that requires attention to material selection, advanced manufacturing techniques, optimized drilling parameters, and routine maintenance. By effectively managing these aspects and training operators to minimize operational errors, construction teams can extend tool lifespans, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. The combined application of these measures can significantly improve the efficiency of rock drilling operations, reduce costs, and provide strong support for the sustainable development of engineering fields such as mining and tunnel construction.
