Drilling is an essential technique used for many different applications, from creating holes in solid surfaces for construction to oil exploration and metalworking. Throughout the decades, the process has evolved and today there are several methods used to practice it. Notably, the two most common types of drilling methods are Percussive Drilling and Rotary Drilling. To learn more about both of these methods read this article.
What Percussive Drilling Is
Percussion drilling is an age-old method used in surface exploration. It takes an immense amount of strength and drilling fluid to operate the managing instrument, which typically consists of a robust hammering machine, coupled with a cutting bit connected to a long rope. This rope is repeatedly raised and lowered, enabling the bit to steadily remove matter from the surface. To guarantee the hole does not collapse during this process, a provisional metal case is utilized. Upon placing the permanent well casing and screen, the provisional metal case is removed, thereby permitting a deeper reach of the borehole. In a nutshell, Percussive drilling is a practical, yet laborious, method of drilling that requires several people to cooperate in raising and lowering the bit by pulling the rope in unison.
Types of Percussive Drilling
Percussive drilling is one of the most common types of drilling methods used in the mining, oil and gas, and construction industries today. It requires a great deal of precision and accuracy when operating the machinery. Here are five different types of Percussive drilling that are used today:Top Hammer Drilling
Using a hammer situated above the drill bit, top hammer drilling is a powerful method of Percussive drilling, often used for creating shafts and tunnels in industries such as mining.Down-the-hole Drilling (DTH)
In down-the-hole drilling, the hammer is located at the bottom of the drill string, which allows for drilling much deeper and with greater accuracy.Rotary-percussion Drilling
Combining both rotary and hammering techniques, this type of drilling is used mainly for geothermal and oil and gas drilling.Pneumatic Drilling
Using compressed air to power the hammer, pneumatic drilling is used widely in the construction industry.Hydraulic Drilling
Using pressurized water to drive the drill bit, hydraulic drilling is useful for many applications, from mining to quarrying and civil engineering.Applications of Percussive Drilling
Percussive drilling, one of the most common types of drilling methods, has become a standard method used in various construction projects such as building foundations, bridge building, tunneling, and road construction, as well as, mining operations, geotechnical exploration, water well drilling. It is suitable for breaking through hard materials like concrete, asphalt, and rock for purposes of exploration drilling, rock blasting, installation of explosives, and collecting soil and rock samples for analysis. Percussive drilling techniques such as DTH drilling are widely used as a reliable means of penetrating hard substances in search of underground water sources, providing an effective measure to assess the stability of land for construction projects and determining the characteristics of subsurface regions.What is Rotary Drilling
Rotary drilling is a commonly employed drilling technique, utilized in mining, oil and gas exploration, construction, and geothermal energy. It works by rotating a drill bit, positioning it with downward force on the surface to be drilled. Subsequent progression of Rotary drilling, which is another most common type of drilling method, involves a three-phase process of drilling, circulating, and cleaning the drilling fluid. This measure is carried out to evacuate cuttings and ensure their stability. The fluid additionally has a cooling purpose on the drill bit. As a result, the Rotary drilling procedure is met with great output, reaching various depths, widths, and compression.
