How to improve the working efficiency of surface drilling machine?

2025-09-18

The following is a comprehensive strategy for improving the efficiency of surface down-the-hole drilling rigs, divided into several key components:

①Pre-construction Optimization and Preparation (Accounting for 30% of Efficiency Improvement)

"Sharpening the knife doesn't delay the chopping of wood." Thorough preparation is the foundation of efficient construction.
1. Detailed Hole Pattern Design Optimization:
Core: Work closely with blasting engineers to optimize parameters such as hole spacing, row spacing, and over-depth based on rock properties and blasting targets (fragmentation requirements).
Efficiency Point: A more scientific hole pattern plan can achieve better blasting results with fewer holes, thereby reducing the total drilling workload at the source – the greatest efficiency improvement.
Technical Application: Use GPS or total stations for precise hole patterning, avoiding re-drilling and missed holes, and reducing wasted time during drill rig movement.
2. Drill Rig Selection and Matching:
Lithology Matching: Select the appropriate drill rig model and impactor based on the rock's hardness, abrasiveness, and fracture development. For hard rock, use a high-pressure drill rig and a high-performance impactor; for soft rock or medium-pressure drill rigs, the cost-effectiveness is higher. o Matching Hole Diameter and Depth: The drilling depth and diameter determine the required drilling rig thrust and torque. Selecting a drill with a capacity slightly higher than the actual requirements ensures optimal operation and reduces malfunctions.
3. Work Surface Preparation:
Leveling the Site: Provide a solid, flat working platform for the drill rig, reducing the time required for positioning and leveling the drill rig.
Cleaning Debris: Thoroughly remove loose pumice and overburden from the work surface to prevent the drill from becoming stuck and ensure accurate drilling.

②Process and technology optimization of the drilling process (accounting for 40% of efficiency improvement)
This is the core operational link for improving efficiency.
- 1. Select high-efficiency drilling tools:
  - Hammer: Choose a high-efficiency hammer that matches the air pressure. Its advanced internal structure produces greater impact energy and a higher frequency.
    
    Drill bit: Choose a high-quality drill bit with a scientifically arranged alloy teeth. A good drill bit not only drills faster but also lasts longer, reducing the frequency and time required to replace the drill bit. Choose a ball-tooth or blade-tooth drill bit based on the rock type.
    
    Drill rod: Ensure the straightness and thread integrity of the drill rod to reduce drill rod problems such as sticking and tripping.
    
    2. Optimize drilling parameters:
    Shaft pressure (weight on bit): Seek the optimal weight on bit. Too little pressure results in slow drilling speed; too much pressure can cause premature bit wear, sticking, or even rod breakage. Follow the principle of "low pressure for drilling, gradual pressure increase, and drilling at normal pressure."
    
    Speed: Match the speed to the impact frequency. Down-the-hole drilling relies primarily on impact crushing. Too high a speed can cause premature wear of the drill bit teeth, while too low a speed can affect slag removal. There is usually a recommended optimal speed range. o Air Pressure and Air Volume: Ensuring a sufficient and stable supply of compressed air is crucial for efficient down-the-hole drilling.
    
    Air Pressure: High air pressure is one of the most effective ways to increase drilling speed. The higher the air pressure, the greater the impact energy and the faster the slag removal.
    
    Air Volume: Sufficient air volume is crucial for timely and thorough removal of rock dust from the hole. Poor slag removal can significantly reduce drilling speed, increase drill tool wear, and cause drill bit sticking.
    
    Standardized Operating Techniques:
    
    Smooth Operation: Avoid violent pressure application and drill bit lifting.
    
    Pay Attention to Slag Discharge: Always observe the dust discharged from the hole to ensure it is dry or contains a small amount of moisture. Dense dust may indicate insufficient air volume; damp, clumping dust indicates water in the formation, and attention should be paid to bit balling.
    
    Reduce Auxiliary Time: Developing skilled operation can reduce the time spent on auxiliary tasks such as connecting and disconnecting drill pipe, shifting, and positioning.
    
    ③. Equipment maintenance and management (accounting for 20% of efficiency improvement)
    Ensure equipment is always in optimal condition to avoid unplanned downtime.
    
    1. Preventive Maintenance:
    Perform daily and regular maintenance in strict accordance with the maintenance manual. Key maintenance items: air compressor, dust removal system, hydraulic system, propulsion mechanism, etc.
    
    Regularly inspect the lubrication system to ensure proper lubrication of drill pipe joints and impactors.
    Promptly replace worn parts such as filters and seals.
    
    2. Drill Tool Management:
    
    Maintain a drill tool usage record to document service life.
    
    Promptly repair or eliminate excessively worn drill pipe and drill bits.
    
    Use specialized tools when raising and lowering drill tools to avoid damage to threads caused by rough handling.
    
    ④Organization and People Management (10% of Efficiency Improvement)
    
    1. Personnel Training: The technical proficiency of operators and maintenance personnel is crucial. Train them to anticipate and resolve faults, as well as develop efficient and standardized operating habits.
    
    2. Incentive Mechanism: Establish a performance appraisal system tied to drilling meters, fuel consumption, and drill tool consumption to motivate employees.
    
    3. Collaborative Operations: Work closely with blasting and excavation teams to reduce waiting time and ensure a continuous supply of drilling fluid to the drilling surface.
    
    Summary: Key Points for Efficiency Improvement
    
    1. Ensure Compressed Air: Sufficient, stable, high air pressure and volume are paramount.
    
    2. Select High-Quality Drilling Tools: Especially the drill bit and hammer, which are the "teeth" that directly contact the rock.
    
    3. Optimize Drilling Parameters: Find the optimal combination of drilling pressure and rotational speed for the current lithology.
    
    4. Refined Management: Pay attention to every detail, from hole pattern design and equipment maintenance to operator operation.
    
    Through these comprehensive improvements, the efficiency of surface down-the-hole drilling rigs can be significantly improved, ultimately reducing overall drilling and blasting costs.
    If u have any doubt, we could have a further contact.
    
    Writer：Steven
    
    Jiangsu Goodeng Heavy Machinery Technology Co.,Ltd
    
    Add：South of Weisan Road,Dafeng development zone, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China.
    
    Tel: +8618352028029 Whatsapp:8618352028029
    
    Gmail: yudixiao32@gmail.com
    
    Email: caopengchen@goodeng.com.cn
    
    Website: www.goodeng.com.cn