Down the hole drill

Types of down the hole drills

Some popular types of down the hole drills are as follows.

• Production drill

  Usually, large DTH hammers are used as DTH production drills. They provide efficient drilling for production holes. Such holes often need bigger diameters, deeper depths, and higher volumes.

• Ridge drill

  DTH ridge drills create horizontal grooves along a ridge's top. Controlled blasting or excavation can be facilitated by these grooves. Ridge drills typically have flat bits. Their diameter is often 12-24 inches.

• Rotary blast hole drill

  DTH rotary blast hole drills create vertical holes on a slope for blasting. The gradient can be up to 60 degrees. Such holes blast rock to make a stable mineral slope. Using a down the hole hammer drill helps increase drilling speed.

• Anchor hole drill

  The DTH anchor hole drills make precise holes for anchors or rock bolts. The size and depth of these holes are controlled carefully. An anchor or rock bolt provides support to a structure or slope. To enhance bolting and anchoring precision, the DTH anchor drill features a compact design and gives good control.

Maintenance of DTH Drills

Maintenance of the DTH drill bits and hammer is crucial for their efficient performance and longevity. A well-planned maintenance programme not only helps to ascertain the DTH drill's working condition, but it also uncovers minor issues before they escalate into major, costly repairs. For the smooth operation of the DTH drill, some routine maintenance practices need to be carried out on a constant basis:

• Daily Lubrication and Bolt Tightening: Hammer parts should be greased at the start or end of each working day. This includes the lubrication of strike rods and piston threads in particular. Every day, the bolts should also be checked to ensure that they are secure. Special attention should be given to the bolt connections DTH hammer has with the drill pipe as well as the bolt connections between the drill pipe and bit. This is important to prevent issues like thread damage or joint loosening later on.
• Weekly Cleaning and Inspection: A detailed inspection into the functioning of the DTH hammers and bits should be done once every week. This includes taking them apart and checking for worn out or damaged parts. Any abnormal characteristics such as scratches, blemishes, or irregularities should be looked into and further examined. In addition to this, they should also be cleaned properly and thoroughly. But cleaning shouldn't be limited to just the bits and hammer alone. The entire drill machine should be cleaned from inside out. Any obstructions, dirt, or debris that get in the way of its smooth functioning should be removed. After all, only a clean drilling machine is able to function efficiently.
• Monthly Repairs and Replacements: Every month, the consumable parts of the down the hole drill machine should be looked into for damages. These include the DTH drill bits, hammer, hammer piston, drill pipe, sub, and shrouds. If there are any cuts, chipping, or sign of damage in these crucial pieces, they should be promptly repaired or replaced. Apart from that, the DTH drill machine's air compressor also warrants on-time servicing and repairs. Air loss can be a common occurrence if fittings are not properly looked into. Hence, the air compressor needs to be inspected so that proper and consistent air supply can be ensured. Loss of air can affect the drill's performance.
• Follow the Manufacturer's Manual: While some general maintenance practices are essential to the DTH drill machine's smooth operation and longevity, it is crucial to understand that every drill machine is distinct. Therefore, the specific maintenance requirements and instructions should be looked into and followed in accordance with the manufacturer's manual. By carefully and thoroughly reading the manual, businesses can ensure that their DTH drill has the longest life possible and is the most efficient and robust at its work.

Scenarios of down the hole drills

The main application of DTH drilling machines is in mining operations and stone quarries. Currently, the use of these DTH drillers in tunneling is also growing at a rapid rate. Besides, they are creating blast holes in open-pit mining sites.

Here are some uses of down the hole drills in various sectors:

• Mining: In the field of underground mining, DTH drilling machines are the workhorses. They create tunnels to let people mine precious ores like gold, silver, copper, or diamonds. Plus, DTH drills form ventilation shafts. Those tunnels help air flow within mines to keep workers safe. In some cases, these drills even make exploratory holes. The exploratory holes help miners figure out if an area contains valuable minerals before fully investing in it.
• Quarrying: DTH drills also play a key role in the quarrying industry. In quarries, DTH drills create holes for blasting rock. The drills are precise and help ensure the quarrying operation is effective and safe.
• Construction: DTH drilling machines aren't just for mining and quarrying. They also have important construction applications. DTH drills help form deep foundations for big structures like bridges, buildings, or wind turbine towers. They can also create pile holes and socketed holes for reinforced concrete columns. Plus, DTH drills can make horizontal directional drilling (HDD) holes. Those directional drilling holes help lay pipelines or cables under obstacles like roads or rivers.
• Geotechnical drilling: DTH drilling machines do more than just mine or build. They also help gather crucial information about the ground. DTH machines make holes for gathering soil and rock samples. These samples provide information about the composition of the ground. DTH drills are also used to install instruments for monitoring the behavior of the ground over time. Such instruments include inclinometers and piezometers, to name a few. This geotechnical information is very important for future construction projects.
• Blasthole drilling: DTH machines are precise and successful at drilling blast holes. The holes are for explosive placement in rock. Operators can easily control the spacing and depth of each hole. After that, explosives are put into the holes to blast rock for mining or quarrying.

How to choose down the hole drills

When choosing a DTH drill, consider the factors that affect performance and productivity.

• Drill components

  Check the quality of DTH drill components, such as the rock driver, drill pipe, DTH hammer, and DTH bit. Ensure that they are well-manufactured and compatible with each other. High-quality components can enhance the stability and efficiency of drilling.

• Drilling parameters

  Consider the drilling pressure, frequency, diameter, and depth that the DTH drill can achieve. Make sure that these parameters meet the requirements of the intended drilling tasks.

• Applicable rock types

  The DTH drill bit's shape and material determine its ability to drill through various rock formations. Select a DTH drill according to the rock type of the drilling site to ensure effective and smooth drilling.

• Operating environment

  Consider the working conditions and environment in which the DTH drill will be used. For example, if it needs to operate in humid or high-temperature environments, choose a drill with proper protection and durability.

• Maintenance and service support

  Select a DTH drill that offers convenient maintenance and repair services. Ensure the availability of spare parts and technical support to reduce equipment downtime and maintenance costs.

Down the hole drill FAQ

Q1: What is the concept of DTH drilling?

A1: The down-the-hole drilling mechanism exerts the impact force directly on the rock via the drill rod, located at the bottom of the hole.

Q2: What are the trends in the DTH drill market?

A2: The market upstream is the quarry and mining activity, which are DTH drill hole markets. Therefore, the DTH drill hole market industry may be influenced by the import and export trend of the downstream working and mining industry. The whole industry chain economic activity may also affect the DTH drill hole market industry.

Q3: What are benefits of DTH drill?

A3: The benefits of DTH drilling include a high penetration rate, efficient rock removal, and the ability to maintain excellent hole straightness and diameter control.

Q4: What are the limitations of DTH drilling?

A4: DTH drilling is expensive and isn't suitable for soft materials.