Hole widening drilling penetration mechanism and performance evaluation in hard rock utilizing cutting analysis

Ahmed, A S Daiyan (2020) Hole widening drilling penetration mechanism and performance evaluation in hard rock utilizing cutting analysis. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Mining by drilling technique, a revolutionary breakthrough which has already created a wind of change in the industry of ore excavation. Mineral production form the narrow veins is a matter of great challenge and mining by drilling technique is providing the unique solution for this type of excavation. Large diameter hole drilling is performed for accomplishment of excavation from narrow vein ore bodies. Conventional rotary drill rigs are used to drill a small pilot hole through the center of the vein and then the large diameter hole is drilled on the same hole where pilot bit works as a guide or stabilizer for large diameter bit. Pilot hole are drilled to understand the geology, geometry of the formation and the large diameter hole drilling works as the main production process of the ore. Lab based Drill-Off Tests were conducted to evaluate the pilot hole drilling and hole widening drilling process. Drill cuttings were used as the main source of information and shape, size, volume of the particles were examined carefully for proper assessment of the drilling process. Performance of these two types of drilling process were estimated based on Rate of Penetration (ROP), Revolution Per Minute (RPM), Mechanical Specific Energy (MSE) and Drilling Efficiency (DE). Relationship between drill cuttings particle size parameters and drilling parameters were investigated for proper appraisal of hole widening drilling process. A detailed study was performed to assist field scale hole widening drilling operations that involves intensive analysis of cuttings, drilling parameters, and drilling performance.

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