Lecture 01 : Introduction to Drilling Technology

Summary

This introductory course on Drilling and Blasting Technology offers a comprehensive overview of the techniques and machinery involved in rock excavation. Students will learn the history, theory, and practical applications of drilling, including machine selection, drilling patterns, and performance optimization. The course covers both surface and underground excavation methods, exploring key concepts like rock properties, cost management, and financial evaluation of drilling projects. By the end of the course, students will gain critical skills in selecting appropriate drilling tools, optimizing performance, and ensuring the economic feasibility of excavation operations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Drilling and blasting are ancient techniques used for creating holes and explosions, now applied in modern excavation and mining projects.
• 😀 The course is designed to help students either learn drilling and blasting technologies from scratch or refresh their knowledge on the subject.
• 😀 Drilling is used for a variety of purposes, including rock excavation, water tapping, and tunnel construction, with challenges such as determining hole diameter, depth, and rock conditions.
• 😀 The longest drilled hole in history, the Sakhalin-I oil borehole in Russia, extends over 12 kilometers, showcasing the immense achievement in drilling technology.
• 😀 Different types of drilling machines are required for various conditions, such as soft soil, hard rock, and metal casings, and each machine serves specific purposes.
• 😀 Understanding the interaction between the drill tool and the medium (rock, soil, or wall) is key to efficient drilling, influencing hole creation and machine performance.
• 😀 The course covers the design of drilling patterns, focusing on surface and underground excavation, as these patterns vary based on environmental conditions and excavation type.
• 😀 Economic considerations are crucial when deploying drilling technologies, ensuring that the cost of drilling does not outweigh the return on investment, especially in large-scale operations like oil drilling.
• 😀 Drilling performance must be calculated to optimize machine efficiency, with the right machine selected for the right type of rock and conditions to maximize productivity.
• 😀 The course emphasizes cost calculation, selection, and scheduling of drilling machines to ensure the economic viability and optimization of drilling operations, with a focus on reducing unnecessary costs.

Q & A

What are the two main technologies discussed in the course?

The two main technologies discussed are drilling and blasting, which are fundamental methods used in excavation, mining, and construction.

How far back in history have drilling and blasting technologies been used?

Drilling and blasting technologies have been used since ancient civilizations, with evidence showing their use even in the Middle Ages for various purposes such as excavation and creating space for explosives.

What is the primary focus of this course?

The primary focus of the course is to understand the technology behind drilling and blasting, specifically for rock excavation purposes. This includes techniques for creating holes, selecting appropriate machinery, and optimizing performance.

What challenges are faced during drilling operations?

Some key challenges include selecting the appropriate drill diameter, hole length, and understanding the type of material (e.g., soft soil, rock, or metal casing) to be drilled, as well as managing drilling speed and cost-efficiency.

What is the significance of the Sakhalin-I oil borehole?

The Sakhalin-I oil borehole, located in Russia, holds the record for the longest drilled hole at 12,345 meters (over 12 kilometers) and is used for extracting oil from an offshore field.

What is the largest diameter of a drilled hole mentioned in the course?

The largest diameter of a drilled hole mentioned is 19.25 meters, achieved by a tunnel boring machine used in the Orlovski tunnel in Russia.

What are the main objectives of this course regarding drilling technology?

The main objectives include understanding the properties of different rock types, learning the theories behind drilling, understanding drill machines and their components, and learning how to select the right drilling patterns for surface and underground excavation.

Why is it important to understand the rock medium in drilling?

Understanding the rock medium is essential because it affects the choice of drilling techniques, tools, and machines. The characteristics of the rock determine the drilling process, such as the force needed and the tools required to drill effectively.

How do drilling patterns differ for surface and underground excavation?

Drilling patterns for surface excavation involve two open faces, while underground excavation only has one open face at the top. This difference affects the design and alignment of drill holes.

What are the economic factors considered when choosing drilling technology?

Economic factors include the cost of drilling operations, which involves owning costs, operating costs, and manpower costs. It's crucial to ensure the drilling operation is cost-effective and generates sufficient returns to justify the investment.