Two common methods of drilling approaches are used in industrial applications, Down The Hole Hammer Drilling and Top Hammer Drilling methods, which perform similar functions but in different ways. To develop more efficient and cost-effective means of drilling to greater depths, here we talk about how to use the drilling methods to save cost-effectively.
Difference Drilling Methods
DTH Drilling / Down The Hole Hammer Drilling
DTH Drilling is more accurate than TOP Hammer Drilling, DTH rigs use compressed air to drive the hammer behind the drill bit through dth drill rods, the piston directly hits dth button bit, and the hammer cylinder provides a straight and stable guide for the drill bit. This keeps the effects of energy from being lost in the joints, DTH rigs drill straight holes with less deviation providing more accurate blasting and better fragmentation as a result, and allowing deeper percussion drilling, DTH drills are proven at depths of more than 20 meters.
In addition, producing less noise than TOP Hammer drills.
DTH drilling is more suitable for large holes in hard rock drilling, typically the maximum hole size for DTH drilling in a production environment is 254-330mm, especially for rocks with a hardness of more than 200Mpa. However, for rocks below 200 MPa, not only energy will be wasted, but also the drilling efficiency will be low, which will cause serious wear on the dth drill bit. This is because when the hole hammer’s piston strikes, the soft rock cannot fully absorb the impact, which severely reduces the efficiency of drilling and slagging. (DTH drills mainly use pressurized air for slag flushing, and sometimes air foam for special applications.)
Top Hammer Drills
The impact force of the top hammer drilling generated by the piston of the pump in the hydraulic drilling rig is transmitted to the drill bit through shank adaptor (shank joint) and drill rod, which is the most different from down-the-hole drill. Meanwhile, the percussion system drives the drilling system to rotate. When the stress wave reaches bit dth, the energy is transferred to the rock in the form of penetration by dth drill bit. The percussive system strikes the drill rod, for example, 2,000-5,000 strikes per minute, and the rotation speed can be, for example, 60-200 rounds per minute. Together these elements make it possible to drill holes in the hard rock. The excess material (cuttings) is flushed up from the bottom of the hole by means of pressurized air or water. Top hammer drills are primarily used in mining, construction and quarrying of rock material.
However, top hammer drilling is usually used for the maximum diameter of 127-140mm, and the depth of the hole is less than 20 meters, which has high efficiency. The top hammer drilling relies on hydraulic energy, so its performance remains consistent regardless of the depth.
Top hammer drilling is ideal for shorter depths, producing faster penetration rates than DTH and lower fuel consumption with higher mobility.
Difference from efficiency standpoint and consistent performance
DTH drills are mechanically superior from an efficiency standpoint when compared to their top drilling counterparts. The top hammer drilling approach achieves a consistent performance, making it the perfect choice for productive drilling at extremely low levels.
In determining whether or not one drilling method makes sense over another, you can prioritize your goals. If consistency is the primary objective, then the hydraulic-powered top hammer is better suited. If you are looking for a more efficient experience, then down-the-hole drilling equipment is probably a better fit.
Top hammer drills tend to have a longer service life when compared to their down-the-hole drilling counterparts. If accuracy is a focus, down-the-hole drilling technologies are the best fit. Both styles are well-suited for soft and medium rock formations. For use in hard work drilling, the top hammer drills will provide the best experience.
About VD DRILL
VD Drill Rock Tools mainly produces rock drilling tools for mining, construction and related industries. When choosing right drill methods, you can first look at the actual situation of your project, hole depth, dth drilling rigs type, drill costs and decide which type of rock drill bits, to choose according to the rock formations, geological formations, and working environment of the construction site.
Since its foundation in 1999, VD Drill has been striving to provide customers with fast, stable and economical solutions for rock drilling, and effectively help them reduce rock drilling costs. Now VD Drill has been a specialized manufacturer of rock drilling tools with integration of R&D, production, related products supplying and solution consultancy.