Drilling Rig Feed Force Control via Torque Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling rigs face issues with the drilling tool or expanding tool getting caught in the ground or rock due to excessive feed force, leading to process interruptions and stress on drill rods, as they operate with maximum pull-in force regardless of subsoil conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and drilling rig that limit the feed force exerted on the drill string to a preset value, adjusting feed rate and force based on torque to prevent excessive force, allowing for controlled movement of the drilling or expanding tool, and using a hydraulic unit to manage feed speed and force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If maximum pull-in force is applied during drilling and expansion operations, then the drilling tool or expanding tool can be pressed firmly into the ground to improve penetration capability, but the cutting elements may get caught in the ground or rock causing blockage and process interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the feed drive system by continuously monitoring torque values and adjusting the feed rate accordingly. The control unit reduces the feed rate when torque exceeds predetermined thresholds, preventing the cutting elements from getting caught in hard ground or rock while maintaining optimal penetration during normal drilling conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by measuring the actual torque during drilling and expansion operations, comparing it with predetermined limit values, and automatically adjusting the feed rate based on the torque feedback. This closed-loop control prevents excessive feed force that could cause blockage while ensuring continuous operation.
2Productivity
If maximum pull-in force is used to advance the drill string through various subsoil conditions, then penetration speed may be improved, but extreme stress is applied to the drill rods leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The feed rate is dynamically adjusted based on real-time torque measurements. When torque increases indicating hard ground or rock conditions, the system automatically reduces the feed rate to prevent excessive stress on drill rods, while maintaining higher feed rates during normal penetration to preserve productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters (feed rate) based on the measured torque conditions. By adjusting the feed rate parameter in response to torque variations, the system optimizes both penetration speed and drill rod stress management throughout the drilling and expansion process.
3Device complexity
If the feed drive operates without torque-based control, then the system structure remains simple, but the drilling tool may get blocked and require frequent interruptions for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives torque feedback from sensors and automatically adjusts the feed rate without requiring complex manual intervention. This feedback-based automatic control maintains drilling process continuity by preventing blockages through real-time parameter adjustment while keeping the control system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling system performs self-adjustment by automatically modifying the feed rate based on torque conditions detected during operation. This self-service capability prevents blockages and maintains continuous operation without requiring external intervention or complex control mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach prevents the drilling or expanding tool from being pressed too forcefully into the ground, reducing the risk of blockages and extreme stress on drill rods, enabling safe and continuous operation for both pilot hole creation and expansion.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic unit (16) whose pressure and/or quantity can be adjusted on the hydraulic unit independently of one another
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a drilling rig for creating or reaming a borehole in the ground (18) and a method for controlling a feed drive (336, 338) of such a drilling rig (10). A drill string (14) connected to a drilling and/or reaming tool (20, 24) is rotated about its longitudinal axis by means of a rotary drive (334) and moved through the ground (18) in the direction of its longitudinal axis by means of a feed drive (336, 338). The feed force exerted on the drill string (14) in the direction of its longitudinal axis by the feed drive (336, 338) is limited to a preset limit value (Fmax).