Microwave Drill Bit for Deep Hard Rock Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling methods for deep hard rock drilling are inefficient due to low speed, complex working procedures, and borehole size mismatches, which hinder effective stress release and environmental protection in geotechnical engineering and mining.
Innovation Solution
A microwave drill bit design that integrates drilling and stress release by using a rigid coaxial waveguide with cross borehole wall cracks to transmit microwaves, allowing simultaneous fracturing of the borehole wall and end of deep hard rock, while maintaining efficient drilling and precise control over microwave power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional drilling methods are used for deep hard rock, then the equipment is simple and easy to operate, but the drilling speed is low and productivity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines drilling function and microwave fracturing function into a single integrated drill bit. The drill bit includes both cutting edges for mechanical drilling and microwave transmitting elements for electromagnetic fracturing, allowing simultaneous operation of both functions without requiring separate equipment or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill bit is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical cutting of rock, transmission of microwaves for fracturing, and potential cooling water delivery. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate drilling equipment and subsequent microwave treatment equipment, thereby improving productivity while managing device complexity.
2Reliability
If microwave stress release technology is used after drilling, then stress release effect is improved, but the working procedure becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drilling operation and microwave stress release operation into a single simultaneous process. The microwave transmitting elements are integrated into the drill bit structure, allowing microwaves to be transmitted to the rock formation during the drilling process itself, thereby achieving stress release without requiring a separate post-drilling step.
Solution Approach 2:
The microwave transmission occurs continuously during the drilling process rather than as a separate subsequent operation. This continuous action ensures that stress release is achieved throughout the drilling process, maintaining reliability while simplifying the overall working procedure by eliminating discrete steps.
3Productivity
If a common drill is used for hard rock drilling, then the equipment is simple, but the drilling speed of hard rock is low
Solution Approach 1:
The drill bit integrates mechanical cutting elements with microwave transmission elements, combining conventional drilling capability with electromagnetic fracturing capability. This allows the drill to maintain simplicity in operation while incorporating advanced microwave technology to enhance drilling speed through simultaneous thermal and mechanical rock breakdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces microwave energy as an alternative or complementary mechanism to pure mechanical cutting. The microwave transmission provides thermal energy that weakens the rock structure, reducing the mechanical force required for cutting and thereby increasing drilling speed while managing the complexity through integration rather than replacement.
4Manufacturing precision
If in-hole microwave coaxial heater is inserted into borehole, then fracturing precision is improved, but borehole size mismatching problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The microwave transmission elements are integrated directly into the drill bit structure rather than being inserted as separate in-hole equipment. This integration ensures that the microwave transmission path is always properly positioned and sized for the specific borehole being created, eliminating mismatching problems while maintaining the precision of targeted fracturing.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of inserting microwave equipment into an existing borehole after drilling, the patent inverts the sequence by incorporating microwave transmission capability into the drilling tool itself. This reversal of the conventional approach ensures proper sizing and positioning from the start, eliminating adaptability issues while maintaining fracturing precision.
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 design enhances drilling efficiency, ensures precise stress release, and reduces the complexity of working procedures, achieving high stress release effects while minimizing equipment installation issues and microwave dissipation in air.
Implementation Method 1
a rigid coaxial waveguide with cross borehole wall cracks to transmit microwaves
Implementation Method 2
emitting microwaves to the wall periphery of the borehole, generating many cracks in the wall periphery of the drilled borehole
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave drill bit capable of achieving fracturing of a borehole wall and end of a deep hard rock while drilling and a use method thereof are provided. The microwave drill bit comprises a microwave drill bit body, wherein a support frame front plate, a metal sleeve and a water inlet ring sequentially sleeve on the microwave drill bit body, the metal sleeve is connected with a rotary drive I mounted on the support frame front plate, the microwave drill body is connected with a microwave mode converter and a microwave splitter II respectively, the microwave mode converter and the microwave splitter II are connected with a microwave splitter I by a rectangular waveguide, the microwave splitter I is sequentially connected with a microwave rotating joint, a fixed waveguide and a microwave generator, and the microwave rotating joint is connected with a rotary drive II mounted on the support frame rear plate.