Rock Drill Rig Control Unit for Adaptive Parameter Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual adjustment of drilling parameters in rock drill rigs is complex and time-consuming, often resulting in inefficient operations due to the need for balancing multiple parameters, which can lead to wear, reduced productivity, and equipment damage, especially when rock formations change.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that allow for pre-defined operating modes to automatically adjust drilling parameters such as feed motor pressure, rotation motor pressure, percussion pressure, and flushing fluid flow based on rock type, bit size, and rod size, ensuring balanced settings and preventing counteractive parameter combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of drilling parameters is performed, then the rig can be adapted to different rock formations, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit stores multiple pre-defined parameter sets corresponding to different rock formations. Before drilling begins or when rock formation changes are detected, the operator selects the appropriate pre-defined set, which automatically configures all drilling parameters without manual adjustment of each individual parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes multiple drilling parameters simultaneously based on the selected rock formation type. The control unit retrieves a coordinated set of parameters including feed force, rotation torque, and other drilling parameters that are optimized for the specific rock formation, ensuring proper balancing without manual intervention.
2Productivity
If multiple drilling parameters are adjusted manually, then the rig can be optimized for different conditions, but parameter balancing becomes difficult and may lead to equipment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves as a central intelligence that coordinates multiple drilling parameters simultaneously. It ensures that feed force, rotation torque, and other parameters are properly balanced according to the selected rock formation, preventing counteractive combinations that could damage equipment while optimizing drilling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors drilling conditions and allows selection of parameter sets that are pre-balanced for safe and efficient operation. The control unit manages the coordination of parameter changes to prevent equipment damage from improper parameter combinations.
3Productivity
If basic parameters are set to high values, then drilling productivity increases, but wear and equipment damage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different pre-defined parameter sets contain optimized values for feed force, rotation torque, and other parameters tailored to specific rock formations. For softer rock formations, the parameter sets enable higher productivity settings, while for harder formations, the parameters are balanced to reduce wear and equipment stress, extending equipment durability.
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
The system optimizes drilling operations by ensuring parameters are set for specific rock types, reducing manual adjustment complexity and improving efficiency, productivity, and equipment longevity by automatically adjusting settings to match changing rock conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The drilling machine and the slide are driven towards the rock along the feed-beam by means of a feed motor which can be a hydraulic cylinder or a chain feeder
Implementation Method 2
the drill rod is rotated by means of a rotator including a rotation motor (often hydraulically driven) and a transmission
Implementation Method 3
When performing percussive rock drilling, a shock wave is generated by the percussive mechanism of the drilling machine. This shock wave is transmitted as an energy stress wave through the drill rod down to the drill bit
Implementation Method 4
When the stress wave reaches the drill bit, its hard metal button elements are pushed against the rock with such a strong force that the rock is fractured
Implementation Method 5
Rock dust is continuously removed from the front side of the drill bit by flushing
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
A method and a device for controlling a drill rig (1) which includes a carrier vehicle with at least one feed-beam (3), wherein a drill machine (2) is movable to-and-fro, wherein rig parameters are set by a control unit (6) and wherein each one of a plurality of operating modes (M1-M6) includes specified operating settings for different operating parameters of the rig. Each operating mode (M1-M6) is selectable such that operation of the rig is related to a particular type of rock, in which drilling is to be performed, and each operating mode (M1-M6) includes operating settings that are adapted to the prevailing type of rock. The invention also concerns a drill rig.