Down-the-Hole drill bits are core consumables, directly impacting construction efficiency and costs. Improper selection or improper use of high-quality drill bits can double the wear rate, even leading to stuck drill bits and equipment overload. The core principle is "selecting the right type for the formation and using it according to regulations." The following tips will help you accurately avoid pitfalls and reduce waste.
I. Drill Bit Selection: Matching to the Formation, Avoiding Blindly Choosing the Most Expensive
Soft Rock/Soil (Shale, Clay): Select alloy tooth drill bits (tooth tip hardness HRC60 or higher), 8-12 teeth, with a larger tooth spacing (for easier slag removal) to prevent the drill bit from getting clogged with mud and causing wear.
Medium-Hard Rock (Sandstone, Limestone): Select inlaid alloy drill bits, with hard alloy blocks embedded in the teeth, offering strong impact resistance and suitable for construction scenarios with wind pressures of 1.2-1.5MPa, balancing efficiency and durability.
Hard rock/granite: Select diamond composite (PDC) drill bits, which have high hardness and strong wear resistance. Use 1.5-2.0MPa high-pressure air to reduce drill bit edge chipping. Avoid using ordinary alloy drill bits (they are prone to dulling and breakage).
Fractured/fractured rock: Select wide-pitch, high-slag-dissipation drill bits to reduce rock debris clogging between the teeth. Prioritize short drill bit bodies (to improve stability and prevent uneven wear).
II. Usage Techniques: 3 Key Actions to Reduce Wear by 80%
Strictly Control Operating Parameters: Drill pressure should be controlled at 15-25kN (upper limit for hard rock, lower limit for soft rock), rotation speed 30-60r/min, and air pressure not lower than 1.0MPa (to ensure smooth slag removal and prevent rock debris from grinding the drill bit). "Dry drilling" (operating without air pressure) is strictly prohibited, otherwise the drill bit will overheat and be damaged instantly.
Standard Operating Details: Before starting the drill, circulate high-pressure air for 30 seconds to remove residual rock debris from the hole; during drilling, keep the drill rod vertical (skew error ≤1°) to avoid uneven wear caused by unilateral force on the drill bit; every 5-8 meters of drilling, lift the drill to clean the hole to prevent jamming and drill bit tooth breakage.
Prompt Troubleshooting: When encountering hard rock causing the drill to jam, do not force pressure or reverse the direction. First, reduce drilling pressure, increase air pressure, and slowly lift the drill rod until the drill bit loosens before continuing work; if the drill bit teeth are worn more than 3mm or cracks appear, replace it immediately (to avoid damaging the drill rod).
III. Drill Bit Maintenance: Small Details Extend Service Life
Post-Operation Cleaning: Use high-pressure air to flush between the drill bit teeth and the slag discharge groove to remove rock debris and soil, preventing residual impurities from corroding the drill bit.
Regular Inspection: Before storage, check the tooth wear and drill bit body deformation. Repair severely worn drill bits promptly (for drill bits with insert teeth, alloy teeth can be welded in); never use a drill bit with defects.
Proper Storage: Store drill bits in a dry, well-ventilated area, applying rust-preventive oil to the teeth to prevent corrosion caused by damp environments. Store different types of drill bits separately to prevent damage to the tooth tips from collisions.
The core issues affecting drill bit wear on down-the-hole drilling rigs are "mismatched selection" and "operational violations." New operators should first understand the characteristics of the geological formation being drilled, then accurately select the drill bit type. Combined with standardized parameter adjustments and routine maintenance, this can reduce the frequency of consumable replacements and improve construction efficiency. Remember: A good drill bit requires both "correct selection and correct use" to maximize overall cost reduction.