The surface rock drilling rig industry has a long history of development and has become an essential part of the mining, construction, and quarrying industries. The first surface rock drilling rig was invented in the 19th century and was used for mining and quarrying purposes. Over time, the technology has evolved, and today, there are various types of drilling rigs available for different applications.
The main types of surface rock drilling rigs include down-the-hole (DTH) hammer drilling rigs, top hammer drilling rigs, rotary drilling rigs, and multi-functional drilling rigs. Each type of drilling rig has its unique features and is suitable for different applications.
DTH hammer drilling rigs are commonly used for drilling large diameter holes in hard rock formations. They are ideal for mining, quarrying, and construction applications. Top hammer drilling rigs are suitable for drilling smaller diameter holes in hard rock formations and are commonly used in construction and mining applications.
Rotary drilling rigs are used for drilling deep holes in soft to medium-hard rock formations. They are commonly used in oil and gas exploration, geothermal drilling, and water well drilling. Multi-functional drilling rigs are versatile and can be used for various applications, including geotechnical drilling, environmental drilling, and mineral exploration.
When selecting a drilling rig type, several factors need to be considered, including the diameter of the hole to be drilled, the hardness of the rock formation, the depth of the hole, and the required drilling speed. For example, DTH hammer drilling rigs are suitable for drilling large diameter holes in hard rock formations, while top hammer drilling rigs are ideal for smaller diameter holes in hard rock formations.
In summary, the surface rock drilling rig industry has a long history of development and offers various types of drilling rigs suitable for different applications. The selection of a drilling rig type depends on several factors, including the diameter of the hole to be drilled, the hardness of the rock formation, and the required drilling speed.