Development of Large diameter Rock Socket Drilling Technology and its Prospect

Abstract:

The main technical challenges present with large diameter rock socket drilling are analysed. The technical status quo of three conventional large diameter rock socket drilling methods, e.g. cone bit/disc cutter drilling method, percussive drilling method (no circulation and reverse circulation) and air/fluid powered DTH drilling method, is described with concrete proposals initiated for increasing the technical level of large diameter rock socket drilling.