Geological exploration is one of the most important scientific methods to reveal the internal structure, composition, and evolution of the earth. A very important field among these technologies is drilling technology.
Generally speaking, all types of drill bits are important, but in terms of influencing design and performance, the drill bit is the most important, and has a direct impact on drilling efficiency, cost, and safety.
This article introduces drilling technology and drill bits as one of the basic geological exploration technologies in detail, and explains the future development trend.
The differences between various technologies in geological exploration:
Rotary technology drilling: used for hard rock exploration, breaking rock formations through the rotating action of the drill bit.
Impact drilling technology: Its characteristic is to break soft or loose rock formations through impact action; usually used for shallow exploration.
Drilling and blasting technology: It should be used in areas where the rock conditions are very hard or have a certain geological complexity. Explosives are loaded into the borehole to break the rock and enhance its noise and vibration levels.
The application of modern technology in directional drilling: used to accurately locate hidden underground resources or ecological exploration, forming a prescribed path underground.
Evaluation role of drilling technology
Drilling technology enables geologists to make correct judgments about underground conditions by collecting rock samples or conducting in-situ tests in underground environments.
For example, core samples are directly used to analyze geological age, rock type, mineral composition, and stratigraphic structure. Groundwater level, pressure, temperature, and other parameters are monitored in real-time during scientific drilling to prepare for underground resource development and environmental protection.
The drilling process in geological exploration usually includes several stages:
Planning exploration stage: Based on geological data and surface surveys that have been conducted, a drilling plan is formulated to indicate the location, depth, and technical methods of on-site drilling.
Drilling implementation stage: This is a slow operation carried out according to the planned outline, during which the well is deepened underground while collecting rock samples and underground data.
Data analysis stage: Laboratory analysis is carried out based on the data obtained during the drilling of core samples, combined with the collected data on underground geological conditions. These data are then combined with the interpretative data obtained through drilling, and laboratory analysis of the geological resources and environmental conditions of the exploration area is carried out in this stage.
Importance of drill bits in drilling technology
Drill bits vary according to the different characteristics of geological materials, including:
Diamond drill bits: used to penetrate very hard materials, including hard rock and granite, because diamonds are extremely hard.
PDC drill bits (polycrystalline diamond composite): suitable for soft to medium-hard rocks, suitable for limestone, shale, sandstone, etc.
PDC drag bits: commonly used in soft to medium-hard formations, such as mudstone, sandstone, and some softer rocks.
Roller cone drill bits: suitable for soft formations such as clay, coal seams, and soft stone. Therefore, the design of drill bits will vary according to geological conditions and drilling needs. Factors considered in the design include penetration speed, method of breaking rock, and the most effective ability to cool and remove debris.
The role of drill bits in improving drilling efficiency and accuracy
The performance of drill bits directly affects the progress and quality of drilling. An efficient drill bit can:
- Increase drilling speed and reduce drilling time by quickly cutting rock.
- Ensure minimum deviation of the borehole and stabilize the drilling operation to obtain accurate underground information.
- Minimize maintenance costs, as durable drill bits require less frequent replacement and incur less additional maintenance costs.
Impact of drill bit selection on geological exploration results
To achieve the goals of geological exploration, choosing the right drill bit is key; otherwise, the wrong drill bit selection may lead to:
- The drill bit type is not suitable for the rock material being drilled.
- Low drilling efficiency, increased project costs and time.
- Drilling deviations, challenging sample quality, and the accuracy of geological data.
- Higher likelihood of equipment damage, as the wrong size drill bit may cause premature wear and damage to the drill string and/or other drilling equipment, posing a safety hazard.
The role of drill bits in geological exploration
The drill bit is one of the most critical elements in drilling technology, construction, and its working mechanism. Design and performance greatly affect the efficiency and accuracy of the process.
In geological surveys, when using the same drill bit to penetrate rock formations of different hardness, it must also provide sample quality that meets the requirements of geological analysis. These drill bits are widely used, such as diamond drill bits, due to their super hardness and wear resistance in the process of drilling hard layers. They have both high working efficiency and low wear characteristics, suitable for continuous drilling operations in multiple stages of geological processes.
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