How to Avoid Drill Bit Jamming During Horizontal Directional Drilling

1. Pre-construction Geological and Scheme Optimization: Conduct detailed geological surveys before construction, densifying boreholes in complex strata to identify underground pipelines, rocks, tree roots, and other obstacles. Select appropriate drilling routes, avoiding high-risk areas such as alternating soft and hard rock zones and fractured zones.

2. Standardized Operation: The driller must closely monitor instrument readings throughout the drilling process. If abnormal torque or pressure is detected, immediately stop the drilling and investigate. Forced drilling under pressure is strictly prohibited.

When working in hard clay layers, slow down the reaming speed and increase the mud flow rate to ensure sufficient removal of cuttings from the borehole.

For complex strata, employ a step-by-step borehole washing process, using reamers appropriate for the rock hardness. For long-distance drilling, install centralizers on the reamers to reduce drill string oscillation.

3. Optimize Mud Performance: Configure specialized bentonite mud according to strata characteristics to enhance mud wall protection and cuttings carrying capacity, preventing cuttings accumulation and borehole wall collapse that could lead to drill bit jamming.

4. Equipment and Emergency Support One main piece of equipment is kept on standby, and readily available spare parts are provided. For long-distance, large-diameter pipeline projects, one drilling rig is deployed at both the entry and exit points to facilitate rapid coordinated rescue in case of emergencies.

Regularly inspect drill bit wear, ensure proper lubrication and stress optimization of drill rod threads, and prevent drill bit malfunctions that could lead to stuck drill bits.