What are some methods to prevent stuck drill bits in horizontal directional drilling rigs?
Jun 26, 2026| 1. Pre-construction geological survey: Conduct detailed exploration at multiple points before construction to understand the geological conditions of the strata being traversed, the distribution of underground pipelines and obstacles, and avoid high-risk strata such as fractured zones and sudden changes in hardness, thus preventing the risk of stuck drill bits in advance.
2. Adapting equipment and parameters: Select the appropriate drilling rig, drill bit, and reamer according to the geological conditions. Adjust the drilling pressure and rotation speed according to the formation characteristics. Install vibration dampers in complex formations to avoid the resonance range of the drill string.
3. Optimizing mud performance: Prepare mud suitable for the formation, ensuring sufficient discharge volume to fully carry away rock cuttings from the borehole, maintain borehole stability, and prevent rock cuttings accumulation and borehole collapse that could lead to stuck drill bits.
4. Standardizing on-site operation: The driller should closely monitor the torque and pressure gauges throughout the drilling process. If the values are abnormal, immediately stop the drilling rig for investigation. In special working conditions such as hard clay layers, slow down the reaming speed and avoid blindly forcing drilling.
5. Implement proper drilling tool maintenance: Manage drilling tools according to specifications and classifications. Before operation, check for wear and tear, ensure proper thread lubrication and protection, and prevent pulling or twisting beyond the drill bit's yield strength to avoid drill bit malfunction and jamming.
6. Redundant emergency support: For long-distance, large-diameter pipeline projects, equip each of the entry and exit points with a drilling rig. In case of emergencies, rapid coordinated rescue operations can be implemented to prevent the situation from escalating after a drill bit jam.
