What factors affect the construction efficiency of Trenchless Drilling Machine?

1. Geological conditions
Soil type: Different soil types have different effects on construction efficiency. For example, drilling in sandy soil has a relatively fast drilling speed, but the hole wall is prone to collapse, and it may take time to protect the wall; in clay, although the hole wall is more stable, the viscosity of the clay may cause the drill bit to get stuck, reducing drilling efficiency.
Rock hardness: When encountering rock layers, the harder the rock, the more difficult it is to drill, the faster the drill bit wears, and the drill bit needs to be replaced frequently, which will significantly reduce construction efficiency. For example, granite has high hardness, and the drilling speed may be only a fraction of that in soft soil layers or even lower.
Groundwater level: In areas with high groundwater levels, water may gushed out during construction, affecting the stability and progress of drilling. It is necessary to take precipitation measures or use special wall protection mud to balance the water pressure, which will increase construction time and cost and reduce efficiency.
2. Equipment performance
Power size: A high-power drilling machine can provide stronger power, and can use higher drilling speed and greater torque under the same geological conditions, thereby improving construction efficiency. For example, for large-diameter and long-distance drilling construction, a high-power drilling machine is required to meet the construction requirements.
Drill bit quality: High-quality drill bits can better cut rock and soil, reduce wear, and maintain good drilling performance. Different types of drill bits are suitable for different geological conditions, and choosing the right drill bit can improve drilling efficiency. For example, in hard rock formations, the drilling speed of using diamond drill bits is much faster than that of ordinary alloy drill bits.
Automation degree: Drilling machines with a high degree of automation can achieve more precise control and operation, reduce human intervention, and improve the stability and continuity of construction. For example, some advanced drilling machines are equipped with automatic control systems that can monitor and adjust the drilling trajectory in real time to avoid construction delays caused by human operation errors.
3. Construction process
Drilling parameters: Reasonable selection of parameters such as drilling speed, torque, and thrust is crucial to construction efficiency. If the drilling speed is too fast, it may cause excessive wear of the drill bit or collapse of the hole wall; while too slow speed will prolong the construction time. Torque and thrust should also be adjusted according to geological conditions and drill bit type to ensure that the drill bit can effectively cut rock and soil.
Mud performance: Mud plays an important role in wall protection, slag removal, and cooling of the drill bit in drilling construction. The performance indicators of mud such as viscosity, specific gravity, and water loss rate directly affect the construction efficiency. Appropriate mud performance can effectively prevent hole wall collapse, improve slag removal effect, reduce drill bit wear, and thus improve construction efficiency.
Pipeline pullback process: During the pipeline pullback process, the size of the pullback force and the lubrication measures of the pipeline will affect the construction efficiency. If the pullback force is too large, it may cause pipeline rupture or damage to the drilling rig equipment; and good lubrication measures can reduce the friction between the pipeline and the hole wall, making the pullback process smoother and improving construction efficiency.
4. Personnel quality
Operation skills: The proficiency and operation skills of the operator have a direct impact on the construction efficiency. Experienced and skilled operators can reasonably adjust equipment parameters and operate equipment correctly according to different geological conditions and construction conditions, avoid failures and accidents caused by improper operation, and thus improve construction efficiency.
Emergency handling ability: During the construction process, various emergencies may be encountered, such as hole wall collapse, drill bit jamming, etc. Personnel with strong emergency handling ability can quickly judge the problem and take effective solutions to reduce the impact of accidents on construction efficiency.
5. Management level
Construction organization: Reasonable construction organization can make each process closely connected to avoid idle work and delays. For example, plan the time and sequence of each link such as equipment entry, installation and commissioning, drilling construction, and pipeline backhaul in advance to ensure the smooth progress of construction.
Equipment maintenance: Regular maintenance of equipment, timely detection and elimination of equipment failures can ensure the normal operation of equipment, reduce downtime caused by equipment failures, and improve construction efficiency.