Optimum Design for Energy-Saving Percussive Drilling Drifter using Taguchi Method

Abstract

This study set out to optimize the performance of the drifter used for top-hammer drilling. The main performance factor of a drifter is its percussion power, which is expressed as the product of the impact rate and impact energy. We selected design parameters that influence a drifter’s percussion performance, so as to optimize its percussion power output and verified the validity of the drifter analysis model by comparing the results of lab tests with those of an analysis. We then went on to select those design parameters that influence a drifter’s percussion performance by using the screening design method to make an efficient and accurate selection, and applied the selected design parameters to the Taguchi method. As a result, an optimum set of design factors for increasing the drilling efficiency of the drifter was proposed.