Introduction to drilling for newbies: What should you pay attention to when operating a drilling machine for the first time?

Introduction to drilling for newbies: What should you pay attention to when operating a drilling machine for the first time?

Core principles: safety first, efficiency second. Your goal is to "drill a good hole safely," not "drill fast."

1. Preparation stage: Sharpen the knife to chop wood

Receive systematic training: Never be self-taught! It must be led by an experienced master who understands the function of each joystick, the meaning of each instrument and the steps to handle in an emergency.

Study the Bible: Carefully read the equipment operating manual and safety procedures. It is your best teacher.

Comprehensive inspection of equipment (pre-shift inspection):

Go around the machine for a week: Check whether there are oil leaks, water leaks, and whether there are obvious cracks in the structural parts.

Key parts: Check whether the wire rope is broken, whether the track is loose, and whether each lubrication point has been filled with butter.

Fluid level check: Check whether the engine oil, coolant, and hydraulic oil levels are within the standard range.

Surveying the construction site:

Underground conditions: Make sure there are no cables, optical cables, pipes or other obstacles underground.

Ground conditions: Make sure the site is flat, solid and can bear the weight of the drilling rig. If necessary, compact the ground or lay steel plates.

Aerial environment: Pay attention to whether there are high-voltage wires in the sky and maintain an absolutely safe distance.

2. Operation stage: Be bold and careful, step by step

Startup and warm-up:

After starting the engine, let the drilling rig run without load for 5-10 minutes at medium and low speed throttle. This allows the hydraulic fluid to warm up and circulate to all areas, which is crucial like an athlete warming up.

Precise leveling:

Make sure the drill mast is perfectly vertical using the rig's automatic leveling system or manual hydraulic outriggers. This is the lifeblood of making straight holes, and once you start drilling, it can be difficult to correct.

Slow drilling (the word "stable" comes first):

Lower the drilling tool to the ground, turn it gently and slowly, and make a shallow and positive pilot hole. This stage does not require speed, only "accuracy".

Drilling process ("listen, see, touch"):

Listen to the sound: Pay attention to the sound of the power head and engine. When encountering hard layers or abnormalities, the sound will become heavy or sharp. If there is any abnormality, immediately lift the drill and inspect it.

Look at the instruments: Monitor hydraulic oil temperature, engine speed, pump pressure and other parameters at all times. Parameter anomalies are the earliest "alarms" issued by the device.

Touch vibration: feel the vibration of the whole machine. Sudden, severe shaking could mean an obstruction or problem with the drill tool.

Core skills: "Press lightly and turn quickly" to hit soft soil, "Press hard and turn slowly" to chew hard rock. Judge formation changes in a timely manner based on the returned slag (earth and rock brought up).

Drill lifting and slag unloading:

When lifting the drilling tool, the speed should be steady to avoid violent shaking and hitting the well wall.

In the slag unloading area, make sure there is no one around before operating the drill bucket to unload soil.

3. Safety and mentality: a string that is always tight

Keep a safe distance: No people should be allowed to stand around the rotating and moving parts of the drill rig. Especially the drill pipe joint part to prevent pinching.

Personal protection: You must wear a safety helmet, protective glasses, and anti-smash safety shoes.

Violations are strictly prohibited:

It is strictly prohibited to perform maintenance while the drilling rig is running.

It is strictly forbidden to touch or clean the rotating drill pipe and drill bit directly with your hands.

It is strictly forbidden to leave the equipment in operation.

Newbie mentality:

Don’t be ashamed to ask: When encountering any uncertain situation, stop the machine immediately and ask the master for advice.

Don’t seek speed, but seek stability: Your first success criterion is “safety without accidents, drilling meets the requirements”, not “whose record is broken”.

One last word for you: An excellent driller operates equipment with his heart and brain, not just with his hands. Good luck with your first diamond!