How To Predict The Penetration Rate Of Percussive Drills

In recent investigation of drilling processes, the U.S. Bureau of Mines measured the operating characteristics of two percussive drills. Basically, this entailed measuring maximum piston velocities while drilling. The maximum piston velocity is not necessarily the same as the striking velocity. The latter is usually somewhat lower1 because most commonly used drills provide an air cushion which slows the piston just before it comes in contact with the drill rod. Penetration rates for the two drills were determined in nine rock types, and the physical properties of the same nine rocks were measured and tabulated. Then the penetration rates were plotted against the individual properties to determine the general relationships on which methods for predicting drilling rates could be based.2