A Self-Optimizing Control System for Hard Rock Percussive Drilling

Author

Cavanough, Gary L. ; Kochanek, Mark ; Cunningham, Jock B. ; Gipps, Ian D.

Author_Institution

Commonwealth Sci. Ind. Res. Organ., Pullenvale

Volume

13

Issue

2

fYear

2008

fDate

4/1/2008 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

153

Lastpage

157

Abstract

The derivation and application of a self-optimizing control system for percussive drilling of hard rock is presented. The control system superimposes an oscillating force signal onto the drill feed force and demodulates the signal from the drill rotational torque. The resultant demodulated signal is then used to control the drill, allowing real-time maximization of penetration rate, minimum hole deviation, and measurement of rock characteristics regardless of drilling conditions. The control system allows the drill to adapt to changing rock conditions. Testing has proven the control to be reliable and to increase drilling efficiency.

Keywords

drilling; mining; optimisation; drill feed force; drill rotational torque; drilling efficiency; hard rock percussive drilling; oscillating force signal; self-optimizing control system; Australia; Control systems; Costs; Drilling; Feeds; Force control; Pistons; Stress; Testing; Torque control; Drill control system; mining; percussive drilling; rock excavation;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Mechatronics, IEEE/ASME Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1083-4435

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/TMECH.2008.918477

Filename

4489978