A smart bolter for improving entry stability

An ongoing research program directed onward investigating drilling parameters (thrust, torque, penetration rate, and drill revolutions) during the drilling of roof bolt holes is discussed. A system that measures these drilling parameters, calculates the specific energy of drilling, and determines drill bit penetration depth has been developed and mounted on a roof bolting/drilling machine to provide an operator with real-time displays of the specific energy of drilling and drill bit penetration depth, as referenced to first contact with the mine back. Through the use of a microcomputer, critical drilling parameters can be interpreted immediately and analyzed. This makes it possible to inform the operator of hazardous roof conditions, such as voids, inclusions, or changes in strata. In addition to real-time operator displays, data on specific energy versus bit and void position can be downloaded to a removable semiconductor memory device. Data stored in this memory can be transferred to the surface and directly accessed with a personal computer for post-acquisition analysis. System components exposed to hazardous mine environments are designed to be intrinsically or permissibly safe.<>