WO2019116331A1 - Rock drill testing - Google Patents
Rock drill testing Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2019116331A1 WO2019116331A1 PCT/IB2018/060085 IB2018060085W WO2019116331A1 WO 2019116331 A1 WO2019116331 A1 WO 2019116331A1 IB 2018060085 W IB2018060085 W IB 2018060085W WO 2019116331 A1 WO2019116331 A1 WO 2019116331A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- rock drill
- test device
- sensor
- drill
- rock
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Ceased
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
- E21B7/02—Drilling rigs characterised by means for land transport with their own drive, e.g. skid mounting or wheel mounting
- E21B7/022—Control of the drilling operation; Hydraulic or pneumatic means for activation or operation
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
- E21B7/02—Drilling rigs characterised by means for land transport with their own drive, e.g. skid mounting or wheel mounting
- E21B7/025—Rock drills, i.e. jumbo drills
Definitions
- This invention relates to rock drill testing.
- the invention relates to a rock drill test device.
- the inventor is aware of pneumatic and hydraulic rock drills used in mines. However, there is no method of testing the functional operation of such rock drills.
- a rock drill test device which includes
- a sensor pack which contains sensors to test operational parameters of the rock drill to be mounted onto the mechanical rig;
- a processor module connected to the sensor pack, operable to read inputs from the sensor pack and to compare the operational parameters from the rock drill with acceptable operational parameters for the rock drill.
- rock drill in this specification can refer to a handheld rock drill used in mining applications and to a rock drill component that is mountable on a rock drill rig.
- the mechanical rig may include an acoustic noise and oil mist chamber into which the rock drill can be mounted, operable to reduce acoustic noise and contain oil mist when the rock drill is tested to reduce health risks such as hearing damage and oil mist inhalation.
- the sensor pack may include any one or more of the following sensors:
- a temperature sensor for measuring temperature of a rock drill casing, air exit or air inlet to or from the rock drill.
- the processor module may include signal conditioning circuitry the inputs of which are connected to the respective sensors, the signal conditioning circuitry operable to adjust the electronic signal values which are to be read by any one of a digital and an analogue input of a data acquisition module, the data acquisition module connected to outputs of the signal conditioning circuitry.
- the processor module may contain algorithms and formulas to do data processing to record and note any one or more of the following: rate of penetration of the drill under test; hammering power; acoustic pressure level; speed and torque relationships; impact force and percussion rate relationships; thrust-speed; thrust-torque; thrust-impact; thrust-percussion rate and trust penetration rate relationships.
- the processor module may include a data capturing computer, operable to read inputs from the data acquisition module.
- the data capturing computer may host a database of the acceptable operational parameters
- the rock drill test device may include an incremental brake mechanism to incrementally exert a braking force and torque onto the drill rotation.
- the rock drill device may include an incremental thrust mechanism to incrementally exert a thrust force onto the rock drill or rock drill steel which will increase or decrease impact force.
- the rock drill test device may include an operator console, operable to receive inputs from an operator and to display outputs to the operator.
- the operator console may be operable to monitor and control the test device in an automated way from the inputs from the operator by controlling the flow of driving fluid to the drill through pneumatic, servo or solenoid valve technology.
- the test device may include a lubrication system, operable to apply lubricant to the drill through automated controlling of lubricant through pneumatic, servo or solenoid valve technology.
- the test device may be controlled by a servo motor and a stepper motor to increase or decrease the braking torque and thrust force.
- Data is captured automatically through software control of the processor module, the data acquisition module and data storing capability on hard disk as well as a Structured Query language (SQL) database.
- SQL Structured Query language
- the rock drill test device may contain an equipment number scanner being any one of a barcode, an RFID, a NFC transceiver, an optical communication device, wireless technology such as Bluetooth, LORA, Wi-Fi, Li-Fi or any other communication technology.
- the equipment number scanner may be operable to interface with an active- or passive identity module mounted on a rock drill.
- the rock drill test device may contain a data scanning device to transfer any data captured onto the rock drill during operation from the rock drill onto the test device.
- the rock drill test device may be connectable to a remote database, such as a Structured Query language (SQL) database, or the like.
- the rock drill test device may include switchgear, connectable to an output of the data acquisition module, the switchgear operable to control inputs to the mechanical rig.
- the brake torque, the impact thrust, the lubricant flow, the flow of the driving fluid, the electrical power, warnings to the operator, drill cleaning and flushing, acoustic chamber and drill covers may be controlled by switchgear from the test device.
- the switchgear may include a relay interface.
- the rock drill test device may test a rotational speed in the range of 0 rpm to 1000 rpm by means of any one of an the optical, magnetic, induction and reflective speed sensor.
- the rock drill test device may test a rotational torque in the range of 0 Nm to 500 Nm rpm by means of load cells or torque sensor.
- the rock drill test device may test an impact force in the range of 0 g.msec to 400 g.msec by means of an impulse sensor, accelerometer, or force sensor.
- the rock drill test device may test an impact frequency in the range of 0 Hz to 200 Hz by means of an impulse sensor, accelerometer, force sensor or acoustic sensor.
- the rock drill test device may test a drill noise sound pressure in the range of 80 dB to 120 dB by means of an acoustic sensor; a microphone or a sound pressure level meter.
- the invention extends to a method of testing a rock drill test device, the method including
- Generating an acceptance test report may include providing a print-out of the acceptance test report.
- Figure 1 shows a functional block diagram of a rock drill test device in accordance with one aspect of the invention.
- Figure 2 shows a print-out of an acceptance test report generated by the rock drill test device of Figure 1 .
- Figure 1 shows a functional block diagram of a rock drill test device (10) in accordance with the invention.
- the rock drill test device (10) includes a mechanical rig (12) onto which a rock drill (not shown) can be mounted, a sensor pack (14), which contains sensors to test operational parameters of the rock drill to be mounted onto the mechanical rig (12).
- the sensor pack (14) include a rotational speed sensor (14.1 ) for measuring the rotation speed of the rock drill chuck and or drill steel (jomper), a pressure sensor (14.2) for measuring a driving fluid pressure in a feed line of the rock drill, an impact sensor (14.3) for measuring the impact force exerted by a rock drill and a flow sensor (14.4) for measuring the flow rate of a driving fluid in a feed line of the rock drill.
- the rock drill test device (10) further includes a processor module (16) connected to the sensor pack (14), operable to read inputs from the sensor pack and to compare the operational parameters from the rock drill with acceptable operational parameters for the rock drill.
- the processor module (16) includes signal conditioning circuitry (16.1 ) the inputs of which are connected to the respective sensors, the signal conditioning circuitry adjusting the electronic signal values to be read by any one of a digital and an analogue input of a data acquisition module (16.2), the data acquisition module (16.2) connected to outputs of the signal conditioning circuitry.
- the signal conditioning circuitry includes a conditioning circuit (16.1.1 ) for the speed sensor (14.1 ), a conditioning circuit (16.1.2) for the pressure sensor (14.2), a conditioning circuit (16.1 .3) for the impact force sensor (14.3) and a conditioning circuit (16.1.4) for the flow sensor (14.4).
- an acoustic noise chamber and oil mist chamber into which the rock drill can be mounted operable to reduce acoustic noise when the rock drill is tested.
- the processor module (16) includes a data capturing computer (16.3), operable to read inputs from the data acquisition module (16.2).
- the data capturing computer (16.3) hosts a database of acceptable operational parameters.
- the rock drill test device (10) further includes an operator console (18), operable to receive inputs from an operator and to display outputs to an operator.
- the rock drill test device is connectable to a remote database (20), such as a Structured Query Language (SQL) database, or the like.
- a remote database such as a Structured Query Language (SQL) database, or the like.
- SQL Structured Query Language
- the rock drill test device (10) includes switchgear in the form of a relay interface (22), connectable to an output of the data acquisition module (16.2), the switchgear operable to control inputs to the mechanical rig, such as the brake torque, the impact thrust, the lubricant flow, the driving fluid flow, the electrical power, warnings to the operator; drill cleaning and flushing, acoustic chamber and drill covers are controlled by switchgear from the test device.
- switchgear in the form of a relay interface (22), connectable to an output of the data acquisition module (16.2), the switchgear operable to control inputs to the mechanical rig, such as the brake torque, the impact thrust, the lubricant flow, the driving fluid flow, the electrical power, warnings to the operator; drill cleaning and flushing, acoustic chamber and drill covers are controlled by switchgear from the test device.
- the rock drill test device can test a rotational speed in the range of 0 rpm to 1000 rpm by means of any one of an the optical, magnetic, induction and reflective speed sensor, a rotational torque in the range of 0 Nm to 500 Nm rpm by means of load cells or torque sensor, an impact force in the range of 0 g.msec to 400 g.msec by means of an impulse sensor, accelerometer, or force sensor, an impact frequency in the range of 0 Hz to 200 Hz by means of an impulse sensor, accelerometer, force sensor or acoustic sensor, and a drill noise sound pressure in the range of 80 dB to 120 dB by means of an acoustic sensor; a microphone or a sound pressure level meter.
- the rock drill test device (10) implements a method of testing a rock drill test device, which includes installing a rock drill (not shown) onto a mechanical rig (12), activating a rock drill in the mechanical rig (12), reading inputs from the sensor pack (14), the inputs representing operational parameters of the rock drill, comparing the operational parameters of the rock drill with acceptable operational parameters for the rock drill and generating an acceptance test report on which the measured operational parameters are compared with the acceptable operational parameters.
- the rock drill test device implements a method of downloading data from the rock drill, which captured drill operational data during underground operation.
- the step of generating an acceptance test report includes providing a print- out of the acceptance test report.
- Figure 2 shows a print-out (30) of the acceptance test report.
- an operator name is printed at (32), a rock drill number at (34), the type of test performed at (36) and the date at (38).
- the report may contain data as captured and transferred from the rock drill, as well as display a time stamped or non-time stamped total operation drilling hours, on- collar and off-collar operational hours, number of holes drilled, drilling angles of each hole, shafts, sections, stopes and panels at which have been drilled as identified by a unique drill operator identification number.
- a graph, showing various torque/speed curves is printed at (40).
- a graph showing impact force over time is printed at (42).
- a calculated rate of penetration is shown at (44), as is shown at (46) and a drill Sound Pressure level (SPL) is shown at (48).
- SPL drill Sound Pressure level
- Sound Pressure or acoustic pressure is the local pressure deviation from the ambient (average, or equilibrium) atmospheric pressure, caused by a sound wave. In air, sound pressure can be measured by use of a microphone, and in water by use of a hydrophone.
- the SI unit of sound pressure is the pascal (Pa).
- Sound pressure level (SPL) or acoustic pressure level is a logarithmic measure of the effective pressure of a sound relative to a reference value. Sound pressure level denoted Lp and measured in dB, is defined by
- Np is the bel
- Np is the decibel.
- the proper notations for sound pressure level using this reference are L P /(20 mR ⁇ ) or L P ⁇ re 20 mR ⁇ ) , but the suffix notations dB SPL, dB(SPL), dBSPL, or dBSPL are very common, even if they are not accepted by the SI.
- the test operator signs the acceptance test certificate at (50) and dates it at (52).
- the rock drill can be tested at a full dynamic range regarding rotational speed and torque as well as impact force and percussion rate which indicate penetration rate.
- use of an acoustic noise chamber will reduce prolonged noise exposure to the test operators.
- Oil fumes/vapour will be contained in the enclosed drill rig to minimise inhaling by the operators while testing.
- Acceptance test data will be captured, stored and printed as proof of rock drill refurbished performance.
- An acceptance test performance baseline can be obtained from the data to establish how many drills failed, how many drills passed and which operator tested/refurbished the drill.
- Drill and fleet of drills reliability-, maintainability-as well as drill performance data can be obtained from the stored data.
- a representative air supply provides a similar interface to the drill and represents the underground drilling condition. Drills can be sent back to the shafts with confidence and proof of their performance against a fixed performance, maintenance and reliability baseline.
- the invention provides a new rock drill test device and a new method of testing a rock drill, which does not exist to date.
- Use of the rock drill test device will ensure that each rock drill is tested against a known standard for compliance with standards, before the rock drill is deployed. This will lead to improved operation time and will reduce workshop repair costs.
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- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
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Abstract
The invention relates to a rock drill test device (10), which includes; a mechanical rig (12) onto which a rock drill can be mounted; a sensor pack (14), which contains sensors to test operational parameters of the rock drill to be mounted onto the mechanical rig (12); and a processor module connected to the sensor pack (14), operable to read inputs from the sensor pack (14) and to compare the operational parameters from the rock drill with acceptable operational parameters for the rock drill. The invention extends to a method of testing a rock drill test device (10), the method includes: installing a rock drill onto a mechanical rig (12); activating a rock drill; reading inputs from a sensor pack (14), the inputs representing operational parameters of the rock drill; comparing the operational parameters of the rock drill with acceptable operational parameters for the rock drill; and generating an acceptance test report.
Description
ROCK DRILL TESTING
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to rock drill testing. In particular, the invention relates to a rock drill test device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The inventor is aware of pneumatic and hydraulic rock drills used in mines. However, there is no method of testing the functional operation of such rock drills.
It is an object of the invention to provide a device for testing all operational characteristics of a rock drill.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a rock drill test device, which includes
a mechanical rig onto which a rock drill can be mounted;
a sensor pack, which contains sensors to test operational parameters of the rock drill to be mounted onto the mechanical rig; and
a processor module connected to the sensor pack, operable to read inputs from the sensor pack and to compare the operational parameters from the rock drill with acceptable operational parameters for the rock drill.
The term rock drill in this specification can refer to a handheld rock drill used in mining applications and to a rock drill component that is mountable on a rock drill rig.
The mechanical rig may include an acoustic noise and oil mist chamber into which the rock drill can be mounted, operable to reduce acoustic noise and contain oil mist when the rock drill is tested to reduce health risks such as hearing damage and oil mist inhalation.
The sensor pack may include any one or more of the following sensors:
• a rotational speed sensor for measuring the rotation speed of the rock drill chuck and/or the drill steel;
• a torque sensor to measure the torque applied onto the drill by a brake mechanism
• a pressure sensor for measuring a driving fluid pressure in a feed line of the rock drill;
• a thrust/pressure sensor for measuring thrust exerted onto the rock drill
• an impact sensor for measuring the impact force exerted by the rock drill;
• a percussion rate sensor measuring the percussion rate of the rock drill
• a flow sensor for measuring the flow rate of a driving fluid in a feed line of the rock drill;
• an acoustic noise sensor measuring sound pressure level of the rock drill, calculated by a special formula for enclosed sound pressure level measurements; and
• a temperature sensor for measuring temperature of a rock drill casing, air exit or air inlet to or from the rock drill.
The processor module may include signal conditioning circuitry the inputs of which are connected to the respective sensors, the signal conditioning circuitry operable to adjust the electronic signal values which are to be read by any one of a digital and an analogue input of a data acquisition module, the data acquisition module connected to outputs of the signal conditioning circuitry.
The processor module may contain algorithms and formulas to do data processing to record and note any one or more of the following: rate of penetration of the drill under test; hammering power; acoustic pressure level; speed and torque relationships; impact force and percussion rate relationships; thrust-speed; thrust-torque; thrust-impact; thrust-percussion rate and trust penetration rate relationships.
The processor module may include a data capturing computer, operable to read inputs from the data acquisition module. The data capturing computer may host a database of the acceptable operational parameters
The rock drill test device may include an incremental brake mechanism to incrementally exert a braking force and torque onto the drill rotation.
The rock drill device may include an incremental thrust mechanism to incrementally exert a thrust force onto the rock drill or rock drill steel which will increase or decrease impact force.
The rock drill test device may include an operator console, operable to receive inputs from an operator and to display outputs to the operator. The operator console may be operable to monitor and control the test device in an automated way from the inputs from the operator by controlling the flow of driving fluid to the drill through pneumatic, servo or solenoid valve technology. The test device may include a lubrication system, operable to apply lubricant to the drill through automated controlling of lubricant through pneumatic, servo or solenoid valve technology. The test device may be controlled by a servo motor and a stepper motor to increase or decrease the braking torque and thrust force. Data is captured automatically through software control of the processor module, the data acquisition module and data storing capability on hard disk as well as a Structured Query language (SQL) database.
The rock drill test device may contain an equipment number scanner being any one of a barcode, an RFID, a NFC transceiver, an optical communication device, wireless technology such as Bluetooth, LORA, Wi-Fi, Li-Fi or any other communication technology. The equipment number scanner may be operable to interface with an active- or passive identity module mounted on a rock drill.
The rock drill test device may contain a data scanning device to transfer any data captured onto the rock drill during operation from the rock drill onto the test device.
The rock drill test device may be connectable to a remote database, such as a Structured Query language (SQL) database, or the like.
The rock drill test device may include switchgear, connectable to an output of the data acquisition module, the switchgear operable to control inputs to the mechanical rig. The brake torque, the impact thrust, the lubricant flow, the flow of the driving fluid, the electrical power, warnings to the operator, drill cleaning and flushing, acoustic chamber and drill covers may be controlled by switchgear from the test device. The switchgear may include a relay interface.
In use, the rock drill test device may test a rotational speed in the range of 0 rpm to 1000 rpm by means of any one of an the optical, magnetic, induction and reflective speed sensor.
In use, the rock drill test device may test a rotational torque in the range of 0 Nm to 500 Nm rpm by means of load cells or torque sensor.
In use, the rock drill test device may test an impact force in the range of 0 g.msec to 400 g.msec by means of an impulse sensor, accelerometer, or force sensor.
In use, the rock drill test device may test an impact frequency in the range of 0 Hz to 200 Hz by means of an impulse sensor, accelerometer, force sensor or acoustic sensor.
In use, the rock drill test device may test a drill noise sound pressure in the range of 80 dB to 120 dB by means of an acoustic sensor; a microphone or a sound pressure level meter.
The invention extends to a method of testing a rock drill test device, the method including
installing a rock drill onto a mechanical rig;
activating a rock drill;
reading inputs from a sensor pack, the inputs representing operational parameters of the rock drill;
comparing the operational parameters of the rock drill with acceptable operational parameters for the rock drill; and
generating an acceptance test report on which the measured operational parameters are compared with the acceptable operational parameters.
Generating an acceptance test report may include providing a print-out of the acceptance test report.
The invention is now described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying figures:
FIGURE(S)
In the figure(s):
Figure 1 shows a functional block diagram of a rock drill test device in accordance with one aspect of the invention; and
Figure 2 shows a print-out of an acceptance test report generated by the rock drill test device of Figure 1 .
In the figures, like reference numerals denote like part of the invention unless otherwise indicated.
EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
Figure 1 shows a functional block diagram of a rock drill test device (10) in accordance with the invention.
The rock drill test device (10) includes a mechanical rig (12) onto which a rock drill (not shown) can be mounted, a sensor pack (14), which contains sensors to test operational parameters of the rock drill to be mounted onto the mechanical rig (12). The sensor pack (14) include a rotational speed sensor (14.1 ) for measuring the rotation speed of the rock drill chuck and or drill steel (jomper), a pressure sensor (14.2) for measuring a driving fluid pressure in a feed line of the rock drill, an impact sensor (14.3) for measuring the impact force exerted by a rock drill and a flow sensor (14.4) for measuring the flow rate of a driving fluid in a feed line of the rock drill.
The rock drill test device (10) further includes a processor module (16) connected to the sensor pack (14), operable to read inputs from the sensor pack and to compare the operational parameters from the rock drill with acceptable operational parameters for the rock drill.
The processor module (16) includes signal conditioning circuitry (16.1 ) the inputs of which are connected to the respective sensors, the signal conditioning circuitry adjusting the electronic signal values to be read by any one of a digital and an analogue input of a data acquisition module (16.2), the data acquisition module (16.2) connected to outputs of the signal conditioning circuitry.
The signal conditioning circuitry includes a conditioning circuit (16.1.1 ) for the speed sensor (14.1 ), a conditioning circuit (16.1.2) for the pressure sensor (14.2), a conditioning circuit (16.1 .3) for the impact force sensor (14.3) and a conditioning circuit (16.1.4) for the flow sensor (14.4).
Not shown on the block diagram is an acoustic noise chamber and oil mist chamber into which the rock drill can be mounted, operable to reduce acoustic noise when the rock drill is tested.
The processor module (16) includes a data capturing computer (16.3), operable to read inputs from the data acquisition module (16.2). The data capturing computer (16.3) hosts a database of acceptable operational parameters.
The rock drill test device (10) further includes an operator console (18), operable to receive inputs from an operator and to display outputs to an operator.
The rock drill test device is connectable to a remote database (20), such as a Structured Query Language (SQL) database, or the like.
The rock drill test device (10) includes switchgear in the form of a relay interface (22), connectable to an output of the data acquisition module (16.2), the switchgear operable to control inputs to the mechanical rig, such as the brake torque, the impact thrust, the lubricant flow, the driving fluid flow, the electrical power, warnings to
the operator; drill cleaning and flushing, acoustic chamber and drill covers are controlled by switchgear from the test device.
In use, the rock drill test device can test a rotational speed in the range of 0 rpm to 1000 rpm by means of any one of an the optical, magnetic, induction and reflective speed sensor, a rotational torque in the range of 0 Nm to 500 Nm rpm by means of load cells or torque sensor, an impact force in the range of 0 g.msec to 400 g.msec by means of an impulse sensor, accelerometer, or force sensor, an impact frequency in the range of 0 Hz to 200 Hz by means of an impulse sensor, accelerometer, force sensor or acoustic sensor, and a drill noise sound pressure in the range of 80 dB to 120 dB by means of an acoustic sensor; a microphone or a sound pressure level meter.
In use, the rock drill test device (10) implements a method of testing a rock drill test device, which includes installing a rock drill (not shown) onto a mechanical rig (12), activating a rock drill in the mechanical rig (12), reading inputs from the sensor pack (14), the inputs representing operational parameters of the rock drill, comparing the operational parameters of the rock drill with acceptable operational parameters for the rock drill and generating an acceptance test report on which the measured operational parameters are compared with the acceptable operational parameters. The rock drill test device implements a method of downloading data from the rock drill, which captured drill operational data during underground operation.
The step of generating an acceptance test report includes providing a print- out of the acceptance test report.
Figure 2 shows a print-out (30) of the acceptance test report.
In the report, an operator name is printed at (32), a rock drill number at (34), the type of test performed at (36) and the date at (38).
The report may contain data as captured and transferred from the rock drill, as well as display a time stamped or non-time stamped total operation drilling hours, on- collar and off-collar operational hours, number of holes drilled, drilling angles of each
hole, shafts, sections, stopes and panels at which have been drilled as identified by a unique drill operator identification number.
A graph, showing various torque/speed curves is printed at (40).
An indication that the drill has passed is done at (54) or that it failed at (56).
A graph showing impact force over time is printed at (42). A calculated rate of penetration is shown at (44), as is shown at (46) and a drill Sound Pressure level (SPL) is shown at (48).
Sound Pressure or acoustic pressure is the local pressure deviation from the ambient (average, or equilibrium) atmospheric pressure, caused by a sound wave. In air, sound pressure can be measured by use of a microphone, and in water by use of a hydrophone. The SI unit of sound pressure is the pascal (Pa).
Sound pressure level (SPL) or acoustic pressure level is a logarithmic measure of the effective pressure of a sound relative to a reference value. Sound pressure level denoted Lp and measured in dB, is defined by
Where
• p is the root mean square sound pressure;
• po is the reference sound pressure ;
• 1 Np is the neper;
• 1 B = (1/2 In 10) Np is the bel;
• 1 dB = (1/20 In 10) Np is the decibel.
The commonly used reference sound pressure in air is
Po = 20 mRa
which is often considered as the threshold of human hearing (roughly the sound of a mosquito flying 3 m away). The proper notations for sound pressure level using this reference are LP/(20 mRά) or LP{ re 20 mRά) , but the suffix notations dB
SPL, dB(SPL), dBSPL, or dBSPL are very common, even if they are not accepted by the SI.
The test operator signs the acceptance test certificate at (50) and dates it at (52).
The rock drill can be tested at a full dynamic range regarding rotational speed and torque as well as impact force and percussion rate which indicate penetration rate. Advantageously, use of an acoustic noise chamber will reduce prolonged noise exposure to the test operators. Oil fumes/vapour will be contained in the enclosed drill rig to minimise inhaling by the operators while testing. Acceptance test data will be captured, stored and printed as proof of rock drill refurbished performance. An acceptance test performance baseline can be obtained from the data to establish how many drills failed, how many drills passed and which operator tested/refurbished the drill. Drill and fleet of drills reliability-, maintainability-as well as drill performance data can be obtained from the stored data. A representative air supply provides a similar interface to the drill and represents the underground drilling condition. Drills can be sent back to the shafts with confidence and proof of their performance against a fixed performance, maintenance and reliability baseline.
The invention provides a new rock drill test device and a new method of testing a rock drill, which does not exist to date. Use of the rock drill test device will ensure that each rock drill is tested against a known standard for compliance with standards, before the rock drill is deployed. This will lead to improved operation time and will reduce workshop repair costs.
Claims
1. A rock drill test device which includes;
a mechanical rig onto which a rock drill can be mounted;
a sensor pack, which contains sensors to test operational parameters of the rock drill to be mounted onto the mechanical rig;
a processor module connected to the sensor pack, operable to read inputs from the sensor pack and to compare the operational parameters from the rock drill with acceptable operational parameters for the rock drill.
2. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the rock drill is in the form of a handheld rock drill used in mining applications or in the form of a rock drill component that is mountable on a rock drill rig.
3. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the mechanical rig includes an acoustic noise and oil mist chamber into which the rock drill can be mounted, in use to reduce acoustic noise and to contain oil mist inside the oil mist chamber when the rock drill is tested.
4. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the sensor pack includes a combination of any one or more of the following sensors:
a rotational speed sensor for measuring the rotation speed of the rock drill chuck and/or the drill steel;
a torque sensor for measuring the torque applied onto the drill by a brake mechanism;
a pressure sensor for measuring a driving fluid pressure in a feed line of the rock drill;
a thrust/pressure sensor for measuring thrust exerted onto the rock drill;
an impact sensor for measuring the impact force exerted by the rock drill;
a percussion rate sensor for measuring the percussion rate of the rock drill; a flow sensor for measuring the flow rate of a driving fluid in a feed line of the rock drill;
an acoustic noise sensor for measuring a sound pressure level of the rock drill, calculated by a special formula for enclosed sound pressure level measurements; and a temperature sensor for measuring temperature of a rock drill casing.
5. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 4, in which the processor module includes signal conditioning circuitry the inputs of which are connected to the respective sensors.
6. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 5, in which the signal conditioning circuitry is arranged to adjust the electronic signal values to be read by any one of a digital and an analogue input of a data acquisition module.
7. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 6, in which the data acquisition module is connected to outputs of the signal conditioning circuitry.
8. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the processor module contains algorithms and formulas to do data processing to record and note any one or more of the following operational parameters:
rate of penetration of the drill under test;
hammering power;
sound pressure level;
speed and torque relationships;
impact force and percussion rate relationships;
thrust-speed; thrust-torque;
thrust-impact;
thrust-percussion rate; and
trust penetration rate relationships.
9. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the processor module includes a data capturing computer, operable to receive inputs from the data acquisition module.
10. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 9, in which the data capturing computer hosts a database of acceptable operational parameters, against which the operational parameters from the rock drill can be tested.
11. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the rock drill test device includes an incremental brake mechanism to incrementally exert a braking force and torque onto the rotation of the rock drill.
12. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the rock drill test device includes an incremental thrust mechanism to incrementally exert a thrust force onto the rock drill or rock drill steel which will increase or decrease an impact force of the rock drill.
13. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the rock drill test device includes an operator console, operable to receive operator inputs from an operator and to display outputs to the operator.
14. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 13, in which the operator console is operable to monitor and control the test device in an automated way from the operator inputs by controlling the flow of a driving fluid to the drill through any one of pneumatic- , servo- or solenoid valve technology.
15. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the rock drill test device is controlled by a servo motor and a stepper motor which is operable to increase or decrease brake torque and thrust.
16. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 9, in which the data of the rock drill test device is captured automatically through software control of the data capturing computer, the data acquisition module and data storing capability.
17. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the rock drill test device contains an equipment number scanner to interface with an active- or passive identity module mounted on the rock drill.
18. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 17, in which the equipment number scanner is any one of the following: an optical barcode scanner, an RFID reader, a NFC transceiver, an optical communication device, wireless technology selected from Bluetooth, LORA, Wi-Fi, and Li-Fi.
19. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the rock drill test device contains a data scanning device which is operable to transfer any data captured by the rock drill during operation from the rock drill to the rock drill test device.
20. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 19, in which the rock drill test device is connectable to a remote database.
21. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the rock drill test device includes switchgear connectable to the output of the data acquisition module, the switchgear operable to control inputs to the mechanical rig.
22. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 21 , in which the switchgear is capable of controlling any one or more of a brake torque, an impact thrust, lubricant flow, driving fluid flow, electrical power, warnings to an operator, drill cleaning, drill flushing, acoustic chamber cover and a drill cover.
23. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 21 , in which the switchgear includes a relay interface.
24. A rock drill test device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which in use is operable to test a rotational speed of the rock drill in the range of 0 rpm to 1000 rpm by means of any one of an the optical, magnetic, induction and reflective speed sensor.
25. A rock drill test device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which in use is operable to test a rotational torque of the rock drill in the range of 0 Nm to 500 Nm rpm by means of load cells or torque sensor.
26. A rock drill test device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which in use is operable to test an impact force of the rock drill in the range of 0 g.msec to 400 g.msec by means of any one of an impulse sensor, an accelerometer, and a force sensor.
27. A rock drill test device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which in use is operable to test an impact frequency of the rock drill in the range of 0 Hz to
200 Hz by means of an impulse sensor, accelerometer, force sensor or acoustic sensor.
28. A rock drill test device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which in use is operable to test a drill noise sound pressure of the rock drill in the range of 80 dB to 120 dB by means of any one of an acoustic sensor, a microphone and a sound pressure level meter.
29. A method of testing a rock drill test device; which includes
installing a rock drill onto a mechanical rig;
activating a rock drill;
reading inputs from a sensor pack, the inputs representing operational parameters of the rock drill;
comparing the operational parameters of the rock drill with acceptable operational parameters for the rock drill; and
generating an acceptance test report on which the measured operational parameters are compared with the acceptable operational parameters.
30. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 29, in which the step of generating an acceptance test report includes providing a print-out of the acceptance test report.
31. A rock drill test device as claimed in claim 1 , substantially as herein described and illustrated.
32. A method of testing a rock drill test device as claimed in claim 29, substantially as herein described and illustrated.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZA2017/08529 | 2017-12-15 | ||
| ZA201708529 | 2017-12-15 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2019116331A1 true WO2019116331A1 (en) | 2019-06-20 |
Family
ID=66819596
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2018/060085 Ceased WO2019116331A1 (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2018-12-14 | Rock drill testing |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2019116331A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN115356141A (en) * | 2022-10-21 | 2022-11-18 | 北京科技大学 | A system and method for testing the impact performance of a hydraulic rock drill |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2009002306A1 (en) * | 2007-06-26 | 2008-12-31 | Atlas Copco Rock Drills Ab | Method and device for controlling a rock drill rig |
| CN106321093A (en) * | 2016-09-28 | 2017-01-11 | 中国科学院力学研究所 | Method and device for testing rock mass strength through technology of monitoring during drilling |
| CN206468338U (en) * | 2016-08-31 | 2017-09-05 | 广西徐沃工程机械设备有限公司 | Rock drill control system |
| WO2017214316A1 (en) * | 2016-06-07 | 2017-12-14 | Fracture ID, Inc. | Apparatus and method using measurements taken while drilling cement to obtain absolute values of mechanical rock properties along a borehole |
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2018
- 2018-12-14 WO PCT/IB2018/060085 patent/WO2019116331A1/en not_active Ceased
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2009002306A1 (en) * | 2007-06-26 | 2008-12-31 | Atlas Copco Rock Drills Ab | Method and device for controlling a rock drill rig |
| WO2017214316A1 (en) * | 2016-06-07 | 2017-12-14 | Fracture ID, Inc. | Apparatus and method using measurements taken while drilling cement to obtain absolute values of mechanical rock properties along a borehole |
| CN206468338U (en) * | 2016-08-31 | 2017-09-05 | 广西徐沃工程机械设备有限公司 | Rock drill control system |
| CN106321093A (en) * | 2016-09-28 | 2017-01-11 | 中国科学院力学研究所 | Method and device for testing rock mass strength through technology of monitoring during drilling |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN115356141A (en) * | 2022-10-21 | 2022-11-18 | 北京科技大学 | A system and method for testing the impact performance of a hydraulic rock drill |
| CN115356141B (en) * | 2022-10-21 | 2023-04-28 | 北京科技大学 | A system and method for testing the impact performance of a hydraulic rock drill |
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