1 Scope
1.1 The general term "Drill Rig" covers several differing types of machines for use in
the construction industry, water well drilling industry, mining and quarrying, for
use above ground as well as underground and for tunnel construction. The differing
tasks determine the choice of drilling method and type of machine. For this reason
there are many possible ways to separate drill rigs into different groups, e.g. in
accordance with:
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— The task;
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— The drilling method used;
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— The cutting removal method;
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— The type of construction work.
The methods used for drilling can be basically differentiated in percussive and rotary
drilling principles.
Percussive drilling is a method by which the hole is produced by crushing the ground or rock at the bottom
of the drill-hole by striking it with the drilling tool and removing the cuttings
out of the bore-hole.
Rotary drilling is a method in which the drilling tool at the bottom of the borehole is rotated and
at the same time, a feed force is applied by a feed system or drill collar. The ground
or rock at the bottom of the borehole is crushed or cut by pressure, shear or tensile
stress produced by the different drilling tools. The cuttings are periodically or
continuously removed out of the bore hole.
Rotary percussive drilling is performed by a piston striking directly on the bit (down the hole hammer drills)
or by percussive energy transmitted via a drill string to the bit. The piston is powered
by either hydraulic fluid or compressed air.
At the same time the drill bit is rotated either continuously or intermittently.
The cuttings are continuously removed out of the borehole by a flushing medium, air
or fluid which is carried to the drilling tool.
Typical examples of drill rigs covered by this standard are:
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— Cable tool drill rig;
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— Pile drill rigs;
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— Pile top drill rig;
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— Raise borer;
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— Reverse circulation drill rig;
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— Rotary and percussive drill rig for underground drilling;
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— Rotary and percussive drill rig for surface drilling;
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— Rotary drill rig with power swivel;
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— Rotary spindle rig;
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— Rotary drill rig for underground use.
A casing or a drilling fluid may be used to stabilize the bore hole.
Drill rigs are stationary during drilling. They may move from one place of work to
another, under their own power. Self propelled drill rigs may include those mounted
on lorries, wheeled chassis, tractors, crawlers, skid bases (pulled by winch). When
drill rigs are mounted on lorries, tractors and trailers, or are wheeled based, transportation
may be carried out at higher speeds and on public roads. When designing and constructing
these units attention is drawn to regulations covering both the drill rig and traffic
regulations.
The questions of safety and ergonomic criteria in this standard mainly refer to the
principal work, e.g. when the machine is stationary and drilling. In many cases the
driver is also the operator of the drill rig.