Drilling is a process essential from the basics of furniture making to large-scale oil and gas exploration. Its uses have been beneficial for various industries. It has remained to be one of the essential processes to undergo during geotechnical investigations, residential, medical, aggregate, and public works. Therefore, reputable drilling contractors could be of great help for the abovementioned industries to ensure expertise and technology-driven processes for excellent service.
Drilling is a common process in quarries, house developments, and port and building constructions. It is described as a process that uses a drill bit to cut solid materials and enlarge a hole of circular cross-section. It has four commonly used methods:
- Percussion drilling. This method uses compressed air to drive a hammer unit. This hammer unit executes continuous fast blows to the drill rods while slowly rotating them. Its variant, the down-the-hole hammer drill is used for drilling water wells and not to explore minerals.
- Churn drilling. This method is also known as cable tool drilling and mainly use heavy chiselled-like steel. Cable wire is used for this steel to create a repeated and rapid up and down movement.
- Diamond drilling. Just as the name suggests, it uses diamonds in its drilling process. The core is cut by a rotating drill that has diamonds. Since it is the hardest of all minerals, diamond drilling ensures quality drilling output.
- Rotary drilling. This method of drilling uses a special non-coring bit. It rotates at the end of a steel rod and it bores a hole in a clockwise movement.
Types of Drilling
Aside from the methods of drilling discussed above, there are several types of drilling that you ought to understand to be a better judge when you are hiring a good drilling service. Here are four of them:
Conventional drilling
This type of drilling is the vertical drill that we all know. Thus, it is called conventional. The drill goes down vertically from the surface to the pay zone. There is no other direction as the drill bores through the core. It is the most common among all types.
Horizontal drilling
This type of drilling is possible with the use of technology just like bottom driven bits. They execute a sharp turn and drill horizontally. Unlike conventional drilling, horizontal drilling intends to reach the thin layer above the pay zone before boring parallel to the pay zone.
Slant drilling
Instead of drilling straight down the pay zone or executing a sharp turn parallel to it, slant drilling executes an angle of 30 to 45 degrees. This type of drilling lessens environmental disturbance, conserving the environment in the process.
Directional drilling
This type of drilling is an advancement from slight and horizontal drilling. The direction of drilling is no longer limited to the usual direction and depth. Directional drilling can change directions and depth multiple times, making a root-like pattern of drill bores. It is already applied to parts of the world that needs to limit environmental impact.
Aside from understanding more about drilling, knowing the measures to achieve safety around drilled holes can help you decide on the best drilling services to hire. Know better and choose the appropriate methods for your drilling concerns.