In the relentless pursuit of efficiency and durability in hard-rock drilling, a groundbreaking evaluation model has emerged, promising to revolutionize the energy sector. Dr. Jianping Wei, from the State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for Gas Geology and Gas Control at Henan Polytechnic University, has developed a novel approach to optimize low-pressure abrasive air jet technology, addressing longstanding challenges in hard-rock drilling.
For decades, the energy industry has grappled with the inefficiencies and significant tool wear associated with drilling through hard rock. Traditional methods often fall short, leading to increased operational costs and downtime. Enter low-pressure abrasive air jet technology, a method that harnesses the power of abrasive particles propelled by air to break through tough geological formations with remarkable efficiency and minimal energy consumption.
However, the application of this technology has been hindered by the reliance on single evaluation indices, such as slit depth, width, and volume. These metrics, while useful, lack the universality and generality needed to determine optimal slit parameters under varying working conditions. This limitation has significantly impeded the widespread adoption and effectiveness of abrasive jet technology.
Dr. Wei’s innovative evaluation model integrates the quantitative relationships among slit parameters, providing a more comprehensive and adaptable approach. By deriving a jet slit morphology distribution equation through three-dimensional reconstruction and homogenization of rock slit morphology, Dr. Wei has introduced a new way to evaluate the effectiveness of slits.
“The key to our model lies in the characteristic width of the slit, denoted as b, and the width-to-height ratio P,” Dr. Wei explains. “When P is less than or equal to 0.5, a narrower and deeper slit is formed. Conversely, when P is greater than 0.5, a wider and shallower slit is produced.”
This breakthrough allows for the precise characterization of slit effects under different parameter conditions, paving the way for optimized drilling strategies. For instance, to achieve a deeper slit, the jet impact target distance should be maintained at 40 mm, with abrasive grain sizes ranging between 60 and 90 mesh (0.16 to 0.25 mm) and a Mohs hardness exceeding 7.0. The mass flow rate of the abrasive should be between 16 g/s and 32 g/s, with an impact angle of 60°.
For a wide and shallow slit, the abrasive grain size should exceed 90 mesh (0.16 mm), with a Mohs hardness of less than 7.0. The abrasive mass flow rate should be lower than 8 g/s, with a jet impact angle greater than 75° and a distance between the jet and the target greater than 40 mm.
The implications of this research are profound for the energy sector. By optimizing the slitting process, companies can reduce operational costs, minimize downtime, and enhance overall drilling efficiency. This could lead to significant advancements in hard-rock drilling, particularly in the extraction of natural gas and other valuable resources.
Dr. Wei’s work, published in Meitan xuebao, which translates to Coal Science and Technology, marks a significant step forward in the field of abrasive air jet technology. As the energy sector continues to evolve, this evaluation model could shape future developments, driving innovation and efficiency in hard-rock drilling.
The potential applications of this technology are vast, from enhancing the extraction of unconventional gas resources to improving the efficiency of mining operations. As the demand for energy continues to grow, the need for more efficient and sustainable drilling methods becomes increasingly critical. Dr. Wei’s evaluation model offers a promising solution, paving the way for a more efficient and productive future in the energy sector.
