Experimental study of the thermal reaming of the borehole by axial plasmatron

Abstract

Purpose. To study rock spallation dynamics in the process of the borehole thermal reaming and analyze energy consumption of the borehole thermal reaming process by plasma jets of the axial plasmatron. Methods. Field experimental study of rock spallation by plasma jets is carried out with the view to measuring the thermal power of plasma, weight of rock spalls and duration of plasma jets impact on the borehole. VT-200 scales were used to measure the rock spalls weight. In the experimental study, plasma jets flow out directly into the bore-hole in the granite block. The borehole and plasmatron nozzle parameters are geometrically similar. Findings. Experimental data are processed in the form of a table that shows the following parameters of individual experiments: duration of the borehole surface treatment by a plasma jet; thermal power of a plasma jet; heat release of a plasma jet, weight of the rock spalls, energy efficiency of the rock spallation process; productivity of the rock destruction. Experimental data are processed in the form of the dependence of energy consumption of the borehole thermal reaming on the duration of the borehole inner surface thermal treatment. The range of thermophysical and plasmodynamic parameters of the plasma torch that allow to achieve rock spallation is determined. Originality. The linear relationship between the energy consumption in the process of the borehole thermal reaming by low temperature plasma and the duration of the reaming process is revealed, with energy consumption of the reaming process decreasing dramatically with the increase in the process duration. Practical implications. Methodology of the experimental research into the borehole thermal reaming by plasma jets rock spallation is developed. The results of the study could be applied to borehole drilling processes.