Laboratory Study on the Efficiency of Disc Cutter Drilling With the Integration of a Vibration-Assisted Rotary Drilling (PVARD) Tool

Abstract Efficient and economical mining of underground resources processes large-diameter drilling and tunnel boring machine (TBM) excavating operations. Optimizing drilling efficiency and lowering operational costs, resulting in the optimal fragmentation of the rock, the minimum consumption of energy, and increasing the cutter’s life all prove to be crucial. The vibration-assisted Rotary Drilling (pVARD) tool is a technology that was needed to overcome the challenges faced in drilling operations for mining operations. This study investigates the efficacy of (pVARD) in improving drilling performance by employing a single-edge disc cutter in drilling gabbro rock. This challenging and abrasive formation is typically encountered in tunnel boring and raise-boring operations. Conducted in a controlled laboratory setting utilizing a Laboratory Drilling Simulator (LDS), the study explored how pVARD technology, defined by controlled axial vibrations, affects drilling efficiency across various Weight on Bit (WOB) and constant Revolutions per Minute (RPM) inputs. Key performance metrics analyzed include Depth of cut (DOC), Torque, and groove, where pVARD demonstrates a significant elevation in ROP and a reduction in energy requirements compared to conventional drilling methods. Our findings revealed optimal pVARD configurations for specific drilling parameters in gabbro rock, demonstrating the technology’s potential to significantly improve drilling efficiency and mitigate vibration-related challenges commonly encountered in this rock type. The study provides valuable. Insights for applying pVARD in real-world drilling operations targeting gabbro formations. It sets the stage for further research into advanced pVARD configurations and their effects on wellbore stability in this challenging rock type.