Patent ID: 7198117
Filing Date: 2007-04-03
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling percussion rock drilling that comprises the four sub-processes of percussion, rotation, feed and flushing that are controlled by adjusting drilling variables, the method comprising: determining the penetration rate and percussion power of a rock drilling machine; transmitting the obtained results to a control device of the rock drilling machine that contains a control strategy for controlling drilling; using the obtained results in controlling drilling in accordance with the control strategy; determining in addition to the percussion power also the power used in at least one other sub-process; calculating the ratio of the total power used by the examined sub-processes to the penetration rate to determine the total specific energy used in drilling; adjusting the drilling variables so that a specific energy that had been previously determined is used in drilling; determining the specific energy of each examined sub-process by dividing the power used by each process by the penetration rate; and multiplying the specific energy of each sub-process by a predetermined weighting coefficient and summing the weighted specific energies of the sub-processes to determine the total specific energy.