Identification of Impact Frequency for Down-the-Hole Drills Using Motor Current Signature Analysis

In rotary-percussion drilling, the impact frequency is a crucial variable that closely linked to operational factors determine efficacy of drilling process, such as rate penetration, bit wear, and rock mass characteristics. Typical identification methods rely on complex simulation models or analysis different sensor signals installed specially adapted setups, which are difficult be implemented in field. This paper presents novel study where identified by motor current signature (MCSA) applied an induction driving DTH setup. The case begins with definition characteristic stages pressure sound allow detection 14.10 Hz, then used reference validate three MCSA approaches. As result analysis, envelope approach most robust for nearly real-time implementations considering its simplicity range coverage. Experimental results provide evidence about feasibility proposed integrated into Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD) systems improve condition monitoring characterization.