Enhancing diamond drilling performance by the addition of non-ionic polymer to the flushing media

Drilling is a most important and crucial operation in the excavation industries. With the objective of looking into the enhancement of diamond drilling performance detailed laboratory investigations were carried out on phosphate rock. The effect of Poly (Ethylene Oxide) (PEO) added to the drilling water was studied by varying machine parameters and PEO concentration. The responses were rate of penetration and torque at the bit rock interface. Slake durability tests were also performed to understand the slaking behavior of phosphate rock in PEO solutions.