Mantenimiento de la plataforma de perforación: inspección diaria y comprobaciones clave

1. Daily Drilling Rig Maintenance Checklist

Daily inspection should be carried out before and after drilling operations. The purpose is to identify visible damage, abnormal conditions, and potential safety risks before they affect the next working shift.

1.1 Clean the Rig and Drilling Tools

Remove mud, rock dust, and other debris from the mast, power head, clamps, and crawler chassis.

Pay particular attention to drill rod threads, the wireline core retrieval tool, and the mechanical components of the core barrel assembly. Accumulated debris can interfere with component movement and make wear or damage more difficult to identify.

After cleaning, check exposed surfaces and connections for visible damage.

1.2 Inspect Bolts, Pins, and Connections

Check the main structural connections, including:

• Mast bolts and connecting pins

• Power head mounting bolts

• Chassis mounting bolts

• Hydraulic hose fittings

• Moving joints and pulley connections

Tighten loose fasteners according to the equipment manufacturer’s requirements. Replace damaged pins and other defective components rather than continuing to operate with unsuitable parts.

1.3 Check the Hydraulic System

The hydraulic system controls important drilling functions, including rotation, feeding, lifting, and other machine movements.

During daily inspection, check:

• Whether the hydraulic oil level is within the specified range

• Whether hoses and fittings show signs of leakage

• Whether hydraulic cylinders have visible oil leaks

• Whether pressure gauges operate normally

• Whether the hydraulic system shows unusual noise or temperature changes

Hydraulic oil contamination, insufficient oil levels, and damaged hoses can affect machine performance.

If leakage, abnormal pressure, or overheating is detected, stop the equipment and investigate the cause before resuming operation.

1.4 Inspect the Winch and Wire Rope

The winch and wire rope are particularly important for core retrieval and other lifting operations.

Inspect the wire rope for broken wires, kinks, flattening, corrosion, and other visible damage. Confirm that the rope is wound evenly around the drum and that the winch brake functions correctly.

Damaged wire ropes should be replaced according to the applicable equipment manual and safety requirements. Never continue using a rope that has reached its rejection criteria.

1.5 Check the Core Drilling Tools

For a wireline core drilling rig, inspect the inner and outer tube assemblies and related retrieval components.

Important checks include:

• The retrieval head has no visible cracks or deformation.

• The latching mechanism opens and moves smoothly.

• The single-acting bearing rotates freely.

• The core barrel assembly has no obvious damage or abnormal wear.

• Threads are clean and suitable for the next operation.

After core retrieval, clean the relevant components and lubricate them as specified by the manufacturer. If a component sticks, rotates abnormally, or shows significant wear, inspect it before continuing drilling.

1.6 Inspect the Mud Pump and Diesel Engine

For rigs equipped with a mud pump, clean the inlet filter and remove accumulated rock particles and debris. Check the pump body and seals for leakage.

For diesel-powered drilling rigs, check the engine oil level, coolant level, air filter condition, and signs of oil or coolant leakage.

In dusty working environments, the air filter may require more frequent attention. Follow the engine manufacturer’s maintenance instructions for servicing intervals and replacement parts.