Daily Maintenance Precautions for Drilling Machinery

Daily Maintenance Precautions for Drilling Machinery

The reliability and lifespan of drilling machinery largely depend on standardized and timely daily maintenance. Adhering to the following key maintenance procedures will effectively prevent malfunctions, reduce downtime, and ensure the equipment is always in good working order.

I. Daily Maintenance Before and After Operation (Basic and Crucial)

Consistent daily maintenance yields significant results.

Pre-operation Inspection (10 minutes before starting):

Cleaning and Visual Inspection: Clean dirt, oil, and debris from the equipment surface and surrounding area. Check for obvious oil leaks, water leaks, loose or damaged parts.

Key Part Fastening: Quickly check for loose drill pipe joints, clamps, and main structural bolts.

Lubrication Point Inspection: Check the oil level of bearings, chains, gears, and other lubrication points, and add clean lubricating oil or grease as needed.

Power System Inspection: Check the fuel (diesel engine) or power supply (electric motor) to ensure sufficient supply.

No-load Test Run: Start the equipment without load, run it briefly, and listen for smooth operation.

Post-operation Maintenance (15-20 minutes after stopping):

Thorough Cleaning: Thoroughly clean mud and sand from the drill pipe threads, drill bit, and clamps to prevent corrosion and seizing.

Post-operation Inspection: While the equipment is still warm, re-check and tighten key connections that may have loosened due to vibration.

Lubrication Refill: Replenish lubrication for high-temperature and heavy-load operating parts.

Proper Storage: Move the equipment to a flat, dry place and cover it to protect against dust. If not in use for a long time, remove the drill pipe, clean it, and apply oil before storing.

II. Weekly/Regular In-depth Maintenance

Perform systematic maintenance every weekend or after completing a certain amount of work.

Comprehensive Inspection and Fastening: Use tools to systematically check and tighten all important connecting bolts to the specified torque.

Transmission System Maintenance: Check and adjust the tension of V-belts and chains; check the oil level and quality of the gearbox or transmission.

Filter and Fluid Inspection: Clean or replace the air filter; check the oil level and cleanliness of engine oil and hydraulic oil, and replace them according to the specified schedule. Electrical System Inspection: After disconnecting the power, check all cables, switches, and connectors for damage, aging, or looseness.

III. Long-Term Storage and Seasonal Maintenance

Before long-term storage: Thoroughly clean the equipment; drain all fuel and coolant; apply anti-rust grease to exposed moving parts; store in a dry and well-ventilated indoor location.

Seasonal Precautions:

Winter: Use winter-grade fuel and lubricants. After operation, drain all water from the water pump and pipelines to prevent freezing and cracking.

Summer: Pay attention to engine cooling and avoid prolonged high-load operation.

IV. Core Maintenance Principles

Safety First: All maintenance must be performed only after the equipment is completely shut down and the power source is disconnected (power off, hydraulic pressure released).

Prevention is Key: The core of maintenance is preventing failures, not repairing them. Eliminate potential problems through daily inspections.

Keep Records: Briefly record the date, items, and replaced parts for each maintenance session for easy tracking.

Summary: Prevention is Better Than Cure

The core of drilling rig maintenance lies in adhering to the six key principles: "Cleaning, Tightening, and Lubrication." Spending a small amount of time each day on preventive maintenance is far more economical and efficient than expensive repairs and prolonged downtime after a failure. By developing good maintenance habits, your drilling rig will become a reliable long-term partner.