Quick Disassembly and Relocation Plan for Single-Arm and Double-Curved-Arm Rock-Drilling Rigs
Release time:
2026-09-18
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In tunneling and mining excavation projects, rock‑drilling rigs serve as the core equipment for drill-and-blast operations, with their relocation efficiency and ease of disassembly and reassembly directly impacting construction schedules and cost control. A well‑designed rapid disassembly/reassembly and relocation strategy must integrate multiple aspects, including modular structural design, quick‑connect/disconnect technologies, boom‑folding mechanisms, safe transport procedures, and fast tool‑change systems. Below, from a systematic perspective, we outline a comprehensive plan for the rapid disassembly, reassembly, and relocation of rock‑drilling rigs.
I. Modular Structural Design: The Technical Foundation for Rapid Assembly and Disassembly
Modular design is a prerequisite for the rapid disassembly and reassembly of rock‑drilling rigs. By dividing the entire machine into functionally independent modules, targeted dismantling can be carried out prior to relocation, reducing the overall footprint and facilitating underground transport and cage hoisting.
The CMJ‑17 rock‑drilling rig features a modular design, allowing it to be disassembled into four independent modules: the traveling chassis, left and right drilling booms, the power unit, and the rock‑drilling mechanism. This configuration facilitates easy assembly and disassembly, enabling flexible adaptation to the transport conditions of various tunnel cross‑sections. The small‑section tunneling rig also employs a modular architecture, with an overall width of 1,300 mm and a minimum height of 1,800 mm; it can be dismantled above ground and reassembled underground, with convenient loading and unloading via cage systems. The rock‑drilling rigs developed by Wuxin Tunnel Equipment feature a structural design in which the boom‑extension assembly, the boom‑arm assembly, the front‑leg assembly, and the vehicle body assembly can all be selectively disassembled. During disassembly, the connecting pins between the main boom and its support bracket, as well as those between the pitch cylinder and the boom’s swing seat, are sequentially removed, while the main hydraulic lines are cut and separated. This process divides the rig into two independently transportable sections, effectively reducing the time required for underground deployment.
The modules are connected via standardized interfaces and quick‑change couplings, eliminating the need for special tools during disassembly and assembly; a single operator can perform these tasks. This design not only simplifies relocation and transportation but also significantly reduces the complexity and labor hours required for on‑site maintenance.
II. Foldable Drill Arm Design: Seamless and Rapid Relocation
Arm folding is another key technology for addressing the challenge of relocating the drilling rig. For roadways with length constraints and cage‑hoisting operations, the arm‑folding mechanism—driven hydraulically—enables the drill boom to transition from its extended to its folded configuration without dismantling the entire unit, thereby significantly reducing the rig’s overall length.
The core of the drill‑arm folding mechanism is a four‑bar linkage consisting of the drill‑arm mounting bracket, an L‑shaped connecting bracket, a link, and the rear end of the drill‑arm assembly. By retracting and extending the piston rod of the drill‑arm lifting cylinder, the L‑shaped connecting bracket and the link are driven to rotate the rear end of the drill‑arm assembly, enabling flexible switching between the extended and folded states. Once folded, the overall length of the rock‑drilling carriage is significantly reduced, allowing it to be loaded directly into the hoisting cage for relocation without disassembly or reassembly, thus saving time and effort. An additional advantage of this folding mechanism is that it requires no dismantling, preserving the integrity of the machine’s structure and the sealing of its hydraulic circuitry; after relocation, the drill arm can simply be deployed to resume operations, further shortening preparation time for each move.
III. Rapid Tool-Change Technology: Efficient Switching Between Operating Modes
Rock‑drilling rigs must replace drill tools or adjust their rock‑drilling work units under varying operating conditions; rapid tool‑change technology is a critical enabler for multi‑mode operations. Thanks to a modular boom design and standardized quick‑change interfaces, the replacement of interchangeable rock‑drilling work units on a single boom assembly takes no more than 10 minutes, with installation completed without the need to reconfigure parameters. These interchangeable work units are capable of handling a wide range of rock types, from relatively soft formations to extremely hard ones, and are highly adaptable to both non‑blasting methods and hybrid drilling‑blasting techniques.
The Quick Drill‑Bit Change Technology (QCDT), independently developed by China Railway Construction Heavy Industry, is mounted at the front end of the advancing beam. Operators simply press a button from the cab, and the system automatically performs drill‑bit removal and installation, eliminating the need for personnel to enter the high‑risk face area. From loosening the old bit to installing the new one, the entire process takes just one minute, significantly boosting drill‑bit‑change efficiency while fundamentally preventing safety hazards such as rockfalls and collapses. This technology enables unmanned operation of the drill‑bit‑change procedure, markedly enhancing both construction safety and operational continuity.
IV. Standardized Closeout Procedures Before Relocation
Regardless of the transition method employed, standardized retraction procedures are essential to ensure safe relocation. Before commencing travel, the rock‑drilling rig must lower its elevating platform, retract the sliding worktable, collapse the boom, position the guide rods horizontally, keep the rock drill in its initial operating position, and extend the outriggers—only then may it begin moving. Inadequate retraction can not only result in mechanical collisions and damage during transit but also increase the risk of overturning due to a shifted center of gravity.
After completing the retraction operation, verify that the hydraulic oil temperature remains within the normal range of 30 to 70°C; if it exceeds 70°C, stop moving. At the same time, ensure the surrounding area is safe, remove any obstacles, and only proceed with movement under the direction of a designated operator. When the carriage is in motion, maintain steady speed, exercising particular caution when ascending or descending slopes and negotiating turns, as the carriage’s long body can exhibit significant sway at both its front and rear ends—even with small steering angles.
V. Requirements for Underground Dismantling and Transportation
For large rock‑drilling rigs that must be lowered via cage hoists or inclined shafts, after completing module disassembly on the surface, they shall be transported in accordance with the following procedures: during entry into the tunnel, designate a dedicated supervisor, thoroughly inspect road conditions and safety clearance limits, and ensure the travel speed does not exceed 25 m/min. Throughout transportation, verify that all disassembled modules are securely fastened to prevent displacement or impact. For rigs equipped with a modular, split‑type structure, transport each functional module separately and reassemble them at the underground working face; during assembly, strictly follow standard procedures and technical specifications to ensure proper connections and reliable sealing of hydraulic and electrical lines.
During lifting operations, conspicuous lifting signs and center-of-gravity markings shall be affixed to the trolley, and dedicated lifting devices must be used to prevent tilting or deformation of components caused by improper sling placement. When positioning the lifting guide posts on the ground, threaded locating pins may be inserted into the foundation to provide anti‑slip stabilization, thereby preventing unintended slippage of the trolley during installation.
VI. Maintenance Advantages of Modular Design
The quick‑disassembly and reassembly solution not only meets the demands of relocation but also simplifies routine maintenance and troubleshooting. Its modular design enables technicians to isolate and repair faulty modules without having to move the entire unit, significantly reducing both the workload and the time required for repairs. When a component inside the rear vehicle body requires servicing, only the corresponding cover panel needs to be removed for on‑site repair, accelerating construction progress and effectively controlling maintenance costs.
During post‑maintenance, the modules can be disassembled selectively based on the observed fault symptoms, enabling rapid fault localization and replacement of defective components, thereby minimizing downtime and ensuring uninterrupted operations. The tracked undercarriage employs an integral rigid modular design; when assembling or disassembling the modules, attention must be paid to the alignment accuracy between them to ensure that, upon reassembly, the overall structural rigidity and locomotion performance meet the required specifications.
VII. On-site Reassembly and Commissioning After Relocation
After the modules have been transported to the underground working face, they shall be reassembled in the reverse order of disassembly. First, dock the power module, boom module, and chassis module, connect the hydraulic lines and electrical wiring, and verify that all joints are properly sealed. Next, install the pin‑type connection between the main boom and the boom support, ensure that the slewing mechanism is correctly mounted, and tighten all connecting bolts to the specified torque values.
After assembly is complete, bleed the hydraulic system, start the equipment and run it under no-load conditions, and verify that all boom movements are smooth, with no sticking or unusual noises. Ensure that the drill‑boom folding mechanism can switch seamlessly between the extended and folded positions, and that the hydraulic system pressure remains stable. Only after confirming that all functions are operating normally should the machine be put into service for formal rock‑drilling operations.
Conclusion
A systematic solution for the rapid disassembly, reassembly, and relocation of rock‑drilling rigs integrates modular structural design, a drill‑arm folding mechanism, quick‑change tooling technology, and standardized safety operating procedures, thereby establishing an end‑to‑end workflow that encompasses equipment disassembly, mode switching, transport to the new site, and on‑site reassembly. The compact modular rig employs a split‑transport approach—disassembled aboveground and reassembled underground—to overcome challenges associated with cage hoisting; its drill‑arm folding mechanism enables damage‑free, rapid relocation of the entire machine; and its quick‑change technology ensures swift adaptation to varying working conditions after transit. By synergistically combining modular disassembly and drill‑arm folding with standardized stowage and transportation protocols, this approach effectively shortens the rig’s relocation cycle, mitigates transport risks, enhances equipment utilization, and boosts the continuity of construction operations, thus providing robust mechanized support for tunneling and mining projects.
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