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Maintenance of Long-term Idle Rotary Drilling Rigs: Tips for Rust Prevention, Moisture Protection, and Performance Preservation

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        When a rotary drilling rig is left idle for a long time, if it lacks scientific maintenance, it is prone to damage due to rust and moisture intrusion, which will directly affect the performance and lifespan of subsequent operations. Taking measures to prevent rust and moisture is the core for maintaining performance stability. A systematic maintenance plan should be formulated based on key components and storage environment.




Preliminary preparations: Comprehensive cleaning and inspection before idling


        The pre-removal work before idling is the prerequisite for subsequent maintenance. It is necessary to thoroughly remove impurities on the surface and inside of the equipment, and identify potential hazards.

Comprehensive cleaning: 

First, use a high-pressure water gun to rinse away the dirt, sand, and stones on the body, chassis, and track surface. Then, use a cloth to wipe the precision components such as the drill pipe, drill bucket, and hydraulic cylinder. Avoid mixing residual impurities and moisture to accelerate rusting; clean the dust and debris inside the driver's cabin to keep the interior dry and prevent mold growth.

Component inspection: 

Inspect each hydraulic pipeline and seals for leakage. If any damage is found, replace them immediately to prevent moisture from entering through the gaps during idling; check the oil levels and quality of engine oil, hydraulic oil, and coolant. If the oil has deteriorated, replace it completely to prevent impurities from depositing and affecting component performance.


    



Core protection: Multi-dimensional rust prevention treatment

 

       Metal components are prone to rusting. Therefore, specific anti-rust measures should be adopted for different parts, covering the overlooked details.

Exterior metal rust prevention: For exposed metal parts such as drill rods, drill bit edges, and track pin shafts, first sand off the existing rust with sandpaper, then evenly apply anti-rust oil or spray paint; for hydraulic cylinder piston rods, fully retract them. If this is not possible, cover the surface with anti-rust film and apply special anti-rust oil to isolate air and moisture.

Internal component protection:

 Add an appropriate amount of anti-rust agent to the engine, start it and run for 5-10 minutes to allow the anti-rust agent to fully cover the internal components such as cylinders and pistons; add sufficient qualified diesel to the fuel tank to reduce air retention in the tank, and add fuel stabilizer to prevent diesel from deteriorating and forming sediment.

Electrical system protection: 

Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to avoid power loss; wrap and seal exposed wire connectors and sensor interfaces with insulating tape to prevent moisture from entering and causing short circuits. The battery should be stored separately in a dry and ventilated place, and the battery charge should be replenished once a month.





Environmental Control: Key Implementation of Moisture-proof Measures

        The humidity of the storage environment directly affects the moisture-proof effect. Measures should be taken to reduce the impact of moisture from both site selection and equipment protection.

        Storage site selection: Prefer indoor dry storage rooms. If storage can only be done outdoors, a rain shelter should be built to ensure that the equipment does not come into direct contact with rainwater; the ground should be paved with crushed stones or wooden pads to raise the equipment base and prevent moisture from the ground from being transmitted to the interior through the tracks and legs.

        Moisture-proof treatment of the machine body: Close the doors and windows of the driver's cabin, place desiccants (such as silica gel packets, quicklime) inside, and replace them regularly to maintain dry air; check the ventilation ports of the equipment, install dust and moisture-proof nets to prevent outdoor moisture and dust from entering the interior of the machine; for sealed containers such as hydraulic oil tanks and engine oil tanks, check if the breathing valves are unobstructed to avoid internal negative pressure that sucks in moisture.




Regular maintenance: Dynamic inspection and adjustment during idle periods


        Long-term idleness does not mean "let it be". Regular inspections and maintenance are necessary to assess the effectiveness, promptly address potential issues, and prevent the accumulation of hazards.

Periodic inspections: 

Conduct a comprehensive inspection at least once a month, focusing on checking if the anti-rust coating has peeled off, if the seals are aging, and if the desiccant has failed. If rust marks are found, the parts need to be cleaned and re-coated with anti-rust agent; check the battery voltage, and charge it promptly if it is below the standard value to prevent damage from insufficient power.

Component movement: 

Start the engine and run it for 10-15 minutes every 3 months, and operate the hydraulic handle at the same time to make the drill pipe, luffing mechanism, and other components move slightly. This prevents the hydraulic oil from settling over a long period and ensures the flexibility of the components; during operation, observe the instrument data and check for any abnormalities.





Before activation: Restorative inspection and debugging


        After the equipment is idle, a systematic inspection and debugging must be carried out to ensure that the equipment returns to its normal performance and avoids faults caused by direct operation.


Comprehensive inspection: 

Remove the rust coating and protective measures on the body, check if there is rust on the metal parts and if the hydraulic pipelines are leaking; replace the engine oil, hydraulic oil, and filters, empty the deteriorated diesel in the fuel tank and add new oil to ensure the cleanliness of the oil.


Test run and debugging: After starting the equipment, run it unloaded for 30 minutes to check the operation status of the engine and hydraulic system; operate actions such as lifting the drill pipe, rotating the drill bucket, and rotating the platform, test if the responses of each component are normal, and wait until the equipment's parameters are stable before conducting test drilling operations to confirm that the performance meets the standards.


        The long-term maintenance of rotary drilling rigs focuses on "preventing problems before they occur". Through early cleaning, multi-dimensional rust prevention, environmental moisture-proofing, and regular inspections, the idle wear can be minimized, ensuring that the equipment can quickly regain its operational capability when it is reactivated, achieving dual preservation of performance and value.


Anhui Yingxie Foundation Engineering Co., Ltd. is a leading exporter of construction machinery in China.

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