Trisha Shetty (Editor)

Flame jet drill

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit

The Flame Jet Drill is a type of drilling equipment whereby there is no contact with the drilling surface, therefore the drill never wears down.

The tool expels an ultra hot hydrogen flame (~4000 °C) which causes small inconsistencies in the rock to fracture and fly away and thus "drill" surface.

Another prototype drill called a Hydro Jet Drill is able to work in hot damp conditions by superheating water and spraying the rock with the fluid.

The devices were featured in a National Geographic documentary "MegaStructures: Deep Earth Drillers" about geothermal energy.

References

Flame jet drill Wikipedia