Top Hammer Drilling Rig VS DTH Drilling Rig, What are the Differences Between Them?

Drilling is an important part of mining mines. The equipment used is mainly the top hammer drilling rig or DTH drilling rig. These two are suitable for different mining operations, and the wrong use will cause huge losses. If you want to know the difference between these two rigs, keep reading.

Different Working Principle

Operation Schematic Diagram(a: top hammer drilling rig; b: DTH drilling rig)

Top Hammer Drilling Rig

The impact force of the top hammer drilling generated by the piston of the pump in the hydraulic drilling rig is transmitted to the drill bit through the shank joint and the drill rod, which is the most different from the down-the-hole drill. At the same time, the percussion system drives the drilling system to rotate. When the stress wave reaches the drill bit, the energy is transferred to the rock in the form of penetration by the drill bit. The combination of these functions can drill holes in hard rock.

However, top hammer drilling is usually used for the maximum diameter of 127mm, and the depth of the hole is less than 20M, which has high efficiency.

In Top Hammer Drilling the hammer produces a percussive force on the drill rods or tubes, which is transmitted to the drill bit. The feed device is usually attached with a hinged boom to a mobile unit. The percussive system strikes the drill rod, for example 2,000-5,000 strikes per minute, and the rotation speed can be, for example, 60-200 rounds per minute. Together these elements make it possible to drill holes in the hard rock. The excess material (cuttings) is flushed up from the bottom of the hole by means of pressurized air or water. Top hammer drills are primarily used in mining, construction and quarrying of rock material. Top hammer drilling, combined with the “drill and blast” method, makes the whole excavation process extremely efficient.

DTH Drilling Rig

The down-the-hole drill uses compressed air to drive the hammer behind the drill bit through the drill rod. The piston directly hits the drill bit, and the hammer cylinder provides a straight and stable guide for the drill bit. This keeps the effects of energy from being lost in the joints and allows deeper percussion drilling.

In addition, the impact force acts on the rock at the bottom of the hole, which is more effective and straighter than other drilling operations.

DPH drilling is more suitable for large holes in hard rock drilling, especially for rocks with a hardness of more than 200Mpa. However, for rocks below 200 MPa, not only energy will be wasted, but also the drilling efficiency will be low, which will cause serious wear on the drill bit. This is because when the hammer's piston strikes, the soft rock cannot fully absorb the impact, which severely reduces the efficiency of drilling and slagging.

In DTH drilling, the percussion mechanism – commonly called the hammer – is located directly above the drill bit. The drill pipes transmit the necessary feed force and rotation to the hammer and the bit, along with the fluid (air, water or drilling mud) used to actuate the hammer and flush the cuttings. The drill pipes are added to the drill string successively behind the hammer as the hole gets deeper.

The hammer is fully fluid actuated. It is composed of two mobile parts: a valve, controlling the flow and a piston that strikes on an impact surface directly linked to the bit. The hammer body gives straight and stable guidance of the drill bit.

Differences of Adaption 

JK410 Crawler Mounted Pneumatic Tophammer Drill Rig

Top Hammer Drilling Rig

ㆍThe most suitable for hole diameter between 25–127 mm.

ㆍGenerally, the hole depth is less than 25 meters.

ㆍAdapt to a stable and uniform hard rock.

ㆍThe slag flushing medium is compressed air or water.

ㆍHigh efficiency in shallow holes drilling, the deeper the lower efficiency.

JK650 All In One DTH Drilling Rig

Down the Hole (DTH) Drilling Rig

ㆍThe most suitable hole diameter is 100–254 mm, in special applications can be up to 2M And the minimum can be around 50 mm as well.

ㆍTheoretically drilling depth is limited by back pressure only (can be up to several kilometers).

ㆍAdapt to hard rock and rock formation conditions (compared to top hammer).

ㆍMainly use pressurized air for slag flushing, and sometimes air foam for special application.

ㆍHighly efficient in hard rock drilling.

Top Hammer vs. DTH Drilling: Main Differences

These are general selection principles. Final performance depends on the drilling rig model, hole diameter, drilling depth, rock strength, rock abrasiveness, fracture condition, drilling tools and operator practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is top hammer drilling better than DTH drilling?

Neither method is always better. Top hammer drilling is often preferred for shorter or medium-depth holes and flexible surface drilling. DTH drilling is commonly selected for larger holes, deeper drilling and hard-rock blast-hole applications.

Which method is suitable for quarry drilling?

Both can be used in quarries. Top hammer drilling is often used for smaller or medium hole sizes and shorter holes. DTH drilling is often selected for larger blast holes, deeper benches and hard-rock conditions.

Does DTH drilling require an air compressor?

Yes. DTH drilling requires compressed air to operate the hammer and remove cuttings from the borehole. The compressor must match the required pressure, air flow, hammer size and drilling conditions.

Which drilling method is better for hard rock?

DTH drilling is commonly selected for hard-rock drilling because the hammer works close to the drill bit. However, final selection should consider the required hole diameter, drilling depth, production target and available equipment.

Can JK Drilling supply a complete drilling package?

Yes. JK Drilling can provide drilling rigs together with air compressors, drill rods, percussive hammers, drill bits, dust collectors and spare parts according to project requirements.

How do I choose between an integrated DTH rig and a separate DTH rig?

A separate DTH rig is suitable for projects that already have a compatible portable air compressor. An integrated DTH rig is suitable for contractors that prefer drilling, air supply and related systems on one crawler-mounted platform.

Choose the Right Drilling Solution

The best drilling method depends on your project, not on a single technical parameter. Top hammer drilling may be the right choice for flexible, shorter-hole surface drilling, while DTH drilling may be the better solution for hard rock, larger blast holes and deeper production drilling.

Visit our Project Cases to review drilling equipment applications, or contact us through Contact Us with your project details for a rig and drilling-tool recommendation.

In summary, each drilling rig has its own advantages. When choosing the equipment, you can first look at the actual situation of your project, and decide which type of rig to choose according to the rock formations, geological formations, and working environment of the construction site.

JK Drilling is a large enterprise specialized in the development and manufacture of all kinds of DTH Drilling Equipment. The major products include All-In-One type and separate type DTH rock drilling rigs, DTH well-drilling rigs, and construction drilling rigs. 

If you need drilling rigs of high quality, please contact us!