Abstract

This project consisted of a review of the industrial literature (including patents) on the control and elimination of vibration generated by pneumatic drills, conducted by the Mining Research Laboratory of CANMET (Canadian Centre for Mining and Energy Technology). The review identified three approaches to resolving this problem that have been attempted to date.

The first approach involves the modification of the drill body to eliminate hammer-generated vibration at its source. Despite substantial investments over the last ten years, manufacturers have been unable to eliminate the vibration. The second approach is based on the use of antivibration gloves capable of reducing operator discomfort. However, such gloves have not provided adequate hand protection against low-frequency vibration, the most powerful type of vibration generated by drills. The last option is to modify the handles of the drills so as to dampen hammer-generated hand vibration. This appears to be the most promising avenue, and several promising designs were found in the literature. Investment in this field could improve the effectiveness of hydraulic drills and make them attractive alternatives to pneumatic drills, which they could eventually replace.