The working conditions of down-the-hole hammer
Down-the-hole hammer operate under extreme conditions. Not only do they have to withstand high dust loads, they also have to operate continuously in a high-humidity environment, where the pistons reciprocate frequently and are accompanied by significant impact rates. These factors combine to increase the importance of lubrication in hammer maintenance.
An optimized lubrication strategy is critical to the efficient operation of a pneumatic hammer, and its goals include but are not limited to the following:
Reduce friction and wear: Insufficient lubrication can lead to excessive friction, which can form micro-cracks on the contact surfaces of moving parts. These cracks may expand over time, causing component damage. In addition, the heat generated by friction may cause the metal surface to overheat, causing local softening or plastic deformation, which may eventually lead to excessive clearance or even damage to the cylinder and piston.
Prevent Corrosion: During the drilling process, hammer components are susceptible to the corrosive effects of chemicals in compressed air and water. The coexistence of corrosion and stress within the component will significantly reduce the structural strength of the component and may lead to further crack expansion, or even directly cause damage to the component due to corrosion pits and rust. Therefore, lubrication to prevent corrosion is a key measure to maintain component integrity.
Maintain a tight seal: Proper lubrication ensures a good seal between the moving parts inside the hammer, avoiding performance degradation caused by poor sealing. Good sealing not only helps maintain the impact frequency of the hammer, but also ensures its long-term stable operation.
To sum up, in order to ensure the reliability and efficiency of down-the-hole hammer in harsh working environments, it is crucial to implement effective lubrication measures. This not only extends the service life of the equipment, but also improves its overall operating performance.
