Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Development and Performance Evaluation of a Mechanized Hand Borehole Drilling Rig in Submerged Areas of Nigeria
by F.A . Adamu and I.O Stanley

Abstract:
Significant of water for agricultural production, be it crop or animal production and even for domestic use cannot be over emphasized. A mechanized hand borehole drilling rig was developed with entire mechanism involve the vertical movement of the drilling bit. The main components of the machine are the power screw, power transmission unit (crown bevel gear), the drilling bit, turning handle and the frame. In operation, as the drilling bit rotate it penetrates the soil until the required depth is attained. A depth of 1m was chosen for the purpose of this study and if more drilling pipes are provided, a depth of 4-6m can be achieved. A performance test was carried out on the rig and an average depth of 1.8m was attained in 15 minutes for sandy soil, 1.7m in 20 minutes for sandy loam and for clay soil, an average depth of 1.2 m for 23 minutes was also achieved. The constructed drilling rig uses human power to operate and for this reason it can only be used for shallow borehole drilling, where the water table is close to the surface. A device of this nature can be manufactured in small workshop to aid water supply in small farms especially during dry season, mostly in the rural areas. Hence the outcome of the research will help further researches water availability and its predicaments.

Keywords: water, borehole, drilling rig, design, construction, testing, manually

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