Flame jet drill

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)[1] 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. [1]

References

  1. 1 2 "National Geographic Channel Australia and New Zealand - Megastructures". 080712 natgeotv.com.au List of National Geographic MegaStructures series.
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