Simulation of Cuttings Generation and Flushing for Optimized Rock Drilling
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Luleå tekniska universitet - Luleå tekniska universitet Inst f teknikvetenskap & matematik |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 6 000 000 |
| Project duration | November 2025 - November 2029 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Metals & Minerals - Program-specific efforts Vinnova |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Research and development projects within Techological Action Areas in the Swedish Metals and Minerals program |
Purpose and goal
The project aims to develop and validate digital models describing the generation and transport of drill cuttings in rock drilling. Its goal is to enable more efficient and sustainable drilling by optimizing drill bit design, flushing strategies, and operating parameters for both top-hammer and water-powered down-the-hole drilling.
Expected effects and result
The project will deliver a validated open-source simulation tool for improved drilling performance. The results are expected to reduce energy and water consumption, extend tool lifetime, and minimize downtime, strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of the Swedish mining industry.
Planned approach and implementation
The project is led by Luleå University of Technology in collaboration with Epiroc Drilling Tools and LKAB Wassara. It combines laboratory and field tests with numerical simulations coupling rock fragmentation and flushing flows, validated against real drilling data.