rotary drilling
Quick Summary
Rotary drilling is a method used to create holes in the ground, primarily for oil and gas wells, prospecting, and scientific exploration. This technique involves rotating a drill bit that grinds and chips away at the rock. A key advantage is the continuous circulation of drilling mud, a weighted fluid that prevents blowouts by maintaining hydrostatic pressure and carries rock cuttings to the surface.12
Variations exist, such as the turbodrill, which uses a fluid-powered turbine at the bit for faster rotation, enabling drilling in challenging high-temperature and high-pressure environments. Modern rotary drilling has achieved depths exceeding 9,000 meters and utilizes advanced systems for extended-reach drilling.32
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
