Analysis of operating speed regimes for transporting drilling equipment on sloped terrain

Background: Transportation of drilling equipment on sloped terrain in ridge-and-fold terrain is associated with increased accident rates and accelerated equipment wear. This is driven by the combined influence of heavy loads, steep slope gradients, and variable friction coefficients between the bearing surfaces (sleds or runners). In most design and operational documents, only the maximum permissible operating speeds are specified, without considering actual traction conditions or variations in the route profile. As a result, the selected speed may be underestimated-reducing transportation efficiency—or overestimated, which increases the risk of skidding, overturning, and braking system failures. For this reason, a scientifically justified assessment of safe speed regimes is required, taking into account the slope angle and the friction coefficient between the bearing surfaces.

Aim: To develop scientifically substantiated recommendations for selecting and optimizing the speed regimes used for transporting drilling equipment on sloped terrain.

Materials and methods: The study examines transportation systems that move drilling equipment on sleds or runners across soil, snow-covered, and icy slopes. The analysis includes a review of regulatory documents and standards governing transportation safety under challenging environmental conditions. To model the motion, the study employs equations derived from the theorem of momentum change, along with differential equations describing the dynamics of movement on an inclined plane. These equations incorporate key parameters such as slope angle and the coefficient of friction between the bearing surfaces. After formulating the differential equations, they are integrated to obtain analytical and numerical solutions that describe the equipment’s trajectory and velocity. The resulting data are then used to determine the safe operating speeds for drilling equipment on sloped terrain.

Results: The analysis identified critical ascent angles at which a substantial reduction in speed occurs, as well as descent conditions that necessitate effective braking. The study determined that safe operating speeds should not exceed 3–4 m/s when ascending and 2–2.5 m/s when descending.

Conclusion: The proposed practical recommendations improve the safety and reliability of drilling equipment transportation across uneven terrain. The findings can be applied in route planning, selecting appropriate transportation technologies, and in developing operational guidelines for drilling equipment used in mountainous environments.