puurimise

Puurimise refers to the process of creating holes in solid materials, typically rock or soil, using a drill. The term is used in engineering, geology, mining, and related fields to describe operations that access subsurface formations, install casings, or collect samples. Puurimise involves selecting appropriate equipment and techniques to reach the desired depth while controlling cuttings, borehole stability, and potential environmental impacts.

Historically, drilling began with hand tools such as augers and primitive bits. The development of steam-powered rigs in the 19th century and the later adoption of rotary drilling enabled deeper boreholes and more efficient removal of material, revolutionizing mining, water supply, and oil and gas exploration.

Techniques vary by objective and geology. Rotary drilling uses a rotating bit and circulating fluid to wash away cuttings. Percussion drilling delivers hammering blows to fracture rock. Core drilling employs a hollow bit and core barrel to retrieve a cylindrical sample for geological analysis.

Equipment includes drilling rigs mounted on trucks or platforms, drill pipes, various bits, casings or liners to stabilize boreholes, and systems for fluid or air circulation. In softer ground, augers are common; in hard rock, diamond or carbide-tipped bits and down-the-hole tools are used.

Applications include water wells, geotechnical investigations, mineral and hydrocarbon exploration, geothermal boreholes, and structural foundations such as pile drilling. Drilling operations also support environmental monitoring and underground construction.

Safety and environmental considerations cover borehole integrity, management of drilling fluids and cuttings, prevention of contamination, noise and dust control, and site restoration after completion.