Which type of drilling method uses a rotating drill bit to excavate material?

Rotary drilling is a method that utilizes a rotating drill bit to effectively excavate material from the ground. This technique is widely applied in both exploration and production drilling due to its efficiency in penetrating various geological formations. The rotating action of the drill bit, combined with the use of drilling fluids, allows for the removal of cuttings from the borehole and helps to stabilize the well by preventing the collapse of the sides of the hole.

In contrast, percussion drilling relies on a series of rapid blows to break up the material, making it more suitable for certain applications where the geology is hard and requires impact techniques. Auger drilling employs a helical screw design to move material from the ground, primarily suited for softer soils where continuous sampling is desired. Vibration drilling, on the other hand, uses vibration to penetrate the material, which can be effective in loose, unconsolidated soils. However, these methods do not primarily involve a rotating action of the drill bit, distinguishing rotary drilling as the primary technique that does.