A METHOD OF LINING A BOREHOLE, A SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS OF SAME

Abstract

A method of lining a borehole including an open end with an inner surface leading away from the open end, the method including the following steps: introducing a tubular liner with a blind end in an inverted state to the open end of the borehole; forcing the tubular liner into the borehole by supplying pressurised fluid to the tubular liner whereby the pressurised fluid causes the tubular liner to abut against the inner surface of the borehole and the liner blind end is forced in a direction away from the open end of the borehole; and, maintaining an overpressure within the tubular liner until a hardenable composition present in the tubular liner hardens.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a method of lining a borehole, a system for providing same and components which may form part of the method and/or system.

BACKGROUND ART

In various mining and geotechnical operations, it is common to create boreholes extending either upwardly, downwardly or horizontally from an underground working chamber, or downwardly from an outside location, such as for example, in an open cut mine. The boreholes extending upwardly or downwardly may be drilled in a vertical direction, or at an angle to the vertical.

A common reason for the drilling of boreholes in mining operations is to house explosives, and such boreholes are known as blastholes. Blastholes can be up to 70 metres in length, are typically of about 15 to 40 metres, and range in diameter from 50 mm to 120 mm. Blastholes are prepared by drilling with rock drills to leave a generally cylindrical borehole, defined by cylindrical walls of the drilled rock structure with an opening at one end and a blind end at the other end. Due to the nature of the strata, or stress orientation in the borehole substrate, often the boreholes are not uniformly cylindrical, or straight.

Freshly drilled underground boreholes are generally stable for some time because of their circular shape. However, geology, stress and hole orientation can lead to fretting of the borehole and fragments of rock can be displaced, causing a blockage within the hole. In addition, water can often seep into the borehole from ground water, or surface run off which can cause erosion of the structure of the borehole and may provide a wet or damp environment which is unsuitable for explosives.

In these instances, the boreholes must be cleared (e.g. using compressed air or water), re-drilled or left unused which causes significant increase to costs of the mining or geotechnical activities. If boreholes need to be re-drilled, including clearing of debris from the holes, there is also a significant disruption to normal production drilling and loss of drilling capacity.

It is common for underground mines to drill a number of boreholes which may be left open and unused for days and even months at a time. Therefore, mine operations require a method of protecting or stabilising the integrity of drilled blastholes until the time that they are ready to be utilised.

One attempt to increase the stability of boreholes was to insert rigid tube casings into the borehole to provide a barrier to water and provide stability to the structure of the borehole. However, long rigid tubes, particularly for long boreholes in excess of 10 metres create significant handling and logistical difficulties, particularly in underground locations. In addition, the irregular shape of boreholes and the force of gravity when lining a borehole in the upward direction meant this technique had significant short comings.

Another approach is detailed in Australian patent 2009295660 and involves the application of a liquid resin system using a sprayhead inserted into the borehole. The resin system provided a thin membrane which once cured on the sides of the borehole was intended to provide structural stability and inhibit water ingress. However, this technology was found difficult to implement, due to an inability of the resin to react to uneven surfaces on the inside of the borehole. Also, the resin often washed out of the borehole due to the presence of water under the influence of gravity.

The present invention seeks to address one or more of the above identified problems.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In a first aspect embodiments are disclosed of a method of lining a borehole including an open end with an inner surface leading away from the open end, the method including the following steps:

• • (a) contacting a tubular liner with a hardenable composition, wherein the tubular liner is in an inverted state whereby an outside surface of the tubular liner is located on the inside of the tubular liner, the tubular liner including a liner open end and a liner blind end;
  • (b) introducing the tubular liner in the inverted state to the open end of the borehole;
  • (c) forcing the tubular liner into the borehole by supplying pressurised fluid to the tubular liner whereby the pressurised fluid causes the tubular liner to change from the inverted state wherein the outside surface of the tubular liner is forced to abut against the inner surface of the borehole and the liner blind end is forced in a direction away from the open end of the borehole; and,
  • (d) maintaining an overpressure within the tubular liner until the hardenable composition hardens.

In certain embodiments, at step (d) the outside surface of the tubular liner conforms to the shape of the inner surface of the borehole.

In certain embodiments, at step (d) the outside surface of the tubular liner adheres to the inner surface of the borehole.

In certain embodiments, at step (c) the tubular liner blind end is forced away from the open end of the borehole until the tubular liner is extended along the length of the borehole.

In certain embodiments, at step (d) the overpressure is maintained within the tubular liner by sealing the open end of the tubular liner.

In certain embodiments, at step (d) the overpressure is maintained within the tubular liner by continuing the supply of pressurised fluid to the open end of the tubular liner.

In certain embodiments, at step (a) the tubular liner is contacted with the hardenable composition whereby the outside surface of the tubular liner is coated with the hardenable composition. In one form, the outside surface of the tubular liner is substantially saturated with the hardenable composition.

In certain embodiments, the hardenable composition is selected from any one of the following: silicate resins, polyurethane resins, polyester resins, epoxy resins, urea formaldehyde resins, polyurea resins, melamine formaldehyde resins, vinyl ester resins, furan resins, acrylates, methacrylates, thermosetting resins and/or cement based materials and mortars. In one form, the hardenable composition is selected from silicate containing resins.

In certain embodiments, the pressurised fluid is air.

In certain embodiments, the tubular liner is substantially air impermeable. In one form, the outside surface of the tubular liner is composed of a fabric composed of glass or synthetic polymer fibres. In another form, the tubular liner includes a layer of polyurethane.

In certain embodiments, the tubular liner is introduced to the open end of the borehole via an adapter wherein the adapter is detachably coupled to the open end of the tubular liner in sealed engagement. In one form the adapter includes a first open end and a second open end, with a fluid pathway leading from the first open end to the second open end; and a valve configured to move between an opened and closed state, wherein when the valve is in the closed state, the fluid pathway between the first open end and the second open end is closed. In a further form, the adapter includes a pressurised fluid inlet for introducing pressurised fluid to the fluid pathway, the pressurised fluid inlet located between the valve and the first open end along the length of the fluid pathway. In one form, the first open end detachably couples to the open end of the tubular liner.

In certain embodiments, at step (d) the overpressure is maintained within the tubular liner by moving the valve of the adapter to the closed state.

In certain embodiments, at step (d) the overpressure is maintained within the tubular liner by continuing a supply of pressurised fluid to the pressurised fluid inlet of the adapter.

In certain embodiments, after step (d) the overpressure within the tubular liner is released via a pressure relief valve in fluid communication with the fluid pathway of the adapter.

In certain embodiments, the tubular liner is introduced to the open end of the borehole from a magazine, wherein the magazine contains the tubular liner in the inverted state. In one form, the magazine includes a cavity region for containing the tubular liner, an open end and a pressurised fluid inlet in fluid communication with the cavity region and the open end.

In certain embodiments, the open end of the magazine is configured to detachably couple in sealed engagement to the second end of the adapter.

In certain embodiments, at step (c) the pressurised fluid is supplied to the tubular liner via the pressurised fluid inlet of the magazine.

In certain embodiments, the borehole is used to contain explosives.

In another aspect embodiments are disclosed of an adapter for engaging with an open end of a tubular liner, the adapter including: a main body portion with a first open end and a second open end, the first open end configured to engage with the open end of a tubular liner; a fluid pathway leading from the first open end to the second open end, and, a valve configured to move between an opened and close state, wherein when the valve is in the closed state, the fluid pathway between the first open end and the second open end is closed.

In certain embodiments, the adapter further includes a pressurised fluid inlet for introducing pressurised fluid to the fluid pathway, the pressurised fluid inlet located between the valve and the first open end along the length of the fluid pathway.

In certain embodiments, the second open end is configured to detachably couple to a magazine for containing the tubular liner.

In certain embodiments, the valve is a ball valve.

In certain embodiments, the adapter further includes a pressure relief valve for reducing pressure within the fluid pathway, the pressure relief valve located between the valve and the first open end along the length of the fluid pathway.

In another aspect embodiments are disclosed of a magazine for containing a tubular liner in an inverted state, the magazine including: a main body portion including side walls defining a cavity region within the main body portion for containing the tubular liner, an opening at one end of the main body portion in fluid communication with the cavity region; and, a pressurised fluid inlet in fluid communication with the cavity region and the open end. In one form, the open end is configured to detachably couple in sealed engagement to an adapter.

In certain embodiments, the magazine further includes a loading entry including a closure configured to open and close wherein the tubular liner may be introduced into the cavity region of the magazine via the loading entry when the closure is open.

In another aspect embodiments are disclosed of a system for lining a borehole including an open end with an inner surface leading away from the open end of the borehole, the system including the following:

• • a tubular liner including a liner open end and a liner blind end;
  • a magazine including a cavity region for containing the tubular liner, an open end and a pressurised fluid inlet in fluid communication with the cavity region and the open end; an adapter including a first open end and a second open end, with a fluid pathway leading from the first open end to the second open end; and a valve configured to move between an opened and closed state, wherein when the valve is in the closed state, the fluid pathway between the first open end and the second open end is closed, the adapter further including a pressurised fluid inlet for introducing pressurised fluid to the fluid pathway, the pressurised fluid inlet located between the valve and the first open end along the length of the fluid pathway, wherein the first open end of the adapter detachably couples to the open end of the tubular liner and the second open end is configured to detachably couple in sealed engagement to the open end of the magazine; and,
  • a supply of pressurised fluid configured for delivery to the pressurised fluid inlet of the magazine, or the pressurised fluid inlet of the adapter

In certain embodiments, the tubular liner is forced into the borehole by the supply of pressurised fluid delivered via the pressurised fluid inlet of the magazine, the pressurised fluid causing the tubular liner to change from an inverted state to where the outside surface of the tubular liner is forced to abut against the inner surface of the borehole and the liner blind end is forced along the length of the borehole in a direction away from the open end; and, wherein an overpressure is maintained in the tubular liner until the hardenable composition hardens.

In certain embodiments, the overpressure is maintained in the tubular liner by moving the valve of the adapter to the closed position and directing the supply of pressurised fluid to the fluid inlet of the adapter.

Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this disclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, principles of inventions disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the method and apparatus as set forth in the Summary, specific embodiments of the method and apparatus will now be described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1a to 1h are schematic diagrams depicting various steps and/or apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a magazine in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3a is a front elevation view of a magazine in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3b is a perspective view of the magazine of FIG. 3a;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an adapter in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and,

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the adapter depicted in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure provides a method of lining a borehole. Boreholes are typically drilled to about 15 to 60 meters in length and range in diameter from 50 mm to 120 mm. Boreholes are prepared by drilling with rock drills to leave a cylindrical borehole, defined by cylindrical walls which run the length of the borehole from an opening at one end to a blind end at the other end.

The method of lining a borehole as described herein may include the following steps which may be performed in sequence:

Step (a) involves preparing a tubular liner by contacting the tubular liner with a hardenable composition. At this stage of the method, the hardenable composition has not yet hardened (cured) and is in a liquid state where it may be easily incorporated into the tubular liner. Prior to contacting the tubular liner with a hardenable composition, the tubular liner may be in an inverted state whereby an outside surface of the tubular liner is located on the inside of the tubular liner. Otherwise stated, the tubular liner is turned ‘inside out’ when it is in the inverted state. The tubular liner may be composed of a flexible material and includes a liner open end and a liner blind end, or closed end.

Step (b) includes introducing the tubular liner in the inverted state to the open end of the borehole. This step may be undertaken with the assistance of components which will be described in greater detail below.

Step (c) includes inserting the tubular liner under force into the borehole. This may be accomplished by supplying pressurised fluid (preferably a gas such as air) to the tubular liner where the force of the pressurised fluid pushes the tubular liner into the borehole, and at the same time, forces the tubular liner to change from the inverted state, to a state where the tubular liner is orientated in its usual form, i.e. with the outside surface located on the outside of the tubular liner. During this step, and due to the supply of the pressurised fluid, the outside surface of the tubular liner is forced to abut against the inner surface of the borehole, and the liner blind end is forced in a direction away from the open end of the borehole until the tubular liner is fully extended within the borehole from the opening to either the blind end of the tubular liner, or the blind end of the borehole which ever length is shorter. The pressure of the pressurised fluid during step (c) may be at least 100 kPa and up to about 400 kPa

Step (d) includes maintaining an overpressure within the tubular liner until the hardenable composition hardens. An overpressure is a positive pressure in that the pressure within the tubular liner is greater than atmospheric pressure, or the ambient pressure at the location of the borehole. Preferably, the overpressure maintained in the tubular liner is greater than 50 kPa above the pressure at the borehole, and more preferably about 80 kPa to about 150 kPa. The overpressure may be maintained within the tubular liner by sealing the open end of the tubular liner. In addition, the overpressure may be maintained by continuing the supply of pressurised fluid used in step (c) to the open end of the tubular liner.

By maintaining the overpressure within the tubular liner, it provides that the tubular liner is also maintained in contact against the inner surface, or the inside walls of the borehole under the force exerted by the pressurised fluid. This provides time for the hardenable composition which is incorporated into the tubular liner to harden (cure) and so that the outside surface of the tubular liner conforms to the shape of the inner surface of the borehole. Once this occurs, the tubular liner is maintained within the borehole due to frictional resistance caused by close conformance to the contours of the inner surface of the borehole.

The pressurised fluid used in steps (c) and (d) may be selected from air, which may be provided from a compressed air source, such as for example from an air compressor.

As herein described, the hardenable composition will generally comprise a mixture of two or more classes of substances which solidify (harden, or cure) upon mixing. In accordance with the present disclosure, the mixing step of the two or more classes of substances will typically immediately precede step (a) such that the hardenable composition is in liquid form for a sufficient time to allow the hardenable composition to harden (cure) during step (d) when the overpressure is maintained within the tubular liner, and not prior to this step. Preferably, the hardenable composition hardens after about 30 minutes, and more preferably after about 60 minutes. In addition, it is important the hardenable composition also does not take too much time to harden, and therefore it is preferable that the hardenable composition hardens within two hours and preferably within 90 minutes.

The hardenable composition may be selected from any one of the following: silicate resins, polyurethane resins, polyester resins, epoxy resins, urea formaldehyde resins, polyurea resins, melamine formaldehyde resins, vinyl ester resins, furan resins, acrylates, methacrylates, thermosetting resins and/or cement based materials and mortars.

In the embodiment the hardenable composition comprises a silicate containing resin (e.g. a urea/silicate containing resin), the silicate containing resin may be prepared by mixing a first composition comprising sodium silicate with a second composition comprising modified polyisocyanate (e.g. polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate).

In the embodiment wherein the stabilising composition comprises a thermoset resin system, the stabilising composition comprises a mixture of a resin base composition and a hardener composition. In the embodiment wherein the stabilising composition comprises a mortar containing composition the mortar containing composition may include hydraulic cement, fillers and setting and rheology modifiers.

One or more fillers may also be included in the hardenable composition such as for example calcium carbonate or barium sulphate.

The tubular liner may be composed of a flexible woven layer made up of a fabric composed of glass or synthetic polymer fibres. For example, the flexible woven layer may be composed of short glass or polyethylene fibres. In another form, the tubular liner may be composed of two flexible layers, with one layer composed of a woven layer made up of short glass or polyethylene fibres and a second layer composed of an impervious flexible material, such as for example a synthetic polymer. An example of a suitable synthetic polymer is polyurethane. The additional layer of the flexible impervious material provides the liner with impermeable, or substantially impermeable characteristics, which allows the liner to hold a compressed fluid, such as air, and also provide a water impermeable membrane within the borehole once installed.

The thickness of the tubular liner may be from about 2 mm to about 8 mm and preferably about 2 mm to about 4 mm.

The tubular liner may be introduced to the open end of the borehole in step (b) of the method described herein, via an adapter. An example embodiment of an adapter 200 is depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5. The adapter 200 includes a main body portion 205 with a first open end 210 and a second open end 220 and a fluid pathway (not shown) which runs along the length of the main body portion 205 in fluid communication with the first open end 210 and the second open end 220. A valve 230, is located along the length of the fluid pathway which valve 230 is able to move between an opened and closed state, wherein when the valve 230 is in the closed state, the fluid pathway between the first open end 210 and the second open end 220 is closed. Otherwise stated, when the valve 230 is in the closed state, the fluid pathway is sealed off between the first open end 210 and the second open end 220. The valve 230 may be in the form of any suitable valve mechanism, and is preferably a ball valve. The valve 230 is depicted in the open position in both FIGS. 3 and 4 with the valve handle in line with the direction of the fluid pathway.

The first open end 210 of the adapter 200 may be detachably coupled to the open end of a tubular liner in a sealed manner or engagement. One example of such an engagement is where the circular open end of the tubular liner surrounds the outside of the first open end 210 of the adapter and clamping rings are arranged around the tubular liner sealing the liner to the first open end 210.

The adapter 200 further includes a pressurised fluid inlet 240 and may further include a pressure indicator 248 to monitor and maintain the overpressure within the tubular liner. The pressurised fluid inlet 240 is configured to introduce pressurised fluid to the fluid pathway and is located between the valve 230 and the first open end 210 along the length of the fluid pathway.

Once the tubular liner is fully inserted into the borehole, the overpressure may be maintained within the tubular liner during step (d) by moving the valve 230 of the adapter 200 to the closed state. In addition, the overpressure may be maintained within the tubular liner by providing a supply of pressurised fluid to the pressurised fluid inlet 240 of the adapter 200.

The adapter 200 may further include a pressure relief valve or safety valve (not shown) located between the valve 230 and the first open end 210. The pressure relief valve or safety valve is in fluid communication with the fluid pathway and may be used to reduce the overpressure within the tubular liner without needing to open the valve 230.

The tubular liner may be introduced to the open end of the borehole through the adapter 200 from a magazine 100, wherein the magazine 100 may contain the tubular liner in the inverted state prior to insertion into a borehole.

An example embodiment of a magazine 100 is depicted in FIG. 2. The magazine 100 includes a main body portion 105 including cylindrical side walls 115 defining a cavity region 110 (not shown) within the main body portion 105. The cavity region 110 provides a contained space for containing a tubular liner, and includes an opening 120 at one end of the main body portion 105 which is in fluid communication with the cavity region 110 and also provides a pathway for the tubular liner to exit (or be delivered from) the magazine 100. The main body portion 105 includes a pressurised fluid inlet 130 which is in fluid communication with the cavity region 110, as well as the open end 120. This provides that a pressurised fluid such as air can be introduced to the cavity region 110 and the tubular liner contained therein.

The magazine 100 also includes a loading entry 135 at the opposite end of the main body portion 105 from the opening 120, the loading entry 135 including a closure 140 configured to open and close wherein the tubular liner 25 may be introduced into the cavity region 110 of the magazine 100 via the loading entry 135 when the closure 140 is open. In other embodiments, the loading entry may be located on the side of the magazine rather than the opposite end. Alternatively, the tubular liner 25 may also be introduced to the cavity region via the opening 120.

Another example embodiment of a magazine 100 is shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. In this embodiment, the magazine 100 includes a main body portion 105 which is in the form of a cylindrical drum with circular side walls 165 connected to cylindrical wall 170. The diameter of the circular side walls may be greater than 3 times the width of the cylindrical wall 170 and less than 15 times the width of the cylindrical wall. This provides a very narrow drum with a width (i.e. the width of the cylindrical wall 170) of less than 200 mm and this may be less than 150 mm. The circular side walls 165 and the cylindrical wall 170 define a cavity region 110 (not shown) within the main body portion 105. The cavity region 110 provides a contained space for containing a tubular liner, and includes an opening 120 at one end of the main body portion 105 which is in fluid communication with the cavity region 110 and also provides a pathway for the tubular liner to exit (or be delivered from) the magazine 100. The interior of the cavity region 110 includes a central spindle (not shown). The tubular liner may be wound around the spindle in the cavity region and stored therein before being introduced to the opening of the borehole.

The main body portion 105 includes a pressurised fluid inlet 130 which is in fluid communication with the cavity region 110, as well as the open end 120. This provides that a pressurised fluid such as air can be introduced to the cavity region 110 and the tubular liner contained therein.

Referring to the magazines 100 depicted in both FIGS. 2 and 3, the open end 120 of the magazine 100 may be configured to detachably couple in sealed engagement to the second open end 220 of the adapter 200. The tubular liner in the inverted state may be contained within the cavity region 110 and the open end of the tubular liner passed through the open end 120 of the magazine coupled to the second open end 220 of the adapter 200, passed along the length of the fluid pathway of the adapter 200 and detachably coupled to the first open end 210 of the adapter 200. In this form, the tubular liner may be introduced to the open end of the borehole at step (b) by bringing the first open end 210, with the tubular liner coupled thereto, to the open end of the borehole.

Once in place, pressurised fluid may be introduced to the pressurised fluid inlet 130 of the magazine which forces the tubular liner up through the open end 120 of the magazine, through the fluid pathway of the adapter 200, out of the first open end of the adapter and into the borehole. As the tubular liner is pushed into the borehole, the liner reverts back to its usual orientation with the outside surface of the tubular liner located on its outside and which is then pushed against the cylindrical walls of the borehole under the force of the pressurised fluid.

The flow of pressurised fluid is continued through the pressurised fluid inlet 130 of the magazine 100, so that the tubular liner blind end is forced in a direction away from the open end of the borehole until the tubular liner is fully extended within the borehole from the opening to either the blind end of the tubular liner, or the blind end of the borehole, which ever length is shorter.

Once the tubular liner has completely exited the magazine 100 and is now fully extended within the borehole, the valve of the adapter 230 may be moved to a closed position which seals the fluid pathway of the adapter 200. At this point, the magazine 100 may be decoupled from the second open end 220 of the adapter 200.

Pressurised fluid may then be directed to the pressurised fluid inlet 240 of the adapter 200 to maintain the overpressure in the tubular liner in line with step (d) until the hardenable composition hardens (cures) and the outside surface of the tubular liner adheres to the inner surface of the borehole. The overpressure in the tubular liner may then be released to the surrounding atmosphere via the pressure relief valve or safety valve located on the adapter. Once this is completed, the tubular liner may then be safely cut around the opening of the borehole and the adapter released leaving the borehole with the now hardened liner in place. The hardened liner provides a moisture barrier as well as structural integrity to the borehole.

The method and system as described herein will now be described with reference to an example embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1a to 1h which depict various sequential stages, and the apparatus used in those stages, during the lining of a borehole.

Referring to FIG. 1a the preparation of a tubular liner 25 is shown. The tubular liner 25 is in the inverted state and preparation includes automated dosing of the two components of the hardenable composition and their mixing in a pumping unit. The hardenable composition is then injected into the tubular liner 25 and its calibration/saturation is measured on a calibration desk. Both, the mixing unit & calibration desk are built-in on a trailer or dedicated vehicle. The output of the preparation is a tubular liner 25 substantially saturated with the hardenable composition.

In FIG. 1b, the prepared tubular liner 25 is then manually inserted into a magazine 100 through the closure 140 of the loading entry 135. The tubular liner 25 in the inverted state is wrapped around the central spindle of the magazine 100. The magazine 100 is fixed onto a rotatable coupling located on a lifting platform, installation rig or tele-remote arm. The magazine 100 is connected to a source of compressed air derived from an air compressor. The open end of the liner is pulled through the open end of the magazine 100 and through an adapter 200 coupled to the end of the magazine. The open end is then secured at a first open end of the adapter 200.

Referring to FIG. 1c, the platform, installation rig or tele-remote arm with the installation magazine 100 is moved into to a position near the borehole 10. The pressurised fluid inlet 130 of the magazine 100 is connected to a source of compressed air, and the pressured fluid inlet 240 of the adapter 200 is also connected to a source of compressed air.

Referring to FIG. 1d the magazine 100 is shown prior to installation, rotating around the rotatable coupling to orientate to the same angle as the borehole 10 direction. The borehole 10 is shown including the borehole open end 15 and the borehole inner surface 20.

In FIG. 1e, the supply of compressed air to the pressurised fluid inlet 130 of the magazine 100 is commenced which begins to force the tubular liner 25 out from the magazine 100, through the adapter 200 and into the borehole 10 where the tubular liner 25 reverts to its normal state where the outside surface 30 of the tubular liner 25 abuts against the inner surface 20 of the borehole 10 and the blind end 40 of the tubular liner 25 is pushed towards the blind end of the borehole 10 away from the open end 15.

As seen in FIG. 1f, the tubular liner 25 is shown fully extended within the borehole 10. At this point in the sequence, the valve 240 on the adapter 200 is moved to the closed position, and the supply of pressurised air to the pressurised fluid inlet 130 of the magazine 100 is shut off and pressurised air is then redirected to the pressurised fluid inlet 240 of the adapter 200. The closure of the valve 240 and the supply of the pressurised air maintains an overpressure in the tubular liner 25 forcing the outside surface 30 of the liner 25 against the inner surface 20 of the borehole 10.

Referring to FIG. 1g, the overpressure in the tubular liner 25 is maintained and the valve 240 of the adapter in the closed position 240. This allows the magazine 100 to be depressurised and then disconnected from the second open end 220 of the adapter whilst the hardenable composition begins to harden (cure).

In FIG. 1h, once the hardenable composition has cured the overpressure within the tubular liner may be released to the atmosphere via the pressure relief valve or safety valve located on the adapter 200. This then allows that the adapter 200 may be safely severed or disengaged from the tubular liner 25, allowing the process to recommence at another borehole.

In the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “top” and “bottom”, “front” and “rear”, “inner” and “outer”, “above”, “below”, “upper” and “lower” and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

In this specification, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its “open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of”. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear.

In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the invention(s), and alterations, modifications, additions and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

Furthermore, invention(s) have been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention(s). Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.

Table of Parts
Borehole                         10
Open end                         15
Inner surface                    20
Tubular liner                    25
Liner outside surface            30
Liner open end                   35
Liner blind end                  40
Magazine                         100
Magazine main body portion       105
Cavity region                    110
Side walls                       115
Magazine open end                120
Magazine pressurised fluid inlet 130
Loading entry                    135
Closure                          140
Magazine pressure indicator      150
Circular side wall               165
Cylindrical wall                 170
Adapter                          200
Adapter main body portion        205
Adapter first open end           210
Adapter second open end          220
Valve                            230
Adapter pressurised fluid inlet  240
Pressure indicator               248

Claims

1. A method of lining a borehole including an open end with an inner surface leading away from the open end, the method including the following steps: (a) contacting a tubular liner with a hardenable composition, wherein the tubular liner is in an inverted state whereby an outside surface of the tubular liner is located on an inside of the tubular liner, the tubular liner including a liner open end and a liner blind end;(b) introducing the tubular liner in the inverted state to the open end of the borehole;(c) forcing the tubular liner into the borehole by supplying pressurised fluid to the tubular liner whereby the pressurised fluid causes the tubular liner to change from the inverted state wherein the outside surface of the tubular liner is forced to abut against the inner surface of the borehole and the liner blind end is forced in a direction away from the open end of the borehole; and,(d) maintaining an overpressure within the tubular liner until the hardenable composition hardens.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein at step (d), any one or more of the following applies: (a) the outside surface of the tubular liner conforms to a shape of the inner surface of the borehole;(b) the outside surface of the tubular liner adheres to the inner surface of the borehole;(c) the overpressure is maintained within the tubular liner by sealing the open end of the tubular liner; andd) the overpressure is maintained within the tubular liner by continuing the supply of pressurised fluid to the tubular liner.

3. (canceled)

4. The method according to claim 1 wherein at step (c) the liner blind end is forced away from the open end of the borehole until the tubular liner is extended along a length of the borehole.

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. The method according to claim 1 wherein at step (a) the tubular liner is contacted with the hardenable composition whereby the outside surface of the tubular liner is coated with the hardenable composition, wherein optionally the outside surface of the tubular liner is substantially saturated with the hardenable composition.

8. (canceled)

9. The method according to claim 1 wherein a) the hardenable composition is selected from any one of the following: silicate resins, polyurethane resins, polyester resins, epoxy resins, urea formaldehyde resins, polyurea resins, melamine formaldehyde resins, vinyl ester resins, furan resins, acrylates, methacrylates, thermosetting resins and/or cement based motars, and/or b) wherein the hardenable composition is selected from silicate containing resins.

10. (canceled)

11. The method according to claim 1 wherein one or more of the following applies: (a) the pressurised fluid is air(b) the tubular liner is substantially air impermeable;(c) the outside surface of the tubular liner is composed of glass fibre fabric; and(d) the tubular liner includes a layer composed of synthetic polymer.

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. The method according to claim 1 wherein the tubular liner is introduced to the open end of the borehole via an adapter wherein the adapter is detachably coupled to the open end of the tubular liner in sealed engagement.

16. The method according to claim 15 wherein the adapter includes a first open end and a second open end, with a fluid pathway leading from the first open end to the second open end; and a valve configured to move between an opened and closed state, wherein when the valve is in the closed state, the fluid pathway between the first open end and the second open end is closed.

17. The method according to claim 16 wherein the adapter further includes a pressurised fluid inlet for introducing pressurised fluid to the fluid pathway, the pressurised fluid inlet located between the valve and the first open end along a length of the fluid pathway.

18. The method according to claim 16 wherein the first open end detachably couples to the open end of the tubular liner.

19. The method according to claim 16 wherein at step (d) the overpressure is maintained within the tubular liner by moving the valve of the adapter to the closed state.

20. The method according to claim 17 wherein at step (d) the overpressure is maintained within the tubular liner by continuing a supply of pressurised fluid to the pressurised fluid inlet of the adapter.

21. The method according to claim 17 wherein after step (d) the overpressure within the tubular liner is released via a pressure relief valve in fluid communication with the fluid pathway of the adapter.

22. The method according to claim 1 wherein the tubular liner is introduced to the open end of the borehole from a magazine, wherein the magazine contains the tubular liner in the inverted state, wherein optionally the magazine includes a cavity region for containing the tubular liner, an open end and a pressurised fluid inlet in fluid communication with the cavity region and the open end,wherein more optionally i) the open end of the magazine is configured to detachably couple in sealed engagement to a second end of an adapter and/or ii) at step (c) the pressurised fluid is supplied to the tubular liner via the pressurised fluid inlet of the magazine.

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. The method according to claim 1 wherein the borehole is used to contain explosives.

27. An adapter for engaging with an open end of a tubular liner, the adapter including: a main body portion with a first open end and a second open end, the first open end configured to engage with the open end of a tubular liner;a fluid pathway leading from the first open end to the second open end; and,a valve configured to move between an opened and close state, wherein when the valve is in the closed state, the fluid pathway between the first open end and the second open end is closed.

28. The adapter according to claim 27 wherein any one or more of the following applies: (a) the adapter further including a pressurised fluid inlet for introducing pressurised fluid to the fluid pathway, the pressurised fluid inlet located between the valve and the first open end along a length of the fluid pathway;(b) the second open end is configured to detachably couple to a magazine for containing the tubular liner;(c) the valve is a ball valve; and(d) the adapter further including a pressure relief valve for reducing pressure within the fluid pathway, the pressure relief valve located between the valve and the first open end along a length of the fluid pathway.

29. (canceled)

30. (canceled)

31. (canceled)

32. A magazine for containing a tubular liner in an inverted state, the magazine including: a main body portion including side walls defining a cavity region within the main body portion for containing the tubular liner,an opening at one end of the main body portion in fluid communication with the cavity region; and,a pressurised fluid inlet in fluid communication with the cavity region and the open end.

33. The magazine according to claim 32 wherein a) the open end is configured to detachably couple in sealed engagement to an adapter; or the magazine further including a loading entry, the loading entry including a closure configured to open and close wherein the tubular liner may be introduced into the cavity region of the magazine via the loading entry when the closure is open.

34. (canceled)

35. A system for lining a borehole including an open end with an inner surface leading away from the open end of the borehole, the system including the following: i. a tubular liner including a liner open end and a liner blind end;ii. a magazine including a cavity region for containing the tubular liner, an open end and a pressurised fluid inlet in fluid communication with the cavity region and the open end;iii. an adapter including a first open end and a second open end, with a fluid pathway leading from the first open end to the second open end; and a valve configured to move between an opened and closed state, wherein when the valve is in the closed state, the fluid pathway between the first open end and the second open end is closed, the adapter further including a pressurised fluid inlet for introducing pressurised fluid to the fluid pathway, the pressurised fluid inlet located between the valve and the first open end along a length of the fluid pathway, wherein the first open end of the adapter detachably couples to the open end of the tubular liner and the second open end is configured to detachably couple in sealed engagement to the open end of the magazine; and,iv. a supply of pressurised fluid configured for delivery to the pressurised fluid inlet of the magazine, or the pressurised fluid inlet of the adapter.

36. The system according to claim 35 wherein the tubular liner is forced into the borehole by the supply of pressurised fluid delivered via the pressurised fluid inlet of the magazine, the pressurised fluid causing the tubular liner to change from an inverted state to where the outside surface of the tubular liner is forced to abut against the inner surface of the borehole and the liner blind end is forced along a length of the borehole in a direction away from the open end; and, wherein an overpressure is maintained in the tubular liner until a hardenable composition hardens, wherein optionally the overpressure is maintained in the tubular liner by moving the valve of the adapter to the closed state and directing the supply of pressurised fluid to the fluid inlet of the adapter.

37. (canceled)