Patent Application
20240052703
The present invention relates to an apparatus and methods used during percussion drilling operations.
The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.
Percussion drilling, such as reverse circulation drilling, uses a bit which is repeatedly hammered to fracture rock and progressively drill or bore through the earth. Percussion drilling creates a harsh environment which is not conducive to measuring tools and components which are sensitive to rapid changes in motion and/or repeated impacts with the associated shock/vibration.
Traditional methods of percussion drilling operations are conducted in at least two stages which include a drilling stage and a logging stage. During the drilling stage a drill string is mechanically operated by drilling machinery. Following which, the second stage requires separately lowering additional equipment to log information about the hole that has been drilled including depth, density and gamma radiation of the drilling formation.
Devices that can reduce and/or eliminate the need or timing of the second stage are commonly sought. It is against this background that the present invention is presented.
Throughout the specification unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.
Throughout the specification unless the context requires otherwise, the word “include” or variations such as “includes” or “including”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.
According to a first aspect there is provided a drill rod comprising a body comprising one or more fluid supply channels, a fluid return channel and one or more compartments.
In an embodiment, a cross-sectional area of the one or more compartments is greater that a cross-sectional area of the one or more fluid supply channels.
In an embodiment, a cross-sectional profile of the one or more compartments is different to a cross-sectional profile of the one or more fluid supply channels.
In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more compartments comprises an opening in the radial direction of the body for access to the compartment.
In an embodiment, the one or more compartments are within the outer diameter of the body.
In an embodiment, the body is adapted for coupling with a fluid supply of another drill rod having multiple annuluses.
In an embodiment, the body comprises a casing.
In an embodiment, the casing encloses the one or more compartments.
In an embodiment, the casing is adapted for coupling with another drill rod having multiple annuluses.
In an embodiment, the body comprises a manifold connecting the plurality of supply channels.
In an embodiment, the manifold converts a supply channel formed by a void between the annuli of the other drill rod to the one or more supply channels.
In an embodiment, the manifold is adapted for coupling with another drill rod having multiple annuluses.
In an embodiment, the one or more compartments extend longitudinally along a portion of the body.
In an embodiment, the one or more compartments is separated into one or more sub-compartments.
In an embodiment, the sub-compartments are arranged to be longitudinal with respect to a length of the drill rod.
In an embodiment, the body comprises one or more additional smaller compartments.
In an embodiment, there are a plurality of supply channels and a respective compartment between two of the supply channels.
In an embodiment, the one or more smaller compartments form a channel extending circumferentially from a lower end of a first compartment to an upper end of a second compartment located on an opposite side of the body to the first compartment.
In an embodiment, the channel is recessed into the body and provides a conduit for securing cabling to communicate between multiple measuring instruments between compartments located at different radial positions on the body.
In an embodiment, there are a plurality of compartments and a respective supply channel between two of the compartments.
In an embodiment, the supply channels are configured to supply pressurised air.
In an embodiment, the return channel is configured to receive air laden with cuttings.
In an embodiment, the one or more compartments comprise mounts for one or more measuring tools and/or a power source.
In an embodiment, the one or more compartments is formed by a recess into the body.
In an embodiment, one or more of the compartments is dimensioned to receive a measuring instrument. In an embodiment the compartment is larger than the received measuring instrument so that there is a gap provided between the measuring instrument and walls of the compartment.
In an embodiment, one or more of the compartments is shaped to be generally U shaped in cross-section. In an embodiment, the compartment comprises a substantially flat base.
In an embodiment, the compartment comprises sloped sidewalls that are wider apart at an opening of the compartment than the sidewalls are apart at the base.
In an embodiment, the fluid return channel comprises a cross-sectional area substantially the same as a combined cross-sectional area of the fluid supply channels.
According to a second aspect there is provided a drill apparatus comprising a body comprising one or more fluid supply channels, a fluid return channel and one or more compartments.
According to a third aspect there is provided a method of percussion drilling comprising transferring fluid from a first end of a drill rod to a second end of the drill rod via a plurality of fluid supply channels and transferring returning fluid from the second end to the first end via a return channel.
In an embodiment, the fluid flow to supply channels is separated into the supply channels via a first manifold at the first end. In an embodiment, the fluid flow from supply channels is joined via a second manifold at the second end.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:
Referring to
The body 10 comprises longitudinally extending compartments 212 arranged around an outer diameter of the body 10. Each compartment 212 is in the form of a recess or slot as seen in
Percussion drilling is an umbrella term that includes but is not limited to, reverse circulation drilling and air core drilling. The present invention may be suitable for any form of drilling where the drill string experiences high impact and/or repetitive impact forces. The forces that the measuring instrument 180 experiences may be axial, radial and/or rotational shock/vibration experienced independently, or a combination of the aforementioned. Such forces may impede the measuring instrument 180 from collecting accurate data and/or functioning entirely.
Throughout the specification the backplate 184 and measuring instrument 180 should be interpreted as being interchangeable with any measuring tool or apparatus having supports 186 affixed at respective longitudinal ends with dimensions which fit within the compartments 212, such as gamma detector 182. To fit within the compartments 212 the length of the measuring tool 180 and damping apparatuses 110 must line up with a respective hole in the sidewall 114 of the compartment 212.
The spatial positioning of the measuring instruments 180 within the compartments 212 can be seen in
The cross-sectional area of the compartment 212 may be greater than the cross-sectional area of the fluid supply channels 318, thus allowing for a measuring instrument 180 of greater dimensions to be housed within the compartment 212 than would be able to be housed in a compartment having the same cross-sectional area as the fluid supply channels 318.
The cross-sectional profile of the compartment 212 may be different than the cross-sectional profile of the fluid supply channels 318, which are beneficially round, thus allowing for a measuring instrument 180 of different proportions to be housed within the compartment 212 than would be able to be housed in a compartment having the same cross-sectional profile as the fluid supply channels 318.
The different cross-sectional area and/or profile of the compartment is advantageous as the incorporation of a wider variety of measuring instruments 180 is enabled.
The compartments 212 may be shaped to be generally U shaped in cross-section.
The compartment may comprise a substantially flat base.
The compartment 212 may comprise sloped sidewalls that are wider apart at an opening of the compartment 212 than the sidewalls are apart at the base.
The compartment 212 may comprise an opening in the radial direction of the body 10 for access to the compartment 212.
The radial opening facilitates access to the compartment 212 when the casing 12 is removed.
Referring to
The fluid return channel 320 eventually receives return of the fluid provided through the fluid supply channels 318 as well as any cuttings or debris produced from the drilling operations. Due to the fluid return channel 320 comprising solid debris it is typically of a larger diameter relative to the fluid supply channels 318. The fluid return channel 320 is fluidly isolated from the fluid supply channels 318 and compartments 212, 212′. The fluid return channel 320 is defined by the fluid return pipe 322 which connects to each successive drill rod from the bottom hole assembly up to a surface return unit, such as a cyclonic separator, container or sample bag.
The fluid supply channels 318 supply working fluid from a surface unit (not shown) through the body 10 providing compartments 212, 212′ without impeding the volumetric flow rate of fluid required to operate the bottom hole assembly, such as to provide pressurised air to the hammer and drill bit in reverse circulation drilling.
In an embodiment, the fluid return channel 320 comprises a cross-sectional area substantially the same as a combined cross-sectional area of the fluid supply channels 318.
Referring to
In use, measuring the orientation of a measurement tool during percussion drilling operations comprises drilling a hole using a drill string having a percussion drill bit and a measuring instrument; and measuring the orientation of the tool as the hole is being drilled. As the drill string progressed into the drilled bore hole the action of the percussion drill bit is paused to add another drill rod, and when the drill string is extracted drill rods are removed. During each pause in drilling the measuring instrument takes a calibration measurement. The fluid, such as pressurised air can flow through the supply channels 318 to the hammer and returning fluid, such as air laded with cuttings can flow through the return channel 320, whilst still allowing the compartments 212 for holding the measuring instruments 180, which are not spatially able to be accommodated in a standard drill rod.
As discussed above, with reference to the manifold 324, the upper portion of the body comprises connection means for fluidly connecting to a multi annulus drill rod at the upper end of the body 10 as well as below at the lower end of the body 10. The fluid return channel 320 connects directly to the fluid return channels of the drill rod immediately above and below the body 10 to fluidly isolate the fluid return channel 320. The annulus of the drill rod above the body in the drill string fluidly connects with the manifold 324 of the upper end of the body 10. The manifold 324 directs the supply fluid through the fluid supply channels 318 to the lower end of the body 10 to a chamber which fluidly connects with the annulus of the drill rod or bottom hole assembly below the body.
In the context described herein, pneumatic percussion drilling is where there is a hammer actuated by pressurised air that strikes an anvil component of or connected to a drill bit so that the drill bit impacts on rock on the bottom of a drill hole so as to break the rock. The hammer is directly next to the drill bit. This type of percussion drilling is used in rotary air blasting (RAB) and reverse circulation drilling (RC drilling). Pneumatic percussion drilling is used in mineral exploration. It is to be distinguished from hydraulic (often water or mud) powered percussion drilling used in hydrocarbon well drilling. It is also to be distinguished from mechanical percussion drilling where the drill string is lifted and dropped, usually from the surface. In hydraulic and mechanical percussion drilling a casing within which the drill string can move is usually used. However, in pneumatic percussion drilling a casing is usually not used.
RC drilling will be understood to be where the pressurised air flow is also used to blow the rock broken by the drill bit impact into one or more holes in the drill bit and then up through the drill string. The drill rods have an inner tube through which the air and recovered rock return to the surface and an outer tube, which between this and the inner tube, the pressurised air travels down the drill string to the hammer and the drill bit. This is distinguished from RAB, which is where the broken rock air is blown up the drill hole outside of the drill string. The inner tube is not required in the drill rods for RAB.
Percussion drilling can be distinguished from air core drilling where the drill bit cuts, rather than breaks from impact, but there is pressurised air that returns the cuttings through the drill string. Percussion drilling can also be distinguished from diamond core drilling where ring is cut by diamond teeth and a core sample can be retrieved.
Modifications may be made to the present invention within the context of that described and shown in the drawings. Such modifications are intended to form part of the invention described in this specification.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021900485 | Feb 2021 | AU | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/AU2022/050145 | 2/23/2022 | WO |
