Globaltech Corporation Pty Ltd

Longyear Tm, Inc.

Veracio Ltd.

Raymond Hill

Gordon Stewart

Christopher L Drenth

Gordon Henderson Stewart

Brett James Wilkinson

Brett Wilkinson

Apparatus () for measuring drilling parameters of a down-the-hole drilling operation for mineral exploration includes a modulemounted in-line with a drill string () and proximate to a drill bit (). The drill string () is rotated and progressed down the hole. The module () has sensors for sensing conditions. The apparatus () measures drilling parameters based on the sensed conditions. The measured data is logged in the module () and then transmitted to a computer for a drilling operator's use. The drilling operator monitors progress and optimises performance of the drilling operation based on the measured data. Measurement of drilling parameters based on sensed data proximate to the drill bit enables accurate determination of actual WOB, torque and RPM fluctuations, axial vibration, radial vibration, temperature, RPM. A second moduleis mounted in-line with the same drill string () but away from the drill bit (). The second modulemeasures the same drilling parameters as the moduleproximate to the drill bit (). The driller is provided with the data recorded by the second moduleto judge the performance of the drilling operation. Comparing drilling parameters based on sensed data proximate to the drill bit and distal to the drill bit enables accurate determination of vertical drag/resistance of the drill string () within the hole, rotational resistance of the drill string (), degree of wind-up of the drill string () and presence of stick-slip conditions at lower end of the drill string ().

Apparatus and method for measuring drilling parameters of a down-the-hole drilling operation for mineral exploration

Winch () has a load bearing tape () to advance into a borehole (). Hole depth can be determined by subtracting a sensed height () above ground surface () from total depth () measured. Can include a height above ground sensor () and a tape distance measurer (). Depth of water or watery mud or muddy water () can be sensed, such as by a pressure sensor () on a weight or in a sensor device at or near the tape leading end. A heater () can warm the tape. A cover or housing () can be provided for the winch or spool. The tape can include wires or fibre optics () embedded in or applied to a surface of the tape () and/or apertures or embedded or surface applied markers/indicators () along a length thereof e.g. for reading by an optical or magnetic sensor.

Tape winch, drilling progress measurement and hole depth measurement

A drilling system can comprise a drill string having a longitudinal axis and comprising at least one drill rod and a wireless sub coupled to the at least one drill rod. The wireless sub can comprise processing circuitry that is configured to detect mechanical impulses of the drill string. The processing circuitry can be configured to wirelessly transmit signals indicative of the mechanical impulses to a remote computing device.

Devices, systems, and methods for wireless data acquisition during drilling operations

A downhole sensing device deployment control apparatus () includes means to control speed of the sensing device progressing within a borehole associated with a drilling operation. A mechanical, electrically powered and/or hydro-dynamic drag/damping means/device () can be provided as part of the control apparatus to control speed of deployment down the borehole. The drag device () can have a plurality of wheels or rollers to contact an internal bore of an inner pipe of a drill string. Rotation control means (), () can be provided to control an amount of rotation and/or direction of rotation of the wheels or rollers relative to travel of the sensing device within the borehole. Valving () can be provided. A two stage (dual) flow/pressure control valve () can be provided. A sensing device (release) and downhole position latch () can be provided. The sensing device can be pumped into the borehole, such as by compressed air.

Growing community of inventors

Perth, Australia

Raymond Hill