AU2008230012C1 - Core Orientation Measurement System - Google Patents
Core Orientation Measurement System Download PDFInfo
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- AU2008230012C1 AU2008230012C1 AU2008230012A AU2008230012A AU2008230012C1 AU 2008230012 C1 AU2008230012 C1 AU 2008230012C1 AU 2008230012 A AU2008230012 A AU 2008230012A AU 2008230012 A AU2008230012 A AU 2008230012A AU 2008230012 C1 AU2008230012 C1 AU 2008230012C1
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- measurement
- orientation
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- stationary
- measurements
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B25/00—Apparatus for obtaining or removing undisturbed cores, e.g. core barrels, core extractors
- E21B25/16—Apparatus for obtaining or removing undisturbed cores, e.g. core barrels, core extractors for obtaining oriented cores
Abstract
Abstract A core orientation measurement system comprising at least one orientation sensor, a movement sensor, a measurement processor and a memory wherein the measurement processor obtains orientation measurements from each measurement sensor at predetermined time intervals and stores them in the memory, said processor operable to provide an indication of the true orientation of the core as an orientation measurement taken from a stationary measurement set defined through the measurements taken in a stationary time period extending from the time when the movement sensor first recorded a period of substantially no movement until the completion of a trigger event. l0l
Description
Elliptic Legal & Patent Services, SE 5A 63 Shepperton RD, Victoria Park, WA, 6100, AU (56) Related Art
WO 2006/024111 A1 WO 2007/104103 A1 WO 2007/137356 A1 WO 2008/113127 A1
Abstract
A core orientation measurement system comprising at least one orientation sensor, a movement sensor, a measurement processor and a memory wherein the measurement processor obtains orientation measurements from each measurement sensor at predetermined time intervals and stores them in the memory, said processor operable to provide an indication of the true orientation of the core as an orientation measurement taken from a stationary measurement set defined through the measurements taken in a stationary time period extending from the time when the movement sensor first recorded a period of substantially no movement until the completion of a trigger event.
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l't£.UR£ Ito
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-1“Core Orientation Measurement System”
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a core orientation measurement system. The core orientation measurement system is particularly suitable for obtaining a single stable indication of core orientation
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application.
Knowing the orientation of a core sample is important to determining the structural requirements of any underground mining activity. As a result, mechanical means have traditionally been employed to provide periodic indications of the orientation of the core relative to a true north position. Thus, it is possible for operators of the core orientation measurement system to determine the orientation of the core at particular times and not just at its position when the core is returned to the surface.
Taking core orientation measurements over time is important as it is possible during breaking and/or retrieval of the core for the core to move. If this occurs, the orientation of the core, as indicated by the mechanical means, differs from the true orientation of the core. Such a difference may result in structural problems for the resulting mine.
As a result, in recent years the mechanical means of obtaining an indication of the orientation of the core has been replaced with electronic means. Electronic means essentially fall into two categories.
The first category of electronic core orientation measurement systems uses a camera to take pictures of an orientation measuring device (which typically includes a magnetic compass). These pictures may be taken at periodic intervals, or on demand. If taken on demand, the operator usually decides when to take the pictures with reference to a stop watch and the current drilling activity of the core drill. In this manner, the operator is aiming to obtain at least one picture while the core is at a stationary position.
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-2The second category of electronic core orientation measurement system use electronic sensors to obtain core orientation measurements. Again these measurements may be taken at periodic intervals, or on demand. In the latter situation, the operator is again relying on a stop watch and the current drilling activity of the core drill to determine when to obtain a measurement.
While the method of operation of the electronic core orientation measurement systems may vary, the problems presented by such systems remain the same. In particular, in each case there is a reliance on the operator to determine when the core is at a position where a true core orientation determination has taken place. The operator must then also extract this true orientation measurement from the myriad of orientation measurements taken by the electronic core orientation measurement system. Thus, while not as labour intensive as the manual systems mentioned above, current electronic core orientation measurement systems still require significant labour for proper functioning.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a less labour intensive core orientation measurement system that is able to provide at least one substantially accurate indication of core orientation prior to retrieval of the core.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Throughout this document, unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, the terms “comprising”, “consisting of’, and the like, are to be construed as non-exhaustive, or in other words, as meaning “including, but not limited to.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is a core orientation measurement system comprising:
at least one orientation measurement sensor;
a movement sensor;
a measurement processor; and a memory, where, in use, the measurement processor obtains orientation measurements from each of the at least one orientation measurement sensor at predetermined time
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-3intervals and stores the orientation measurements in the memory, the measurement processor operable to provide an indication of the true orientation of the core as an orientation measurement taken from a stationary measurement set representative of the orientation measurements taken in a stationary time period extending from the time when the movement sensor first recorded a period of substantially no movement until the completion of a trigger event.
The trigger event can take a variety of formats. For instance the trigger event could be any of the following:
• the recording by the movement sensor of a subsequent period of sustained movement;
• the expiry of a countdown timer of set duration;
• the breaking of the core; OR • the attachment of the overshot.
The orientation measurements may be stored in an array held within the memory, the array having a number of elements equal to the expected stationary time divided by the predetermined time interval, with the recording of measurements being processed on a first-in, first-out basis. In this manner, the stationary measurement set should equal the orientation measurements stored in the array.
The orientation measurements may be stored in an array held within the memory, the array having a number of elements equal to the expected stationary time plus a further time period representative of the expected duration of the trigger event divided by the predetermined time interval with the recording of measurements being processed on a first-in, first-out basis. Further, on satisfaction of the trigger event occurring, the measurement processor may operate to delete from the stationary measurement set those orientation measurements taken in the duration of the trigger event. In this manner, the resulting stationary measurement set should equal the orientation measurements stored in the array.
Ideally, the period of substantially no movement is equal to twice the duration of the predetermined time interval.
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-4The orientation measurement taken from the stationary measurement set can be obtained in a variety of ways. For instance, the selected orientation measurement may be:
• the mode of the stationary measurement set;
· the median value of the stationary measurement set; OR • the average of the values in the stationary measurement set.
The system may further include a data handset in selective communication with the measurement processor for displaying the orientation measurement taken from the stationary measurement set. This data handset may include a user interface to allow an operator to provide drill log information and/or set parameters relating to the operation of the core orientation measurement system.
The measurement processor may initiate a shut down procedure on completion of the trigger event.
Preferably, the measurement processor compares values within the stationary 15 measurement set and, if any comparison exceeds a set tolerance, to query whether the operator wishes to view all orientation measurements in the stationary measurement set.
The orientation measurements obtained from each accelerometer may only recorded if the movement sensor records a value in a set threshold representative of the measurement unit being substantially stationary.
The movement sensor may take the form of a vibration sensor.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is a method of obtaining a core orientation measurement comprising:
obtaining an orientation measurement from at least one orientation measurement 25 sensor at predetermined time intervals;
identifying when a movement sensor has recorded a period of substantially no measurement;
identifying the completion of a trigger event; and
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-5providing an indication of the true orientation of the core as an orientation measurement taken from the measurements obtained between the initial time period of substantial no measurement and the time of completion of the trigger event.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the components of a first and second embodiment of the core orientation measurement system.
Figure 2 is a flow chart of the processing followed by the first embodiment of the core orientation measurement system.
Figure 3 is a flow chart of the processing followed by the second embodiment of the core orientation measurement system.
Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the components of a third embodiment of the 15 core orientation measurement system
Figure 4 is a flow chart of the processing flowed by the third embodiment of the core orientation measurement system.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Specific embodiments of the present invention are now described in detail. The 20 terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention there is a core orientation measurement system 10 comprising a data handset 12 and a measurement unit 14.
The data handset 12 contains a processor 16, a memory 18, a display 20 and a user 25 interface 22. The processor 16 is in data and control communication with the memory
18, display 20 and user interface 22.
The measurement unit 14 comprises at least one accelerometer 24, a movement sensor in the form of a vibration sensor 26, a measurement processor 28 and a
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-6memory 30. The measurement processor 28 is in data and control communication with each accelerometer 24, the vibration sensor 26, and memory 30. A portion of the memory 30 is allocated to storing an array of orientation measurements.
The core orientation measurement system 10 will now be described in the context of its intended use.
The measurement unit 14 and data handset 12 are initialised in preparation for their subsequent operation (step 100). This may include logging information into the data handset 12 about the drill hole, including reference numbers or other uniquely identifying information. At the same time, the operator may enter in further information relating to the operation of the core orientation measurement system 10 using the user interface 22, such as the interval period between measurements and the time delay before measurements are to be taken (step 102).
Once the initialisation sequence has been completed, the measurement unit 14 is attached to a core barrel (step 104). The core barrel, with measurement unit 14 attached, is then formed up in the 1” drill rod. The 1” drill rod forms the initial portion of the drill string.
If the operator has set a time delay before measurements are to be taken, the measurement processor 28 waits this time period before querying each accelerometer 24 for its measurement value (steps 106, 108). The measurements provided by each accelerometer 24 are then processed to determine an orientation measurement. The processed orientation measurement is then stored in the next available section of the array portion of memory 30. Once the accelerometer 24 measurements have been obtained, the measurement processor 28 then waits a further time period equal to the interval set by the operator (step 110).
Of course, rf the operator has not set a time delay period or an interval period, the processor will act on the default time delay period (set at manufacture to 0 seconds) and default interval period (set at manufacture to 15 seconds). Again, these default values may be changed by an operator at any time.
Steps 108 and 110 are then repeated indefinitely until the vibration sensor 26 records no movement for a predetermined period of time (step 112). In this embodiment, the predetermined period of time is equal to at least two times the interval period so that an
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-7abnormal “no movement” reading by the vibration sensor 26 does not inadvertently trigger the final processing of the core orientation measurement system 10.
On the vibration sensor 26 recording no movement for a predetermined period of time, the measurement processor 28 sets a flag variable to a value indicative that drilling has stopped (step 114). The measurement processor 28 continues to obtain measurements from the accelerometers 24 during this time at each interval (steps 116, 118). Due to the fact that the vibration sensor 26 has indicated that drilling has stopped, and thus the core sample is now stationary, the measurements provided by the accelerometers 24 during this time should be substantially equal (some tolerance is needed to account for abnormal readings).
With the flag variable set by the measurement processor 28 set to indicate that drilling has stopped, when the vibration sensor 26 next indicates that movement has commenced for a sustained period of time (which may be in any direction), the measurement processor 28 no longer seeks measurements from the accelerometers 24 and initiates a shut-down procedure (steps 120, 122). The measurement processor 28 then remains in this shut-down state until it senses that a communication link has been established with the data handset 12 (step 124).
On detection of a communication link between the data handset 12 and the measurement unit 14, the measurement processor 12 downloads all measurement values recorded in the memory 30 to memory 18 (step 126). Processor 16 then analyses the measurement values downloaded to determine those values that were taken during the stationery period identified by the vibration sensor 26. The mode of these identified measurements is then returned as the true indication of the orientation of the core prior to removal of the core (step 128). This measurement is then displayed to the operator by way of the display 20.
In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, where like numerals reference like parts, there is a core orientation measurement system (not shown) The core orientation measurement system of this second embodiment has the same structural setup as that described in the first embodiment of the invention.
The second embodiment of the invention will now be described in the context of its intended use.
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-8As with the first embodiment ot the invention, the measurement unit 14 and data handset 12 are initialised in preparation for their subsequent operation (step 200). This may include logging information into the data handset 12 about the drill hole, including reference numbers or other uniquely identifying information (step 202). At the same time, the operator may enter in further information relating to the operation of the core orientation measurement system 10 using the user interface 22, such as the interval period between measurements, the time delay before measurements are to be taken and the stationary time period in which measurements are to be taken.
Once the initialisation sequence has been completed, the measurement unit 14 is attached to the core barrel (step 204). The core barrel, with measurement unit 14 attached, is then formed up in a 1 drill rod. The 1” drill rod forms the initial portion of the drill string.
If the operator has set a time delay before measurements are to be taken, the measurement processor 28 waits this time period before querying each accelerometer
24 for its measurement value (steps 206, 208). The measurements provided by each accelerometer 24 are then processed to determined an orientation measurement. The processed orientation measurement is then stored in the next available section of the array portion of memory 30. Once the accelerometer 24 measurements have been obtained, the measurement processor 28 then waits a further time period equal to the interval set by the operator (step 210).
Of course, if the operator has not set a time delay period or an interval period, the processor will act on the default time delay period (set at manufacture to 0 seconds) and default interval period (set at manufacture to 15 seconds). Again, these default values may be changed by an operator at any time.
Steps 208 and 210 are then repeated indefinitely until the vibration sensor 26 records no movement for a predetermined period of time (step 212). However, unlike the first embodiment of the invention, the array portion of memory 30 has a fixed number of elements for storing orientation measurements. In this manner, when the number of measurements obtained from the accelerometer 24 exceeds the fixed number of elements the oldest measurement is discarded each time for the new measurement. Thus, the array is in essence a first in first out (FIFO) fist.
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-9Also, when the vibration sensor 26 first records a measurement indicative of no movement, the measurement processor 28 initiates a countdown timer (step 214). This countdown timer is reset if at any time during the countdown the vibration sensor 26 records a measurement indicating that movement has commenced again beyond a set tolerance. The setting of a movement measurement tolerance is important to avoid the countdown being inadvertently extended due to an abnormal event of minimum duration.
By using this approach, the countdown timer is designed to run to its full extent only when the stoppage is a result of cessation of drilling.
Of course, during the countdown timer period measurements from each of the accelerometers 24 continues to be obtained at each time interval (steps 216, 218).
Once the countdown timer has run its full extent, the measurement processor 28 initiates a shut-down procedure (steps 220, 222). The measurement processor 28 then remains in this shut-down state until it senses that a communication link has been established with the data handset 12.
While the measurement processor 28 is obtaining stopped orientation measurements from the accelerometers 24 during the countdown, the operator prepares the overshot for recovery of the core. As the preparation and operation of the overshot does not form part of the present invention and is considered to be within the skills of the person skilled in the art, it will not be described here except as required to illustrate the present invention.
The overshot is then operated in such a manner as to attach to. the core. Once attached, the overshot is manipulated to break the core. The broken core can then be retrieved using the overshot. With the core retrieved, it is possible to establish a communication link between the measurement unit 14 and the data handset 12 (step 224).
On detection of a communication link between the data handset 12 and the measurement unit 14, the measurement processor 12 downloads all measurement values recorded in the memory 30 to memory 18 (step 226). Processor 16 then analyses the measurement values downloaded to determine those values that were taken during the stationary period identified by the vibration sensor 26 (referred to
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-10hereafter as the “stationary measurement dataset”). The median value of the stationary measurement dataset is then returned as the true indication of the orientation of the core prior to removal of the core (step 228). This median value is then displayed to the operator by way of the display 20.
In this embodiment, the processor 16 checks each of the measurement values against one another. If any of the measurement values differ from any other measurement value, the processor 16 stops the check and sends a message, by way of display 20 to the operator informing them that the stationary measurement dataset includes at least one abnormal value (step 230). The processor 16 then puts a query to the operator, again by way of display 20, as to whether they wish to view the full stationary measurement dataset. If so, each measurement value in the stationary measurement dataset is displayed by way of the display 20. The operator is then able to determine whether the middle value displayed on the display 20 is the most accurate indication of the true orientation of the core or whether another measurement value is a more accurate indication (step 232).
In accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, where like numerals reference like parts, there is a core orientation measurement system 300 comprising a data handset 302 and a measurement unit 304.
The data handset 302 contains a processor 306, an internal memory 308, an external memory interface 310, a display 312 and a user interface 314. The processor 306 is in data and control communication with the internal memory 308, the external memory interface 310, the display 312 and the user interface 314.
The external memory interface 310 is adapted to receive a memory card 316. In this embodiment, the memory card 316 is a compact flash card.
The measurement unit 304 comprises at least one accelerometer 318, a movement sensor in the form of a vibration sensor 320, a measurement processor 322, an internal memory 324 and an external memory interface 326. The measurement processor 322 is in data and control communication with each accelerometer 318, the vibration sensor 320, the internal memory 324 and the external memory interface 326. A portion of internal memory 324 is allocated to storing an array of orientation measurements.
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-11The external memory interface 326 is adapted to receive a memory card 316 of the same type as external memory interface 326. In order to prevent the ingress of potential contaminants to the external memory interface 326, the open end of the external memory interface 326 is capped with a removable cap.
The core orientation measurement system 300 will now be described in the context of its intended use.
The measurement unit 304 and data handset 302 are initialised in preparation for their subsequent operation {step 350). This may include logging information into the data handset about the drill hole, including reference number of other uniquely identifying information (step 352). At the same time, the operator may enter in further information relating to the operation of the core orientation measurement system 300 using the user interface 314, such as the interval period between measurements, the time delay before measurements are to be taken and the stationary time period in which measurements are to be taken.
Once the initialisation sequence has been completed, the measurement unit 304 is attached to the core barrel (step 354). The removable cap is removed from the open end of the external memory interface 326 is removed and the memory card 316 inserted therein. Following insertion, the memory card 316 is in data and control communication with the measurement processor 322 by way of the external memory interface 326 (step 356).
The core barrel, with measurement unit 304 attached, is then formed up in a 1” drill rod. The 1” drill rod forms the initial portion of the drill string.
If the operator has set a time delay before measurements are to be taken, then measurement processor 322 waits this time period before querying each accelerometer
318 for its measurement value (steps 358, 360). The measurements provided by each accelerometer 318 are then processed to determine an orientation measurement. The processed orientation measurement is then stored in the next available section of the array portion of internal memory 324. Once the accelerometer 318 measurements have been obtained, the measurement processor 322 then waits a further time period equal to the interval set by the operator (step 362).
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-12Of course, if the operator has not set a time delay period or an interval period, the processor will act on the default time delay period (set at manufacture to 0 seconds) and default interval period (set at manufacture to 1.5 seconds). Again, these default values may be changed by an operator at any time.
Steps 360 and 362 are then repeated indefinitely until the vibration sensor 320 records no movement for a predetermined period of time (step 364). Each measurement and time at which the measurement was taken is then stored in the internal memory 324. This continues until the number of measurementsAime values obtained from the accelerometers 318 exceed the fixed number of elements in the internal memory 324.
Once exceeded, the oldest measurement and associated time value is written to the memory card 316. In this manner, the internal memory 324 acts as a first in first out (FIFO) list and the memory card 316 acts as an audit file for all drilling measurements.
In this embodiment, when the vibration sensor 320 first records a measurement indicative of no movement, the measurement processor 322 initiates a countdown timer (step 366). This countdown timer is reset if at any time during the countdown the vibration sensor 320 records a measurement indicating that movement has commenced again beyond a set tolerance. The setting of a movement measurement tolerance is important to avoid the countdown being inadvertently extended due to an abnormal event of minimum duration.
By using this approach, the countdown timer is designed to run to its full extent only when the stoppage is a result of cessation of drilling.
Of course, during the countdown timer period measurements from each of the accelerometers 318 continues to be obtained at each time interval (steps 368, 370).
Once the countdown timer has run its full extent, the measurement processor 28 initiates a shut-down procedure (steps 372, 374). The measurement processor 322 then remains in this shut-down state until it senses that a communication link has been established with the data handset 302.
While the measurement processor 322 is obtaining stopped orientation measurements from the accelerometers 318 during the countdown, the operator prepares the overshot for recovery of the core. As the preparation and operation of the overshot does not form part of the present invention and is considered to be within the skills of the person
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-13skilled in the art it will not be described here except as required to illustrate the present invention.
The overshot is then operated in such a manner as to attach to the core. Once attached, the overshot is manipulated to break the core. The broken core can then be retrieved using the overshot. With the core retrieved, it is possible to establish a communication link between the measurement unit 304 and the data handset 302 (step 376).
On detection of a communication link between the data handset 302 and the measurement unit 304, the measurement processor 322 downloads all measurement values recorded in internal memory 324 to internal memory 308 and also to memory card 316. Processor 306 then analyses the measurement values downloaded to determine those values that were taken during the stationery period identified by the vibration sensor 26 (referred to hereafter as the stationary measurement dataset”). The middle value of the stationary measurement dataset is then returned as the true indication of the orientation of the core prior to removal of the core (step 378). This middle value is then displayed to the operator by way of the display 312.
In this embodiment, the processor 306 checks each of the measurement values against one another. If any of the measurement values differ from any other measurement value, the processor 306 stops the check and sends a message, by way of display 312 to the operator informing them that the stationary measurement dataset includes at least one abnormal value (step 380). The processor 306 then puts a query to the operator, again by way of display 312, as to whether they wish to view the full stationary measurement dataset. If so, each measurement value in the stationary measurement dataset is displayed by way of the display 312. The operator is then able to determine whether the middle value displayed on the display 312 is the most accurate indication of the true orientation of the core or whether another measurement value is a more accurate indication.
If the operator wishes to view the measurement taken at any other point in time, the operator removes the memory card 316 from the measurement unit 304 and inserts it into the external memory interface 326 of the data handset 302 (step 382). The operator may then query the data as desired in a manner that would be readily apparent to the person skilled in the art (step 384).
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-14It should be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the above invention is not limited to the embodiment described. In particular, the following modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention:
• Preferably, the measurement unit includes at least two accelerometers. As each accelerometer obtains values in two planes only, the use of two accelerometers allows a three dimensional position of the core to be obtained. Without such three dimensional position measurements, it is not possible to obtain core measurements when drilling is being performed in an upward direction.
• The measurement value returned as the true indication of the orientation of the core may be an averaged value of all the measurements in the stationary measurement dataset.
• In a variation of the second embodiment, measurements may be taken up until the point of breaking of the core. The breaking of the core will then initiate shutdown of the measurement processor 28. When the measurement processor
28 revives on the detection of a communication link to the data handset 12, the processor 28 identifies the stationary measurement dataset as the orientation measurements taken in a pre-defined time period immediately prior to shutdown.
• Alternatively, shutdown may occur on detection of reverse movement following breaking of the core. In this situation, the stationary measurement dataset may be taken as a series of orientation measurements taken in a pre-defined time period ending at a specified time period before shut down. For example, the stationary measurement dataset may cover a three (3) minute period ending thirty (30) seconds before shutdown.
• The stationary measurement period is ideally at least equal to two time interval periods. On current practice, the preferred stationary measurement period is three (3) minutes.
• The vibration sensor 26 may act as a filter for measurement values. In this situation, if the vibration sensor 26 determines that there is movement above a pre-defined tolerance level, the measurement value the measurement processor
28 obtained from the accelerometers 24 will be discarded (ie. not stored in memory 30).
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-15• Preferably, in the second embodiment of the invention, the fixed number of elements in the array stored by memory 30 is equal to the amount of time intervals that fall within the anticipated stationary period. In this manner, the orientation measurements stored in the array should correspond to the stationary measurement dataset.
• In a variation of either embodiment, the post processing required to identify the stationary measurement dataset, and optionally the measurement deemed indicative of the true orientation of the core, may be performed by the measurement processor 28 rather than the processor 16.
• The means by which a communication link is established between the measurement unit 14 and data handset 12 may be by either wireless means (such as a Bluetooth™ connection) or by wired means (such as a direct USB cable).
• While the embodiments above have been described in the context of a handset, it is just as possible to replace the handset with a desktop or notebook computer. Furthermore, in situations where automatic validation of the indication of core orientation is desired, the handset may be omitted and computer system may be omitted in favour of a communication interface to the automatic validation system (such as a geological or mining database).
• The entering of logging information into the data handset 12 about the drill hole, can be performed at approximately the same time as recovery of the core. Alternatively, the logging information related to the drill hole may be obtained from the data handset 12 itself. For instance, the logging information may be the time at which a button is pressed to signal completion of drilling.
• In a variation on the first embodiment, in situations where the operator may stop the measurement unit multiple times while drilling, the flag variable may be reset when drilling continues.
• In a variation on the third embodiment, the memory card 216 may be used to record all measurement data. In this manner, the measurement data written to the internal memory 324 is simultaneously written to the memory card 316. This
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-16also alleviates the need to control those measurements being overwritten in the internal memory 324 as a result of the FIFO arrangement.
• In a further variation on the configuration described in the last dot point, the data handset 302 may include a button that the operator can press to indicate that drilling has stopped. In this configuration, the time at which this button is pressed is recorded by the data handset 302 and when the memory card 316 is inserted into the data handset, an automatic data query is performed to obtain those measurements taken within a preceding time period to this recorded time (notionally thirty seconds). The measurements identified through this query then form the stationary measurement dataset and it is from this dataset that an indication of the orientation of the core is determined.
• The third embodiment may be further varied such that there is no shut-down of the measurement unit 304 after the set time period has expired. In this manner, multiple stoppages can be accommodated in the one drilling session.
• The memory card 316 may be of a type other than compact flash. For instance it could be a secure digital card or micro-secure digital card.
• The memory card 316 and associated interfaces may be replaced with a second internal memory to the measurement unit 304 which is able to communicate with the data handset 302 in the same manner as the internal memory communicates with it.
• The movement sensor need not be a vibration sensor. In fact, the functional requirements of the movement sensor in relation to the processing of the above embodiments may be achieved by the accelerometers themselves.
• In the first and second embodiments of the invention described above, each processed orientation measurement stored in memory may be correlated to a time value indicative of the time the measurement was taken. In this manner, the operator can verify that the measurements provided by the system have actually been obtained at the desired time interval and not before or subsequent.
COMS ID No: ARCS-210286 Received by IP Australia: Time (H:m) 21:38 Date (Y-M-d) 2008-10-18
18/10/2008 18:30 +61-8-9325-5908
PAGE 20
2008230012 18 Oct 2008
-17Furthermore, the features described in the above embodiments and the additional features mentioned above may be combined to form yet additional embodiments that fall within the scope of the present invention.
COMS ID No: ARCS-210286 Received by IP Australia: Time (H:m) 21:38 Date (Y-M-d) 2008-10-18
-182008230012 21 Jun2018
Claims (14)
- We Claim:1. A core orientation measurement system comprising:at least one orientation measurement sensor;a movement sensor;5 a measurement processor; and a memory, where, in use, the measurement processor obtains orientation measurements from each of the at least one orientation measurement sensor at predetermined time intervals and stores the orientation measurements in the memory, the measurement 0 processor operable to provide an indication of the true orientation of the core as an orientation measurement taken from a stationary measurement set representative of the orientation measurements taken in a stationary time period extending from the time when the movement sensor first recorded a period of substantially no movement until the completion of a trigger event, and5 where the trigger event is one of the following: the recording by the movement sensor of a subsequent period of sustained movement; the breaking of the core; the attachment of an overshot.
- 2. A core orientation measurement system according to claim 1, where the orientation measurements are stored in an array held within the memory, the array having a20 number of elements equal to an expected stationary time divided by the predetermined time interval, with the recording of measurements being processed on a first-in, first-out basis.
- 3. A core orientation measurement system according to claim 1 or claim 2, where the orientation measurements are stored in an array held within the memory, the array25 having a number of elements equal to an expected stationary time plus a further time period representative of the duration of the trigger event divided by the predetermined time interval with the recording of measurements being processed on a first-in, first-out basis.2008230012 21 Jun2018-194. A core orientation measurement system according to claim 3, where, on satisfaction of the trigger event occurring, the measurement processor operates to delete from the stationary measurement set those orientation measurements taken in the duration of the trigger event.
- 5 5. A core orientation measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, where the period of substantially no movement is equal to twice the duration of the predetermined time interval.
- 6. A core orientation measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, where the orientation measurement taken from the stationary measurement set is0 the mode of the stationary measurement set.
- 7. A core orientation measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, where the orientation measurement taken from the stationary measurement set is the median value of the stationary measurement set.
- 8. A core orientation measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 5 where the orientation measurement taken from the stationary measurement set is the average of the values in the stationary measurement set.
- 9. A core orientation measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a data handset in selective communication with the measurement processor for displaying the orientation measurement taken from the stationaryΌ measurement set.
- 10. A core orientation measurement system according to claim 9, where the data handset further includes a user interface to allow an operator to provide drill log information and/or set parameters relating to the operation of the core orientation measurement system.25
- 11.A core orientation measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, where the measurement processor initiates a shut down procedure on completion of the trigger event.
- 12.A core orientation measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, where the measurement processor compares values within the stationary30 measurement set and, if any comparison exceeds a set tolerance, to query whether2008230012 21 Jun2018-20the operator wishes to view all orientation measurements in the stationary measurement set.
- 13. A core orientation measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, where the orientation measurements obtained from each orientation measurement5 sensor are only recorded if a vibration sensor records a value in a set threshold representative of the measurement unit being substantially stationary.
- 14. A method of obtaining a core orientation measurement comprising:obtaining an orientation measurement from at least one orientation measurement sensor at predetermined time intervals;0 identifying when a movement sensor has recorded a period of substantially no movement;identifying the completion of a trigger event; and providing an indication of the true orientation of the core as an orientation measurement taken from the measurements obtained between the initial time5 period of substantial no movement and the time of completion of the trigger event where the trigger event is one of the following: the recording by the movement sensor of a subsequent period of sustained movement; the breaking of the core; the attachment of an overshot.
- 18/10/2008 18:30 +61-8-8325-5906PAGE 242008230012 18 Oct 2008 'ISΙ'ΧΔΟΛΕ I.COMS ID No: ARCS-210286 Received by IP Australia: Time (H:m) 21:38 Date (Y-M-d) 2008-10-1818/10/2088 18:30 +61-8-9325-5906PAGE 252008230012 18 Oct 2008COMS ID No: ARCS-210286 Received by IP Australia: Time (H:m) 21:38 Date (Y-M-d) 2008-10-1818/10/200818:30 +81-8-9325-5906 PAGE 262008230012 18 Oct 2008COMS ID No: ARCS-210286 Received by IP Australia: Time (H:m) 21:38 Date (Y-M-d) 2008-10-1818/10/2008 18:30 +61-8-9325-5906PAGE 272008230012 18 Oct 2008COMS ID No: ARCS-210286 Received by IP Australia: Time (H:m) 21:38 Date (Y-M-d) 2008-10-1818/10/2008 18:30 +81-8-9325-5908PAGE 282008230012 18 Oct 2008COMS ID No: ARCS-210286 Received by IP Australia: Time (H:m) 21:38 Date (Y-M-d) 2008-10-18
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| AU2007905715A AU2007905715A0 (en) | 2007-10-18 | Core Orientation Measurement System | |
| AU2008230012A AU2008230012C1 (en) | 2007-10-18 | 2008-10-18 | Core Orientation Measurement System |
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| WO2013106885A1 (en) * | 2012-01-17 | 2013-07-25 | Globaltech Corporation Pty Ltd | Improvements to equipment and methods for downhole surveying and data acquisition for a drilling operation |
| WO2013126955A1 (en) * | 2012-02-28 | 2013-09-06 | Globaltech Corporation Pty Ltd | Improvements to downhole surveying and core sample orientation systems, devices and methods |
| AU2013101604B4 (en) * | 2012-02-28 | 2014-06-12 | Globaltech Corporation Pty Ltd | Improvements to downhole surveying and core sample orientaton systems, devices and methods |
| WO2014043751A1 (en) * | 2012-09-19 | 2014-03-27 | Reservoir Nominees Pty Ltd | Multifunction orientation system |
| AU2015261610B2 (en) * | 2012-09-19 | 2017-06-22 | Reservoir Nominees Pty Ltd | Multifunction orientation system with failover measurement system |
| WO2016154677A1 (en) * | 2015-03-31 | 2016-10-06 | Globaltech Corporation Pty Ltd | Improvements to downhole surveying and core sample orientation systems, devices and methods |
| AU2017220389A1 (en) * | 2016-02-15 | 2018-08-30 | Globaltech Corporation Pty Ltd | Downhole surveying and core sample orientation systems, devices and methods |
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| AU2008230012A1 (en) | 2009-05-14 |
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