CA2272773C - Method of drilling boreholes in areas with restricted access - Google Patents
Method of drilling boreholes in areas with restricted access Download PDFInfo
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- CA2272773C CA2272773C CA002272773A CA2272773A CA2272773C CA 2272773 C CA2272773 C CA 2272773C CA 002272773 A CA002272773 A CA 002272773A CA 2272773 A CA2272773 A CA 2272773A CA 2272773 C CA2272773 C CA 2272773C
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- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 24
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 19
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000002360 explosive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002420 orchard Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B21/00—Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor
- E21B21/16—Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor using gaseous fluids
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B21/00—Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor
- E21B21/10—Valve arrangements in drilling-fluid circulation systems
- E21B21/106—Valve arrangements outside the borehole, e.g. kelly valves
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
- E21B7/02—Drilling rigs characterised by means for land transport with their own drive, e.g. skid mounting or wheel mounting
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
Abstract
A method of drilling boreholes in areas with restricted access. There is provided an air source, an air drill, a plurality of lengths of hose, and a plurality of manual shut off valves. The lengths of hose are extended from the air source to a location where a borehole is to be drilled in the area of restricted access. A manual shut off valve is positioned on the length of hose at the location where the borehole is to be drilled and the air drill is attached. The borehole is drilled with the air drill, using air to circulate cuttings to surface. The manual shut off valve is closed to maintain air pressure from the air source in the hose while the air drill is detached and further lengths of hose are attached to reach a next location where a next borehole is to be drilled.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
method of drilling boreholes in areas with restricted access NAME ( S ) OF INVENTOR ( S ) Randall Scott Roberts FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of drilling boreholes in areas with restricted access.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In order to prepare a seismic analysis of a region a series of boreholes are drilled at intervals. Explosive charges are then discharged from the boreholes with monitoring equipment measuring the resulting seismic activity. Care must be taken to ensure that the size of the explosive charge is sufficient to be measured but not so large as to cause surface destruction or counterproductive ground "noise". Approximately 0.12 of kg. of dynamite is used for every meter of borehole depth.
Where there are no restrictions to vehicular access, boreholes are generally drilled to a depth of 18 meters with borehole spacing approximately 80 to 120 meters apart. When there are some access restrictions, smaller equipment can be used which takes much longer to drill boreholes to a depth of 18 meters. It is possible to get the same results by drilling "twins" or "triples". Twins are pairs of boreholes 9 meters in depth and half the distance apart. Triples are three boreholes 6 meters in depth and one third of the distance apart. In order to make room for equipment in wooded areas a "cut line" is prepared, which involves cutting down all trees in the path of the testing and hauling away all trees that are cut which are over a prescribed size. With large equipment a cut line 4.5 meters wide is created along the path of seismic testing. With smaller equipment the cut line is limited to 3 meters in width and any heavy timber is avoided.
Problems are currently arising where there is restricted access. The reasons for the restriction on access vary. In some cases it relates to terrain. The terrain in some areas is too rugged for a vehicle to safely manoeuvre. In an increasing number of areas there are environmental restrictions. Government parks departments and landowners are becoming increasingly protective of their lands. In the face of restrictions, attempts have been made to perform drilling with gas powered post hole augers carried by workers on foot.
The cut line required for workers on foot is only 1.5 meters wide. This is viewed as a safe minimum to ensure, in the event on an injury, an injured worker can be safely carried out on a stretcher. The practical depth that such equipment can drill is limited to approximately 4 meters due to the fact there is no suitable means to circulate cuttings to surface. In order to circulate cuttings a fluid source is required. A plurality of 4 meter holes spaced close together have been found to be unsatisfactory for seismic analysis. The explosive charges are too close to the surface and, as a results, create excessive ground noise. Where permission can be obtained heavier equipment has been flown in by helicopter. The frequent movement of the equipment by helicopter has been found to be too expensive for most applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is an improved method of drilling boreholes in areas with restricted access.
According to the present invention there is provided a method of drilling boreholes in areas with restricted access.
There is provided an air source, an air drill, a plurality of lengths of hose, and a plurality of manual shut off valves.
The lengths of hose are extended from the air source to a location where a borehole is to be drilled in the area of restricted access. A manual shut off valve is positioned on the length of hose at the location where the borehole is to be drilled and the air drill is attached. The borehole is drilled with the air drill, using air to circulate cuttings to surface.
The manual shut off valve is closed to maintain air pressure from the air source in the hose while the air drill is detached and further lengths of hose are attached to reach a next location where a next borehole is to be drilled in the area of restricted access. Another of the plurality of manual shut off valves is positioned on the length of hose at the next location where the next borehole is to be drilled and the air drill is attached. The next borehole is drilled with the air drill, using air to circulate cuttings to surface. The above steps are repeated until a required number of boreholes have been drilled in the area of restricted access.
With the method of drilling boreholes, as described above, air drilling is used with air being used as the fluid to circulate cuttings which permits boreholes to be drilled to depths in excess of six meters.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the method, as described above, even more beneficial results have been obtained when one of the plurality of manual shut off valves is secured to a remote end of each length of hose. The time that would otherwise be required to attach a manual shut off valve is saved. It is also better that the alternative of having manual shut off valves attached to only some of the lengths of hose, as no time is lost in searching for a length of hose that has a manual shut off valve.
It is preferred that a storage reel be provided to hold the lengths of hose during transport to and from the restricted access area. Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the method, as described above, when every length of hose has a manual shut off valve, the lengths of hoses tend to become tangled. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when the storage reel has discrete divisions for each individual length of hose so that the lengths of hose do not become tangled.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a cut line defining a path for seismic testing in accordance with the method of drilling boreholes for seismic tests in areas with restricted vehicular access.
FIGURE 2 is a side elevation view, in section, of the cut line illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 is a side elevation view of a truck mounted air source and reel.
FIGURE 4 is an end elevation view of the rewind mechanism for the reel.
FIGURE 5 is a top plan view of the truck mounted air source and reel illustrated in FIGURE 3, with a length of hose being connected.
FIGURE 6 is a top plan view of the truck mounted air source and reel illustrated in FIGURE 3, with a length of hose being deployed from the reel.
FIGURE 7 is an end elevation view of the truck mounted air source and reel, as illustrated in FIGURE 6.
FIGURE 8 is a top plan view of the truck mounted air source and reel illustrated in FIGURE 3, being used in accordance with the teachings of the present method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The method of drilling boreholes in areas with restricted access will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 8.
Referring to FIGURE 1 and 2, in wooded areas a "cut line"
10 is prepared to allow access for drilling boreholes.
Referring to FIGURE 1, to allow access by large equipment 14 a first section 16 of cut line 10 is cut to a width of 4.5 meters along the path of seismic testing. To allow access by 5 smaller equipment 18 a second section 20 of cut line 10 is cut which is limited to 3 meters in width. Problems arise where there is restricted access to larger vehicles 14 and smaller vehicles 18. Restricted access may be due to objections received from landowners, such as the owners of orchards.
Referring to FIGURE 2, restricted access may occur when terrain 22 is too rugged for smaller vehicles 18 to safely manoeuvre.
In such cases a third section 24 of cut line is required for access by workers on foot 26. Referring again to FIGURE 1, third section 24 of cut line 10 is only 1.5 meters wide.
Referring to FIGURE 2, a first borehole 28 drilled using large equipment 14 in first section 16 of cut line 10 is generally drilled to a first depth, illustrated by a double arrow 29, of 18 meters with a first borehole spacing, illustrated by a double arrow 30, approximately 80 to 120 meters apart.
When there are some access restrictions, as is found in second section 20 of cut line 10, smaller equipment 18 is used to drill a second borehole 32 to a second depth, illustrated by a double arrow 33. When second borehole 32 is drilled to the same depth as first borehole 28 a second borehole spacing, illustrated by a double arrow 34, is the same as first borehole spacing 30. It takes much longer to drill second boreholes 32 to a depth of 18 meters using smaller equipment 18. Optionally the same results are obtained by drilling "twins" or "triples . "
Twins are pairs of boreholes 9 meters in depth spaced at a distance half the distance 30 apart. Triples are three boreholes 6 meters in depth and one third of the distance 30 apart.
In the prior art, the practical limit on drilling a third borehole 36, illustrated by a double arrow 37, in third section 24 of cut line 10 was 4 meters. This depth for borehole 36 was the maximum depth that a gas powered post hole auger could drill due to the fact there is no suitable means to circulate cuttings. There will now be described a method of increasing the depth of third boreholes 36, as indicated by double arrow 3 7 , to six meters or more . With the increase in depth that borehole spacing, illustrated by a double arrow 38, can be increased to that same spacing as one would use for "triples"
to give a more accurate seismic record.
Referring to FIGURE 8, an air drill 88 powered by compressed air from a remote source 42 is provided to drill boreholes. Referring to FIGURE 3, remote source 42 includes an air compressor 44 mounted on a vehicle 46. Referring to FIGURES 6 and 8, compressor 44 provides compressed air to power air drill 88 via a plurality of lengths of hose 48. Referring to FIGURES 5 and 6, when the lengths of hose are being conveyed to the drilling site or when lengths of hose 48 are not in use, said lengths of hose 48 are reeled on to a rotatable storage reel 50. Referring to FIGURE 3, storage reel 50 is mounted on a support 52 conveyed on vehicle 46. Storage reel 50 has a plurality of discrete divisions 51, one for each individual length of hose 48 so that the lengths of hose 48 do not become tangled. Referring to FIGURE 4, storage reel 50 has a rewinding mechanism which includes a crank 54 attached to a rotatable first cog 56 mounted on support 52. A chain 58 is wound around first cog 56 and a second cog 60 that is rigidly attached to storage reel 50. Referring to FIGURES 6 and 7, hose 48 is removed from storage reel 50 by pulling upon hose 48 in the direction shown by an arrow 57. Referring to FIGURES
4 and 7, when hose 48 is pulled storage reel 50 rotates freely in the direction shown by an arrow 59. Hose 48 is reeled back onto storage reel 50 by turning crank 54 so that storage reel 50 rotates in the direction counter to the direction shown by arrow 59.
method of drilling boreholes in areas with restricted access NAME ( S ) OF INVENTOR ( S ) Randall Scott Roberts FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of drilling boreholes in areas with restricted access.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In order to prepare a seismic analysis of a region a series of boreholes are drilled at intervals. Explosive charges are then discharged from the boreholes with monitoring equipment measuring the resulting seismic activity. Care must be taken to ensure that the size of the explosive charge is sufficient to be measured but not so large as to cause surface destruction or counterproductive ground "noise". Approximately 0.12 of kg. of dynamite is used for every meter of borehole depth.
Where there are no restrictions to vehicular access, boreholes are generally drilled to a depth of 18 meters with borehole spacing approximately 80 to 120 meters apart. When there are some access restrictions, smaller equipment can be used which takes much longer to drill boreholes to a depth of 18 meters. It is possible to get the same results by drilling "twins" or "triples". Twins are pairs of boreholes 9 meters in depth and half the distance apart. Triples are three boreholes 6 meters in depth and one third of the distance apart. In order to make room for equipment in wooded areas a "cut line" is prepared, which involves cutting down all trees in the path of the testing and hauling away all trees that are cut which are over a prescribed size. With large equipment a cut line 4.5 meters wide is created along the path of seismic testing. With smaller equipment the cut line is limited to 3 meters in width and any heavy timber is avoided.
Problems are currently arising where there is restricted access. The reasons for the restriction on access vary. In some cases it relates to terrain. The terrain in some areas is too rugged for a vehicle to safely manoeuvre. In an increasing number of areas there are environmental restrictions. Government parks departments and landowners are becoming increasingly protective of their lands. In the face of restrictions, attempts have been made to perform drilling with gas powered post hole augers carried by workers on foot.
The cut line required for workers on foot is only 1.5 meters wide. This is viewed as a safe minimum to ensure, in the event on an injury, an injured worker can be safely carried out on a stretcher. The practical depth that such equipment can drill is limited to approximately 4 meters due to the fact there is no suitable means to circulate cuttings to surface. In order to circulate cuttings a fluid source is required. A plurality of 4 meter holes spaced close together have been found to be unsatisfactory for seismic analysis. The explosive charges are too close to the surface and, as a results, create excessive ground noise. Where permission can be obtained heavier equipment has been flown in by helicopter. The frequent movement of the equipment by helicopter has been found to be too expensive for most applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is an improved method of drilling boreholes in areas with restricted access.
According to the present invention there is provided a method of drilling boreholes in areas with restricted access.
There is provided an air source, an air drill, a plurality of lengths of hose, and a plurality of manual shut off valves.
The lengths of hose are extended from the air source to a location where a borehole is to be drilled in the area of restricted access. A manual shut off valve is positioned on the length of hose at the location where the borehole is to be drilled and the air drill is attached. The borehole is drilled with the air drill, using air to circulate cuttings to surface.
The manual shut off valve is closed to maintain air pressure from the air source in the hose while the air drill is detached and further lengths of hose are attached to reach a next location where a next borehole is to be drilled in the area of restricted access. Another of the plurality of manual shut off valves is positioned on the length of hose at the next location where the next borehole is to be drilled and the air drill is attached. The next borehole is drilled with the air drill, using air to circulate cuttings to surface. The above steps are repeated until a required number of boreholes have been drilled in the area of restricted access.
With the method of drilling boreholes, as described above, air drilling is used with air being used as the fluid to circulate cuttings which permits boreholes to be drilled to depths in excess of six meters.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the method, as described above, even more beneficial results have been obtained when one of the plurality of manual shut off valves is secured to a remote end of each length of hose. The time that would otherwise be required to attach a manual shut off valve is saved. It is also better that the alternative of having manual shut off valves attached to only some of the lengths of hose, as no time is lost in searching for a length of hose that has a manual shut off valve.
It is preferred that a storage reel be provided to hold the lengths of hose during transport to and from the restricted access area. Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the method, as described above, when every length of hose has a manual shut off valve, the lengths of hoses tend to become tangled. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when the storage reel has discrete divisions for each individual length of hose so that the lengths of hose do not become tangled.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a cut line defining a path for seismic testing in accordance with the method of drilling boreholes for seismic tests in areas with restricted vehicular access.
FIGURE 2 is a side elevation view, in section, of the cut line illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 is a side elevation view of a truck mounted air source and reel.
FIGURE 4 is an end elevation view of the rewind mechanism for the reel.
FIGURE 5 is a top plan view of the truck mounted air source and reel illustrated in FIGURE 3, with a length of hose being connected.
FIGURE 6 is a top plan view of the truck mounted air source and reel illustrated in FIGURE 3, with a length of hose being deployed from the reel.
FIGURE 7 is an end elevation view of the truck mounted air source and reel, as illustrated in FIGURE 6.
FIGURE 8 is a top plan view of the truck mounted air source and reel illustrated in FIGURE 3, being used in accordance with the teachings of the present method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The method of drilling boreholes in areas with restricted access will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 8.
Referring to FIGURE 1 and 2, in wooded areas a "cut line"
10 is prepared to allow access for drilling boreholes.
Referring to FIGURE 1, to allow access by large equipment 14 a first section 16 of cut line 10 is cut to a width of 4.5 meters along the path of seismic testing. To allow access by 5 smaller equipment 18 a second section 20 of cut line 10 is cut which is limited to 3 meters in width. Problems arise where there is restricted access to larger vehicles 14 and smaller vehicles 18. Restricted access may be due to objections received from landowners, such as the owners of orchards.
Referring to FIGURE 2, restricted access may occur when terrain 22 is too rugged for smaller vehicles 18 to safely manoeuvre.
In such cases a third section 24 of cut line is required for access by workers on foot 26. Referring again to FIGURE 1, third section 24 of cut line 10 is only 1.5 meters wide.
Referring to FIGURE 2, a first borehole 28 drilled using large equipment 14 in first section 16 of cut line 10 is generally drilled to a first depth, illustrated by a double arrow 29, of 18 meters with a first borehole spacing, illustrated by a double arrow 30, approximately 80 to 120 meters apart.
When there are some access restrictions, as is found in second section 20 of cut line 10, smaller equipment 18 is used to drill a second borehole 32 to a second depth, illustrated by a double arrow 33. When second borehole 32 is drilled to the same depth as first borehole 28 a second borehole spacing, illustrated by a double arrow 34, is the same as first borehole spacing 30. It takes much longer to drill second boreholes 32 to a depth of 18 meters using smaller equipment 18. Optionally the same results are obtained by drilling "twins" or "triples . "
Twins are pairs of boreholes 9 meters in depth spaced at a distance half the distance 30 apart. Triples are three boreholes 6 meters in depth and one third of the distance 30 apart.
In the prior art, the practical limit on drilling a third borehole 36, illustrated by a double arrow 37, in third section 24 of cut line 10 was 4 meters. This depth for borehole 36 was the maximum depth that a gas powered post hole auger could drill due to the fact there is no suitable means to circulate cuttings. There will now be described a method of increasing the depth of third boreholes 36, as indicated by double arrow 3 7 , to six meters or more . With the increase in depth that borehole spacing, illustrated by a double arrow 38, can be increased to that same spacing as one would use for "triples"
to give a more accurate seismic record.
Referring to FIGURE 8, an air drill 88 powered by compressed air from a remote source 42 is provided to drill boreholes. Referring to FIGURE 3, remote source 42 includes an air compressor 44 mounted on a vehicle 46. Referring to FIGURES 6 and 8, compressor 44 provides compressed air to power air drill 88 via a plurality of lengths of hose 48. Referring to FIGURES 5 and 6, when the lengths of hose are being conveyed to the drilling site or when lengths of hose 48 are not in use, said lengths of hose 48 are reeled on to a rotatable storage reel 50. Referring to FIGURE 3, storage reel 50 is mounted on a support 52 conveyed on vehicle 46. Storage reel 50 has a plurality of discrete divisions 51, one for each individual length of hose 48 so that the lengths of hose 48 do not become tangled. Referring to FIGURE 4, storage reel 50 has a rewinding mechanism which includes a crank 54 attached to a rotatable first cog 56 mounted on support 52. A chain 58 is wound around first cog 56 and a second cog 60 that is rigidly attached to storage reel 50. Referring to FIGURES 6 and 7, hose 48 is removed from storage reel 50 by pulling upon hose 48 in the direction shown by an arrow 57. Referring to FIGURES
4 and 7, when hose 48 is pulled storage reel 50 rotates freely in the direction shown by an arrow 59. Hose 48 is reeled back onto storage reel 50 by turning crank 54 so that storage reel 50 rotates in the direction counter to the direction shown by arrow 59.
Referring to FIGURE 5, vehicle 46 is positioned at an edge 61 of second section 20 of cut line 10. A length of hose 48 is unreeled from storage reel 50. Hose 48 has a first end 64 and a second end 66. A male pressure connector 68 is attached to first end 64. A manual shut off valve 70 is attached to second end 66. Compressor 44 also has a manual shut off valve 70. Hose 48 is connected to compressor 44 by coupling connector 68 of length of hose 48 to valve 70 of compressor 44.
Each valve 70 has a handle 74 that is movable from an "off"
position, as shown in FIGURE 5, to an "on" position, as shown in FIGURE 6.
Referring to FIGURES 5 through 7, a plurality of hoses 48 is provided. Each hose 48 is provided with a connector 68 and a valve 70 connected to hose 48 at opposite ends of said hose 48. Referring to FIGURE 6, compressed air enters hose 48 when compressor 44 is switched on and handle 74 on valve 70 attached to compressor 44 is moved from the off position to the on position. Similarly, compressed air enters subsequent lengths of hose 48 when handles 74 of valves 70 further downstream sequentially are moved from the off position to the on position.
Referring to FIGURES 6 and 7, each length of hose 48 is unreeled from its discrete division 51 of storage reel 50 by rotating said storage reel 50. A plurality of lengths of hose 48 are unreeled and connected together via a matching plurality of valves 70 and connectors 68. The total length of connected lengths of hose 48 extends to reach from compressor 44 to locations where boreholes 36 are to be drilled in the area of restricted vehicular access. Referring to FIGURE 8, air drill 88 is attached to valve 70 at a terminus 78 of hose 48 and borehole 36 is drilled.
The method of drilling a series of boreholes 36 in third section 24 of cut line 10 will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 8. An air source is transported to the site. This can be done by helicopter or, as illustrated in FIGURE 3, vehicle 46 provided on which are mounted compressor 44 and plurality of hoses 48 reeled on storage reels 50, as illustrated in FIGURE 4. Each said hose 48 is fitted with connector 68 at first end 64 and manually closeable valve 70 at second end 66, as illustrated in FIGURE 5. Compressor 44 is positioned in a convenient location, such as at edge 61 of the area of permitted access, as illustrated in FIGURES 5 and 6, or second section 20 of cut line 10 where it abuts third section 24 of cut line 10, as illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2.
Lengths of hose 48 are unreeled from storage reel 50, as illustrated in FIGURES 6 and 7. The lengths of hose 48 are connected together, and extended from compressor 44 to locations where boreholes 36 are to be drilled in the area of restricted vehicular access such as third section of cut line 24. Manual shut off valve 70 is positioned at terminus 78 of connected lengths of hose 48 and air drill 88 is attached, as illustrated in FIGURE 8. Borehole 36 is drilled with air drill 88 using force air to circulate cuttings from borehole 36.
Valve 70 is then closed to maintain air pressure from the compressor 44 in connected lengths of hose 48 while the air drill 88 is detached and further lengths of hose 48 are attached to reach further locations where boreholes 36 are to be drilled. Manual shut off valve 70 on the length of hose 48 at the location where the next borehole 36 is to be drilled is closed and air drill 88 reattached. The next borehole is then drilled with air drill 88. These steps are repeated until a required number of boreholes 36 has been drilled in the area of restricted access.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
Each valve 70 has a handle 74 that is movable from an "off"
position, as shown in FIGURE 5, to an "on" position, as shown in FIGURE 6.
Referring to FIGURES 5 through 7, a plurality of hoses 48 is provided. Each hose 48 is provided with a connector 68 and a valve 70 connected to hose 48 at opposite ends of said hose 48. Referring to FIGURE 6, compressed air enters hose 48 when compressor 44 is switched on and handle 74 on valve 70 attached to compressor 44 is moved from the off position to the on position. Similarly, compressed air enters subsequent lengths of hose 48 when handles 74 of valves 70 further downstream sequentially are moved from the off position to the on position.
Referring to FIGURES 6 and 7, each length of hose 48 is unreeled from its discrete division 51 of storage reel 50 by rotating said storage reel 50. A plurality of lengths of hose 48 are unreeled and connected together via a matching plurality of valves 70 and connectors 68. The total length of connected lengths of hose 48 extends to reach from compressor 44 to locations where boreholes 36 are to be drilled in the area of restricted vehicular access. Referring to FIGURE 8, air drill 88 is attached to valve 70 at a terminus 78 of hose 48 and borehole 36 is drilled.
The method of drilling a series of boreholes 36 in third section 24 of cut line 10 will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 8. An air source is transported to the site. This can be done by helicopter or, as illustrated in FIGURE 3, vehicle 46 provided on which are mounted compressor 44 and plurality of hoses 48 reeled on storage reels 50, as illustrated in FIGURE 4. Each said hose 48 is fitted with connector 68 at first end 64 and manually closeable valve 70 at second end 66, as illustrated in FIGURE 5. Compressor 44 is positioned in a convenient location, such as at edge 61 of the area of permitted access, as illustrated in FIGURES 5 and 6, or second section 20 of cut line 10 where it abuts third section 24 of cut line 10, as illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2.
Lengths of hose 48 are unreeled from storage reel 50, as illustrated in FIGURES 6 and 7. The lengths of hose 48 are connected together, and extended from compressor 44 to locations where boreholes 36 are to be drilled in the area of restricted vehicular access such as third section of cut line 24. Manual shut off valve 70 is positioned at terminus 78 of connected lengths of hose 48 and air drill 88 is attached, as illustrated in FIGURE 8. Borehole 36 is drilled with air drill 88 using force air to circulate cuttings from borehole 36.
Valve 70 is then closed to maintain air pressure from the compressor 44 in connected lengths of hose 48 while the air drill 88 is detached and further lengths of hose 48 are attached to reach further locations where boreholes 36 are to be drilled. Manual shut off valve 70 on the length of hose 48 at the location where the next borehole 36 is to be drilled is closed and air drill 88 reattached. The next borehole is then drilled with air drill 88. These steps are repeated until a required number of boreholes 36 has been drilled in the area of restricted access.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
Claims (5)
1. A method of drilling boreholes in areas with restricted access, comprising the steps of:
providing an air source, an air drill, a plurality of lengths of hose, and a plurality of manual shut off valves;
extending lengths of hose from the air source to a location where a borehole is to be drilled in the area of restricted access;
positioning one of the plurality of manual shut off valves on the length of hose at the location where the borehole is to be drilled and attaching the air drill;
drilling the borehole with the air drill and using air to circulate cuttings to surface;
closing the one manual shut off valve to maintain air pressure from the air source in the hose while the air drill is detached and further lengths of hose are attached to reach a next location where a next borehole is to be drilled in the area of restricted access;
positioning another of the plurality of manual shut off valves on the length of hose at the next location where the next borehole is to be drilled and attaching the air drill; and drilling the next borehole with the air drill and using air to circulate cuttings to surface; and repeating the above steps until a required number of boreholes have been drilled in the area of restricted access.
providing an air source, an air drill, a plurality of lengths of hose, and a plurality of manual shut off valves;
extending lengths of hose from the air source to a location where a borehole is to be drilled in the area of restricted access;
positioning one of the plurality of manual shut off valves on the length of hose at the location where the borehole is to be drilled and attaching the air drill;
drilling the borehole with the air drill and using air to circulate cuttings to surface;
closing the one manual shut off valve to maintain air pressure from the air source in the hose while the air drill is detached and further lengths of hose are attached to reach a next location where a next borehole is to be drilled in the area of restricted access;
positioning another of the plurality of manual shut off valves on the length of hose at the next location where the next borehole is to be drilled and attaching the air drill; and drilling the next borehole with the air drill and using air to circulate cuttings to surface; and repeating the above steps until a required number of boreholes have been drilled in the area of restricted access.
2. The method of drilling boreholes as defined in Claim 1, one of the plurality of manual shut off valves being secured to a remote end of each length of hose.
3. The method of drilling boreholes as defined in Claim 1, having a storage reel to hold the lengths of hose during transport to and from the restricted access area.
4. The method of drilling boreholes as defined in Claim 3, the storage reel having discrete divisions for each individual length of hose so that the lengths of hose do not become tangled.
5. The method of drilling boreholes as defined in Claim 3, the storage reel having a rewinding mechanism.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002272773A CA2272773C (en) | 1999-05-20 | 1999-05-20 | Method of drilling boreholes in areas with restricted access |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002272773A CA2272773C (en) | 1999-05-20 | 1999-05-20 | Method of drilling boreholes in areas with restricted access |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2272773C true CA2272773C (en) | 2000-10-17 |
Family
ID=29589051
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002272773A Expired - Lifetime CA2272773C (en) | 1999-05-20 | 1999-05-20 | Method of drilling boreholes in areas with restricted access |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2272773C (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20220042894A1 (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2022-02-10 | Gregg Drilling, LLC | Geotechnical rig systems and methods |
-
1999
- 1999-05-20 CA CA002272773A patent/CA2272773C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20220042894A1 (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2022-02-10 | Gregg Drilling, LLC | Geotechnical rig systems and methods |
| US11643886B2 (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2023-05-09 | Gregg Drilling Llc | Geotechnical rig systems and methods |
| US11970916B2 (en) | 2020-07-16 | 2024-04-30 | Gregg Drilling, LLC | Geotechnical rig systems and methods |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20190521 |