EP2675982A1 - Method and apparatus for down-the-hole drilling - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for down-the-hole drilling

Info

Publication number
EP2675982A1
EP2675982A1 EP12839207.3A EP12839207A EP2675982A1 EP 2675982 A1 EP2675982 A1 EP 2675982A1 EP 12839207 A EP12839207 A EP 12839207A EP 2675982 A1 EP2675982 A1 EP 2675982A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
drilling
flushing
flow
flushing medium
return flow
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP12839207.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2675982B1 (en
EP2675982A4 (en
Inventor
Antti Virjula
Kai Gylling
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Tercope Finland Oy
Original Assignee
Atlas Copco Rotex Oy AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Atlas Copco Rotex Oy AB filed Critical Atlas Copco Rotex Oy AB
Publication of EP2675982A1 publication Critical patent/EP2675982A1/en
Publication of EP2675982A4 publication Critical patent/EP2675982A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2675982B1 publication Critical patent/EP2675982B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • E21B10/00—Drill bits
    • E21B10/36—Percussion drill bits
    • E21B10/38—Percussion drill bits characterised by conduits or nozzles for drilling 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
    • E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
    • E21B7/20—Driving or forcing casings or pipes into boreholes, e.g. sinking; Simultaneously drilling and casing boreholes

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method and apparatus for down-the-hole drilling according to the preambles of the independent claims related thereto.
  • a boring tool which is meant for boring and/or hammer drilling, to be used in connection with a drill rod unit placed inside a mantle pipe.
  • the boring tool to be attached at the front end of the drill rod unit has a center drill, being provided with a cutting unit, and an eccentric reaming drill, being placed after the center drill, the reaming drill having also a cutting unit.
  • the reaming drill moves with respect to the center drill between a drilling position, in which it is positioned sidewards in front of the mantle pipe, and a return position, in which it is withdrawn in radial direction inside the mantle pipe.
  • the center drill is in most cases provided with four cutting parts directed radially and being made of hard metal
  • the reamer for its part comprising either one or two radially directed cutting parts made of hard metal
  • the cutting parts are replaced by bit parts being arranged in a certain manner.
  • the drilling head of the drilling unit of the drilling apparatus existing inside a casing part or in other words a so called casing pipe according to this patent, is formed of a first frame part and an annular second frame part, in the drilling surfaces of which there has been arranged drilling organs, such as drill bits or like, of the first and second drilling means or in other words of the pilot and the reamer.
  • the first drilling means that is the first frame part forming the pilot is being released from the second frame part forming the reamer in order to pull the same alone off from a drilled hole after the drilling situation.
  • the second organs of the flushing means for removal of drilling waste being generated are arranged to lead drilling waste by means of an assembly belonging to the counterpart surface arrangement, which connects the said drilling means together for a drilling situation unrotatively in respect with each other and in both directions longitudinally, which, in other words, is being carried out as an advantageous embodiment by loosening grooves, belonging to a bayonet coupling, placed longitudinally in the outer periphery of the first frame part.
  • pile drilling has rapidly become common in making of both so called micro piles and large-diameter foundation piles.
  • An advantage of pile drilling is among other things the fact that drilled piles can be mounted quickly and accurately in a desired position, direction and depth. Straightness of the piles, verification of the bottom and accurate positioning are factors, thanks to which the pile drilling has often taken the place of pile driving particularly in demanding construction sites.
  • a drilled pile displaces a corresponding amount of soil to its volume by bringing up the drilled soil entirely. This is why not any horizontal strains will be caused that might brake surrounding structures, which may take place when piles are rammed.
  • Pile drilling is also relatively silent and quite shakeless (the operating frequency of the hammer is higher than the natural frequencies of soil and structures) when compared to piles being rammed.
  • the possibility offered by a drilled pile to get a casing pipe mounted reliably and without efforts even into a sloping rock surface, are superiority factors when comparing the method to piling by digging.
  • pile drilling is the most efficient piling method also by its production capacity and due to the fact that it enables piling with relatively small, easily transportable, and space-saving machines that can be put quickly into working order, also foundation constructors almost without exception take up a positive attitude towards the same.
  • Pile drilling uses pressurized air for operating the down-the-hole hammer and as the means for bringing up the loosened material. Careless use of air in flushing has brought about, however, some problems, solving of which is necessary for the standpoint of development regarding pile drilling.
  • flushing air problems caused by flushing air can be devided in two main categories: - Use of flushing air may overdrill an excessive amount of material on surface of the earth, in which case both the foundation to be built and surrounding structures are in danger. This is a typical situation particularly with frictional soil (sand, silt etc.),
  • the second problem is due to "pushing" of air into the soil particularly in case of cohesive soil (such as clay) , whereby air may get drifted around load supporting piles (e.g. rammed wood piles) existing in the neighbourhood, in which case weight carrying capacity of the pile (or piles) may decrease very quickly .
  • load supporting piles e.g. rammed wood piles
  • the problems caused by the use of flushing air in down-the-hole hammer drilling are usually due to poor professional skill or carelessness of the operating personnel, but in practice also drill bit structures and drilling techniques may effect essentially to arising of the problems.
  • drill bits are originally designed usually for rock drilling, whereby the flushing air must first of all be directed as efficiently as possible to the drilled point for removing of the particles quickly in order to avoid multiple crushing, and on the other hand with such a volume (and speed) , that the material gets brought up through the casing. This is why the flushing openings of the drill bits are thus aimed directly at the rock surface. During drilling the flushing air may get back upwards along unbroken walls of a rock hole.
  • flushing medium is required particularly in pile drilling, but correspondingly also in any other type of down-the-hole drilling, in which liquid, such as water is being used as flushing medium, so that the flushing medium is mainly returned back on the surface of the earth through the casing pipe, though the soil would be relatively loose.
  • the drilling action must be performed on the other hand in a space protected as well as possible so that the pressure of the ground does not block input openings of the flushing medium or in other words so that the pressure of the flushing medium to be fed exceeds the pressure of the ground and on the other hand so that the easiest way for flushing medium from the drilled point takes place in a desired manner back to the casing pipe.
  • the above solution enables extremely simple first drilling means or pilot regarding construction thereof particularly thanks to the fact that the flushing medium is both brought to the drilling surface and removed therefrom together with the drilling waste through a space between the pilot and the reamer, in which case a flushing flow is achieved that circulates very efficiently over the head of the pilot.
  • the drilling head with a guide surface arrangement that controls passage of the flushing medium, drifting of the flushing medium to the drilling surface can be secured by simultaneously preventing entering thereof a return flow channel prior to drifting thereof onto the drilling surface.
  • the invention enables thus also use of pressurized air as the flushing medium in a safe manner furthermore e.g. by providing the drilling head of the drilling unit, when needed, with a counterpart surface arrangement, which directs passage of the pressurized air flow so, that it may not get directed to the soil.
  • a problem has, however, been noticed in the drilling with the type of drilling apparatus according to WO 2010/084238. This problem is caused by bits of rock or stones of certain size that get in front of the return flow openings of the return flow channels on the drilling surface, the openings getting thus blocked by the same along with drilling waste and soil.
  • auxiliary flush flow being led advantageously from a feed channel of the flushing medium at the center of a first frame part, comprising the first drilling means, by one or several auxiliary distribution channels toward the return flow opening assembly at a sharp angle with respect to a plane essentially parallel with the drilling surface/surfaces.
  • the return flow opening assembly is kept clear, thus efficiently preventing interruption of the return flow of the flushing medium along with the drilling waste.
  • Tthe invention enables also use of pressurized air as the flushing medium in a safe way by making sure adequate functioning of the return flow of the flushing flow arrangement without a risk of the return flow openings getting stuck.
  • FIG. 3 is shown a perspective view of the embodiment shown in figure 3 as seen from the front, and in figure 5
  • the invention relates to a method for down-the-hole drilling, the drilling being carried out by an apparatus, having a drilling device 1 that comprises a casing part 2 and an at least during a drilling situation essentially inside thereof existing drilling unit 3, at a drilling head of which there are at least first drilling means 4 for drilling a center hole, second drilling means 5 for reaming the center hole for the casing part 2 and a flushing flow arrangement 6 for leading of a flushing medium onto a drilling surface P and for returning of drilling waste at least partly internally inside the casing part 2.
  • the first drilling means 4 are coupled with the second drilling means 5 first of all power-transmittedly in order to carry out cooperation thereof at least during a drilling situation with the second drilling means 5 for a rotational motion w4, a feeding motion z4 and/or a hammering motion t4, and on the other hand removably in order to enable removal thereof from the hole.
  • the casing part 2 is arranged to be drawn into a hole to be drilled by the drilling unit 3 typically by means of a casing shoe 8.
  • flushing medium is being brought by first flushing means 6a of the flushing flow arrangement 6 onto the drilling surface P and returned from the drilling surface P together with the drilling waste by second flushing means 6b of the flushing flow arrangement 6 through axially directed s and in respect with each other separate feed flow and return flow channels 6a' , 6b' that exist, when viewed in a cross section, between the first and second drilling means 4, 5 that is on an outer periphery of the first drilling means 4 and/or an inner periphery of the second drilling means 5.
  • return flow of flushing medium together with drilling waste through one or more return flow channels 6b' is made more efficient by introducing flushing medium directly from the first flushing means 6a by means of an auxiliary flush assembly 6c at a return flow opening assembly 6b' o of the return flow channel/channels 6b' essentially on the drilling surface P.
  • the drilling head of the drilling device 1 is formed of a first frame part 4a and a second frame part 5a, the drilling surfaces P; PI, P2 of which being provided with drilling organs of the first and the second drilling means 4, 5, such as an integrated drilling part, separate drilling pieces, bits or like.
  • a rotationally symmetrical reamer is being used as the second drilling means 5 that has an essentially continuing drilling surface radially, when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction s of the drilling unit 3.
  • the flushing medium is being led from a flushing medium feed channel 6al, being led centrically to the first drilling means 4, such as the first frame part 4a, by one or more distribution channels 6a2 directed outward therefrom into one or more feed flow channels 6a' on the outer periphery of the first drilling means 4, such as the first frame part 4a, at a distance e from the drilling surface PI of the first drilling means. Furthermore passage of the flushing medium onto the drilling surface P is preferably guided e.g.
  • auxiliary flush flow ff is led from the flushing medium feed channel 6al by one or more auxiliary distribution channels 6cl, being directed radially outward therefrom, through an auxiliary flush opening assembly 6c2 into one or more, preferably each return flow channel/channels 6b'.
  • Direction of primary flushing medium feed flow is preferably altered e.g.
  • the auxiliary flush flow ff is being led toward the return flow opening assembly 6b' o essentially at a sharp angle AN with respect to a plane essentially parallel with the drilling surface/surfaces
  • the invention also relates to an apparatus for down- the-hole drilling applying the method described above that has a drilling device 1 comprising a casing part 2 and an at least during a drilling situation essentially inside thereof existing drilling unit 3, at a drilling head of which there are at least first drilling means 4 for drilling a center hole, second drilling means 5 for reaming the center hole for the casing part 2 and a flushing flow arrangement 6 for leading of a flushing medium onto a drilling surface P and for returning of drilling waste at least partly internally inside the casing part 2.
  • the first drilling means 4 are coupled with the second drilling means 5 first of all power-transmittedly in order to carry out cooperation thereof at least during a drilling situation with the second drilling means 5 for a rotational motion w4, a feeding motion z4 and/or a hammering motion t4, and on the other hand removably in order to enable removal thereof from the hole.
  • the casing part 2 is arranged to be drawn into a hole to be drilled by the drilling unit 3 typically by means of a casing shoe 8.
  • flushing flow arrangement 6 comprises axially directed s and in respect with each other separate feed flow and return flow channels 6a' , 6b' both for bringing of the flushing medium onto the drilling surface P by means of the first flushing means 6a of the flushing flow arrangement 6 and returning thereof from the drilling surface P together with the drilling waste by means of second flushing means 6b of the flushing flow arrangement 6, the channels existing, when viewed in a cross-section, between the first and the second drilling means 3, 4 that is on an outer periphery of the first drilling means 4 and/or an inner periphery of the second drilling means 5.
  • the apparatus comprises an auxiliary flush assembly 6c for introducing flushing medium directly from the first flushing means 6a at a return flow opening assembly 6b' o of the return flow channel/channels 6b' essentially on the drilling surface P in order to make more efficient return flow of flushing medium together with drilling waste through the one or more return flow channels 6b' .
  • the drilling head of the drilling device 1 is formed of a first frame part 4a and a second frame part 5a, the drilling surfaces P; PI, P2 of which being provided with drilling organs of the first and the second drilling means 4, 5, such as an integrated drilling part, separate drilling pieces, bits or like.
  • a rotationally symmetrical reamer is being used as the second drilling means 5 that has an essentially continuing drilling surface radially, when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction s of the drilling unit 3.
  • the first flushing means 6a of the flushing flow arrangement 6 comprise a flushing medium feed channel 6al, being arranged centrically in the first drilling means 4, such as the first frame part 4a, and one or more distribution channels 6a2, being directed outward therefrom, in order to lead the flushing medium into the feed flow channel/channels 6a' on the outer periphery of the first drilling means 4, such as the first frame part 4a, at a distance e from the drilling surface PI of the first drilling means.
  • the flushing flow arrangement 6 comprises preferably e.g.
  • the auxiliary flush assembly 6c comprises one or more auxiliary distribution channels 6cl, being directed radially outward from the flushing medium feed channel 6al, in order to lead an auxiliary flush flow ff from the flushing medium feed channel 6al through an auxiliary flush opening assembly 6c2 into one or more, preferably each return flow channel/channels 6b'.
  • the flushing flow arrangement 6 comprises preferably e.g. according to figure 2 a counterpart surface arrangement y for altering direction of primary flushing medium feed flow essentially in connection with the drilling surface P particularly in order to decrease drifting thereof into the soil by decreasing its kinetic energy.
  • the one or more auxiliary distribution channels 6cl are arranged at an essentially sharp angle AN with respect to a plane essentially parallel with the drilling surface/surfaces P; PI, P2 in order to lead the auxiliary flush flow ff toward the return flow opening assembly 6b' o.
  • the auxiliary flush assembly 6c comprises one or more auxiliary distribution channels 6cl going trough the first drilling means 4, such as the first frame part 4a, and ending at the auxiliary flush opening assembly 6c2, such as a hole at a bottom of one or more, preferably each return flow channel/channels 6b', at a distance ey from the drilling surface PI of the first drilling means 4.
  • the diameter of the one or more auxiliary distribution channels 6cl is essentially smaller than the diameter of the one or more primary flushing medium distribution channels 6a2.
  • the diameter is in most cases between 4-20 mm depending on the diameter of the drilling unit 3.
  • the drilling device instead of the type of embodiments shown in the appended drawings, it is naturally possible to use as the drilling device also other drilling devices that are applicable for the same purpose, in which a casing part is being exploited in connection with the drilling so that is most advantageously not rotated when being drawn into the ground. It is not that significant for the method and the apparatus according to the invention, either, how the first and second drilling means are coupled to work, so that most heterogeneous solutions can be exploited as the power transmission assemblies between the same starting from a screw joint locking. Also the casing shoe can be placed in an integrated manner at the end of the casing part etc.

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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)
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  • Earth Drilling (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for down-the-hole drilling, the drilling being carried out by an apparatus, having a drilling device (1) that comprises a casing part (2) and a drilling unit (3), at a drilling head of which there are at least first drilling means (4) and second drilling means (5), removably coupled with each other, and a flushing flow arrangement (6), and whereby the flushing medium is being brought by first flushing means (6a) of the flushing flow arrangement (6) onto the drilling surface (P) and returned from the drilling surface (P) together with the drilling waste by second flushing means (6b) of the flushing flow arrangement (6) through axially directed (s) and in respect with each other separate feed flow and return flow channels (6a', 6b') between the first and second drilling means (4,5). Return flow of flushing medium together with drilling waste through one or more return flow channels (6b') is made more efficient by introducing flushing medium directly from the first flushing means (6a) by means of an auxiliary flush assembly (6c) at a return flow opening assembly (6b'o) of the return flow channel/channels (6b') essentially on the drilling surface (P). The invention also relates to an apparatus applying the method.

Description

Method and apparatus for down-the-hole drilling
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for down-the-hole drilling according to the preambles of the independent claims related thereto.
For example in patent publication FI 75650 there has been presented a boring tool, which is meant for boring and/or hammer drilling, to be used in connection with a drill rod unit placed inside a mantle pipe. The boring tool to be attached at the front end of the drill rod unit has a center drill, being provided with a cutting unit, and an eccentric reaming drill, being placed after the center drill, the reaming drill having also a cutting unit. The reaming drill moves with respect to the center drill between a drilling position, in which it is positioned sidewards in front of the mantle pipe, and a return position, in which it is withdrawn in radial direction inside the mantle pipe. Deviating from earlier solutions, in which the center drill is in most cases provided with four cutting parts directed radially and being made of hard metal, the reamer for its part comprising either one or two radially directed cutting parts made of hard metal, in the solution according to the publication in question, the cutting parts are replaced by bit parts being arranged in a certain manner. With the solution presented in this publication such constructions of the center drill and the reaming drill have been aimed that the operating time of the boring tool will be as long as possible.
A way to carry out overburden drilling in a more developed manner compared to prior art, is formerly known e.g. from Finnish Patent No. 95618. The drilling head of the drilling unit of the drilling apparatus existing inside a casing part or in other words a so called casing pipe according to this patent, is formed of a first frame part and an annular second frame part, in the drilling surfaces of which there has been arranged drilling organs, such as drill bits or like, of the first and second drilling means or in other words of the pilot and the reamer. In this solution the first drilling means that is the first frame part forming the pilot, is being released from the second frame part forming the reamer in order to pull the same alone off from a drilled hole after the drilling situation. In the solution in question the second organs of the flushing means for removal of drilling waste being generated are arranged to lead drilling waste by means of an assembly belonging to the counterpart surface arrangement, which connects the said drilling means together for a drilling situation unrotatively in respect with each other and in both directions longitudinally, which, in other words, is being carried out as an advantageous embodiment by loosening grooves, belonging to a bayonet coupling, placed longitudinally in the outer periphery of the first frame part.
Particularly a so called pile drilling has rapidly become common in making of both so called micro piles and large-diameter foundation piles. An advantage of pile drilling is among other things the fact that drilled piles can be mounted quickly and accurately in a desired position, direction and depth. Straightness of the piles, verification of the bottom and accurate positioning are factors, thanks to which the pile drilling has often taken the place of pile driving particularly in demanding construction sites. A drilled pile displaces a corresponding amount of soil to its volume by bringing up the drilled soil entirely. This is why not any horizontal strains will be caused that might brake surrounding structures, which may take place when piles are rammed. Pile drilling is also relatively silent and quite shakeless (the operating frequency of the hammer is higher than the natural frequencies of soil and structures) when compared to piles being rammed. On the other hand the possibility offered by a drilled pile to get a casing pipe mounted reliably and without efforts even into a sloping rock surface, are superiority factors when comparing the method to piling by digging.
Thus a significant number of superiority factors are related to pile drilling, which in practice very often make the same as the most recommendable alternative. Thanks to the pile drilling being the most efficient piling method also by its production capacity and due to the fact that it enables piling with relatively small, easily transportable, and space-saving machines that can be put quickly into working order, also foundation constructors almost without exception take up a positive attitude towards the same. Pile drilling uses pressurized air for operating the down-the-hole hammer and as the means for bringing up the loosened material. Careless use of air in flushing has brought about, however, some problems, solving of which is necessary for the standpoint of development regarding pile drilling.
Problems caused by flushing air can be devided in two main categories: - Use of flushing air may overdrill an excessive amount of material on surface of the earth, in which case both the foundation to be built and surrounding structures are in danger. This is a typical situation particularly with frictional soil (sand, silt etc.),
- The second problem is due to "pushing" of air into the soil particularly in case of cohesive soil (such as clay) , whereby air may get drifted around load supporting piles (e.g. rammed wood piles) existing in the neighbourhood, in which case weight carrying capacity of the pile (or piles) may decrease very quickly .
Careless use of flushing air has already led to denial of pile drilling by a down-the-hole hammer among other things in some sites, which have been grounded on support of old wood piles driven in cohesive soil, in which case air that has been "escaped" into the soil has caused sudden sinkings and cracks in buildings. On the other hand in some sites, a significantly greater amount of soil has been overdrilled by flushing air than the piles have actually replaced, due to which surrounding buildings have been caused to tilt.
Because down-the-hole hammer drilling is, however, a very efficient way to operate, applicable for all soil circumstances and because the piles erected by the same are straight and reliable, the disadvantages related to its use need to be eliminated in order to enable down- the-hole hammer drilling also in the future.
As stated above, the problems caused by the use of flushing air in down-the-hole hammer drilling are usually due to poor professional skill or carelessness of the operating personnel, but in practice also drill bit structures and drilling techniques may effect essentially to arising of the problems. In this context e.g. drill bits are originally designed usually for rock drilling, whereby the flushing air must first of all be directed as efficiently as possible to the drilled point for removing of the particles quickly in order to avoid multiple crushing, and on the other hand with such a volume (and speed) , that the material gets brought up through the casing. This is why the flushing openings of the drill bits are thus aimed directly at the rock surface. During drilling the flushing air may get back upwards along unbroken walls of a rock hole. The situation is, however, different in overburden drilling, whereby the ground may penetrate air even very easily. In this case turning of the flushing air back to the casing pipe or in connection therewith is very problematic or even impossible, if carried out by traditional drill bits. On the other hand, a large amount of air is needed for lifting of the soil, which leads also to a high velocity inside the casing pipe and to very effective blowing of flushing air directly to the soil.
Thus a very controlled circulation of flushing medium is required particularly in pile drilling, but correspondingly also in any other type of down-the-hole drilling, in which liquid, such as water is being used as flushing medium, so that the flushing medium is mainly returned back on the surface of the earth through the casing pipe, though the soil would be relatively loose. The drilling action must be performed on the other hand in a space protected as well as possible so that the pressure of the ground does not block input openings of the flushing medium or in other words so that the pressure of the flushing medium to be fed exceeds the pressure of the ground and on the other hand so that the easiest way for flushing medium from the drilled point takes place in a desired manner back to the casing pipe. International publication WO 2010/084238 discloses a method and apparatus for down-the-hole drilling, which are meant to overcome the above problems. This solution is based on a construction according to Finnish patent no. 95618 in which, the problems described above have been taken into consideration by a modification of the flushing flow arrangement of the down-the-hole drilling apparatus applied therein. In this case, the flushing medium is being brought onto the drilling surface and returned therefrom by in respect with each other separate and axially directed feed flow and return flow channels, when viewed in a cross-section, between the first and the second drilling means that is on an outer periphery of the first drilling means and/or in an inner periphery of the second drilling means.
The above solution enables extremely simple first drilling means or pilot regarding construction thereof particularly thanks to the fact that the flushing medium is both brought to the drilling surface and removed therefrom together with the drilling waste through a space between the pilot and the reamer, in which case a flushing flow is achieved that circulates very efficiently over the head of the pilot. On the other hand by providing the drilling head with a guide surface arrangement that controls passage of the flushing medium, drifting of the flushing medium to the drilling surface can be secured by simultaneously preventing entering thereof a return flow channel prior to drifting thereof onto the drilling surface.
So, the invention enables thus also use of pressurized air as the flushing medium in a safe manner furthermore e.g. by providing the drilling head of the drilling unit, when needed, with a counterpart surface arrangement, which directs passage of the pressurized air flow so, that it may not get directed to the soil. In practice, when drilling certain kind of soil, a problem has, however, been noticed in the drilling with the type of drilling apparatus according to WO 2010/084238. This problem is caused by bits of rock or stones of certain size that get in front of the return flow openings of the return flow channels on the drilling surface, the openings getting thus blocked by the same along with drilling waste and soil. When a return flow opening gets stuck, the flushing flow circulation will get disturbed, which has a great impact on the whole drilling system in a way that an excessive amount of flushing medium may get drifted into the soil, because returning thereof along with the drilling waste through the return flow channels is not possible or efficient enough. This problem may endanger proper functioning of the drilling apparatus, which otherwise has the capability of avoiding excessive drifting into the ground of e.g. pressurized air, being used as the flushing medium.
It is an aim of the method and apparatus according to the present invention to achieve a decisive improvement in the problem described above and thus to raise essentially the level of prior art. In order to carry out this aim, the method and apparatus according to the invention are mainly characterized by what has been presented in the characterizing parts of the independent claims related thereto.
As the most important advantages of the method and apparatus according to the invention may be mentioned simplicity and efficiency of the constructions and operating principles enabled by the same first of all thanks to the fact that it is possible to exploit therewith drill bit constructions that have already been found technically very well functionable . On the other hand, by providing the drilling head with a guide surface arrangement that controls passage of the flushing medium, drifting of the flushing medium to the drilling surface can be secured by simultaneously preventing entering thereof a return flow channel prior to drifting thereof onto the drilling surface. Return flow of the flushing medium along with the drilling waste is not at risk thanks to an auxiliary flush assembly introducing fresh flushing medium that brings about turbulence at the point of the return flow openings of the return flow channels essentially on the drilling surface that prevents the openings from getting blocked. This is carried out efficiently by an auxiliary flush flow, being led advantageously from a feed channel of the flushing medium at the center of a first frame part, comprising the first drilling means, by one or several auxiliary distribution channels toward the return flow opening assembly at a sharp angle with respect to a plane essentially parallel with the drilling surface/surfaces. In this way the return flow opening assembly is kept clear, thus efficiently preventing interruption of the return flow of the flushing medium along with the drilling waste.
Tthe invention enables also use of pressurized air as the flushing medium in a safe way by making sure adequate functioning of the return flow of the flushing flow arrangement without a risk of the return flow openings getting stuck. By virtue of the above among other things overdrilling and foundations of surrounding structures getting damaged can be avoided, which is nowadays being tried to prevent when drilling by present technique e.g. by protective pilings limiting the drilling site, which become naturally disproportionately expensive. With the method and apparatus according to the invention, bringing about an improvement of safety, it is thus possible to achieve also clear savings in performing of the drilling itself . Advantageous embodiments of the method and apparatus according to the invention have been presented in the dependent claims related thereto.
In the following description the invention is depicted in detail with reference to the appended drawings, in which in figure 1
is shown a partial longitudinal cross- sectional view of a drilling device construction presenting prior art, in figure 2
is shown a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an advantageous drilling device according to WO 2010/084238, and in figure 3
is shown a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an advantageous drilling device belonging to the apparatus applying the method according to the invention, in figure 4
is shown a perspective view of the embodiment shown in figure 3 as seen from the front, and in figure 5
is shown a front view of the embodiment according to figures 3 and 4. The invention relates to a method for down-the-hole drilling, the drilling being carried out by an apparatus, having a drilling device 1 that comprises a casing part 2 and an at least during a drilling situation essentially inside thereof existing drilling unit 3, at a drilling head of which there are at least first drilling means 4 for drilling a center hole, second drilling means 5 for reaming the center hole for the casing part 2 and a flushing flow arrangement 6 for leading of a flushing medium onto a drilling surface P and for returning of drilling waste at least partly internally inside the casing part 2. The first drilling means 4 are coupled with the second drilling means 5 first of all power-transmittedly in order to carry out cooperation thereof at least during a drilling situation with the second drilling means 5 for a rotational motion w4, a feeding motion z4 and/or a hammering motion t4, and on the other hand removably in order to enable removal thereof from the hole. The casing part 2 is arranged to be drawn into a hole to be drilled by the drilling unit 3 typically by means of a casing shoe 8. Furthermore the flushing medium is being brought by first flushing means 6a of the flushing flow arrangement 6 onto the drilling surface P and returned from the drilling surface P together with the drilling waste by second flushing means 6b of the flushing flow arrangement 6 through axially directed s and in respect with each other separate feed flow and return flow channels 6a' , 6b' that exist, when viewed in a cross section, between the first and second drilling means 4, 5 that is on an outer periphery of the first drilling means 4 and/or an inner periphery of the second drilling means 5. With reference to figures 3-5 return flow of flushing medium together with drilling waste through one or more return flow channels 6b' is made more efficient by introducing flushing medium directly from the first flushing means 6a by means of an auxiliary flush assembly 6c at a return flow opening assembly 6b' o of the return flow channel/channels 6b' essentially on the drilling surface P.
As an advantageous embodiment, with reference to figure 3 in particular, the drilling head of the drilling device 1 is formed of a first frame part 4a and a second frame part 5a, the drilling surfaces P; PI, P2 of which being provided with drilling organs of the first and the second drilling means 4, 5, such as an integrated drilling part, separate drilling pieces, bits or like. A rotationally symmetrical reamer is being used as the second drilling means 5 that has an essentially continuing drilling surface radially, when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction s of the drilling unit 3. The flushing medium is being led from a flushing medium feed channel 6al, being led centrically to the first drilling means 4, such as the first frame part 4a, by one or more distribution channels 6a2 directed outward therefrom into one or more feed flow channels 6a' on the outer periphery of the first drilling means 4, such as the first frame part 4a, at a distance e from the drilling surface PI of the first drilling means. Furthermore passage of the flushing medium onto the drilling surface P is preferably guided e.g. according to figure 2 by a guide surface arrangement X existing at the drilling head of the drilling unit 3, such as in connection with the first and/or the second drilling means 4, 5, by means of which returning of the flushing medium feed flow from the feed flow channel 6a' to a return flow space 6bl is prevented prior to drifting thereof onto the drilling surface P. An auxiliary flush flow ff is led from the flushing medium feed channel 6al by one or more auxiliary distribution channels 6cl, being directed radially outward therefrom, through an auxiliary flush opening assembly 6c2 into one or more, preferably each return flow channel/channels 6b'. Direction of primary flushing medium feed flow is preferably altered e.g. according to figure 2 by a counterpart surface arrangement y essentially in connection with the drilling surface P particularly in order to decrease drifting thereof into the soil by decreasing its kinetic energy. As a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the auxiliary flush flow ff is being led toward the return flow opening assembly 6b' o essentially at a sharp angle AN with respect to a plane essentially parallel with the drilling surface/surfaces
P; PI, P2. The invention also relates to an apparatus for down- the-hole drilling applying the method described above that has a drilling device 1 comprising a casing part 2 and an at least during a drilling situation essentially inside thereof existing drilling unit 3, at a drilling head of which there are at least first drilling means 4 for drilling a center hole, second drilling means 5 for reaming the center hole for the casing part 2 and a flushing flow arrangement 6 for leading of a flushing medium onto a drilling surface P and for returning of drilling waste at least partly internally inside the casing part 2. The first drilling means 4 are coupled with the second drilling means 5 first of all power-transmittedly in order to carry out cooperation thereof at least during a drilling situation with the second drilling means 5 for a rotational motion w4, a feeding motion z4 and/or a hammering motion t4, and on the other hand removably in order to enable removal thereof from the hole. The casing part 2 is arranged to be drawn into a hole to be drilled by the drilling unit 3 typically by means of a casing shoe 8.
Furthermore the flushing flow arrangement 6 comprises axially directed s and in respect with each other separate feed flow and return flow channels 6a' , 6b' both for bringing of the flushing medium onto the drilling surface P by means of the first flushing means 6a of the flushing flow arrangement 6 and returning thereof from the drilling surface P together with the drilling waste by means of second flushing means 6b of the flushing flow arrangement 6, the channels existing, when viewed in a cross-section, between the first and the second drilling means 3, 4 that is on an outer periphery of the first drilling means 4 and/or an inner periphery of the second drilling means 5. With reference to figure 3-5, the apparatus comprises an auxiliary flush assembly 6c for introducing flushing medium directly from the first flushing means 6a at a return flow opening assembly 6b' o of the return flow channel/channels 6b' essentially on the drilling surface P in order to make more efficient return flow of flushing medium together with drilling waste through the one or more return flow channels 6b' .
As an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus with reference to figure 3 in particular, the drilling head of the drilling device 1 is formed of a first frame part 4a and a second frame part 5a, the drilling surfaces P; PI, P2 of which being provided with drilling organs of the first and the second drilling means 4, 5, such as an integrated drilling part, separate drilling pieces, bits or like. A rotationally symmetrical reamer is being used as the second drilling means 5 that has an essentially continuing drilling surface radially, when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction s of the drilling unit 3. The first flushing means 6a of the flushing flow arrangement 6 comprise a flushing medium feed channel 6al, being arranged centrically in the first drilling means 4, such as the first frame part 4a, and one or more distribution channels 6a2, being directed outward therefrom, in order to lead the flushing medium into the feed flow channel/channels 6a' on the outer periphery of the first drilling means 4, such as the first frame part 4a, at a distance e from the drilling surface PI of the first drilling means. Furthermore the flushing flow arrangement 6 comprises preferably e.g. according to figure 2 a guide surface arrangement X for guiding passage of the flushing medium onto the drilling surface P at the drilling head of the drilling unit 3, which guide surface arrangement X prevents returning of the flushing medium feed flow from the feed flow channel 6a' to a return flow space 6bl prior to drifting thereof onto the drilling surface P. The auxiliary flush assembly 6c comprises one or more auxiliary distribution channels 6cl, being directed radially outward from the flushing medium feed channel 6al, in order to lead an auxiliary flush flow ff from the flushing medium feed channel 6al through an auxiliary flush opening assembly 6c2 into one or more, preferably each return flow channel/channels 6b'.
The flushing flow arrangement 6 comprises preferably e.g. according to figure 2 a counterpart surface arrangement y for altering direction of primary flushing medium feed flow essentially in connection with the drilling surface P particularly in order to decrease drifting thereof into the soil by decreasing its kinetic energy. The one or more auxiliary distribution channels 6cl are arranged at an essentially sharp angle AN with respect to a plane essentially parallel with the drilling surface/surfaces P; PI, P2 in order to lead the auxiliary flush flow ff toward the return flow opening assembly 6b' o.
As an advantageous embodiment, the auxiliary flush assembly 6c comprises one or more auxiliary distribution channels 6cl going trough the first drilling means 4, such as the first frame part 4a, and ending at the auxiliary flush opening assembly 6c2, such as a hole at a bottom of one or more, preferably each return flow channel/channels 6b', at a distance ey from the drilling surface PI of the first drilling means 4.
As a further advantageous embodiment, the diameter of the one or more auxiliary distribution channels 6cl is essentially smaller than the diameter of the one or more primary flushing medium distribution channels 6a2. In most typical drillings the diameter is in most cases between 4-20 mm depending on the diameter of the drilling unit 3. It is clear that the invention is not limited to the embodiments presented or described above, but instead it can be modified within the basic idea of the invention according to the needs at any given time. It is thus clear that the constructions of the drilling heads being illustrated in the appended drawings may vary in practice very much merely when being carried out with differing diameters. Instead of the type of embodiments shown in the appended drawings, it is naturally possible to use as the drilling device also other drilling devices that are applicable for the same purpose, in which a casing part is being exploited in connection with the drilling so that is most advantageously not rotated when being drawn into the ground. It is not that significant for the method and the apparatus according to the invention, either, how the first and second drilling means are coupled to work, so that most heterogeneous solutions can be exploited as the power transmission assemblies between the same starting from a screw joint locking. Also the casing shoe can be placed in an integrated manner at the end of the casing part etc.

Claims

Claims :
1. Method for down- the-hole drilling, the drilling being carried out by an apparatus, having a drilling device (1) that comprises a casing part (2) and an at least during a drilling situation essentially inside thereof existing drilling unit (3), at a drilling head of which there are at least first drilling means (4) for drilling a center hole, second drilling means (5) for reaming the center hole for the casing part (2) and a flushing flow arrangement (6) for leading of a flushing medium onto a drilling surface (P) and for returning of drilling waste at least partly internally inside the casing part (2), whereby the first drilling means (4) are coupled with the second drilling means (5) first of all power-transmittedly in order to carry out cooperation thereof at least during a drilling situation with the second drilling means (5) for a rotational motion (w4), a feeding motion (z4) and/or a hammering motion (t4), and on the other hand removably in order to enable removal thereof from the hole, whereby the casing part (2) is arranged to be drawn into a hole to be drilled by the drilling unit (3) , and whereby the flushing medium is being brought by first flushing means (6a) of the flushing flow arrangement (6) onto the drilling surface (P) and returned from the drilling surface (P) together with the drilling waste by second flushing means (6b) of the flushing flow arrangement (6) through axially directed (s) and in respect with each other separate feed flow and return flow channels (6a', 6b') that exist, when viewed in a cross section, between the first and second drilling means (4, 5) that is on an outer periphery of the first drilling means (4) and/or an inner periphery of the second drilling means (5) , characterized in that return flow of flushing medium together with drilling waste through one or more return flow channels (6b') is made more efficient by introducing flushing medium directly from the first flushing means (6a) by means of an auxiliary flush assembly (6c) at a return flow opening assembly (6b' o) of the return flow channel/channels (6b') essentially on the drilling surface (P) .
2. Method according to claim 1 when operating with a drilling apparatus, in which the drilling head of the drilling device (1) is formed of a first frame part (4a) and a second frame part (5a) , the drilling surfaces (P; PI, P2) of which being provided with drilling organs of the first and the second drilling means (4, 5), such as an integrated drilling part, separate drilling pieces, bits or like, whereby a rotationally symmetrical reamer is being used as the second drilling means (5) that has an essentially continuing drilling surface radially, when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (s) of the drilling unit (3), whereby the flushing medium is being led from a flushing medium feed channel
(6al), being led centrically to the first drilling means (4), such as the first frame part (4a), by one or more distribution channels (6a2) directed outward therefrom into one or more feed flow channels (6a') on the outer periphery of the first drilling means (4), such as the first frame part (4a) , at a distance (e) from the drilling surface (PI) of the first drilling means, and whereby passage of the flushing medium onto the drilling surface (P) is preferably guided by a guide surface arrangement (X) existing at the drilling head of the drilling unit (3) , such as in connection with the first and/or the second drilling means (4, 5), by means of which returning of the flushing medium feed flow from the feed flow channel (6a') to the return flow space (6bl) is prevented prior to drifting thereof onto the drilling surface (P) , characterized in that an auxiliary flush flow (ff) is led from the flushing medium feed channel (6al) by one or more auxiliary distribution channels (6cl), being directed radially outward therefrom, through an auxiliary flush opening assembly (6c2) into the one or more, preferably each return flow channel/channels (6b').
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, whereby direction of primary flushing medium feed flow is preferably altered by a counterpart surface arrangement (y) essentially in connection with the drilling surface (P) particularly in order to decrease drifting thereof into the soil by decreasing its kinetic energy, characterized in that the auxiliary flush flow (ff) is being led essentially toward a return flow opening assembly (6b' o) at a sharp angle (AN) with respect to a plane essentially parallel with the drilling surface/surfaces (P; PI, P2).
4. Apparatus for down-the-hole drilling having a drilling device (1) that comprises a casing part (2) and an at least during a drilling situation essentially inside thereof existing drilling unit (3) , at a drilling head of which there are at least first drilling means (4) for drilling a center hole, second drilling means (5) for reaming the center hole for the casing part (2) and a flushing flow arrangement (6) for leading of a flushing medium onto a drilling surface (P) and for returning of drilling waste at least partly internally inside the casing part (2), whereby the first drilling means (4) are coupled with the second drilling means (5) first of all power-transmittedly in order to carry out cooperation thereof at least during a drilling situation with the second drilling means (5) for a rotational motion (w4), a feeding motion (z4) and/or a hammering motion (t4), and on the other hand removably in order to enable removal thereof from the hole, whereby the casing part (2) is arranged to be drawn into a hole to be drilled by the drilling unit (3), and whereby the flushing flow arrangement (6) comprises axially directed (s) and in respect with each other separate feed flow and return flow channels (6a', 6b' ) both for bringing of the flushing medium onto the drilling surface (P) by means of the first flushing means (6a) of the flushing flow arrangement (6) and returning thereof from the drilling surface (P) together with the drilling waste by means of second flushing means (6b) of the flushing flow arrangement (6), the channels existing, when viewed in a cross- section, between the first and the second drilling means (3, 4) that is on an outer periphery of the first drilling means (4) and/or an inner periphery of the second drilling means (5), characterized in that the apparatus comprises an auxiliary flush assembly (6c) for introducing flushing medium directly from the first flushing means (6a) at a return flow opening assembly (6b' o) of the return flow channel/channels (6b') essentially on the drilling surface (P) in order to make more efficient return flow of flushing medium together with drilling waste through the one or more return flow channels (6b') .
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, in which the drilling head of the drilling device (1) is formed of a first frame part (4a) and a second frame part (5a) , the drilling surfaces (P; PI, P2) of which being provided with drilling organs of the first and the second drilling means (4, 5), such as an integrated drilling part, separate drilling pieces, bits or like, whereby a rotationally symmetrical reamer is being used as the second drilling means (5) that has an essentially continuing drilling surface radially, when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (s) of the drilling unit (3) , whereby the first flushing means (6a) of the flushing flow arrangement
(6) comprise a flushing medium feed channel (6al), being arranged centrically in the first drilling means (4), such as the first frame part (4a), and one or more distribution channels (6a2), being directed outward therefrom, in order to lead the flushing medium into one or more feed flow channels (6a') on the outer periphery of the first drilling means (4), such as the first frame part (4a) , at a distance (e) from the drilling surface (PI) of the first drilling means, and whereby the flushing flow arrangement (6) comprises preferably a guide surface arrangement (X) for guiding passage of the flushing medium onto the drilling surface (P) at the drilling head of the drilling unit
(3) , which guide surface arrangement (X) prevents returning of the flushing medium feed flow from the feed flow channel (6a') to a return flow space (6bl) prior to drifting thereof onto the drilling surface (P) , characterized in that the auxiliary flush assembly
(6c) comprises one or more auxiliary distribution channels (6cl), being directed radially outward from the flushing medium feed channel (6al), in order to lead an auxiliary flush flow (ff) from the flushing medium feed channel (6al) through an auxiliary flush opening assembly (6c2) into the one or more, preferably each return flow channel/channels (6b' )·
6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, whereby the flushing flow arrangement (6) comprises preferably a counterpart surface arrangement (y) for altering direction of primary flushing medium feed flow essentially in connection with the drilling surface (P) particularly in order to decrease drifting thereof into the soil by decreasing its kinetic energy, characterized in that the one or more auxiliary distribution channels (6cl) are arranged at an essentially sharp angle (AN) with respect to a plane essentially parallel with the drilling surface/surfaces (P; PI, P2) in order to lead the auxiliary flush flow
(ff) toward the return flow opening assembly (6b' o) .
7. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 4-6, characterized in that the auxiliary flush assembly (6c) comprises one or more auxiliary distribution channels (6cl) going trough the first drilling means (4), such as the first frame part (4a), and ending at an auxiliary flush opening assembly (6c2), such as a hole at a bottom of the return flow channel (6b')/ at a distance (ey) from the drilling surface (PI) of the first drilling means (4) .
8. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 4-7, characterized in that diameter of the one or more auxiliary distribution channels (6cl) is essentially smaller than the diameter of the one or more primary flushing medium distribution channels (6a2) .
EP12839207.3A 2012-07-12 2012-07-12 Method and apparatus for down-the-hole drilling Active EP2675982B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/FI2012/050729 WO2013156667A1 (en) 2012-07-12 2012-07-12 Method and apparatus for down-the-hole drilling

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EP2675982A1 true EP2675982A1 (en) 2013-12-25
EP2675982A4 EP2675982A4 (en) 2015-12-30
EP2675982B1 EP2675982B1 (en) 2018-05-09

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WO (1) WO2013156667A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE421551B (en) 1980-03-26 1982-01-04 Sandvik Ab DRILLING TOOL FOR ROTATION AND / OR DRILLING
FI95618C (en) 1992-12-03 1998-09-03 Jorma Jaervelae Downhole
FI20010699A0 (en) * 2001-04-04 2001-04-04 Jorma Jaervelae Method of drilling and drilling
US7182156B2 (en) * 2003-06-12 2007-02-27 Luc Charland System for overburden drilling
ATE369481T1 (en) * 2005-06-10 2007-08-15 Geomechanik Wasser Und Umweltt COUNTERSUNK HAMMER DRILLING APPARATUS AND METHOD
DE102005026921A1 (en) * 2005-06-10 2006-12-21 Geomechanik Wasser- Und Umwelttechnik Gmbh Hammer-drilling arrangement for drilling purposes comprises a hammer-drill head, a flushing medium supply unit, a drill pipe with a conveying channel for the drillings and an overlaying pipe connected to a drilling crown
FI20095046A0 (en) * 2009-01-21 2009-01-21 Atlas Copco Rotex Ab Oy Method and device for submersible drilling

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2013156667A1 *

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WO2013156667A1 (en) 2013-10-24
EP2675982A4 (en) 2015-12-30

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