EP4013949B1 - Underground drilling rig and method for erecting same - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a drilling rig constructed and operated underground, referred to below as an underground drilling rig, and to a method for constructing the same.

Drilling rigs, namely drilling rigs for sinking deep boreholes in hydrocarbon deposits or for developing geothermal energy are known per se in principle. Such drilling rigs are conventionally designed as land drilling rigs or as so-called offshore drilling rigs. From the U.S. 2,331,072 , the U.S. 2,989,294 , the U.S. 8,343,132 and the EP 2 245 256 A1 a method and a device for sinking a deep well underground are known. Operating a drilling rig underground has the advantage that the drilling rig does not appear visually or acoustically above ground and the drilling rig does not require any space above ground. In a particularly preferred embodiment, no structural measures above ground are required for setting up the drilling rig at the position of the deep well.

In order to erect the underground drilling rig below ground, which is sometimes briefly referred to as drilling rig, a tunnel is driven into the rock. The term "mountains" is to be understood in the sense of the so-called miners' language and describes the material of the earth's crust, in particular rock, into which mines (shafts, tunnels, etc.) are driven. The tunnel driven into the rock to set up the drilling rig comprises at least one horizontal section or at least a substantially horizontal section. This is referred to below as the production tunnel. A vertical shaft descends from this production adit. This is referred to below as the mast shaft. The mast shaft is preferably, but not necessarily, a blind shaft, ie a shaft that does not reach the surface. The The drilling rig is set up in the production tunnel and below the mast shaft and partly into the mast shaft. The production tunnel and the mast shaft and their creation are not the subject of the innovation presented here.

The innovation is a method for erecting a drilling rig (underground drilling rig) in such a production tunnel and in the area of a mast shaft there, as well as a drilling rig constructed according to the method (underground drilling rig).

The subject method is a method for erecting a drilling rig (underground drilling rig) for sinking deep wells, sometimes referred to below as wells for short, namely deep wells on hydrocarbon deposits or for the development of geothermal energy or other valuable materials or deep wells for research purposes, in a for example by means of a Tunnel boring machine in a tunnel excavated in a mountain range. The lug includes a horizontal or at least substantially horizontal section. Here and in the following, this is referred to as a production tunnel. The production tunnel or at least a section of the production tunnel acts as a production line when the drilling rig is set up and during subsequent drilling operations. The terms "horizontal section of adit", "production adit" and "production line" mean the same thing. A vertical section/shaft extends from the production adit. This is referred to here and in the following and to distinguish it from the production tunnel as a mast shaft.

It should already be pointed out that in the description presented here and the claims, terms and directions such as "horizontal", "vertical", "parallel", "aligned" and the like are always used as "horizontal or at least essentially horizontal", "vertical or at least essentially vertical" and so on. It comes down to an exactly horizontal or an exactly vertical orientation or an exactly parallel or an exactly flush alignment and so on does not apply to the innovation proposed here. For this reason, alignments or orientations that are only approximately horizontal, vertical, parallel, aligned and so on are sufficient. In the interest of better readability of the following description, this is continued with brief directional and orientation information, namely "horizontal", "vertical", "parallel" and the like, whereby the general form formulated above is always meant and should be read accordingly.

• Anheben eines Kronenlagers der Bohranlage aus dem Produktionsstollen und in den Mastschacht sowie
• vertikales Fixieren des Kronenlagers im Mastschacht in einem Abstand von einer Decke des Produktionsstollens,
• wobei der Abstand zumindest der Länge mindestens einer Bohrstange der Bohranlage entspricht.

The construction of the drilling rig (underground drilling rig) according to the approach proposed here takes place in the production tunnel and in the area of the mast shaft there. During operation of the drilling rig, the basically known handling of drill rod elements takes place in the mast shaft. Handling of drill string members includes connecting drill string members to the drill string in what is known as running a drill string and detaching drill string members from the drill string in what is referred to as removing a drill string. The drilling operation of the drilling rig takes place underground in principle in the manner known from land drilling rigs or offshore drilling rigs and accordingly does not require any further description here. For general orientation, it should be noted that the raising or lowering of the drill string in the borehole is effected in the mast shaft underground and that a longitudinal axis of the drill string above the bottom of the production tunnel is parallel or at least substantially parallel to the vertical axis/vertical axis of the mast shaft. The method proposed here for setting up or during the setting up of the drilling rig (underground drilling rig) includes at least the following method steps in a variant that is not claimed:

• Raising a crown bearing of the drilling rig out of the production tunnel and into the mast shaft as well
• vertical fixing of the crown bearing in the mast shaft at a distance from a ceiling of the production tunnel,
• wherein the distance corresponds at least to the length of at least one drill rod of the drilling rig.

This variant relates to a drilling rig (underground drilling rig) in which the drilling string is raised and lowered by means of a hoist belonging to the drilling rig and a block and tackle system. In the case of a drilling rig, the block and tackle system includes the crown bearing and a crown block there, as well as a vertically movable block hanging under the crown block, the so-called traveling block. The crown block and the traveling block act as the upper block and lower block of the pulley system. In a corresponding variant, this also applies to the drilling rig proposed here (underground drilling rig). The drill string hangs directly or indirectly on the bottom block. The crown bearing must be at a certain height above the so-called drill floor so that drill rods or drill string trains - here and below collectively referred to as drill rod element or drill rod elements - can be used when installing and removing the drill string above the drill floor. In the case of a functional indication of the height of the crown bearing above the drill floor, this can be related to the drill rod elements intended for use in drilling operations, namely a single drill rod (so-called single) or drill rods combined to form drill rod trains (so-called doubles, triples, etc.): According to this, the Distance (height) of the crown bearing from the drill floor at least large enough that between the drill floor and the crown bearing in each case one of the drill rod elements provided for use in the drilling rig, the respective drive device for rotating the drill string (drill string drive unit), in the case of a drilling rig with a so-called top drive, i.e. the top drive, and the pulley system can be accommodated. In fact, the distance is increased by a margin of safety and mobility (a measure of safety and mobility) to allow mobility of said units above the drill floor. These conditions (necessary distance of the crown bearing from the drill floor) also apply to the drilling rig proposed here (underground drilling rig). In previous drilling rigs (land drilling rig, offshore drilling rig), the necessary height of the crown bearing is achieved by means of a drilling mast (derrick). The drill mast also absorbs the forces (weight of the drill string) that act on the bit bearing and the drill mast when drilling directs the occurring forces directly or indirectly into the subsoil in the area of the drilling rig. In the case of an underground drilling rig, there are additional possibilities for dissipating these forces. In a downhole rig, as in previous rigs, a mast (or derrick) can be used to dissipate these forces. The mast (referred to below as mast structure) is then erected in the mast shaft and the conditions basically result as in previous drilling rigs. However, wind loads and the like, for example, do not have to be taken into account, so that the mast of the underground drilling rig can be designed in a correspondingly simpler manner in terms of statics. Since the mast can be supported along the mast shaft, operation with longer drill rod trains (quadruple or quintuple trains) is also possible. As a result, a reduction in the so-called setback area is advantageously possible. A reduction in the setback area is particularly advantageous in a narrow mast shaft. Longer drill strings are also advantageous for the so-called trip speed. What is essential, however, is that for the first time in an underground drilling rig there is the possibility of doing without a mast to absorb the forces acting on the crown bearing. For this purpose, the crown bearing is fixed in the mast shaft itself, for example, basically at the same height as when using a drilling mast, and reference is made to the above statements regarding the necessary distance between the crown bearing and the drill floor (height of the crown bearing above the drill floor). With such an attachment in the mast shaft, the forces acting on the crown bearing are diverted into the mast shaft wall and the surrounding mountains; the mast shaft acts as a kind of mast. Another possibility is to hang the crown bearing in the mast shaft, so to speak. The forces acting on the crown bearing are then absorbed by the crown bearing suspension. The suspension (at least a steel cable or the like) extends from the crown bearing to the surface (above ground) and the suspension can, for example, lead through a ventilation shaft or the like starting from the mast shaft. Above ground, the suspension ends, for example, in a foundation there. Alternatively, the crown bearing can also be suspended from the ceiling of the mast shaft.

Each of the two variants outlined (fixation of the crown bearing in the mast shaft for dissipating the forces into the mast shaft wall; suspension of the crown bearing in the mast shaft and absorption of the forces by the suspension of the crown bearing) belongs - as a fundamentally optional partial aspect - to the innovation proposed here. Both variants can also be combined and such a combination is also part of the innovation proposed here - as a fundamentally optional partial aspect.

In the method outlined above for erecting a drilling rig (underground drilling rig) proposed here, the focus is on attaching the crown bearing at the necessary height, i.e. at a necessary distance from the drill floor of an existing or possibly later erected substructure of the drilling rig. Due to the possibilities of attaching the crown bearing without a drilling mast, which are also outlined above, the possible erection of a drilling mast takes a back seat and the erection of a drilling mast is only optional. If a drilling mast is erected, this is preferably done together with the lifting of the crown bearing in the mast shaft or as a subsequent process step after the crown bearing has been raised in the mast shaft.

In the proposed method, the crown bearing is lifted out of the production tunnel into the mast shaft. When the required height is reached (necessary distance from the drill floor as described above), the crown bearing is fixed in the mast shaft. The fixation is at least a vertical fixation (fixation in the direction of the vertical axis of the mast shaft). The vertical fixation takes place at a distance from a ceiling of the production gallery. This distance corresponds at least to the length of at least one drill rod of the drilling rig.

The distance related to the ceiling of the production tunnel, i.e. the height of the crown bearing in the tower shaft related to the ceiling of the production tunnel, is a definition of the height without reference to the drill floor of the drilling rig that may arise later. The level of the drillfloor will be in the production tunnel between the floor of the production tunnel and its ceiling. When installing and removing the drill string, at least one drill rod is moved, ie connected to the drill string or detached from the drill string, both with a vertical orientation of the at least one drill rod. Even if the drill floor is well below the production adit ceiling, the definition of the distance of the bit bed from the production adit ceiling (the height of the bit bed above the production adit ceiling) in relation to the length of at least one drill rod of the drilling rig is correct, because the height corresponds at least the length of at least one boring bar. According to the definition, the height can also be greater than the length of exactly one drill rod, for example if the use of so-called doubles (two drill rods; a drill string comprising two drill rods) or triples (three drill rods; a drill string comprising three drill rods) etc. (drill strings with more than three drill rods) is provided. However, the height can also be greater than the length of at least one drill rod for the reason that there is space for a pulley system and, for example, a top drive. This required additional vertical height of the crown bearing over and above the height required due to the length of the at least one drill rod is taken into account by defining the distance from the roof of the production adit (height of the crown bearing above the roof of the production adit) with the word "at least" - " at least the length [...] of a boring bar". An exact definition of the required height of the bit bearing (either above the ceiling of the production tunnel or above the level of the drill floor) is not possible for any variant of an underground drilling rig and the specific height depends, for example, on whether a topdrive is used to rotate the drill string or another drill string drive unit is used, how large is the minimum distance between the upper block (crown bearing/crown block) and the lower block (travelling block) of the pulley system on which, for example, the topdrive hangs, and so on.

The crown bearing in the mast shaft can be raised, for example, with ropes guided in the mast shaft and in a ventilation shaft adjoining the mast shaft and with a hoist placed above ground or another pulling or lifting unit. Alternative, fundamentally optional options for raising the crown bearing in the mast shaft are described below.

In one embodiment of the method, it is provided that, before the method step of raising the crown bearing in the mast shaft, it also includes the method step of erecting an erecting structure in the production gallery and below the mast shaft. The crown bearing is then raised from the erecting structure and into the mast shaft. The lifting construction creates defined and safe conditions for the positioning of the crown bearing before lifting and during lifting.

The advantage of the proposed innovation consists in the fundamental possibility of constructing a drilling rig underground and the simple possibility of constructing such a drilling rig by placing the crown bearing of the drilling rig in the vertical mast shaft extending from the production tunnel. Following the proposed lifting and fixing of the crown bearing in the mast shaft, the construction of the drilling rig is continued with method steps that are basically known per se (from land drilling rigs or offshore drilling rigs).

It was pointed out above that on a drilling rig (downhole rig) a pulley system is only one way of raising and lowering the drill string. A further variant of the method proposed here for setting up a drilling rig (underground drilling rig) relates to a drilling rig in which the drilling string is raised and lowered without a lifting gear and block and tackle system. Then a drive device for rotating the drill string (drill string drive unit), for example a top drive, is vertical by means of a drive device and/or a lifting device emotional. For example, a rack and pinion drive or an electromagnetic linear drive can be considered as the drive device for the vertical movement of the drill string drive unit. A hydraulic cylinder, in particular a telescoping hydraulic cylinder, can be considered, for example, as a lifting device for the vertical movement of the drill string drive unit. Such drive or lifting devices as well as the movement sequences resulting during drilling operation during the vertical movement of the respective drill string drive unit are known per se, so that no further explanation is necessary here and reference is made to the prior art.

Because such a drilling rig (underground drilling rig) without a pulley system does not require a crown stock, the method for constructing such a drilling rig underground cannot be defined with reference to a crown stock. In the case of such a drilling rig intended for sinking deep boreholes of the type mentioned above, the method for erecting it in a tunnel driven into a mountain, which comprises a horizontal section functioning as a production tunnel and production line, from which a vertical section branches off as a mast shaft, is characterized characterized in that a mast structure (drilling mast structure) is erected in the mast shaft and from the production tunnel into the mast shaft (i.e. "from bottom to top" so to speak) by means of an erecting construction in the production tunnel and starting from the production tunnel, and that the mast structure has a plurality of by means of the erecting construction successive erectable / erected mast segments. The erecting structure is located in the production tunnel and is erected there—in an introductory process step that is optionally part of the method proposed here—for example on the floor of the production tunnel. The mast structure includes the plurality of mast segments as interconnected or interconnectable mast segments. In the case of mast segments connected to one another, these are already connected to one another when the mast structure is erected connected, for example hinged together. In the case of mast segments that can be connected to one another, these are connected to one another at the latest after the mast structure has been erected. The mast structure acts as a guide and torque support for a drill string drive unit, for example a topdrive.

The mast structure can carry a crown bearing in a fundamentally optional manner. The crown bearing, the crown block there and the so-called traveling block and the block and tackle system formed with it then act as a lifting device for the respective drill string drive unit. In a corresponding, fundamentally optional, advantageous embodiment of a method for erecting a drilling rig (underground drilling rig) with such a mast structure and by means of an erecting construction, it is provided that, as part of the method, the crown bearing in the mast shaft is raised and the crown bearing is vertically fixed and on the other hand, the construction of the mast structure takes place in the mast shaft. The crown bearing can be raised during the erection of the mast structure and by means of the mast structure, such that the mast structure carries the crown bearing and the crown bearing is also raised when the mast structure is raised into the mast shaft. Raising the crown bearing and raising the mast structure into the mast shaft can also be done independently. Then the crown bearing is first raised in the mast shaft and fixed there vertically, and then the mast structure is raised into the mast shaft. Then the crown bearing and the mast structure can be connected to each other. If the crown bearing is raised by means of the mast structure and is accordingly connected to the mast structure from the start, or if the crown bearing is raised independently of the mast structure in the mast shaft and the crown bearing is only connected to the mast structure after the mast structure has been erected, the connection is effected of the crown bearing and mast structure, that the mast structure absorbs at least part of the forces later acting on the crown bearing during drilling operation. In addition, the mast structure acts as a guide and/or as a torque arm for the respective drill string drive unit. The crown camp and the Mast structures can also remain independent of each other, so that - as described above - the forces acting on the crown bearing during drilling operations are diverted, for example, into the mast shaft wall. The mast structure then functions essentially only as a guide and/or as a torque support for the respective drill string drive unit.

Here, too, the advantage of the proposed innovation is the fundamental possibility of erecting a drilling rig underground and the simple possibility of erecting such a drilling rig by erecting a mast structure comprising several mast segments in the vertical mast shaft starting from the production tunnel. Here, too, following the erection of the mast structure proposed here in the mast shaft, the erection of the drilling rig is continued with method steps that are essentially known per se (from land drilling rigs or offshore drilling rigs).

From the one mentioned above U.S. 8,343,132 a method for erecting a drilling rig is known. However, in contrast to the proposal according to the description presented here, the drilling rig is erected there above ground and not "from the bottom up", but by means of a kind of elevator. In the U.S. 8,343,132 when erecting the mast structure there, it is raised by means of the mast segment that can be moved by the elevator and a subsequent mast segment hangs under the mast segment that can be moved by means of the elevator, and the entire mast structure is lowered together with the mast segment hanging thereon onto the next following mast segment.

Advantageous configurations of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims. References used here indicate the further development of the subject matter of the main claim through the features of the respective dependent claim. They are not to be understood as a waiver of the achievement of an independent, objective protection for the feature combinations of the back-related understand subclaims. Furthermore, with regard to an interpretation of the claims in the case of a more detailed specification of a feature in a subordinate claim, it must be assumed that such a restriction does not exist in the respective preceding claims. Finally, it should be pointed out that the method specified here can also be developed in accordance with the dependent device claims and vice versa.

Since the subject-matter of the subclaims can form separate and independent inventions with regard to the state of the art on the priority date, the applicant reserves the right to make them the subject-matter of independent claims or declarations of division. You can continue to make independent inventions included, which have a design independent of the objects of the preceding subclaims.

In the method according to the invention for erecting a drilling rig (underground drilling rig) underground, which also includes the erection of a mast structure, it is provided that the erecting structure is successively supplied with mast segments in a horizontal orientation on an input side of the erecting structure, that by means of the erecting structure in the area at least one mast segment is erected in a vertical orientation into the mast shaft or at least pointing into the mast shaft on an output side of the erecting structure, and that when further mast segments are fed in on the output side, the or each mast segment that has already been vertically erected is raised into the mast shaft.

The total number of mast segments successively fed on the input side naturally depends on the desired height of the mast structure and, for example, for a height of a mast structure for a drilling rig, six mast segments are successively fed to the erection construction and for a height of the mast structure for another drilling rig, the erection construction for example eight or nine mast segments are fed. The stated numerical values are expressly to be understood as examples only.

A first mast segment fed to the erecting construction is erected by means of the erecting construction and initially remains in the erected alignment in/on the erecting construction. A second mast segment supplied to the erecting structure comes into contact with the first, already erected mast segment at the latest when it is being erected, and to a certain extent displaces it from its previous position. This displacement causes the first, already vertically erected mast segment to be lifted into the mast shaft. This is repeated when further mast segments are successively fed in and in the course of their erection by means of the erection construction.

In a first variant of this embodiment of the method, a mast segment newly fed to the erection construction pushes all the mast segments previously fed to the erection construction in front of it and causes these—if they are already erected—to be lifted into the mast shaft. A drive device is provided for this purpose, which temporarily acts on that mast segment which pushes all the other mast segments previously fed to the erecting structure in front of it. The erection structure acts as a guide for the or each mast segment or for the or each mast segment and acts for the mast segments like a rail system or in the manner of a rail system. The process is repeated until all mast segments have been raised into the mast shaft.

The drive device can itself have a pushing effect and is then implemented, for example, in the form of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. An implementation with a rack and pinion drive or the like is also possible. Alternatively, the drive device can have a pulling effect. A realization of the drive device in the form of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, a rack and pinion drive, a pulley system or the like can also be considered in this case.

In a second variant of this embodiment of the method, the or each mast segment already erected by means of the erecting construction is raised by means of a lifting device. For example, a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, a rack and pinion drive, a pulley system or the like functions as a lifting device. The lifting device acts on the mast segment erected by means of the erecting construction or on the last mast segment erected by means of the erecting construction. In the first case, the lifting device raises this mast segment. In the latter case, the lifting device lifts a plurality of mast segments, namely all mast segments erected by means of the erecting structure.

The lifting by means of the lifting device is carried out until there is space underneath the or each mast segment raised in this way for the erection of a further mast segment by means of the erection construction. Then the newly erected mast segment is fixed in the erection construction. This connects, for example, directly to the or each previously raised mast segment and supports this in the fixed configuration and by means of the erecting structure. Then the lifting device can be disengaged from the or each previously lifted mast segment and, for example, brought into a starting position. Alternatively, the or each previously raised mast segment is lowered onto the mast segment fixed in the erecting structure by means of the lifting device, so that in the course of the lowering a load is transferred to the mast segment fixed in the erecting structure and the erecting structure. The lifting device can then also be disengaged from the or each previously raised and then lowered mast segment and, for example, brought into a starting position.

The newly erected mast segment can then be raised by means of the lifting device together with the or each mast segment that has already been raised, and the process is repeated until all mast segments have been raised into the mast shaft. Here, too, the erection structure acts as a guide for the or each mast segment or for the or each mast segment and like a rail system or in the manner of a rail system.

The mast structure erected in this way (first variant or second variant) is fixed in the mast shaft and functions at least as a torque support and/or as a guide for the respective drill string drive unit, for example a top drive. The fixation in the mast shaft takes place in the direction of the vertical axis of the mast shaft and transverse to the vertical axis of the mast shaft. Optionally, this mast structure also carries the crown bearing of the drilling rig, whereby - as already mentioned - the crown bearing can be raised by means of the mast structure or independently of the erection of the mast structure in the mast shaft.

In a particular embodiment of a method for erecting a drilling rig (underground drilling rig), which also includes erecting a mast structure, it is provided that the erecting structure includes two devices which are spaced apart and arranged parallel to one another and each carry a guide profile. The devices included in the erecting structure, which are arranged parallel to one another, are intended together for erecting at least one mast segment for a "two-legged" mast structure or an at least "two-legged" ("three", four-legged or "multi-legged") mast structure and are described below accordingly referred to as risers. In the case of a two-legged or at least two-legged mast structure as described above, this comprises two continuous, parallel vertical sections serving for load absorption/load dissipation. Between these there is a brace that ensures the static stability of the mast structure and the distance between the vertical sections. With such a mast structure, each mast segment provided for this also has two parallel sections, which later become part of the vertical sections of the mast structure. Each mast segment also has a strut between these parallel sections, which represent the strut of the later mast structure. Each hoisting frame of the hoisting structure accommodates one of these parallel sections of the mast segments.

The guide profile of each erecting frame allows a mast segment fed to the erecting structure to move along the guide profiles and causes such a mast segment to be guided transversely to a longitudinal extent of the respective guide profile. A U-profile or the like, which is connected to the righting frame or is formed in the righting frame and is open at the top or the side, acts as a guide profile.

In the case of a U-profile as a guide profile, it is preferably provided that its bottom has a friction-reducing layer, for example in the form of sliding plates (sliding pads) made of plastic or metal. In principle, instead of a U-profile, any other profile can be used to guide transversely to a longitudinal extension of the respective guide profile suitable profile into consideration, for example an I-profile, an L-profile, a T-profile and so on. With such profiles, too, a friction-reducing layer of the type mentioned above is preferably provided in the area in which the mast segment moved along the guide profile comes into contact with the profile.

A first section of the guide profiles is located at a first end of the righting trestles. It is aligned horizontally there. This first end of the righting jacks acts as the entry side of the righting structure. A second section of the guide profiles is located at a second end of the righting trestle, opposite the first end. It is aligned vertically there. The vertical sections of the guide profiles below the mast shaft point into the mast shaft. At least the second end of the righting trestles of the righting structure erected in the production tunnel is therefore below the mast shaft. This second end of the righting jacks acts as the exit side of the righting structure.

The two sections of the guide profiles are connected to one another along the raising trestles, so that a continuous guide profile results, or at least a continuous guide profile for the sections of the mast segments to be guided by means of the guide profiles. When erecting the mast structure in the mast shaft, one mast segment is handed over to the erecting construction in the area of the first section of the guide profiles there (entrance side). The transferred mast segment is moved along the guide profiles and erected in the area of the second sections of the guide profiles there (exit side) by means of the second sections of the guide profiles.

The guide profiles of the two lifting frames act like a rail system for the mast segments when they move from the input side to the output side. They ensure the guidance of each individual mast segment when moving along the guide profiles - for example by means of a pulling or pushing drive device or by means of a lifting device as described above. They also ensure correct alignment and positioning of consecutive mast segments relative to one another.

In summary, the erection of the mast structure in the mast shaft and, accordingly, this aspect of the method for erecting a drilling rig (underground drilling rig) can also be briefly described as follows: The erection of the mast structure in the mast shaft is carried out by means of the erecting construction, by in each case at least one mast segment on an input side of the is pulled or pushed in the horizontal direction and/or lifted (pushed up/pushed up) in the vertical direction on an exit side of the erection construction in or on the erection construction.

The method proposed here for erecting a drilling rig (underground drilling rig) and individual embodiments of the method do not define or define the complete erection of the drilling rig. In addition to the procedural steps proposed here, the erection of a drilling rig includes many other individual procedural steps which are known per se and do not contribute to the present invention. However, the method steps proposed here are used to erect a drilling rig or—in a different formulation—when erecting a drilling rig of the type proposed here. Correspondingly, the wording "method of erecting a drilling rig" should also be read with every phrase "method of erecting a drilling rig", with a "method of erecting a drilling rig" being a partial aspect of a "method of erecting a drilling rig".

For the further description, to avoid unnecessary repetition, it applies that features and details that are described in connection with the subject method and possible configurations are of course also in connection with and with regard to an implementation of the method specific and established device and vice versa apply. Accordingly, the method can also be developed by means of individual or multiple method features that relate to method steps executed by such a device, and such a device can also be developed by means for executing method steps carried out as part of the method. Consequently, features and details that are described in connection with the subject method and possible configurations also apply, of course, in connection with and with regard to a device intended for its implementation and vice versa, so that the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention is always relevant mutual reference is or can be made.

In this respect, the innovation proposed here is, for example, the device already mentioned and referred to as erecting construction for erecting a drilling rig of the type mentioned above underground, namely a device for erecting a mast structure of the drilling rig that comprises a plurality of mast segments that are or can be connected to one another. At least one mast segment can be fed to the erecting structure on an input side in a horizontal orientation. A mast segment fed to the erecting structure on its input side is moved - for example by means of a corresponding drive device - through the erecting structure or along the erecting structure to an output side of the erecting structure and is guided by the erecting structure and is correspondingly through the erecting structure or along the erecting structure to a location there Output side guidable. In the area of the exit side, a mast segment guided there can be erected and brought into a vertical alignment with the vertical axis of the mast shaft. Furthermore, the innovation proposed here is, for example, a mast structure of a drilling rig for drilling deep boreholes underground, namely a drilling rig with a mast structure, the mast structure comprising a plurality of mast segments that are or can be connected to one another and the mast structure is erected underground by in each case at least one mast segment being erected in a vertical orientation into the mast shaft or at least pointing into the mast shaft and the or each already erected mast segment being raised into the mast shaft by means of further mast segments. This results in a mast structure erected underground "from below" - namely starting from the production tunnel into a mast shaft - and made up of several mast segments. The totality of the mast segments essentially determines the height of the mast structure.

The patent claims submitted with the application presented here are wording proposals without prejudice for the achievement of further patent protection. Since the subject-matter of the dependent claims can constitute separate and independent inventions with regard to the state of the art on the priority date, the applicant reserves the right to make these or other combinations of features previously only disclosed in the description and/or drawing the subject-matter of independent claims or declarations of division close. They can also contain independent inventions that have a design that is independent of the subject matter of the preceding subclaims.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Objects or elements that correspond to one another are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures and—insofar as this is possible with regard to the clarity of the illustrations—are also denoted in all figures with the respective reference symbols.

The or each embodiment is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Rather, changes are also possible within the scope of the present disclosure, in particular those which, for example, by combining or modifying individual features in connection with the features described in the general or specific part of the description and contained in the claims and/or the drawing for the person skilled in the art on the solution can be taken from the task and lead to a new object or to new process steps or process step sequences through combinable features.

Fig. 1

in stark schematisch vereinfachter Form unterschiedliche Varianten einer Ausführung einer Bohranlage unter Tage (Untertage-Bohranlage),

Fig. 2

einen Stollen in einem Gebirge mit einem horizontalen Abschnitt (Produktionsstollen) und einem davon abgehenden vertikalen Schacht (Mastschacht), wobei die Errichtung der Untertage-Bohranlage im Produktionsstollen und zumindest teilweise in den Mastschacht hinein erfolgt,

Fig. 3

und

Fig. 4

unterschiedlichen Ansichten/Teilansichten einer im Produktionsstollen errichteten Untertage-Bohranlage mit einer in den Mastschacht hineinreichenden Maststruktur,

Fig. 5

Momentaufnahmen bei der Installation einer zum Errichten der Maststruktur in den Mastschacht hinein bestimmten Aufrichtekonstruktion,

Fig. 6

Momentaufnahmen beim Errichten der Maststruktur in den Mastschacht hinein mittels der Aufrichtekonstruktion und

Fig. 7

eine vergrößerte Darstellung eines oberen Mastsegments der Maststruktur.

Show it

1

in a highly simplified schematic form, different variants of an embodiment of a drilling rig underground (underground drilling rig),

2

a tunnel in a mountain range with a horizontal section (production tunnel) and a vertical shaft (mast shaft) extending from it, with the construction of the underground drilling rig in the production tunnel and at least partially into the tower shaft,

3

and

4

different views/partial views of an underground drilling rig erected in the production tunnel with a mast structure reaching into the mast shaft,

figure 5

Snapshots during the installation of an erecting construction intended for erecting the mast structure into the mast shaft,

6

Snapshots when erecting the mast structure into the mast shaft using the erecting construction and

7

an enlarged view of an upper mast segment of the mast structure.

The representation in Fig. 1 (Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, Fig. 1C ) shows a drilling rig 10 underground (underground drilling rig 10) in a highly simplified schematic form. The drilling rig 10 is erected underground in a horizontal tunnel, referred to here and below as production tunnel 12, from which a vertical shaft, referred to below as mast shaft 14, branches off. At least one ventilation shaft 16 extending to the surface above ground extends from the mast shaft 14 in a fundamentally optional manner.

In the production tunnel 12, which has a circular or at least substantially circular cross-sectional contour, is at least in the area to erection of the drilling rig 10, a base 18 of the production tunnel 12 is formed in order to obtain a level or at least substantially level installation surface, for example by heaping up excavated material and/or attaching a standing surface that functions as a base 18, which optionally rests on heaped up excavated material.

In the highly simplified representation of the drilling rig 10, a mast structure 20 ( Figure 1A ) and a crown bearing 22 ( Figure 1B, Figure 1C ) shown. A crown bearing 22 connected to the mast structure 20 can be located at the upper end of the mast structure 20, or a crown bearing 22 independent of the mast structure 20 or connected to the mast structure 20 can be located above the mast structure 20, as in FIG Figure 1B, 1C shown.

The representations in Figure 1A, Figure 1B and Figure 1C use the respective arrows to illustrate the derivation of the forces acting during drilling operation, in particular due to the weight of the drill string 24 (or so-called casing pipes). In the situation in Figure 1A the forces due to the mast structure 20 standing directly or indirectly on the base 18 of the production gallery 22 are conducted into the subsoil. In the situation in Figure 1B and Figure 1C the crown bearing 22 is to a certain extent suspended in the mast shaft 14 at a distance from the production gallery 12 . In the situation in Figure 1B the crown bearing 22 is fixed in the mast shaft 14 along its vertical axis and transversely to its vertical axis by means of struts 26 emanating from the crown bearing 22 and reaching to the wall of the mast shaft 14 (mast shaft wall). In the situation in Figure 1C is the crown bearing 22 (in a configuration connected to a mast structure 20 or individually and without a connection to a mast structure 20) by means of a suspension 28 extending from the surface above ground, through the ventilation shaft 16 and up to the crown bearing 22 in the mast shaft 14 at least along its vertical axis fixed. An additional fixation transverse to its vertical axis can be in accordance with Figure 1B be provided.

figure 2 shows an isometric representation of a section of the production tunnel 12 and the mast shaft 14 extending from the production tunnel 12 in the vertical direction.

The representations in figure 3 ( Figure 3A , Figure 3B ) show - from different perspectives - a drilling rig 10 erected in a production tunnel 12 and a mast shaft 14 extending from it. The representation in figure 4 shows this drilling rig 10 in the area of the production tunnel 12 and a section of the mast shaft 14 directly adjacent to the production tunnel 12 in a view along the longitudinal axis of the production tunnel 12.

The representations in figure 3 and in figure 4 show the drilling rig 10 in comparison to the illustrations in FIG figure 1 further details. According to this, the drilling rig 10 includes, in addition to the mast structure 20 and the crown bearing 22, a substructure 30 with the so-called drill floor 32 as the upper end of the substructure 30. In the embodiment shown, the mast structure 20 of the drilling rig 10 is a “two-legged” mast structure 20. On the drill floor 32 a plurality of drill pipe elements 34 are placed next to the mast structure 20 . These are held in a manner known per se by means of at least one holding structure extending from the mast structure 20, in particular a holding structure in the form of or in the manner of a so-called finger platform 36. When removing the drill string 24 from the borehole underground, drill string 24 is removed Drill rod elements 34 are parked there next to the mast structure 20 in a manner that is basically known per se. When installing the drill string 24 , drill rod elements 34 are received there in a manner that is basically known per se and are connected to the drill string 24 . In the embodiment shown, the drill rod elements 24 placed next to the mast structure 20 are each drill rod elements 24 combined from five individual drill rods (quintuple stands). Drill rod elements 24 with more or fewer than five individual drill rods are also conceivable and usable, especially in a drilling rig 10 with a correspondingly adjusted height of the mast structure 20 and/or a correspondingly adjusted vertical position at least one support structure extending from the mast structure 20.

The movement of drill rod elements 34 from and to the position above the borehole underground as well as from and to the position next to the mast structure 20 is carried out in the drilling rig 10 shown as an example by means of a drill string drive unit, in particular a so-called top drive 38 that functions as a drill string drive unit and is basically known per se The drill string drive unit, ie the top drive 38 in the situation shown, can be moved vertically along the mast structure 20 in a manner that is basically known per se. By means of the drill string drive unit, the drill string 24 is rotated during drilling operation in a manner that is basically known per se. The vertical movement of the drill string drive unit takes place in a manner known per se by means of a lifting gear 40 ( figure 4 ) and a basically known pulley system comprising the crown bearing 22 as the top block.

In order to feed drill rod elements 34 to the drill floor 32 , a machine that is basically known per se for this purpose is arranged in the production gallery 12 and aligned with the longitudinal axis of the production gallery 12 . As an example of such a machine, the illustrations in Figure 3A and Figure 3B a so-called catwalk machine 42 is shown.

A so-called blow-out preventer 44 (BOP) is located below the drilling rig 10 above the borehole in a manner known per se. To accommodate it, the production tunnel 12 below the drilling rig 10 and in the area of the borehole is correspondingly widened (deepened) like a cellar. Similar to the way in which a section extending from the production gallery 12 and extending beyond the edge contour of the production gallery is provided for the blow-out preventer 44, as is shown in the illustration in figure 4 shows - for the elevator 40 an optional outgoing from the production tunnel 12 lateral space provided. The arrangement of the elevator 40 shown here is only exemplary and can also assume alternative positions.

The representations in figure 5 ( Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C , Figure 5D ) show a section of the production tunnel 12 and a section of the mast shaft 14 leading from it, as well as a mast structure erecting construction intended for erecting the mast structure 20 in the mast shaft 14 and referred to here and below as erecting construction (erecting unit) 50. The representations in figure 5 also illustrate a method of erecting this erecting structure 50, which may also be referred to as an erecting device.

In the embodiment shown, the raising structure 50 comprises two (see Figure 5D ) righting frames 52 aligned side by side and parallel to one another. Each righting frame 52 comprises a guide for segments of the mast structure 20 to be raised by means of the righting frames 52 and, as a guide, guide profiles 54.

The guide and the guide profiles 54 located there are subdivided into at least three sections which adjoin one another and function as a continuous guide. Based on the illustrations in Figure 5C and Figure 5D and the viewing direction there of the righting frame 52 or the righting frames 52, these are—seen from approximately bottom left to approximately top right—a horizontal section 56, preferably a horizontal section 56 aligned with a longitudinal axis of the production tunnel 12, an adjoining arc-shaped section and a vertical section 58 adjoining it in turn. The vertical section 58 extends into the mast shaft 14 and with its total height above the ceiling of the production shaft 12 . The vertical section 58 is therefore erected into the mast well 14 . This is shown in the illustrations in Figure 5A and Figure 5B .

The representation in Figure 5A shows a snapshot of a righting frame 52 with an initially lowered (horizontally oriented) vertical section 58. Only part of the vertical section 58 to be erected of the righting frame 52 is under the mast shaft 14. The representation in Figure 5B shows the righting frame 52 in a snapshot Figure 5A with a partially erected vertical portion 58. Erecting is done, for example, by means a hydraulic cylinder or the like acting on the one hand on the righting frame 52 and on the other hand on a boom extending from the vertical section 58 or by means of a separate lifting device. As the vertical section 58 is erected, and together with the erection, the erecting stand 52 is moved further under the mast shaft 14 (comparing the illustrations in Figures 5A and Figure 5B you can see that the lifting frame has been moved "to the right", i.e. further under the mast shaft 14).

The representation in Figure 5C shows the righting frame 52 in a snapshot Figure 5B with an erected vertical section 58. The vertical section 58 adjoins the arcuate section of the guide and the result is a continuous guide with an inlet-side horizontal section 56, an adjoining arcuate section and an in turn adjoining outlet-side vertical section 58.

The raising frame 52 is also moved further under the mast shaft 14 to complete the erection of the vertical section 58 . At the in Figure 5C The situation shown shows that the righting frame 52 has already been partly moved beyond the area with the mast shaft 14. The vertical section 58 protrudes into the mast shaft 14 and a longitudinal axis of the vertical section 58 is aligned with a vertical axis of the mast shaft 14. When comparing the illustrations in FIG Figure 5B and Figure 5C it can be seen that the righting frame 52 has been moved "further to the right", ie further under the mast shaft 14 and partly beyond the area with the mast shaft 14 .

The representation in Figure 5D shows two righting stands 52 placed next to each other, each with upright vertical sections 58 as in FIG Figure 5C . The representation in Figure 5D also shows a fundamentally optional extension of the horizontal sections 56 in front of the erecting stands 52 and aligned with a longitudinal axis of the production tunnel 12. The representation in Figure 5D (but also other illustrations) also shows an optional crane system in an area above the horizontal sections 56 in front of the righting frames 52. This is attached to the ceiling of the production tunnel 12, for example. means Such a crane system or a similar one can be placed on the horizontal sections 56 in front of the righting frames 52, for example in the production gallery 12 by means of a vehicle or the like that is driving there. A crane system of this type or a similar one can optionally also or alternatively be used in other ways, for example to lower the BOP 44 into the area of the production tunnel 12 that is recessed like a cellar.

The designation of the individual sections 56, 58 of the guide as input side and output side refers to a direction of movement of segments of the mast structure 20 when erecting the mast structure 20 along the guide and thus overall in the erecting structure 50. The erection of the mast structure is in figure 6 shown.

The representations in figure 6 ( Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 6C etc.) show snapshots during the erection of the mast structure 20 of a drilling rig 10 according to FIG figure 3 and figure 4 . The mast structure 20 is a "two-legged" mast structure 20 and is formed from individual mast segments 60 which are connected or can be connected to one another. The "two-legged" mast structure 20 is only selected here as an example and can also have other embodiments, in particular a multi-leg mast structure 20 with three or more legs is possible, in which two adjacent legs form a support surface for placement in the erecting structure 50 .

The representation in Figure 6A shows a snapshot with a first mast segment 60 placed in the righting structure 50. The mast segment 60 is placed in the area of the horizontal section 56 of the guide profiles 54 of the righting frames 52 (entrance side of the righting structure 50), here even in the area of the extension in front of the horizontal sections 56, for example on the local guide profiles 54.

In the example shown, the mast segment 60 placed on the guide profiles 54 includes the crown bearing 22. This mast segment 60 is later the uppermost segment of the mast structure 20 when the mast structure 20 is erected, so that the crown bearing 22 is raised together with the erection of the mast structure 20. The mast structure 20 is erected into the mast shaft 14 and with this erection the crown bearing 22 is also raised into the mast shaft 14 . Thus, after erecting the mast structure 20, the crown bearing 22 is located at the top of the mast structure 20, i.e. in the area of the highest point of the mast structure 20.

It should be noted that a crown bearing 22 connected to a mast segment 60 is only an option and that erecting the mast structure 20 does not depend on whether a crown bearing 22 is connected to one of the mast segments 60 . The crown bearing 22 is therefore no longer considered for the further description of the erection of the mast structure 20 . A crown bearing 22 connected to a mast segment 60, in particular a crown bearing 22 connected to the first mast segment 60 placed on the erecting structure 50, and a crown bearing 22 raised when the mast structure 20 was erected are always to be read in the further description.

The representation in Figure 6B shows a snapshot with a compared to the situation in Figure 6A along the raising structure 50 and the guide profiles 54 of the raising trestles 52, namely a mast segment 60 which is moved further in the direction of the arcuate sections adjoining the horizontal sections 56. This movement takes place automatically or semi-automatically by means of a drive device not shown in the illustrations. Such a drive device engages - as described above - for example in a pulling or pushing manner on the mast segment 60 and causes the movement along the guide profiles 54 of the righting frames 52 and thus overall along the righting structure 50 are mentioned above.

The representation in Figure 6C shows the righting structure 50 and its righting trestles 52 as in FIG Figure 6A and Figure 6B , whereby now on the guide profiles 54 of the raising trestles 52 (and here partly also on the guide profiles 54 of Extension in front of the righting trestles 52) two more mast segments 60 are placed. The previously described in the description of the representation in Figure 6B The aforementioned drive device acts on one of these new mast segments 60, in particular on the last new mast segment 60, and causes it to move along the guide profiles 54 in the direction of the vertical sections 58. The mast segment 60 moved with the drive device pushes each mast segment in front of this mast segment in the direction of movement 60 situated mast segment 60 in front of him. This has at the in Figure 6C The snapshot shown causes the mast segment 60 first placed in the erecting structure 50 to be moved into the area of the vertical sections 58 (exit side of the erecting structure 50) and erected there from the originally horizontal orientation into a vertical orientation.

It should be noted that the representation in Figure 6C is a snapshot of erecting the mast structure 20 and that the number of exactly two there compared to the situation in Figure 6B shown further mast segments 60 is not a determining factor for the method of erecting the mast structure 20. It is therefore not necessary for exactly two new mast segments 60 to always be supplied to the erecting structure 50 . The number of new mast segments 60 can be larger or smaller. Which new mast segment 60 or which new mast segments 60 in the case of a plurality of new mast segments 60 is or are being moved along the erecting structure 50 by means of the drive device depends on the position of the drive device relative to the erecting structure 50 and also depends, for example, on whether the Mast segments 60 or at least the new mast segments 60 are connected to each other, for example - as shown - are hinged to each other.

The drive device, which acts on a mast segment 60 placed in the area of the entry side of the erecting structure 50, preferably works in a clocked manner and moves, for example in the area of the entry side, i.e. in the area of the horizontal sections 56, alternately back and forth by a predetermined distance , in particular a section whose length is at least slightly greater than the length of a mast segment 60. Each mast segment 60, the comes into the effective range of the drive device as a result of being placed in the erecting structure 50 , is seized by the drive device, for example by a driver moved by the drive device, and is then moved in the direction of the vertical sections 58 .

The representation in Figure 6D shows another snapshot during the erection of the mast structure 20 in the mast shaft 14. Now, by means of the vertical sections 58 of the guide profiles 54 of the raising trestles 52, another mast segment 60 has been erected and brought into a vertical alignment with the vertical axis of the mast shaft 14. Struts 26 emanating from the mast segment 60 can be seen on the first, previously erected mast segment 60 , which brace the mast segment 60 and thus the mast structure 20 as a whole against the mast shaft 14 . These struts 26 ensure that the mast structure 20 remains upright as the mast structure 20 is erected further in the mast shaft 14 and does not lean against the side wall of the mast shaft 14 . In the case of a "two-legged" mast structure 20--as shown--there is an undesired inclination of the mast structure 20 against the side wall of the mast shaft 14 only transversely to the plane defined by the mast structure 20. In such a configuration, two struts 26 (or two struts 26 each at the same height of the mast structure 20) are sufficient to support the mast structure 20 in the mast well 14 and each strut 26 is oriented transverse to the plane defined by the mast structure 20. There is no need for a restriction to exactly two struts 26 and more than two struts 26, for example two or more struts 26 on each side of the mast structure 20, are also conceivable. Supporting the mast structure 20 by means of exactly two struts 26 is therefore only one of several possible options. The struts 26 support the mast structure 20 when it is erected and/or during subsequent drilling operations. During subsequent drilling operation, the mast structure 20 can be additionally or alternatively supported in the mast shaft 14 by bracing the mast structure 20 in the mast shaft 14 with steel cables or the like or by means of additional struts (not shown) along the mast structure 20 . With such further struts along the mast structure 20, for example, a group of struts (two or more starting from the mast structure 20 and up to the mast shaft wall reaching struts) into consideration. Such a group of struts can emanate from each mast segment 60 of the mast structure 20 or from every second or every third or every fourth mast segment 60 of the mast structure 20 . As an alternative to such a group formation, it is also possible, for example, for individual mast segments 60 along the mast structure, in particular successive mast segments 60, to each have struts pointing in different radial directions.

In the representation in Figure 6D For example, the struts 26 are shown as rigid struts 26 extending radially from a vertical axis of the mast structure 20 and reaching to a section of the side wall of the mast shaft 14, at the free ends of which are intended for contact with the mast shaft 14 a roller or the like is located. Rigid struts 26 (in the area of the crown bearing 22 and/or along the entire mast structure 20) with rollers or the like at their ends can be considered for a cylindrical or at least essentially cylindrical mast shaft 14, at least for a mast shaft 14, its geometry and its dimensions are known and do not change significantly along its vertical axis. The length of each strut 26 is then matched to the respective distance from the starting point of the strut 26 on the mast segment 60 to the mast shaft wall. The length is of course determined in the direction of the intended orientation of the strut 26 in each case. A roller or the like at the end of a strut 26 dimensioned in this way is preferably resiliently or elastically mounted in some other suitable manner for the purpose of tolerance compensation. A waiver of the struts 26 (in the area of the crown bearing 22 and/or along the entire mast structure 20) is also conceivable. To this end, the mast structure 20 is designed to be free-standing in the mast shaft 14 . A downhole drilling rig 10 having a free-standing mast structure 20 is contemplated as encompassed by the description herein and any mention of a mast structure 20 erected in mast shaft 14 includes one supported in mast shaft 14 by struts 26 or the like and/or one by means of bracing or the like to read a mast structure 20 fixed in the mast shaft 14 and/or a free-standing mast structure.

In a particular embodiment, the struts 26—struts 26 in the area of the crown bearing and/or struts 26 along the entire mast structure 20—can be automatically telescoped along their longitudinal axis. The automatic telescoping takes place, for example, by means of a control which processes a signal from an inclination sensor (not shown) on the mast structure 20, in particular an inclination sensor on that mast segment 60 from which the respective strut 26 originates.

Automatic telescoping is advantageous if the mast shaft wall has an irregular surface. If such a strut 26 comes into contact with its free end with an inwardly curved section of the mast shaft wall, the strut 26 with its current length pushes the mast structure 20 to a certain extent to the side, so that it becomes inclined with respect to the vertical. This inclination can be detected by means of the inclination sensor and a sensor signal encoding the resulting inclination can be used to automatically adjust the length of the strut 26 . In the event of contact with an inwardly curved section of the mast shaft wall, this regulation leads to a shortening of the length of the strut 26. The lateral pressure on the mast structure 20 due to the strut 26 previously being too long for this section of the mast shaft 14 thus disappears.

The same applies in reverse for a section of the mast shaft wall that curves outwards or following a section of the mast shaft wall that previously curves inwards. If the strut 26 loses contact with the mast shaft wall with such a curvature and this leads to an inclination of the mast structure 20, this inclination can also be detected by the inclination sensor and a corresponding signal can also be used here to adjust the length of the strut 26. Here, this regulation leads to an increase in the length of the strut 26. As soon as the strut 26, which was previously too short for this section of the mast shaft 14, is again in contact with the mast shaft wall, the strut 26 again assumes the supporting function for the mast structure 20.

Optionally, such a regulation can also be superimposed with an automatic detection of a continuously existing contact of the free end of each strut 26 with the mast shaft wall. For this purpose, a roller that is, for example, spring-mounted at the end of a strut 26 is connected to a sensor, for example a button, placed along the spring travel. As long as the strut 26 is in contact with its roller against the mast well wall, the roller is deflected slightly and the sensor supplies a signal which encodes the contact of the roller with the mast well wall. As soon as the roller loses contact with the mast shaft wall, it springs outwards and the sensor signal disappears. When the sensor signal disappears, a telescoping of the strut 26 is automatically triggered to obtain a greater length of the strut 26 until the roller comes into contact with the mast shaft wall again and the sensor signal appears again.

The representations in Figure 6E , Figure 6F and Figure 6G show further snapshots during the erection of the mast structure 20 by means of the erection construction 50 and into the mast shaft 14. The representation in Figure 6G 12 shows a mast structure 20 having a height suitable for drilling operations (a height adapted to the length of drill string members 34 intended for use in drilling operations). This height is achieved in that, when the mast structure 20 is erected by means of the erecting structure 50, mast segments 60 are fed to it on its input side, which push previously supplied mast segments 60 in front of them in the erecting structure 50, so that mast segments 60 that were originally supplied horizontally by means of the erecting structure 50 in Area of the output side are erected (are brought into alignment with the vertical axis of the mast shaft s14 orientation) and leave the erecting structure 50 there and erected mast segments 60 are raised into the mast shaft 14 inside.

When presented in Figure 6G a top drive 38 is also already shown in the mast structure 20 . This hangs in a manner known per se on the pulley system emanating from the crown bearing 22 and is guided by the mast structure 20 (function of the mast structure 20 as a torque support and function of the mast structure 20 for guiding and centering the topdrive 38 above the borehole). For this purpose, the mast structure 20 is designed, for example, with opposite and facing profiles, for example U-profiles. Rollers and/or sliding shoes or the like running from the top drive 38 run in such profiles. The top drive 38 is thus vertically movable along the mast structure 20 and in the profiles there (in a manner which is basically known per se).

Especially in the representation in Figure 6G (but also already in the representations in Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 6F ) an upper end of the mast shaft 14 is shown as a disk. This disk represents—schematically simplified—a closure of the mast shaft 14 to the surface (a closure of the mast shaft to the area above ground). This disk is shown with an opening. This opening represents - also schematically simplified - a ventilation shaft 16 (not designated in the figures mentioned; see, for example 1 ). Based on the mast shaft 14, which is closed or at least essentially closed to the area above ground, it is clear that the proposed construction of an underground drilling rig 10 or the respective components of the underground drilling rig 10, starting from a horizontal tunnel functioning as a production tunnel 12, into the (Vertical) mast shaft 14 into it, ie "from the bottom up" takes place.

The representation in figure 7 shows an enlargement of the upper end of a mast structure 20 erected by means of the erecting structure 50 and according to the method described above. A mast segment 60, here a mast segment 60 with the crown bearing 22, forms the upper end of the mast structure 20. Here is to support the mast structure 20 shows a configuration with exactly three struts 26 in the mast shaft 14 (during the drilling operation and beforehand when erecting the mast structure 20). One of these struts 26 is oriented on one side of the plane defined by the mast structure 20 transverse to this plane. There are two struts 26 on the opposite side of the plane defined by the mast structure 20. These each enclose an angle with an imaginary plane which is perpendicular to the plane defined by the mast structure 20 along the vertical axis of the mast structure 20. Both angles are the same or at least essentially the same and the distance measured from the starting point of the struts 26 from the mast segment 60 to this plane is also the same for both struts 26 or at least essentially the same. This results in a radial or at least essentially radial orientation of the struts 26 (this applies to the individual strut 26 as well as to the two struts 26) and with such a radial orientation there is also a configuration with further struts 26, for example on both sides two struts 26, three struts 26 on each side, one or two struts 26 on one side, three struts 26 on the other side, and so on.

Individual, prominent aspects of the description submitted here can thus be briefly summarized as follows: The invention relates to an underground drilling rig 10 (drilling rig 10 for deep drilling underground) and a method for setting it up. During construction, in one embodiment of the method, a crown bearing 22 of the drilling rig 10 is raised into a vertical shaft (mast shaft 14) extending from the installation site (production tunnel 12) (raised starting from the production tunnel 12 into the tower shaft 14; i.e. "from bottom to top "). This lifting takes place either alone, in that only the crown bearing 22 in the mast shaft 14 is raised, or in that the crown bearing 22 is raised by means of the mast structure 20 when erecting a mast structure 20 of the drilling rig. In order to erect the mast structure 20, one embodiment of the method provides an erecting construction 50, which takes into account the fact that the mast structure 20 cannot be brought upright to the installation site of the drilling rig 10 in the production tunnel 12 and rather only assembled on site (underground). must. The mast structure 20 is erected starting from the production tunnel 12 into the vertical mast shaft 14, ie "from the bottom up". In this respect, the invention also relates to this erecting construction 50, a method for its operation, i.e. a method for erecting a mast structure 20 of a drilling rig 10 into a vertical mast shaft 14 extending from the production tunnel 12 at the installation site of the drilling rig 10, as well as a mast structure erected according to the method 20 and a drilling rig 10 (underground drilling rig 10) having such a mast structure 20. The mast structure 20 can carry and/or lift a crown bearing 22. A drilling rig 10 with such a mast structure 20 and without a crown bearing 22 is also possible.

Reference List

10

underground drilling rig, drilling rig

12

production adit

14

mast shaft

16

ventilation shaft

18

sole (production tunnel)

20

mast structure

22

crown stock

24

drill string

26

strut

28

suspension (in the mast shaft)

30

substructure

32

drill floor

34

drill pipe element

36

finger stage

38

topdrive

40

elevator

42

catwalk machine

44

blow-out preventer

50

erection construction

52

lifting stand

54

leadership profile

56

horizontal section (of the guide profile / the lifting frame)

58

vertical section (of the guide profile / the lifting frame)

60

mast segment

Claims (11)

1. Method for erecting a drilling rig (10) for sinking boreholes for hydrocarbon deposits or for the development of geothermal assets or other valuable substances or for research purposes in a gallery driven into the mountains, which comprises a horizontal section functioning as a production gallery (12) and a production line, from which a vertical section branches off as mast shaft (14), characterized by the following process steps:

   erecting a mast structure (20) in the mast shaft (14) by means of an erecting construction (50) in the production gallery (12),

   wherein the mast structure (20) comprises a plurality of interconnected or interconnectable mast segments (60),

   wherein to the erecting construction (50) on an input side of the erecting construction (50) successively mast segments (60) are fed in a horizontal or at least in a substantially horizontal orientation,

   wherein by means of the erecting construction (50) in each case at least one mast segment (60) on an output side of the erecting construction (50) is brought into a vertical or at least substantially vertical alignment in the mast shaft (14) or at least pointing into the mast shaft (14) and so is erected there, and

   wherein, when feeding further mast segments (60) on the input side of the erecting construction (50), the or each mast segment (60) already vertically erected on the output side of the erecting construction (50) is being lifted into the mast shaft (14).
2. Method according to claim 1,

   wherein the erecting construction (50) comprises two righting stands (52) spaced apart and parallel to one another and wherein each righting stand (52) carries a guide profile (54) for mast segments (60),

   wherein a first section (56) of the guide profiles (54) at a first end of the righting stands (52) is aligned horizontally or at least essentially horizontally,

   wherein a second section (58) of the guide profiles (54) on a second end opposite the first end of the righting stands (52) is vertically or at least substantially vertically oriented,

   wherein the vertical or at least substantially vertical sections (58) of the guide profiles (54) below the mast shaft (14) point into the mast shaft (14),

   wherein in each case one mast segment (60) of the erecting construction (50) in the area of the first sections (56) of the guide profiles (54) in that zone are handed over and guided inside the guide profiles (54) and

   wherein the transferred mast segment (60) is moved along the guide profiles (54) and erected in the area of the second sections (58) of the guide profiles (54) by means of the second sections (58) of the guide profiles (54).
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mast segments (60) are flexibly hinged together.
4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the erection of the mast structure (20) in the mast shaft (14) is done by means of the erecting construction (50), in that in each case at least one mast segment (60) in the erecting construction (50) is pulled or pushed in a horizontal or at least substantially horizontal direction and/or is lifted in a vertical or at least substantially vertical direction.
5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the crown bearing (22) is raised by means of the mast structure (20) in the mast shaft (14).
6. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the crown bearing (22) is raised by means of a lifting device in the mast shaft (14).
7. Method according to claim 5 or 6,

   wherein the crown bearing (22) in the mast shaft (14) is fixed in the mast shaft (14) in transversal direction to a vertical axis of the mast shaft (14) and

   wherein this fixation is done by means of at least one strut (26) acting as crown bearing fixation strut, which extends from the crown bearing (22) to the wall of the mast shaft (14).
8. Device for erecting a drilling rig (10) for the sinking of boreholes for hydrocarbon deposits or for the development of geothermal assets or other valuable substances or for research purposes in a gallery driven into the mountains, which comprises a horizontal section functioning as a production gallery (12) and a production line, from which a vertical section branches off as mast shaft (14), wherein the device functions as an erecting construction (50) for a mast structure (20) of the drilling rig (10),

   wherein the mast structure (20) comprises a plurality of interconnected or interconnectable mast segments (60),

   wherein on an input side at least one mast segment (60) can be fed into the erecting construction (50) in a horizontal or at least substantially horizontal orientation,

   wherein a mast segment (60) fed into the erecting construction (50) on its input side can be guided through the erecting construction (50) or alongside the erecting construction (50) up until an output side of the erecting construction (50),

   wherein the mast segment (60) can be raised upward in the area of the output side and be brought in a vertical or at least substantially vertical alignment and pointing into the mast shaft (14),

   wherein a mast segment (60) guided through the erecting construction (50) or alongside the erecting construction(50) pushes each mast segment (60) previously supplied through the erecting construction (50) or alongside the erecting construction (50) in front of it further ahead and,

   wherein each mast segment (60) erected by means of the erecting construction (50) can be raised into the mast shaft (14) by means of another mast segment (60) already raised by the erecting construction(50).
9. Device according to Claim 8,

   wherein the erecting construction (50) comprises two righting stands (52) spaced apart and parallel to one another and wherein each righting stand (52) carries a guide profile (54),

   wherein a first section (56) of the guide profile (54) is aligned at a first end of the righting stands (52) horizontally or at least essentially horizontally,

   wherein a second section (58) of the guide profile (54) is aligned on a second end opposite the first end of the righting stands (52) vertically or at least substantially vertically,

   wherein the vertical or at least substantially vertical sections (58) of the guide profiles (54) below the mast shaft (14) point into the mast shaft (14).
10. Mast structure (20) of a drilling rig (10) for sinking boreholes for hydrocarbon deposits or for the development of geothermal assets or other valuable substances or for research purposes in a gallery driven into the mountains, which comprises a horizontal section functioning as a production gallery (12) and a production line, from which a vertical section branches off as mast shaft (14),
    wherein the mast structure (20) is erected by a method according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 and/or by means of a device according to one of Claims 8 or 9.
11. Drilling rig (10) for sinking boreholes for hydrocarbon deposits or for the development of geothermal assets or other valuable substances or for research purposes in a gallery driven into the mountains, which comprises a horizontal section functioning as a production gallery (12) and a production line, from which a vertical section branches off as mast shaft (14), and with a mast structure (20) according to Claim 10.

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