JPH0548144Y2

JPH0548144Y2 -

Info

Publication number: JPH0548144Y2
Application number: JP1991083129U
Authority: JP
Priority date: 1982-02-09
Filing date: 1991-10-14
Publication date: 1993-12-20
Also published as: IT1212697B; GB2114629B; GB2114629A; CA1210449A; AU1124583A; FR2521210B1; AU550360B2; JPH04113087U; FR2521210A1; EP0085989A2; GB8303623D0; DE3304462C2; DE3304462A1; JPS58193477A; EP0085989A3; BR8300651A; EP0085989B1; IT8319503A0

Description

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

【図１】本考案による穴探査装置の１実施例を示
す概略図であつて、可撓性のプローブを穴に挿入
し曲り部に通すところを示した図、FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of a hole exploration device according to the present invention, showing a flexible probe being inserted into a hole and passed through a bend;

【図２】図１の探査装置のブロツク図、そして[Figure 2] A block diagram of the exploration device in Figure 1, and

【図３】図１の実施例の可撓性プローブの部分破
断断面図である。FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway cross-sectional view of the flexible probe of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

１１……プローブ１２……穴１６……ケーブル１８……ケーブルリール１９……ケーブル長さ指示器２１……マイクロコンピユータ２２……インターフエイスユニツト２１，２２，２３……方向センサ２６……電力・信号調整モジユール２７……傾斜計２８……コネクタ３１……導体３２……ケース３３……突起部片３４……クランプ４１……シールリング。 11...probe 12...hole 16...cable 18...Cable reel 19...Cable length indicator 21...Microcomputer 22...Interface unit 21, 22, 23...direction sensor 26...Power/signal adjustment module 27... Inclinometer 28...Connector 31...Conductor 32...case 33... Projection piece 34... Clamp 41... Seal ring.

Claims

[Scope of utility model registration request]

1. A package for use in a hole in the ground, comprising: an axially elongated case made of a flexible fabric with high tensile strength; a load for receiving the load; and an elongated mass of flexible cushioning material surrounding the load and filling the case to form a flexible body; a body capable of being propelled through the bore like a piston by a pressurized fluid through a relatively small radius bend in the bore; extending axially from one end of the body; A package comprising: a flexible cable fixed to the case of the cargo, electrically connected to the cargo for transmitting signals between the cargo and the ground. [Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention generally relates to hole digging and exploration, and particularly relates to a hole exploration device, its manufacturing method, and its usage. [0002] When drilling oil wells or other holes underground, it is often necessary to measure the location of the drilling and the discrete location of the hole at a considerable distance below the earth's surface. It is said that To this end, a sounding probe is inserted into the hole and the data from this probe is analyzed on the ground to determine the position of the probe. It is also desirable to determine and control the direction in which excavation will proceed. [0003] In the hole probing devices provided hitherto, the probe generally comprises an elongated rigid body with an inflexible metal shell. This type of probe cannot pass through bends with relatively short radii (e.g., 15 to 30 cm radius in a 1.9 to 2.5 cm diameter hole), and therefore these probes cannot be passed through some holes. I can not use it. Instruments are also provided for cutting tubes, drill pipes, and casings in the hole. These devices generally include one or more remotely detonated explosives contained within an elongated, rigid housing. This type of instrument also has the same limitations as previously available exploration and measurement devices, in that it cannot be passed through bends with relatively small radii and is not suitable for use in some holes. There are drawbacks. [0004] The general object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved hole probing device, method of making the same, and method of using the same. Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method of the above character which can also be used as a guide for drilling holes. A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method of the above character which can also be used for cutting pipes, drill pipes and cases. [0005] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a device and method of the above character suitable for use in holes with relatively small radius bends. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a device of the above character that can be manufactured economically. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] These and other objects, according to the present invention, provide an elongated flexible structure that can be inserted into a hole and freely passed through relatively small radius bends in the hole. This is accomplished by providing a sex probe. The probe includes one or more sensors, explosives or the like embedded spaced apart in a flexible body containing a cushioning material, and a flexible outer case of high tensile strength fabric. It is equipped with The probe is driven into the bore in a piston-like configuration by a pressurized fluid, such as water or air, and the flexible body allows the probe to pass freely through relatively small radius bends. Equipment for processing signals from the probe is located on the ground and is interconnected to the probe by flexible cables. [0007] As shown in FIG. 1, the exploration device comprises an elongated flexible probe 11 that is inserted into a hole 12 to be explored. The hole may be a hole in the ground as shown, or it may be an elongated opening of limited diameter, such as an opening in a pipe or tube. The cross section of the probe is generally circular, and the outer diameter of the probe is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the hole. For example, if the diameter of the hole is about 1.9 to 2.5 cm, the diameter of the probe is about 1.8 to 2.4 cm. The length of the probe is substantially greater than its diameter, e.g., if the probe has a diameter of 1.8 cm,
Its length is about 120cm. [0008] A flexible measurement cable 16 extends axially from one end of the probe and transmits power and signals between the probe and equipment on the ground. The cable is of conventional design and includes flexible electrical conductors capped with reinforcing strands of a suitable material such as stainless steel. The cable is wound on a cable reel 18 on the ground, and the length of the cable fed into the hole is monitored by a cable length indicator 19 connected to this reel. [0009] On the ground, the probe is connected to a microcomputer 21 by a suitable interface unit 22. This microcomputer processes the signals from the probe and cable length indicator and determines the position and/or orientation of the hole in the area where the probe is placed. As shown in FIG. 2, the probe 11 includes a payload such as three directional sensors 21-23, which generate electrical signals corresponding to the orientation of the sensors relative to orthogonal reference axes. In this embodiment, the reference axis of sensor 21 is aligned with the axis of the probe, and the axes of sensors 22, 23 are aligned in a radial direction perpendicular thereto. These sensors 21-23 are any suitable sensor of known design, including flux gate compasses and magnetometers. As used herein, the term magnetometer refers to any device capable of detecting natural or man-made magnetic flux lines; two common types of magnetometers include Hall effect devices and flux gate transformer systems. Other suitable sensors include gyroscopes and inertial devices. Sensors 21 to 23
is the power and signal conditioning module 26 in the probe.
It is connected to the cable 16 via. A probe inclinometer 27 is also provided, which generates a signal corresponding to the orientation of the probe relative to the longitudinal axis. If desired, additional inclinometers can be included to provide additional information such as instrument declination. Suitable inclinometers include accelerometers, electrolytic level meters, and pendulum devices. Electrical connections between the cable and the power and signal conditioning module and other elements within the probe are made by connectors 28 of suitable known design. [0010] Sensors 21 to 23, module 2
6. Inclinometer 27 and connector 28 are connected to probe 11
are spaced apart along the axis and interconnected by flexible electrical conductors 31. Alternatively, these electrical components may be fabricated on flexible circuit boards or circuits having a plurality of relatively short rigid sections interconnected by one or more flexible sections. May be made on a board. These elements are enclosed within an elongated flexible case 32 with high tensile strength. This case is closed and fixed at the distal end of the probe by a clamp 34 to the stainless steel protrusion piece 33 and at the proximal end of the probe by a clamp 35 to the connector 28 and thus to the measuring cable 16. Fixed. [0011] In the preferred embodiment shown herein, the case 32 has a high tensile strength, ie, a tensile strength greater than stainless steel, and is preferably made of
Consists of woven fabrics made of fibers with a weight of 17,500 kg/cm ² or more. One preferred fabric featured herein is an aromatic polyamide fiber manufactured by DuPont under the trademark Kevlar. The tensile strength of this fiber is about 28000 kg/cm ² . Other suitable high tensile strength fibers may also be used, including graphite fibers, glass fibers, nylon fibers, and boron fibers. [0012] The interior of the case 32 is filled with a flexible electrically insulating material 36 that surrounds and cushions sensors and other electrical components. This material and the outer case form a flexible body that can be freely threaded through relatively small radius bends in the hole. Due to its electrical insulating properties, the electrical insulating material 36 serves to electrically insulate the sensor and other electrical components housed inside from the outside. Suitable materials for this electrical insulating material 36 include:
Silicone and other synthetic rubber materials, e.g.
These include silicone rubbers sold under the trademarks Devcon™, polyurethane, or Silastic. The material making up the flexible electrical insulation 36 may be in a solid or fluid state. Suitable fluid materials include silicones and fluorocarbons, which have high dielectric constants and low vapor pressures. Preferably, this fluid is in a gel state and relatively viscous. One particularly suitable fluid material for this purpose is a silane polymer known as Dow Corning 200 fluid. [0013] The outer surface of the case 32 can be coated with a lubricant, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), which facilitates the free passage of the probe through the hole. A flexible seal ring 41 is secured to the outer wall of the body near the proximal end of the body to facilitate passage of the probe through the hole, as will be described below. The outer diameter of this seal is selected to provide a sliding sealing engagement with the inner wall of the aperture in which the probe is used, and seals of various sizes and shapes can be installed to be interchangeable for cases of various diameters. be able to. A flow path (not shown) can be bypassed to the seal to prevent a vacuum from forming behind the head of the probe when the probe is withdrawn from the hole. In one preferred manufacturing method shown herein, the electrical components of the probe are connected together and suspended vertically from cable 16 in a desired spacing. The case 32 is arranged coaxially with these parts so that the open end of the case 32 faces upward. A fluid silicone rubber material is then poured into the case to form a flexible body. Connector 28 is installed and electrically connected to the leads in the probe and the conductors of cable 16, the open end of the case is pulled against the connector, and clamp 33 is installed. [0015] In the case of a solid cushioning material, the material is molded around the electrical component in one or more successive layers, allowing adjacent layers to move slightly relative to each other. The electrical components and cushioning material are then inserted as a unit into the fabric case. In use, the probe 11 is inserted into the top of a hole to be probed or drilled, and a pressurized fluid (e.g., water or air) is forced into the hole over the probe and advances the probe downward through the hole like a piston. . In this case, the seal 41 forms a seal between the body of the probe and the wall of the hole or other opening into which the probe is inserted. If fluid accumulates in the hole in front of the probe, you can, for example, pump the fluid out of the hole, pull the probe out of the hole with a cable, or suck the fluid into the formation around the hole. The fluid can be removed by any suitable means, such as . When the probe reaches the bend in the hole, the body flexes and the probe passes freely through the bend. As mentioned above, the probe has a curved portion with a relatively small radius,
For example, in a hole with a diameter of 1.9 to 2.5 cm, the radius
Can pass through 15cm bends. The probe is
The measuring cable is pulled out of the hole by pulling. [0016] Due to its relatively small diameter, the probe 11 is also suitable for use as a guide in a hole drilling system. In this case, the probe may be attached to the drill motor housing itself or to a fluid flow path near the drill head, with the cable 16 extending to the ground through the fluid flow path or another suitable flow path within the well case. be made into On the ground, signals from the probe are processed and used to control the direction of the drill. [0017] In addition to the directional sensor, the payload or measuring instruments in the probe may include other sensors that serve the function of measuring things such as temperature, pressure, nuclear radiation, hydrogen ion concentration, etc. It can include equipment for measuring properties of the geological formation in which it is located. The invention is also useful for instruments that cut drill pipe, tubes and/or casings within holes. This type of device constructed according to the invention is similar to the device of FIGS. 1 and 3, but with electrically detonated explosives in place of the sensors 21-23. The gunpowder is a suitable gunpowder of known composition, for example pellets or plastic C3 or RDX. The electrical detonation signal is sent to the gunpowder by cable 16 and electrical leads in the probe. The gunpowder is arranged to provide the desired type of cutting action, such as a concentrated detonation action to separate the drill head from the end of the tube, or a series of detonation actions when drilling a hole in the tube and passing the probe through it. . [0018] From the above description, it will be apparent that a new and improved hole probing probe, method of making the same, and method of using the same has been provided. Although only the preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.