NL2002608C2 - SOIL PROBING DEVICE. - Google Patents
SOIL PROBING DEVICE. Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NL2002608C2 NL2002608C2 NL2002608A NL2002608A NL2002608C2 NL 2002608 C2 NL2002608 C2 NL 2002608C2 NL 2002608 A NL2002608 A NL 2002608A NL 2002608 A NL2002608 A NL 2002608A NL 2002608 C2 NL2002608 C2 NL 2002608C2
- Authority
- NL
- Netherlands
- Prior art keywords
- rod
- communication
- probing
- communication means
- soil
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 title claims description 37
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 84
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000011835 investigation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000001902 propagating effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004927 clay Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003111 delayed effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005265 energy consumption Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012811 non-conductive material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D1/00—Investigation of foundation soil in situ
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
- E21B47/12—Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/24—Earth materials
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Remote Sensing (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Geophysics (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Immunology (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Soil Sciences (AREA)
- Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
- Paleontology (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)
Description
P29813NL00/RR
Title: Soil probing device
Description
Field of the invention 5 The present invention relates to a soil probing device comprising a measuring probe, a plurality of rod sections for the assembly of a probing rod comprising the measuring probe, which probing rod, while being pushed into the soil, is extendable each time by one or more rod sections, and a base unit.
10
Background of the invention
To transfer signals from the measuring probe to the base unit many 15 different soil probing devices have been developed. One example uses a continuous wire through every rod section in the probing rod. Via such a wire an optical or electrical signal can be transferred. Because of the wire being present in a plurality of rod section such a soil probing device is difficult to handle and 20 to store. Moreover it is not flexible in case different depths have to be probed. Another example uses connections between wired sections in the rod sections. However, this requires precise linking of the wired sections which is labour intensive or requires complex coupling means, furthermore, these connections are 25 sensitive to moisture and mechanical stress.
To overcome the problems mentioned above, many soil probing devices use specific rod sections able to transfer signals wirelessly along the probing rod. This wireless signal can be optical or acoustic.
30
Problems with known soil probing devices using wireless communication means is that each time the probing rod is extended with one rod section the probing is delayed. This delay is mostly due to combining the last rod section and the base unit such that 35 communication is possible. Mostly converting means, converting the - 2 - wireless signal to an electrical signal, have to be coupled mechanically to the last rod section.
Another problem relating to known soil probing devices using 5 wireless communication means is that the wireless signal loses its strength along the probing rod. This limits the depth that can be probed using the soil probing device. Acoustic signals, propagating through the material of the rod section, are sensitive to noise in the ground, caused by heavy equipment above ground level and the 10 friction between the probing rod and the soil. Soil probing devices using wireless communication means for optical signals propagating through elongated elements in the probing string cope with this problem by inserting amplifiers between the regular optical signal propagating rod sections. This makes the assembly of the probing 15 string more complex. In this soil probing device only the amplifier can communicate directly with the base unit.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved soil probing device alleviating the above mentioned 20 problems.
Summary of the invention
Therefore the invention provides a soil probing device comprising a 25 measuring probe, a plurality of rod sections for the assembly of a probing rod comprising the measuring probe, which probing rod, while being pushed into the soil, is extendable each time by one or more rod sections, and a base unit, characterized in that, each rod section comprises first communication means for wireless 30 communication between the consecutive rod sections in the probing rod, and the base unit comprises second communication means for wireless communication with the first communication means of the last rod section of the probing rod.
35 Because of the possibility of wireless communication between the base unit, which is located above ground level of the soil probing location, and the last rod section in the probing rod, the probing rod can be extended more rapidly. Another advantage is that all rod sections are equal and all rod sections are able to communicate 40 with the base unit.
- 3 -
With "last rod section" is meant the rod section which is used most recently to extend the probing rod. Preferably the rod section is coupled mechanically to the second last rod section. Preferably 5 coupling of the last rod section prevents communication of the second last rod section with the base unit and initiates communication of the last rod section with the base unit.
It is noted that US 2006196664 describes a remote power management 10 method and system in a downhole network like a drilling rig. In this system a data transmission path through a plurality of downhole rod sections is present. The communication system used for this data transmission path through the rod sections can be inductive couplers, direct electrical contacts or optical couplers. 15 Between the upper down-hole rod section and a top-hole processing element a wireless data connection can be provided. The type of communication system used for this wireless data connection has not been specified.
20 In US 2005285751 a similar type of downhole oil and gas drilling network has been disclosed using burst modulation techniques as communication system. Communication links between the rod sections may be wireless connections. The communication system used between the upper rod section and a top hole personal computer has not been 25 specified.
Both US 20060196664 and US 2005285751 relate to the field of drilling for oil, gas or other fluids, and thus relate to a field different from the one according to the invention, that is to say 30 soil probing.
The measuring probe according to the present invention comprises at least one sensor for obtaining information (e.g. physical and chemical characteristics) about the soil. The measuring probe can, 35 for example, be a penetrometer comprising a cone for measuring the cone resistance, a friction sleeve for measuring side friction, and optionally sensors for measuring other parameters such as, for example, probe inclination, equilibrium water pressure, etc. Alternative designs of the probe are also possible, however.
40 - 4 -
The soil can be sand, clay, silt, in which case the probing rod can be pushed into the soil using e.g. a hydraulic drive mechanism. Alternatively, the soil can be rock, in which case the probing rod can be equipped with a suitable drilling point and can be drilled 5 into the rock. The soil can also comprise liquids, primarily water solutions, and gases. The soil probing device can be used in all types of geological investigation, including geotechnical investigations on land and off-shore investigations.
10 In an advantageous embodiment of the invention the first communication means comprise a wired section for wired transmission of the signal along the rod section. Due to this wired section substantial loss of signal along the probing rod can be avoided. Therefore a relatively long probing rod can be assembled. The wired 15 section could transfer electrical, optical or radiofrequency signals. Preferably the first communication means comprise at each end of the rod section elements for wireless communication, which elements are connected, directly or indirectly, with each other via the wired section.
20
Preferably the rod sections comprise battery means for supplying energy to the first communication means.
In another advantageous embodiment of the invention the first 25 communication means and second communication means are both optical communication means.
In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention the first communication means and second communication means are radio 30 frequency (RF) communication means. The advantage of RF signals is that they are relatively easy to detect so the second communication means can be located at varying positions relative to the last rod section.
35 In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention the rod sections comprise communication interfering means. These communication interfering means prevent impeding communication, for example communication between non-consecutive rod sections or between rod section other than the last rod section and the base - 5 - unit. Preferably rod sections not being part of a probing rod are not able to communicate at all.
Preferably the communication interfering means are functioning such 5 that coupling of a first end of a second last rod section to a second end of the last rod section to extend the probing rod abolishes the interfering function. This is to prevent a wireless signal being received by a rod section that is not part of the probing rod while it is still possible to transfer the wireless 10 signal along the probing rod. The first end should not have interfering means because that end, wdiile being part of the last rod section, should communicate with the base unit. This means that the rod sections have distinctive ends. Preferably coupling of the last rod section "activates" or "awakes" this rod section through 15 the second end. The interfering means subsequently also prevent a rod section being "activated" or "awaked" while not being part of a probing rod, for example while being stored.
Preferably, the communication interfering means are functioning 20 such that communication between first communication means of rod sections in the probing rod other than the last rod section and the second communication means is prevented.
Preferably, the communication interfering means comprise a tubular 25 extension of the rod section. For example, if the first communication means and second communication means are radio frequency communication means and the radio frequency signal is around 2,4 GHz and the diameter of the tubular extension is 16 mm a tubular extension of around 4 cm is sufficient to prevent 30 communication. Preferably the second communication means are similar to the first communication means but in stead do not comprise the interfering means. Preferably the tubular extension comprises internal screw-thread and the first end comprises external screw thread for connecting the first end of one rod 35 section to the second end of another rod section to allow for transmission of a wireless signal in a probing rod.
Preferably, the rod sections comprise an inner tube comprising the first communication means and an outer tube comprising the 40 communication interfering means. All electronics of the first - 6 - communication means can be surrounded and thereby protected by the inner tube. Preferably, the inner tube is made of nonconductive material, such as plastic. This inner tube, comprising the first communication means, can be produced separately from the outer 5 tube. Preferably the inner tube can be pushed into the outer tube and be fixed such that the interfering means are functional.
In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first communicating means and the second communicating means are able to 10 communicate via a protocol. A communication protocol could optimize communication and energy consumption. Preferably the rod sections are "sleeping" when stored or when not in use and are "awakened" when coupled to be a part of the probing rod. Preferably, abolishing the interfering function of the interfering means by 15 coupling of a rod section "awakes" that rod section. Examples of wireless communication protocols are Bluetooth, ultra wideband (UWB), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) and Zigbee.
Brief Description of the Drawings 20
These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the preferred embodiment more clearly described with reference to the appended drawings.
25 Fig 1 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of the soil probing device according to the invention Fig 2 shows an inner and an outer tube of a rod section.
30 Detailed description of preferred embodiment
The following description of a preferred embodiment is related to a soil probing device (1) comprising a measuring probe (2), two rod sections (3 and 3a) which are assembled to a probing rod (4) 35 comprising the measuring probe (2), and a base unit (5). This schematic view shows only two rod sections (3 and 3a) but of course in practice the probing rod will be extended by many other rod sections while being pushed into the soil. Each rod section (3 and 3a) comprises first communication means (6) for wireless 40 communication between the consecutive rod sections (3 and 3a) in - 7 - the probing rod (4), and the base unit (5) comprises second communication means (7) for wireless communication with the first communication means (6) of the last rod section (3a) of the probing rod (4). In this preferred embodiment the first communication means 5 (6) and second communication means (7) are both radio frequency (RF) communication means. The rod sections (3 and 3a) clearly comprise distinctive ends, where the first end (11) comprises a first antenna (15) at the end of an external screw-thread (31) containing part. The second end (12) comprises a second antenna 10 (17) (not shown), a battery (18), and a controller (19). The controller (19) comprises a first transceiver (20) (not shown) related to the first antenna (15), and a second transceiver (21) (not shown) related to the second antenna (17) (not shown), a microprocessor (22) (not shown), and a power supply circuit (23) 15 (not shown). The first transceiver (20) (not shown)and the second transceiver (21) (not shown) allow for communication in both directions. Measurement data from the measuring probe (2) can be transferred to the base unit (5) and the base unit (5) can send commands to the measuring probe (2). The base unit (5) could for 20 example send a control command in order to actuate or switch off the measuring means. The wired section (8) in the rod sections (3) comprises a coax cable (24) connecting the first antenna (15) with the controller (19). The measuring probe (2) comprises third RF communication means (25) which can communicate with a measuring 25 element (26) in the cone (27) via a first RS485 bus (29). The base unit (5) comprises fourth RF communication means (28) to communicate with the first communication means (6) of the last rod section (3a) and is able to communicate with a computer (30) via a second RS485 bus (33) (not shown). Fig. 2 clearly shows the 30 interfering means (10) in the form of a tubular extension (12) of the outer tube (14), which interfering means (10) prevent impeding communication to occur. It also shows the inner tube (13) comprising the first communication means (6), that is, battery means (9), the wired section (8), the first antenna (15), and the 35 controller (19). The outer tube in this preferred embodiment comprises external screw-thread (31) at the first end (11) and internal screw thread (32) at the second end (12) for connecting the first end (11) of one rod section (3) to the second end (12) of another rod section (3) to allow for transmission of a wireless 40 signal in a probing rod. Shown is that when the inner tube (13) is - 8 - pushed into the outer tube (14) correctly, the first antenna will be at the uttermost part of the first end (11) and the controller (19), comprising the second antenna (17) (not shown) will be shielded by the interfering means (10). By coupling the rod section 5 by using the internal (32) and external screw-thread (31) the first antenna (15) approaches the second antenna (17) such that communication and transfer of wireless signal is possible.
10
Claims (10)
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2002608A NL2002608C2 (en) | 2009-03-10 | 2009-03-10 | SOIL PROBING DEVICE. |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2002608A NL2002608C2 (en) | 2009-03-10 | 2009-03-10 | SOIL PROBING DEVICE. |
| NL2002608 | 2009-03-10 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| NL2002608C2 true NL2002608C2 (en) | 2010-09-13 |
Family
ID=41211933
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2002608A NL2002608C2 (en) | 2009-03-10 | 2009-03-10 | SOIL PROBING DEVICE. |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| NL (1) | NL2002608C2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109083120A (en) * | 2018-10-11 | 2018-12-25 | 上海市岩土地质研究院有限公司 | Static sounding device and cone penetration method |
| WO2021006735A2 (en) | 2019-07-09 | 2021-01-14 | Fnv Ip B.V. | Seafloor device and method of using a seafloor device |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6487920B1 (en) * | 1997-01-30 | 2002-12-03 | Trustees Of Tufts College | Situ soil sampling probe system with heated transfer line |
| US6670880B1 (en) * | 2000-07-19 | 2003-12-30 | Novatek Engineering, Inc. | Downhole data transmission system |
| US20050285751A1 (en) * | 2004-06-28 | 2005-12-29 | Hall David R | Downhole Drilling Network Using Burst Modulation Techniques |
| US20060196664A1 (en) * | 2005-03-01 | 2006-09-07 | Hall David R | Remote Power Management Method and System in a Downhole Network |
| US20070131025A1 (en) * | 2005-12-13 | 2007-06-14 | Sandy Golgart Sales Inc. D/B/A Sgs | Device And Methods For Use Of A Dynamic Cone Penetrometer For Evaluating Soil Compaction |
-
2009
- 2009-03-10 NL NL2002608A patent/NL2002608C2/en active
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6487920B1 (en) * | 1997-01-30 | 2002-12-03 | Trustees Of Tufts College | Situ soil sampling probe system with heated transfer line |
| US6670880B1 (en) * | 2000-07-19 | 2003-12-30 | Novatek Engineering, Inc. | Downhole data transmission system |
| US20050285751A1 (en) * | 2004-06-28 | 2005-12-29 | Hall David R | Downhole Drilling Network Using Burst Modulation Techniques |
| US20060196664A1 (en) * | 2005-03-01 | 2006-09-07 | Hall David R | Remote Power Management Method and System in a Downhole Network |
| US20070131025A1 (en) * | 2005-12-13 | 2007-06-14 | Sandy Golgart Sales Inc. D/B/A Sgs | Device And Methods For Use Of A Dynamic Cone Penetrometer For Evaluating Soil Compaction |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109083120A (en) * | 2018-10-11 | 2018-12-25 | 上海市岩土地质研究院有限公司 | Static sounding device and cone penetration method |
| WO2021006735A2 (en) | 2019-07-09 | 2021-01-14 | Fnv Ip B.V. | Seafloor device and method of using a seafloor device |
| NL2023466B1 (en) | 2019-07-09 | 2021-02-02 | Fnv Ip Bv | Seafloor Device and method of using a seafloor device |
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