WO2013040641A1 - Déploiement d'outil d'examen de trou de forage - Google Patents

Déploiement d'outil d'examen de trou de forage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013040641A1
WO2013040641A1 PCT/AU2012/001132 AU2012001132W WO2013040641A1 WO 2013040641 A1 WO2013040641 A1 WO 2013040641A1 AU 2012001132 W AU2012001132 W AU 2012001132W WO 2013040641 A1 WO2013040641 A1 WO 2013040641A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
assembly
downhole
borehole
inner tube
overshot
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2012/001132
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Kelvin Brown
Guru JABBAL
Dominic TRANT
Michael GERASIMOFF
Original Assignee
Imdex Global B.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2011903859A external-priority patent/AU2011903859A0/en
Application filed by Imdex Global B.V. filed Critical Imdex Global B.V.
Priority to AU2012313344A priority Critical patent/AU2012313344A1/en
Priority to CA2849001A priority patent/CA2849001A1/fr
Priority to AP2014007568A priority patent/AP2014007568A0/xx
Priority to EP12834069.2A priority patent/EP2751380A1/fr
Priority to MX2014003370A priority patent/MX2014003370A/es
Priority to BR112014006663A priority patent/BR112014006663A2/pt
Priority to RU2014111663/03A priority patent/RU2014111663A/ru
Priority to US14/346,192 priority patent/US20140224538A1/en
Priority to CN201280057593.4A priority patent/CN104136709A/zh
Publication of WO2013040641A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013040641A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B25/00—Apparatus for obtaining or removing undisturbed cores, e.g. core barrels or core extractors
    • E21B25/16—Apparatus for obtaining or removing undisturbed cores, e.g. core barrels or core extractors for obtaining oriented cores
    • 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
    • E21B49/00—Testing the nature of borehole walls; Formation testing; Methods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
    • E21B49/02—Testing the nature of borehole walls; Formation testing; Methods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells by mechanically taking samples of the soil
    • 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
    • E21B23/00—Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells
    • 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
    • E21B25/00—Apparatus for obtaining or removing undisturbed cores, e.g. core barrels or core extractors
    • E21B25/02—Apparatus for obtaining or removing undisturbed cores, e.g. core barrels or core extractors the core receiver being insertable into, or removable from, the borehole without withdrawing the drilling pipe
    • 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
    • E21B47/01—Devices for supporting measuring instruments on drill bits, pipes, rods or wirelines; Protecting measuring instruments in boreholes against heat, shock, pressure or the like

Definitions

  • This invention relates to borehole surveying operations.
  • the invention relates to core sampling in borehole surveying operations.
  • Core samples are obtained through core drilling operations.
  • Core drilling fs typically conducted with a core drill comprising outer and inner tube assemblies.
  • the inner tube assembly comprises a core inner tube.
  • a cutting head is attached to the outer tube assembly so that rotational torque applied to the outer tube assembly is transmitted to the cutting head.
  • a core is generated during the drilling operation, with the core progressively extending along the core inner tube as drilling progresses.
  • the core within the core inner tube is fractured.
  • the inner tube assembly and the fractured core sample contained therein are then retrieved from within the drill hole, typically by way of a retrieval cable (which is commonly referred to as a wireline) lowered down the drill hole.
  • a retrieval cable which is commonly referred to as a wireline
  • the inner tube assembly further comprises a backend assembly which includes a spearhead point releasably engagable with an overshot attached to the end of the wireline.
  • Information in relation to the path of a borehole can typically include inclination, azimuth and depth.
  • Surveying tools typically contain sensor devices for measuring the direction and magnitude of the local gravitational field, the Earth's magnetic field and/or the rate of rotation of the Earth. These measurements correspond to the position and orientation of the surveying tool in the borehole. The position, inclination and/or azimuth can be calculated from these measurements.
  • the sensor devices can comprise accelerometers for measuring the direction and magnitude of the local gravitational field, magnetometers for measuring the Earth's magnetic field and/or gyroscopes for measuring the rate of rotation of the Earth, from which azimuth can be calculated.
  • the core drilling operation is performed at an angle to the vertical, and it is desirable for analysis purposes to have an indication of the orientation of the core sample relative to the underground environment from which it was extracted. It is therefore important that there be some means of identifying the orientation the core sample had within the underground environment prior to it having been brought to the surface.
  • Core orientation devices are used to provide an indication of the orientation of the core sample.
  • the applicant's International application PCT/AU2011/000628 discloses a down hole surveying system for directional surveying of boreholes.
  • the down hole surveying system is configured as a tool comprising a body which is sized and shaped for movement along a borehole in down hole surveying applications.
  • the body accommodates sensor devices comprising a gyroscope and an accelerometer.
  • Downhole surveying operations and core retrieval are typically conducted as separate operations.
  • orientation of a bottom hole assembly and more recently core sample has been performed by using gravity based sensors, namely - accelerometers, in angled/inclined drill hole applications, These systems have been able to orientate a pre-determined tool face of a bottom hole assembly down the borehole with a survey instrument by referencing the tool face of the bottom hole assembly to the known top dead centre position as ⁇ determined by gravity based sensors.
  • an apparatus for use in a downhole survey in conjunction with core sampling comprising a body adapted to receive a downhole surveying instrument, whereby the downhole surveying instrument can be conveyed along a borehole with the apparatus and operated in the borehole.
  • the downhole surveying instrument may comprise a downhole survey tool or a component thereof.
  • the downhole surveying instrument may, for example, comprise a downhole tool comprising one or more sensor devices such as orthogonal accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, MEMS (microelectromechanical) gyro sensors, or any combination thereof.
  • sensor devices such as orthogonal accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, MEMS (microelectromechanical) gyro sensors, or any combination thereof.
  • a suitable downhole surveying instrument may comprise the downhole tool as described and illustrated in International application PCT/AU2011/000628, the contents of which are incorporated herein by way of reference.
  • Other appropriate downhole tools can, of course, also be used.
  • the downhole surveying instrument comprises a geo-magnetic device
  • the body, or at least relevant parts thereof may be made of material or materials which do not interfere magnetically with the geomagnetic device.
  • the body, or at least relevant parts thereof may need to be made of material which is non-magnetic.
  • the body would not necessarily need to be made of materials which are non-magnetic.
  • the downhole surveying tool described and illustrated in International application PCT/AU2011/000628 is an example of an arrangement in which the body would not necessarily need to be made of materials which are non-magnetic. J
  • the body may incorporate a cavity for accommodating the downhole surveying instrument.
  • the body is configured to facilitate installation of the downhole surveying instrument in the cavity.
  • the body may, for example, be constructed in two or more parts, with one part being selectively separable from another part to provide access to the cavity.
  • the body may be adapted to provide cushioning to afford some impact protection for the surveying instrument.
  • the body may be configured to cushion impact forces following descent into a borehole.
  • the cushioning may be provided by a cushioning mechanism incorporated in the body.
  • the cushioning mechanism may comprise an elastic structure such as a spring for absorbing a shock impact.
  • the cushioning mechanism may further comprise a shock absorber for damping the spring oscillations.
  • Magnetic braking may be utilised to slow the apparatus as it approaches the end of its descent into a borehole.
  • the apparatus may for example include at least a portion of a magnetic braking system for slowing the apparatus in this manner.
  • the apparatus may have provision for controlled positioning thereof within the borehole for operation of the surveying instrument.
  • the controlled positioning provides stable support within the borehole.
  • said provision for controlled positioning within the borehole for operation of the surveying instrument comprises means for engaging the surrounding portion of a drill string to provide stabilization with respect to the drill string.
  • the engaging means may be adapted to support the apparatus within the surrounding portion of the drill string in a circumferentially centred manner. With such an arrangement, the engaging means may be configured as a centraliser.
  • the engaging means may comprise radially disposed arms biased outwardly to contact sides of the drill string, thus centrally positioning the apparatus within the surrounding portion of the drill string.
  • the arms may each include an outer contact portion configured for contact with the inner wall of the surrounding portion of the drill string.
  • the outer contact portion may be of any appropriate form, such as a pad or a roller.
  • the engaging means may be configured to engage the drill string for movement therealong as the apparatus is raised or lowered within the borehole.
  • the engaging means may comprise a fixed structure configured as a carriage for movement along the internal wall of the drill string.
  • the engaging means may be adapted for movement between collapsed and extended conditions, whereby in the collapsed condition it is clear of the internal wall of the drill string for movement therealong and in the extended condition it is in engagement with the drill string for controlled positioning of the apparatus within the borehole to provide stable support for operation of the surveying instrument.
  • Actuation means may be provided for actuating the engaging means.
  • the actuation means may be triggered by contact, or at least proximity, between the apparatus and another downhole member.
  • the actuation of the engaging means may be triggered by contact between an inner tube assembly and an overshot assembly.
  • the actuation means may be of any appropriate form; for example, the actuation means may comprise a mechanical actuator or some other arrangement such as magnetic switch, proximity detector or wireless transmission system
  • the apparatus may also be adapted to initiate operation of the downhole surveying instrument.
  • the apparatus may be adapted to initiate operation of the downhole surveying instrument as it approaches or completes the end of its descent into the borehole.
  • the apparatus may comprise means such as a shock logger for measuring rapid deceleration and transmitting a command to the downhole surveying instrument.
  • the apparatus may be of any appropriate form.
  • the apparatus may, for example, comprise an inner tube assembly of a core drill, an overshot assembly, or an arrangement such as a sub or a drop tool assembly adapted for attachment to an inner tube assembly and/or to an overshot assembly.
  • an inner tube assembly comprising a body having an upper portion adapted for connection to a retrieval system and a lower portion adapted to receive a core sample during a drilling operation, the body being adapted to receive a downhole surveying instrument, whereby the downhole surveying instrument can be conveyed along a borehole with the inner tube assembly and - operated in the borehole.
  • the retrieval system comprises an overshot assembly attached to the end of a wireline.
  • the upper portion of the body is configured for engagement with the overshot assembly in known manner.
  • the overshot assembly incorporates means operable for controlled positioning of the body within the borehole for operation of the surveying instrument.
  • the controlled positioning provides stable support within the borehole.
  • said means operable for controlled positioning of the body within the borehole comprises means for controlling positioning of the overshot assembly within the borehole.
  • the controlled positioning of the overshot assembly within the borehole that effectively controls the position of the body within the borehole for operation of the surveying instrument by virtue of the connection between the core tube assembly and the overshot assembly.
  • controlling the positioning of the overshot assembly within the borehole has the effect of controlling the positioning of the core inner tube assembly, and hence the position of the body of the core inner tube assembly in which the downhole surveying instrument is accommodated.
  • the means operable for controlled positioning of the body within the borehole may comprise means for engaging the surrounding portion of a drill string to stabilise the overshot assembly with respect to the drill string.
  • the engaging means may be adapted to support the overshot assembly within the surrounding portion of the drill string in a circumferentially centred manner. With such an arrangement, the engaging means may be configured as a centraliser.
  • the engaging means may comprise radially disposed arms biased outwardly to contact sides of the drill string, thus centrally positioning the overshot assembly within the surrounding portion of the drill string.
  • the arms may each include an outer contact portion configured for contact with the inner wall of the surrounding portion of the drill string.
  • the outer contact portion may be of any appropriate form, such as a pad or a roller.
  • the engaging means may be configured to engage the drill string for movement therealong as the overshot assembly is raised or lowered within the borehole.
  • the engaging means may comprise a fixed structure configured as a carriage for movement along the internal wall of the drill string.
  • the engaging means may be adapted for movement between collapsed and extended conditions, whereby in the collapsed condition it is clear of the internal wall of the drill string for movement therealong and in the extended condition it is in engagement with the drill String for controlled positioning of the overshot assembly within the borehole to provide stable support for operation of the surveying instrument.
  • an overshot assembly comprising a body having an upper portion adapted for connection to a wireline and a lower portion adapted to be releasably connected to an inner tube assembly, the body being adapted to receive a downhole surveying instrument, whereby the downhole surveying instrument can be conveyed along a borehole with the overshot assembly and operated in the borehole.
  • the downhole surveying instrument may comprise a downhole survey tool or a component thereof.
  • the downhole surveying instrument may, for example, comprise a downhole tool comprising one or more sensor devices such as orthogonal acce!erometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, MEMS (microelectromechanical) gyro sensors, or any combination thereof.
  • sensor devices such as orthogonal acce!erometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, MEMS (microelectromechanical) gyro sensors, or any combination thereof.
  • a suitable downhole surveying instrument may comprise the downhole tool as described and illustrated in International application PCT/AU2011/000628, the contents of which are incorporated herein by way of reference.
  • Other appropriate downhole tools can, of course, also be used.
  • the downhole surveying instrument comprises a geo-magnetic device
  • the body, or at least relevant parts thereof may be made of material or materials which do not interfere magnetically with the geomagnetic device.
  • the body, or at least relevant parts thereof may need to be made of material which is non-magnetic.
  • the body would not necessarily need to be made of materials which are non-magnetic.
  • the downhole surveying tool described and illustrated in International application PCT/AU2011/000628 is an example of an arrangement in which the body would not necessarily need to be made of materials which are non-magnetic.
  • the downhole surveying instrument is operable within the borehole while the overshot assembly is connected to the inner tube assembly.
  • the overshot assembly further comprises means operable for controlled positioning of the body within the borehole for operation of the surveying instrument.
  • the controlled positioning provides stable support within the borehole.
  • the means operable for controlled positioning of the body within the borehole may comprise means for engaging the surrounding drill string to stabilise the body.
  • the engaging means may be adapted to support the body within the drill string in a circumferentially centred manner. With such an arrangement, the engaging means may be configured as a centraliser.
  • the engaging means may comprise radially disposed arms biased outwardly to contact sides of the drill string, thus centrally positioning the body within the drill string.
  • the arms may each include an outer contact portion configured for contact with the inner wall of the surrounding drill string.
  • the outer contact portion may be of any appropriate form, such as a pad or a roller.
  • the engaging means may be configured to engage the drill string for movement therealong as the overshot assembly is raised or lowered within the borehole.
  • the engaging means may comprise a fixed structure configured as a carriage for movement along the internal wall of the drill string.
  • the engaging means may be adapted for movement between collapsed and extended conditions, whereby in the collapsed condition it is clear of the internal wall of the drill string for movement therealong and in the extended condition it is in engagement with the drill string for controlled positioning of the body within the borehole to provide stable support for operation of the surveying instrument.
  • the body may incorporate a cavity for accommodating the downhole surveying instrument.
  • the body is configured to facilitate installation of the downhole surveying instrument in the cavity.
  • the body may, for example, be constructed in two or more parts, with one part being selectively separable from another part to provide access to the cavity.
  • the body is adapted to provide cushioning to afford some impact protection for the surveying instrument.
  • the body is preferably configured to cushion impact forces when .moving into contact with a downhole inner tube assembly following descent on the wireline.
  • the cushioning may be provided by a cushioning mechanism incorporated in the body. r
  • the cushioning mechanism may comprise an elastic structure such as a spring for absorbing a shock impact.
  • the cushioning mechanism may further comprise a shock absorber for damping the spring oscillations.
  • the cushioning mechanism may alternatively, or additionally, comprise a parachute, or other controlled descent system or method.
  • the cushioning mechanism may be incorporated within the body between two parts thereof.
  • Magnetic braking may be utilised to slow the overshot assembly as it approaches the end of its descent into a borehole.
  • the overshot assembly may for example include at least a portion of a magnetic braking system for slowing the overshot assembly in this manner.
  • the lower portion of the body incorporates a latching mechanism for releasable connection to a mating formation on the inner tube assembly.
  • the mating formation is configured as a spear and the latching mechanism comprises latching dogs.
  • the body may incorporate an actuator for actuating the latching mechanism to engage/disengage the formation upon engagement between the overshot assembly and the inner core tube.
  • the overshot assembly is provided with a means for allowing a tool face of the downhole surveying instrument to be transferred to an external surface of the overshot assembly.
  • an external surface of the body of the overshot assembly may include a tool face mark
  • one of the body and a pressure barrel of the surveying instrument may include a locating lug which is receivable in a groove in the other of the body and the pressure barrel of the surveying instrument so that the tool face of the instrument can thereby be synchronised with the tool face mark on the external surface of the body.
  • the tool face of the downhole surveying instrument may comprise a gyro tool face
  • the tool face mark on the external surface of the body may comprise a gyro tool face mark.
  • the overshot assembly may be provided with a means for allowing the tool face to be adjustably transferred to the inner tube assembly.
  • an apparatus adapted for connection to an inner tube assembly, the apparatus comprising a body being adapted to receive a downhole surveying instrument, whereby the downhole surveying instrument can be conveyed along a borehole with the inner tube assembly and operated in the borehole.
  • the apparatus according to the fourth broad aspect of the present invention may comprise a sub or a drop tool assembly attachable to the inner tube assembly.
  • a drop tool assembly comprising a body having an upper portion adapted to be ' releasably connected to a retrieval system and a lower portion adapted to be releasably connected to an inner tube assembly, the body being adapted to receive a downhole surveying instrument, whereby the downhole surveying instrument can be conveyed along a borehole with the drop tool assembly and operated in the borehole.
  • the retrieval system comprises an overshot assembly attached to the end of a wireline.
  • the upper portion of the body is configured for engagement with the overshot assembly in known manner.
  • the drop tool assembly incorporates means operable for controlled positioning of the body within the borehole for operation of the surveying instrument.
  • the controlled positioning provides stable support within the borehole.
  • the means operable for controlled positioning of the body within the borehole may comprise means for engaging the surrounding drill string to stabilise the body.
  • the engaging means may be adapted to support the body within the drill string in a circumferentially centred manner. With such an arrangement, the engaging means may be configured as a centraliser. • r
  • the engaging means may comprise radially disposed arms biased outwardly to contact sides of the drill string, thus centrally positioning the body within the drill string.
  • the arms may each include an outer contact portion configured for contact with the inner wall of the surrounding drill string.
  • the outer contact portion may be of any appropriate form, such as a pad or a roller.
  • the engaging means may be configured to engage the drill string for movement therealong as the drop tool assembly is raised or lowered within the borehole.
  • the engaging means may comprise a fixed structure configured as a carriage for movement along the internal wall of the drill string.
  • the engaging means may be adapted for movement between collapsed and extended conditions, whereby in the collapsed condition it is clear of the internal wall of the drill string for movement therealong and in the extended condition it is in engagement with the drill string for controlled positioning of the body within the borehole to provide stable support for operation of the surveying instrument.
  • the body may incorporate a cavity for accommodating the downhole surveying instrument.
  • the body is configured to facilitate installation of the downhole surveying instrument in the cavity.
  • the body may, for example, be constructed in two or more parts, with one part being selectively separable from another part to provide access to the cavity.
  • Magnetic braking may be utilised to slow the drop tool assembly as it approaches the end of its descent into a borehole.
  • the drop tool assembly may for example include at least a portion of a magnetic braking system for slowing the drop tool assembly in this manner.
  • the body has an upper portion adapted to be releasably connected to an overshot assembly, and a lower portion adapted to be releasably connected to an inner tube assembly.
  • the lower portion of the body incorporates a latching mechanism for releasable connection to a mating formation on the inner tube r
  • the mating formation is configured as a spear and the latching mechanism comprises latching dogs.
  • the body may incorporate an actuator for actuating the latching mechanism to engage the formation upon engagement between the drop tool assembly and the inner core tube.
  • the upper portion of the body incorporates a mating formation. It is preferred that the mating formation is configured as a spearhead point.
  • the downhole surveying instrument may comprise a downhole survey tool or a component thereof.
  • the downhole surveying instrument may, for example, comprise a downhole tool comprising one or more sensor devices such as orthogonal accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, MEMS (microelectromechanical) gyro sensors, or any combination thereof.
  • sensor devices such as orthogonal accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, MEMS (microelectromechanical) gyro sensors, or any combination thereof.
  • a suitable downhole surveying instrument may comprise the downhole tool as described and illustrated in International application PCT/AU2011/000628, the contents of which, as mentioned above, are incorporated herein by way of reference.
  • Other appropriate downhole tools can, of course, also be used.
  • the downhole surveying instrument comprises a geo-magnetic device
  • the body, or at least relevant parts thereof may be made of material or materials which do not interfere magnetically with the geomagnetic device.
  • the body or at least relevant parts thereof may need to be made of material which is non-magnetic.
  • the body would not necessarily need to be made of materials which are non-magnetic.
  • the downhole surveying tool described and illustrated in International application PCT/AU2011/000628 is an example of an arrangement in which the body would not necessarily need to be made of materials which are non-magnetic. — ⁇ - - - f
  • the downhole surveying instrument may be operable within the borehole either while the drop tool assembly is connected to the inner tube assembly, or when the drop tool assembly is not connected to the inner tube assembly.
  • the drop tool assembly is provided with a means for allowing a tool face of the downhole surveying instrument to be effectively transferred to an external surface of the drop tool assembly.
  • an external surface of the body of the drop tool assembly may include a tool face mark
  • one of the body and a pressure barrel of the surveying instrument may include a locating lug which is receivable in a groove in the other of the body and the pressure barrel of the surveying instrument so that the tool face of the instrument can thereby be synchronised with the tool face mark on the external surface of the body.
  • the tool face of the downhole surveying instrument may comprise a gyro tool face
  • the tool face mark on the external surface of the body may comprise a gyro tool face mark
  • the drop tool assembly may be provided with a means for allowing the tool face to be adjustably transferred to the inner tube assembly.
  • the drop .tool assembly also comprises a water pressure activation system for indicating when the drop tool assembly has landed in or otherwise reached its final position within a borehole. It is preferred that the water pressure activation system is operable to activate/deactivate the downhole surveying instrument.
  • a downhole assembly comprising an inner tube assembly according to the second broad aspect of the present invention in combination with an overshot assembly.
  • the downhole assembly further comprises a release system for allowing the overshot assembly to be released from the inner tube assembly while the overshot assembly and the inner tube assembly are located downhole.
  • the downhole assembly also comprises a synchronisation system for allowing the overshot assembly to be connected to the inner tube assembly so that a predetermined tool face of the overshot assembly is synchronised to the inner tube assembly. It is preferred that the. predetermined tool face is a predetermined gyro tool face of the overshot assembly.
  • the synchronisation system comprises a profiled portion of the overshot assembly and a profiled portion of the inner tube assembly, the profiled portions being configured to engage with each other such that the overshot assembly is able to rotate relative to the inner tube assembly into a home position under its own weight or with minimal thrust.
  • each profiled portion comprises a respective mule shoe.
  • the downhole assembly further comprises a locking system for mechanically locking the inner tube assembly to inturn synchronise to a tool face of the overshot assembly.
  • the locking system comprises a flow clutch.
  • a tool face position of the inner tube assembly is able to be synchronised to the overshot assembly by wireless transmission.
  • the overshot assembly in the combination according to the sixth broad aspect of the present invention comprises means operable for controlled positioning of the body within the borehole for operation of the surveying instrument.
  • the overshot assembly may incorporate any one or more of the features described above.
  • a downhole assembly comprising a drop tool assembly according to the fifth broad aspect of the present invention in combination with at least one of an inner tube assembly and an overshot assembly.
  • the downhole assembly comprises a release system for allowing the drop tool assembly to be released from the inner tube assembly while the drop tool assembly is located down hole. r
  • the downhole assembly also comprises a synchronisation system for allowing the drop tool assembly to be connected to the inner tube assembly so that a predetermined tool face of the drop tool assembly is synchronised to the inner tube assembly, r ⁇ js preferred that the predetermined tool face is a predetermined gyro tool face of the drop tool assembly.
  • the synchronisation system comprises a profiled portion of the drop tool assembly and a profiled portion of the inner tube assembly, the profiled portions being configured to engage with each other such that the drop tool assembly is able to rotate relative to the inner tube assembly into a home position under its own weight or with minimal thrust. It is preferred that each profiled portion comprises a respective mule shoe.
  • the downhole assembly further comprises a locking system for mechanically locking the inner tube assembly to inturn synchronise to a tool face of the drop tool assembly.
  • the locking system comprises a flow clutch.
  • a tool face position of the inner tube assembly is able to be synchronised to the drop tool assembly by wireless transmission.
  • an eighth broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of conducting a borehole surveying operation using a surveying instrument accommodated in an apparatus according to the first broad aspect of the present invention.
  • an eleventh broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of conducting a borehole surveying operation using a surveying instrument accommodated in an apparatus according to the fourth broad aspect of the present invention.
  • a fourteenth broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of conducting a borehole surveying operation using a surveying instrument accommodated in a drop tool assembly forming part of a combination according to the seventh broad aspect of the present invention.
  • a method of conducting a borehole surveying operation using apparatus incorporating an onboard downhole surveying instrument comprising lowering the apparatus down the borehole, taking a measurement down the borehole using the onboard downhole surveying instrument, and retrieving a core sample using the apparatus.
  • the method may further comprise actuating the onboard downhole surveying instrument to take the measurement in response to the apparatus approaching or completing the end of its descent into the borehole.
  • the apparatus comprises an overshot assembly.
  • a method of conducting a borehole surveying operation using an inner tube assembly incorporating an onboard downhole surveying instrument comprising deploying the inner tube assembly in the borehole, taking a measurement down the borehole using the onboard downhole surveying instrument, and retrieving the inner tube assembly containing a core sample.
  • the core inner tube assembly incorporating the onboard downhole surveying instrument is retrieved from the borehole using an overshot assembly.
  • the method further comprises controlling the position of the core inner tube assembly within the borehole for operation of the surveying instrument.
  • the act of controlling the position of the core inner tube assembly within the borehole for operation of the surveying instrument comprises controlling the positioning of the overshot assembly within the borehole.
  • a method of conducting a borehole surveying operation using an overshot assembly incorporating an onboard downhole surveying instrument comprising lowering the overshot assembly down the borehole, taking a measurement down the borehole using the onboard downhole surveying instrument, and retrieving an inner tube assembly containing a core sample using the overshot assembly.
  • a method of conducting a borehole surveying operation using a drop tool assembly incorporating an onboard downhole surveying instrument comprising lowering the drop tool assembly down the borehole using the onboard downhole surveying instrument, and retrieving an inner tube assembly containing a core sample using the drop tool assembly and an overshot assembly.
  • measurement is taken to include any reading, data, signal, or other input or collection of inputs received by the downhole surveying instrument.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an inner tube assembly
  • Figure 2 is a schematic side view of an overshot assembly for use in combination with the inner tube assembly
  • Figure 3 is a fragmentary side view of the bottom end of a drill string incorporating a drill barrel connected to a series of drill rods, with the inner tube assembly being receivable in the drill barrel in known manner; '
  • Figure 4 is a schematic side view of another overshot assembly
  • Figure 5 depicts an overshot assembly and an inner tube assembly of a downhole assembly
  • Figure 6 depicts a drop tool assembly and an inner tube assembly of a downhole assembly
  • Figure 7 depicts a portion of the drop tool assembly body, and a portion of the surveying instrument pressure barrel
  • Figure 8 depicts a water pressure activation system of the drop tool assembly.
  • the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings is directed to an inner tube assembly 10 for core retrieval in core drilling operations for borehole surveys.
  • the inner tube assembly 0 is configured to accommodate an onboard downhole surveying instrument, as will be explained in more detail later. This arrangement allows for coordination between downhole surveying and core retrieval operations in order to reduce downtime while the procedures are being performed,
  • the core drilling operation is performed with a core drill comprising an outer tube assembly 13 in conjunction with the inner tube assembly 10.
  • the outer tube assembly 13 is referred to as the drilling barrel and is fitted as a bottom end assembly 5 to a series of drill rods or drill pipes 17 which constitute a drill string.
  • the inner tube assembly 10 comprises a body 21 having a bottom end section 23 and a top end section 25.
  • the bottom end section 23 incorporates a core inner tube (not shown) to progressively receive a core sample during a core drilling operation in known manner.
  • the top end section 25 incorporates a backend assembly which includes a spearhead point 27 releasably engagable with an overshot assembly 30 in known manner. With this arrangement, the inner tube assembly 10 can be lowered into, and retrieved from, the outer tube assembly 13 and the associated drill string 17.
  • the body 21 defines an internal compartment 33 adapted to accommodate a downhole survey instrument 35, as shown in Figure 1.
  • the downhole survey instrument 35 is onboard the inner tube assembly 10.
  • the downhole survey instrument 35 would typically comprise a downhole tool having one or more sensor devices such as orthogonal accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, MEMS (microelectromechanical) gyro sensors, or any combination thereof.
  • the compartment 33 is configured to receive a downhole tool of the type described and illustrated in international application PCT/AU2011/000628, the contents of which are incorporated herein by way of reference.
  • the body 21 may incorporate means (not shown) such as an IR port or other telemetry arrangement for communication with the downhole survey instrument to retrieve measurements therefrom. r
  • the body 21 comprises an upper portion 41 and a lower portion 43 adapted to be releasably connected together by a fluid-tight connection 45.
  • the connection 45 may comprise a threaded connection and an associated fluid seal arrangement.
  • the two portions 41 , 43 cooperate to define the internal compartment 33 adapted to receive and accommodate the downhole survey instrument 35.
  • the two portions 41 , 43 can be separated by disengaging the connection 45 to provide access to the compartment 33 for insertion and removal of the downhole survey instrument 35.
  • the core inner tube assembly 10 can be used with a conventional overshot. Assembly.
  • the core inner tube assembly 10 in conjunction with an overshot assembly which has a facility to provide controlled positioning of the body 21 of the inner tube assembly 10 within the borehole for operation of the onboard surveying instrument 35.
  • the controlled positioning is intended to provide stable support of the body 21 within the drill string 17 in order to allow the onboard surveying instrument 35 to take measurements which are not affected by movement and vibration.
  • the overshot assembly 30 shown in Figure 2 is provided with such a facility to provide controlled positioning of the body 21 within the borehole.
  • the overshot assembly 30 comprises a body 51 having a lower end section 53 and an upper end section 55.
  • the lower end section 53 of the body 51 incorporates a latching mechanism 57 for releasable connection to the spearhead point 27 on the inner tube assembly 10.
  • the latching mechanism 57 may comprise latching dogs of known kind for releasable engagement with the spearhead point 27.
  • the body 51 may also incorporate an actuator (not shown) for actuating the latching mechanism 57 to engage/disengage the spearhead point 27 upon engagement between the overshot assembly 30 and the inner tube assembly 10.
  • the upper end section 55 of the body 51 is configured for attachment to a wireline cable 59 of known kind, as shown in Figure 2.
  • the overshot assembly 30 further comprises means 60 operable for the above-mentioned controlled positioning of the body 21 of the inner tube assembly 10 within the borehole. More particularly, such means 60 is operable for controlling positioning of the overshot assembly 30 within the borehole. With this arrangement, it is the controlled positioning of the overshot assembly 30 within the borehole that effectively controls the position of the body 21 of the inner tube assembly 10 within the borehole by virtue of the connection between the core tube assembly 10 and the overshot assembly 30. In other words, controlling the positioning of the overshot assembly 30 within the borehole has the effect of controlling the positioning of the core tube assembly 10, and hence the position of the body 21 of the core tube assembly 10 in which the downhole surveying instrument 35 is accommodated.
  • the position of the overshot assembly 30 is controlled by controlling the position of the overshot body 51 within the drill string 17.
  • the means 60 comprises engaging means 61 provided on the overshot assembly 30 for engaging the surrounding section of the drill string 17 to stabilise the overshot body 51.
  • the engaging means 61 is configured as a centraliser 63 which is adapted to support the body 51 within the drill string 17 in a circumferentially centred manner.
  • the centraliser 63 comprises a series of radially disposed arms 65 adapted to extend outwardly to contact sides of the drill rods 17, thus centrally positioning the body 51 within the surrounding section of the drill string.
  • the radially disposed arms 65 are circumferentially spaced. In this preferred embodiment, there are four radially disposed arms although other arrangements may be used.
  • the arms 65 each include an. outer contact portion 67 configured for contact with the inner wall of the surrounding section of the drill string.
  • the outer contact portion 67 may be of any appropriate form, such as a pad or a roller.
  • the arms 65 are adapted for movement between collapsed and extended conditions, whereby in the collapsed condition each arm is clear of the internal wall for the drill rods and in the extended - i-
  • the core drill operates in the normal way.
  • a core is generated during the drilling operation, with the core progressively extending along the core inner tube within the inner tube assembly 10 as drilling progresses.
  • the core within the core inner tube is fractured to provide the core sample.
  • the inner tube assembly 10 and the fractured core sample contained therein are then retrieved from within the drill hole using the overshot assembly 30 which is lowered down to the inner tube assembly on the wireline cable 59.
  • the overshot assembly 30 contacts the inner tube assembly 10
  • the latching mechanism 57 engages the spearhead point 27 on the inner tube assembly. .
  • the centraliser 63 can be actuated as desired to support the body 51 within the surrounding section of the drill string 17 in a circumferentially centred manner. This controlled positioning provides stable support for the body 21 of the inner tube assembly 10 within the drill string in order to allow the onboard surveying instrument 35 to take measurements which are not affected by movement and vibration. Once the measurements are taken, the centraliser 63 can be released and the overshot assembly 30 can be raised using the wireline cable 59 to complete the core retrieval process in the conventional manner.
  • the surveying instrument 35 onboard the inner tube assembly 10 can be interrogated as required to retrieve recorded data.
  • the surveying instrument 35 is onboard the inner tube assembly 10, thereby allowing surveying measurements to be taken during the core collection and retrieval process as desired.
  • the taking of surveying measurements can be integrated with the core collection and retrieval process, rather than being a separate operation as is conventional practice. This is advantageous, as it can reduce the downtime during which drilling operations need to be suspended in order for core samples to be retrieved and surveying measurements to be taken.
  • the downhole instrument 35 comprising the tool of the type described and illustrated in international application PCT/AU2011/000628 is not affected by magnetic materials in the presence of the environment of its use, and so the body can be constructed of any appropriate material; that is, it is not necessary to use non-magnetic materials such as CuBe in the construction of the body 21 of the inner tube assembly 10.
  • the body 21 may be made of material Or materials which do not interfere magnetically with the geo-magnetic device.
  • the body, or at least relevant parts thereof may need to be to be made of material which is nonmagnetic.
  • the core drilling operation is performed with a core drill (not shown) fitted as a bottom end assembly to a series of drill rods,
  • the core drill comprises an inner tube assembly, which includes a core tube, for core retrieval.
  • the core drill also comprises an outer tube assembly.
  • the inner tube assembly further comprises a backend assembly which includes a spearhead point releasably engagable with the overshot assembly 100.
  • a spearhead point is depicted schematically and identified by reference numeral 101.
  • the inner tube assembly can be lowered into, and retrieved from, the outer tube assembly and the drill string to which the outer tube assembly is incorporated.
  • the overshot assembly 100 comprises a body 105 having a lower end 107 and an upper end 109.
  • the body defines an internal compartment 1 1 1 adapted to accommodate a downhole survey instrument.
  • the downhole survey instrument is onboard the overshot assembly 100.
  • the downhole survey instrument would typically comprise a downhole tool having one or more sensor devices such as orthogonal accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, MEMS (microelectromechanical) gyro sensors, or any combination thereof.
  • the compartment 11 1 is configured to receive a downhole tool of the type described and illustrated in international application PCT/AU201 1/000628, the contents of which are incorporated herein by way of reference.
  • the body 105 incorporates means 108 such as an I R port or other telemetry method for communication with the downhole survey instrument to retrieve measurements therefrom.
  • means 108 such as an I R port or other telemetry method for communication with the downhole survey instrument to retrieve measurements therefrom.
  • the body 105 comprises an upper portion 1 13 and a lower portion 1 15, with the two portions being interconnected by a cushioning mechanism 1 7 adapted to provide cushioning to afford some impact protection for the downhole survey instrument accommodated in the compartment 1 1 1.
  • the cushioning mechanism 1 17 is adapted to cushion impact forces when the overshot assembly 100 descends into contact with the inner tube assembly.
  • the cushioning mechanism 117 comprises an elastic structure 119 configured as a spring for absorbing a shock impact.
  • the cushioning mechanism 1 17 further comprises a shock absorber 121 for damping the spring oscillations.
  • the shock absorber 121 may be of any appropriate type, such as an arrangement adapted for controlled displacement of damping fluid (comprising, for example, air and oil) to effect a damping action.
  • the compartment 1 11 is incorporated in the upper portion 1 13.
  • the upper portion 113 comprises two sections, being a top section 123 and a bottom section 125 adapted to be releasably connected together by fluid-tight connection 127.
  • the connection 127 may comprise a threaded connection and an associated fluid seal arrangement.
  • the two sections 123, 125 cooperate to define the compartment 1 11 adapted to receive and accommodate the downhole survey instrument.
  • the two sections 123, 125 are selectively separable to provide access to the compartment 11 1.
  • the lower end 107 of the body 105 incorporates a latching mechanism 131 for releasable connection to the spearhead point 101 on the inner tube assembly.
  • the latching mechanism 131 r
  • 27 comprises latching dogs of known kind for releasable engagement with the spearhead point 101.
  • the body 105 also incorporates an actuator (not shown) for actuating the latching mechanism 131 to engage/disengage the spearhead point 101 upon engagement between the overshot assembly 100 and the inner tube assembly.
  • the upper end 109 of the body 105 is configured for attachment to a wireline cable of known kind.
  • the upper end 109 of the body 105 incorporates an eyelet 133 to which the wireline cable can be attached.
  • the wireline cable is depicted schematically and identified by reference numeral 135.
  • the overshot assembly 100 further comprises means 140 operable for controlled positioning of the body 05 within the borehole for operation of the surveying instrument accommodated within the compartment 1 11.
  • the controlled positioning is intended to provide stable support of the body 105 within the drill string in order to allow the onboard surveying instrument to take measurements which are not affected by movement and vibration.
  • the means 140 operable for controlled positioning of the body 105 within the borehole comprise engaging means 141 for engaging the adjacent portion of the drill string to stabilise the body.
  • the engaging means 141 is configured as a centraliser 143 which is adapted to support the body 105 within the drill pipe in a circumferentially centred manner.
  • the centraliser 143 comprises a series of radially disposed arms 145 adapted to extend outwardly to Contact sides of the drill pipe, thus centrally positioning the body w ' rthin the drill pipe.
  • the radially disposed arms 145 are circumferentially spaced. In this preferred embodiment, there are four radially disposed arms 145, although other arrangements may be used.
  • the arms 145 each include an outer contact portion 147 configured for contact with the inner wall of the surrounding drill pipe.
  • the outer contact portion 147 may be of any appropriate form, such as a pad or a roller.
  • the arms 145 are adapted for movement between collapsed and extended conditions, whereby in the collapsed condition each arm is clear of the internal wall for the drill pipe and in the extended condition it is in engagement with the drill pipe for controlled positioning of the body 105 within the borehole to provide stable support for operation of the surveying instrument.
  • the core drill operates in the normal way.
  • a core is generated during the drilling operation, with the core progressively extending along the core inner tube within the inner tube assembly as drilling progresses.
  • the core within the core inner tube is fractured.
  • the inner tube assembly and the fractured core sample contained therein are then retrieved from within the drill hole using the overshot assembly 100 which is lowered down to the inner tube assembly on the wireline cable 135.
  • the overshot assembly 100 contacts the inner tube assembly, the latching mechanism 131 engages the spearhead point 101 on the inner tube assembly.
  • the impact force generated upon the overshot assembly descending into contact with the inner tube assembly is cushioned by the cushioning mechanism 1 17 as previously explained.
  • the centraliser 143 is actuated to support the body 105 within the drill pipe in a circumferentially centred manner. This controlled positioning effects stable support of the body 05 within the drill pipe in order to allow the onboard surveying instrument to take measurements which are not affected by movement and vibration. Once the measurements are taken, the overshot assembly 100 can be raised using the wireline cable 135 to complete the core retrieval process in the conventional manner.
  • the surveying instrument is onboard the overshot assembly 100, thereby allowing surveying measurements to be taken during the core retrieval process if desired.
  • the taking of surveying measurements can be integrated with the core retrieval process, rather than being a separate operation as is conventional practice. This is advantageous, as it can reduce the downtime during which drilling operations need to be suspended in order for core samples to be retrieved and surveying measurements to be taken.
  • the downhole tool of the type described and illustrated in international application PCT/AU2011/000628 is not affected by magnetic materials in the presence of the environment of its use and so the body can be constructed of any appropriate material; that is, it is not necessary to use non magnetic materials such as CuBe in the construction of the body 105.
  • the body, or at least relevant parts thereof may be made of material or materials which do not interfere magnetically with the geo-magnetic device.
  • the body, or at least relevant parts thereof may need to be to be made of material which is nonmagnetic.
  • FIG. 5 there is depicted an overshot assembly 200 and an inner tube assembly 201 of a downhole assembly 202.
  • the overshot assembly 200 can be used in a core drilling operation in a borehole survey.
  • the core drilling operation is performed with a core drill (not shown) fitted as a bottom end assembly to a series of drill rods or pipes called a drill string.
  • the core drill comprises the inner tube assembly 201 , which includes a core tube, for core retrieval.
  • the core drill also comprises an outer tube assembly.
  • the inner tube assembly 201 further comprises a backend assembly which includes a spearhead point 101 releasably engagable with the overshot assembly 200.
  • the inner tube assembly 201 can be lowered into, and retrieved from an outer tube assembly and the drill string to which the outer tube assembly is incorporated.
  • the overshot assembly 200 comprises a body 105 having a lower end 107 and an upper end 109.
  • the body 105 defines an internal compartment/cavity 11 1 adapted to accommodate a downhole survey instrument.
  • the downhole survey instrument would typically comprise a downhole tool having one or more sensor devices such as orthogonal - I
  • the compartment 111 is configured to receive a downhole tool of the type described and illustrated in International application PCT/AU2011/000628 whose contents have been incorporated herein by reference.
  • the body 105 may incorporate means such as an infrared (IR) port or other telemetry method for communication with the downhole survey instrument to retrieve measurements therefrom.
  • IR infrared
  • the body 105 comrpises an upper portion 113 and a lower portion 1 15.
  • the two portions 113, 1 15 may be Interconnected by a cushioning mechanism adapted to provide cushioning to afford some impact protection for the downhole survey instrument accommodated in the compartment 11 1.
  • the cushioning mechanism is adapted to cushion impact forces when the overshot assembly 200 descends into contact with the inner tube assembly 201.
  • the cushioning mechanism could, for example, comprise an elastic structure configured as a spring for absorbing a shock impact.
  • the cushioning mechanism may further comprise a shock absorber for damping the spring oscillations.
  • the shock absorber may be of any appropriate type, such as an arrangement adapted for controlled displacement of damping fluid (comprising, for example, air and oil) to effect a damping action.
  • the compartment 1 is incorporated in the upper portion 1 13.
  • the upper portion 113 comprises two sections, being a top section 123 and a bottom section 125 adapted to be releasably connected together by a fluid-tight connection 127.
  • the connection 127 may comprise a threaded connection and an associated fluid seal arrangement.
  • the two sections 123, 125 cooperate to define the compartment 1 11 adapted to receive and accommodate the downhole survey instrument.
  • the two sections 123, 125 are selectively separable to provide access to the compartment 111.
  • the lower end 107 of the body 105 incorporates a latching mechanism 131 for releasable connection to the spearhead point 101 on the inner tube assembly 201.
  • 131 comprises latching/lifting dogs 210 of known kind for releasable engagement with the spearhead point 101.
  • the body 105 may also incorporate an actuator (not shown) for actuating the latching mechanism 31 to engage/disengage the spearhead point 101 upon engagement between the overshot assembly 200 and the inner tube assembly 201.
  • the upper end 09 of the body 105 is configured for attachment to a wireline cable 135 of known kind.
  • the upper end 109 of the body 105 incorporates an eyelet 133 to which the wireline cable 135 can be attached.
  • the overshot assembly 200 further comprises means 140 operable for controlled positioning of the body 105 within the borehole for operation of the surveying instrument accommodated within the compartment 1 11 .
  • the controlled positioning is intended to provide stable support of the body 105 within the drill string in order to allow the onboard surveying instrument to take measurements which are not affected by movement and vibration.
  • the means 140 operable for controlled positioning of the body 105 within the borehole comprises engaging means 141 for engaging the adjacent portion of the drill string to stabilise the body 105.
  • the engaging means 141 is configured as a centraliser 143 which is adapted to support the body 105 within the drill pipe in a circumferentially centred manner.
  • the centraliser 143 comprises a series of radially disposed arms 145 adapted to extend outwardly to contact sides of the drill pipe, thus centrally positioning the body 05 within the drill pipe.
  • the radially disposed arms 145 are circumferentially spaced. In this preferred embodiment, there are four radially disposed arms 145, although other arrangements may be used.
  • the arms 145 each include an outer contact portion 147 configured for contact with the inner wall of the surrounding drill pipe.
  • the outer contact portion 147 may be of any appropriate form, such as a pad or a roller.
  • the arms 145 may be adapted for movement between collapsed and extended conditions, whereby in the collapsed condition each arm 145 is clear of the internal wall of the drill pipe and in the extended condition it is in engagement with the drill pipe for controlled positioning of the body 05 within the borehole to provide stable support for operation of the surveying instrument.
  • Magnetic braking may be utilised to slow the overshot assembly 200 as it approaches the end of its descent into a borehole.
  • the overshot assembly 200 may for example include at least a portion of a magnetic braking system (not depicted) for slowing the overshot assembly 200 in this manner.
  • the overshot assembly 200 is provided with a means 220 for allowing a tool face of the downhole surveying instrument to be transferred to an external surface of the overshot assembly 200.
  • the means 220 may include a tool face mark 221 on an external surface of the body 105, and one of the body 105 and a pressure barrel of the surveying instrument may include a locating lug (not depicted) which is receivable in a groove (not depicted) in the other of the body 105 and the pressure barrel of the surveying instrument when the surveying instrument is inserted into the compartment 111 so that the tool face of the instrument can thereby be synchronised with the tool face mark 221 on the external surface of the body 105.
  • the tool face of the downhole surveying instrument may comprise a gyro tool face
  • the tool face mark 221 on the external surface of the body 105 may comprise a gyro tool face mark.
  • the overshot assembly 200 may also be provided with a means 225 for allowing the tool face to be adjustably transferred to the inner tube assembly 201.
  • the means 225 may comprise a shaft (not depicted) which connects the upper portion 113 to the lower portion 115 such that the upper and lower portions 113, 115 are able to be rotated relative to each other. Rotation of the lower portion 115 relative to the upper portion 115 allows the position of a tool face mark 226 on the lower portion 115 to be adjusted relative to the tool face mark 221 and a tool face mark 227 on the inner tube assembly 201. Once the position of the tool face mark 226 has been adjusted, two nuts 228 on the shaft can be tightened to mechanically lock the portions 113, 115 together so as to prevent relative rotation between the portions 113, 115. Where the tool face r
  • 33 mark 221 on the external surface of the body 105 comprises a gyro tool face mark, the tool face marks 226, 227 also comprise gyro tool face marks.
  • the surveying instrument includes one or more gyros which provide the instrument with the ability to reference true North in any aspect/environment, this will provide the ability to orientate core or the bottom hole assembly at vertical inclinations that previously could not be done with accelerometers or magnetic sensors. By being able to detect the Earth's true North direction, this can be reference directly to an external mark (i.e. gyro tool face) on the instrument/tool to give the position of the gyro tool face in relation to true North.
  • an external mark i.e. gyro tool face
  • the downhole assembly 202 further comprises a release system 230 for allowing the overshot assembly 200 to be released from the inner tube assembly 201 while the overshot assembly 200 and the inner tube assembly 201 are located downhole.
  • the release system 230 is operable to disengage the dogs 210 of the latching mechanism 131 from the spearhead point 101.
  • the downhole assembly 202 comprises a synchronisation system 235 for allowing the overshot assembly 200 to be connected to the inner tube assembly 201 so that a predetermined tool face 221 of the overshot assembly 200 is synchronised to the inner tube assembly 201.
  • the synchronisation system 235 comprises a profiled portion 236 of the lower body portion 115 of the overshot assembly 200, and a profiled portion 237 of the inner tube assembly 201.
  • the profiled portion 236 comprises a mule shoe 238, and the profiled portion 237 comprises a mule shoe 239.
  • the profiled portions 236, 237 are configured to engage with each other such that the overshot assembly 200 is able to rotate relative to the inner tube assembly 201 into a home position under its own weight or with only minimal thrust.
  • Downhole assembly 202 also comprises a locking system 245 for mechanically locking the inner tube assembly 201 to inturn synchronise to the tool face 221 of the overshot assembly 200.
  • the locking system 245 may comprise « flow clutch which is provided as part of the inner tube assembly 201 and which is able to engage and disengage the connection between two co- linear components of a rock drilling device. . . . ... r
  • the tool face position of the inner tube assembly 201 may be synchronised to the overshot assembly 200 by wireless transmission.
  • the core drill operates in the normal way.
  • a core is generated during the drilling operation, with the core progressively extending along the core inner tube within the Inner tube assembly 201 as drilling progresses.
  • the core within the core inner tube is fractured.
  • the inner tube assembly 201 and the fractured core sample contained therein are then retrieved from within the drill hole using the overshot assembly 200 which is lowered down to the inner tube assembly 201 on the wireline cable 135.
  • the overshot assembly 200 contacts the inner tube assembly 201 , the latching mechanism 131 engages the spearhead point 101 on the inner tube assembly 201.
  • the impact force generated upon the overshot assembly 200 descending into contact with the inner tube assembly 201 is cushioned by the cushioning mechanism (if present).
  • the speed of descent of the overshot assembly 200 is slowed as it approaches the inner tube assembly 201.
  • the centraliser 143 is actuated to support the body 105 within the drill pipe in order to allow the onboard surveying instrument to take measurements which are not affected by movement and vibration. Once the measurements are taken, the overshot assembly 100 can be raised using the wireline cable 135 to complete the core retrieval process in the conventional manner.
  • the surveying instrument is onboard the overshot assembly 200, thereby allowing surveying measurements to be taken during the core retrieval process if desired.
  • the taking of surveying measurements can be integrated with the core retrieval process, rather than being a separate operation as is conventional practice. This is advantageous, as it can reduce the downtime during which drilling operations need to be suspended in order for core samples to be retrieved and surveying measurements to be taken.
  • the downhole tool of the type described and illustrated in International application PCT/AU201 1/000628 is not affected by i
  • the body can be constructed of any appropriate material; that is, it is not necessary to use non-magnetic materials such as CuBe in the construction of the body 105.
  • the body 105 may be made of material or materials which do not interfere magnetically with the geo-magnetic device.
  • the body, or at least relevant parts thereof may need to be made of material which is non-magnetic:
  • the drop tool assembly 250 may be used in a core drilling operation in a borehole survey in which case the drop tool assembly 250 may be releasably attached to the inner tube assembly 201.
  • the drop tool assembly 250 comprises a body/barrel 255 having a lower end 257 and an upper end 259.
  • the body 255 defines an internal compartment/cavity 261 adapted to accommodate a downhole survey instrument.
  • the downhole survey instrument would typically comprise a downhole tool having one or more sensor devices such as orthogonal accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, MEMS (microelectromechanical) gyro sensors, or any combination thereof.
  • the compartment 261 is configured to receive a downhole tool of the type described and illustrated in International application PCT/AU2011/000628 whose contents have been incorporated herein by reference.
  • the body 255 incorporates means such as an infrared (IR) port 262 or other telemetry method for communication with the downhole survey instrument to retrieve measurements therefrom.
  • IR infrared
  • the body 255 comprises an upper portion 263 and a lower portion 265.
  • the two portions 263, 265 may be interconnected by a cushioning mechanism adapted to provide cushioning to afford some impact protection for the downhole survey instrument accommodated in the compartment 261.
  • the cushioning mechanism is adapted to cushion impact forces when the drop tool assembly 250 descends into contact with the inner tube assembly 201.
  • the cushioning mechanism could, for example, comprise an elastic structure configured as a spring for absorbing a shock impact.
  • the cushioning mechanism may further comprise a shock absorber for damping the spring oscillations.
  • the shock absorber may be of any appropriate type, such as an arrangement adapted for controlled displacement of damping fluid (comprising for example, air and oil) to effect damping action.
  • the compartment 261 is incorporated in the upper portion 263.
  • the upper portion 263 comprises two sections, being a top section 273 and a bottom section 275 adapted to be releasably connected together by a fluid-tight connection 277.
  • the connection 277 may comprise a threaded connection and an associated fluid seal arrangement.
  • the two sections 273, 275 are selectively separable to provide access to the compartment 261.
  • the lower end 257 of the body 255 incorporates a latching mechanism 281 for releasable connection to the spearhead point 101 on the inner tube assembly 201.
  • the latching mechanism 281 comprises latching/lifting dogs 282 of known kind for releasable engagement with the spearhead point 101.
  • the body 255 may also incorporate an actuator (not shown) for actuating the latching mechanism 281 to engage/disengage the spearhead point 101 upon engagement between the drop tool assembly 250 and the inner tube assembly 201.
  • the upper end 259 of the body 255 incorporates a mating formation 283 which is configured as a spearhead point 284 which is releasably engagable with an overshot assembly (not depicted) which may also be part of the downhole assembly 251.
  • the overshot assembly could be of any known type, it could even be one of the previously described overshot assemblies.
  • the drop tool assembly 250 further comprises means 290 operable for controlled positioning of the body 255 within the borehole for operaton of the surveying instrument accommodated within the compartment 261.
  • the controlled positioning is intended to provide stable support of the body 255 within the drill string in order to allow the onboard surveying instrument to take measurements which are not affected by movement and vibration.
  • the means 290 operable for controlled positioning of the body 255 within the borehole comprises engaging means 291 for engaging the adjacent portion of the drill string to stabilise the body 255.
  • the engaging means 291 is configured as a centraliser 293 which is adapted to support the body 255 within the drill pipe in a circumferentially centred manner.
  • the centraliser 293 comprises a series of radially disposed arms 295 adapted to extend outwardly to contact sides of the drill pipe, thus centrally positioning the body 255 within the drill pipe.
  • the radially disposed arms 295 are circumferentially spaced. In this preferred embodiment, there are four radially disposed arms 295, although other arrangements may be used.
  • the arms 295 each include an outer contact portion 297 configured for contact with the inner wall of the surrounding drill pipe.
  • the outer contact portion 297 may be of any appropriate form, such as a pad or a roller.
  • the arms 295 may be adapted for movement between collapsed and extended conditions, whereby in the collapsed condition each arm 295 is clear of the internal wall of the drill pipe and in the extended condition it is in engagement with the drill pipe for controlled positioning of the body 255 within the borehole to provide stable support for operation of the surveying instrument.
  • Magnetic braking may be utilised to slow the drop tool assembly 250 as it approaches the end of its descent into a borehole.
  • the drop tool assembly 250 may for example include at least a portion of a magnetic braking system (not depicted) for slowing the drop tool assembly 250 in this manner.
  • the drop tool assembly 250 is provided with a means 300 for allowing a tool face of the downhole surveying instrument to be transferred to an external surface of the drop tool assembly 250.
  • the means 300 may include a tool face mark 301 on an external surface of the body 255, and one of the body 255 and a pressure barrel 302 (see Figure 7) of the surveying instrument may include a locating lug 303 which is receivable in a groove 304 in the other of the r
  • the tool face of the downhole surveying instrument may comprise a gyro tool face
  • the tool face mark 301 on the external surface of the body 255 may comprise a gyro tool face mark.
  • the drop tool assembly may also be provided with a means 315 for allowing the tool face to be adjustably transferred to the inner tube assembly 201.
  • the means 315 may comprise a shaft (not depicted) which connects the upper portion 263 to the lower portion 265 such that the upper and lower portions 263, 265 are able to be rotated relative to each other. Rotation of the lower portion 265 relative to the upper portion 263 allows the position of a tool face mark 316 on the lower portion 265 to be adjusted relative to the tool face mark 301 and a tool face mark 227 on the inner tube assembly 201.
  • the tool face marks 316, 227 also comprise gyro tool face marks.
  • the downhole assembly 251 further comprises a release system 320 for allowing the drop tool assembly 250 to be released from the inner tube assembly 201 while the drop tool assembly 250 and the inner tube assembly 201 are located downhole.
  • the release system 320 is operable to disengage the dogs 282 of the latching mechanism 281 from the spearhead point 101.
  • the downhole assembly 251 comprises a synchronisation system 325 for allowing the drop tool assembly 250 to be connected to the inner tube assembly 201 so that a predetermined tool face 301 of the drop tool assembly 250 is synchronised to the inner tube assembly 201 .
  • the synchronisation system 325 comprises a profiled portion 326 of the lower body portion 265 of the drop tool assembly 250, and a profiled portion 327 of the inner tube assembly 201.
  • the profiled portion 326 comprises a mule shoe 328, and the profiled portion 327 comprises a mule shoe 329.
  • 39 portions 326, 327 are configured to engage with each other such that the drop tool assembly 250 is able to rotate relative to the inner tube assembly 201 into a home position under its own weight or with only minimal thrust.
  • Downhole assembly 251 also comprises a locking system 245 for mechanically locking the inner tube assembly 201 to inturn synchronise to the tool face 301 of the drop tool assembly 250.
  • the locking system 245 may comprise a flow clutch which is provided as part of the inner tube assembly 201 and which is able to engage and disengage the connection between two co- linear components of a rock drilling device.
  • the tool face position of the inner tube assembly 201 may be synchronised to the drop tool assembly 250 by wireless transmission.
  • the drop tool assembly 250 also includes a water pressure activation system 330 for indicating when the drop tool assembly 250 has landed in or otherwise reached its final position within a borehole.
  • the water pressure activation system 330 is operable to activate/deactiveate the downhole surveying instrument.
  • the water pressure activation system 330 comprises a ball 331 that will indicate a spike in fluid pressure when pumped through a plastic tube 332 once landed.
  • it includes a V packer 333, and fluid ports 334. Similar water pressure activation systems are known in the art, consequently the system 330 will not be further described here.
  • the drop tool assembly 250 and the inner tube assembly 201 may be picked up by an overshot assembly at the same time. There is the options of only using the drop tool assembly 250 to take a borehole survey when such a survey is required as it may be that a gyro survey is not required eacri time a core sample is obtained. In such a situation, the drop tool assembly 250 may not be attached to the inner tube assembly 201.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Geophysics (AREA)
  • Soil Sciences (AREA)
  • Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)
  • Analysing Materials By The Use Of Radiation (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un appareil, destiné à être utilisé dans un examen de fond de trou en association avec un échantillonnage de carotte, lequel appareil comprend un corps apte à recevoir un instrument d'examen de fond de trou, ce par quoi l'instrument d'examen de fond de trou peut être transporté le long d'un trou de forage avec l'appareil et actionné dans le trou de forage.
PCT/AU2012/001132 2011-09-20 2012-09-20 Déploiement d'outil d'examen de trou de forage WO2013040641A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (9)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2012313344A AU2012313344A1 (en) 2011-09-20 2012-09-20 Borehole surveying tool deployment
CA2849001A CA2849001A1 (fr) 2011-09-20 2012-09-20 Deploiement d'outil d'examen de trou de forage
AP2014007568A AP2014007568A0 (en) 2011-09-20 2012-09-20 Borehole surveying tool deployment
EP12834069.2A EP2751380A1 (fr) 2011-09-20 2012-09-20 Déploiement d'outil d'examen de trou de forage
MX2014003370A MX2014003370A (es) 2011-09-20 2012-09-20 Implementacion de herramienta de prospeccion de pozo de sondeo.
BR112014006663A BR112014006663A2 (pt) 2011-09-20 2012-09-20 aparelho, conjuntos e respectivo método de inspeção de furo de poço
RU2014111663/03A RU2014111663A (ru) 2011-09-20 2012-09-20 Размещение инструмента для исследования скважины
US14/346,192 US20140224538A1 (en) 2011-09-20 2012-09-20 Borehole surveying tool deployment
CN201280057593.4A CN104136709A (zh) 2011-09-20 2012-09-20 井眼测量工具装置

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2011903859A AU2011903859A0 (en) 2011-09-20 Overshot Assembly
AU2011903859 2011-09-20

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013040641A1 true WO2013040641A1 (fr) 2013-03-28

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2012/001132 WO2013040641A1 (fr) 2011-09-20 2012-09-20 Déploiement d'outil d'examen de trou de forage

Country Status (11)

Country Link
US (1) US20140224538A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2751380A1 (fr)
CN (1) CN104136709A (fr)
AP (1) AP2014007568A0 (fr)
AU (1) AU2012313344A1 (fr)
BR (1) BR112014006663A2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2849001A1 (fr)
CL (1) CL2014000691A1 (fr)
MX (1) MX2014003370A (fr)
RU (1) RU2014111663A (fr)
WO (1) WO2013040641A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

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GB2514077A (en) * 2013-01-09 2014-11-19 Dv8 Technology Ltd Wireline gyro surveying
WO2015076990A1 (fr) * 2013-11-22 2015-05-28 Hunting Energy Services, Inc. Procédé et appareil de protection d'éléments de fond de trou contre des chocs et des vibrations
CN105781463A (zh) * 2016-04-11 2016-07-20 中国海洋石油总公司 自解卡工具
US10047581B2 (en) 2014-04-21 2018-08-14 Longyear Tm, Inc. Core barrel head assembly with an integrated sample orientation tool and system for using same

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US9631446B2 (en) 2013-06-26 2017-04-25 Impact Selector International, Llc Impact sensing during jarring operations
US9951602B2 (en) 2015-03-05 2018-04-24 Impact Selector International, Llc Impact sensing during jarring operations
WO2016208050A1 (fr) * 2015-06-26 2016-12-29 株式会社日立製作所 Compresseur de fond de trou, système de récupération de ressources et procédé de gestion de système de récupération de ressources
CN105275410B (zh) * 2015-10-23 2018-01-19 长安大学 一种感应测井扶正器及使用方法
CA3012389A1 (fr) * 2016-01-27 2017-08-03 Reflex Instruments Asia Pacific Pty Ltd Procede et systeme permettant l'acquisition de donnees d'evaluation de trou de forage et de donnees d'orientation de carotte
US10533696B2 (en) * 2017-06-16 2020-01-14 Benton Frederick Baugh Method of providing a latch for pipeline remediation
CN107503702A (zh) * 2017-07-20 2017-12-22 暨南大学 一种小径深井打捞及采样的多功能装置
CN114658379B (zh) * 2022-05-09 2024-03-12 中国铁建重工集团股份有限公司 定向取芯钻具及其使用方法
CN114842818B (zh) * 2022-07-04 2022-09-09 烟台南山学院 一种管乐器穿孔装置
CN117145452B (zh) * 2023-07-10 2024-03-26 中国地质大学（武汉） 一种用于深地探测的上下分离式探测仪器保护管传动机构

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US20040251027A1 (en) * 2003-02-14 2004-12-16 Baker Hughes Incorporated Co-pilot measurement-while-fishing tool devices and methods
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Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2514077A (en) * 2013-01-09 2014-11-19 Dv8 Technology Ltd Wireline gyro surveying
US9328603B2 (en) 2013-11-12 2016-05-03 Hunting Energy Services, Inc. Method and apparatus for protecting downhole components from shock and vibration
WO2015076990A1 (fr) * 2013-11-22 2015-05-28 Hunting Energy Services, Inc. Procédé et appareil de protection d'éléments de fond de trou contre des chocs et des vibrations
US10047581B2 (en) 2014-04-21 2018-08-14 Longyear Tm, Inc. Core barrel head assembly with an integrated sample orientation tool and system for using same
US10465463B2 (en) 2014-04-21 2019-11-05 Longyear Tm, Inc. Core barrel head assembly with an integrated sample orientation tool and system for using same
US10830013B2 (en) 2014-04-21 2020-11-10 Longyear Tm, Inc. Core barrel head assembly with an integrated sample orientation tool and system for using same
US11466529B2 (en) 2014-04-21 2022-10-11 Longyear Tm, Inc. Core barrel head assembly with an integrated sample orientation tool and system for using same
CN105781463A (zh) * 2016-04-11 2016-07-20 中国海洋石油总公司 自解卡工具
CN105781463B (zh) * 2016-04-11 2019-01-15 中国海洋石油集团有限公司 自解卡工具

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2849001A1 (fr) 2013-03-28
BR112014006663A2 (pt) 2017-04-04
RU2014111663A (ru) 2015-10-27
AU2012313344A1 (en) 2013-05-09
AP2014007568A0 (en) 2014-04-30
EP2751380A1 (fr) 2014-07-09
CN104136709A (zh) 2014-11-05
US20140224538A1 (en) 2014-08-14
MX2014003370A (es) 2015-05-15
CL2014000691A1 (es) 2015-01-16

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