WO2013065013A2

WO2013065013A2 - Drilling arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2013065013A2
Application number: PCT/IB2012/056102
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick John Cooper; Paul Berend; Dougal John Fergus
Original assignee: Ocean Technologies Limited
Priority date: 2011-11-04
Filing date: 2012-11-02
Publication date: 2013-05-10
Also published as: AU2012321076A1; WO2013065013A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drilling arrangement for a drilling rig, a drilling rig, and methods therefor. More particularly but not exclusively it relates to a drilling arrangement for use in an undersea drilling rig for drilling into the seabed. The drill rig is telescopic and includes a self deploying casing system.

Description

DRILLING ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a drilling arrangement for a drilling rig, a drilling rig, and methods therefor. More particularly but not exclusively it relates to a drilling arrangement for use in an undersea drilling rig for drilling into the seabed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Drilling into soil, whether in a seabed or on land, is typically carried out for a wide variety of reasons.

Geological sampling of the seabed, or of the bottom of lakes and rivers (hereinafter referred to as "the sea bed"), is known throughout the world for the purposes of minerals exploration and minerals resource definition. This is typically carried out by drilling into the seabed.

Drilling rigs, and especially undersea drilling rigs, are widely used worldwide for geological sampling as well as other drilling functions.

A problem encountered when drilling in undersea conditions, and especially in sandy conditions, is that loose particulate matter (e.g. sand grains) that are being drilled into, do not hold their shape next to the hole being drilled. Instead, they collapse in on the newly drilled hole, making drilling progress slow.

Where sampling of the drilled matter is being carried out, such collapse can cause a contamination of the strata of ground being sampled.

It is advantageous to have a drilling rig that is capable of drilling to deeper depths. However, the drill rig must be able to support the longer drill pipes as they are drilled into the seabed. To do this, drill rigs need a bigger frame. However, this will in turn require a larger support vessel.

A support vessel of specific size will be limited in the size of drill rig it can support, as the drilling rig needs to be handled on board the deck by suitably sized cranes.

The surface vessel also needs to provide sufficient deck space for safe storage of the drilling rig when it is not deployed underwater, and during transport of the drilling rig to and from the drilling site (which may be in rough seas).

When under sea drill rigs are used, the process of drilling may stir up the seabed, and cause the water to become murky, with its associated reduced levels of safety. Also, where divers are used to manually carry out the drilling operation, it is desirable to keep the clivers at the least depth underwater for as long as possible. This would mean that divers could stay under water for longer, and require less decompression time when returning to the surface.

For this reason, it would be desirous to provide a drill rig that can be controlled from an elevated position.

In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

For the purposes of this specification, the term "sea bed", "sea floor" or "subsea surface" shall be construed to mean any solid underwater surface, regardless of whether the surface is under a lake, river, sea or ocean surface, or otherwise.

For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be chronologically ordered in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a drilling arrangement that overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention may broadly be said to be a drill rig suitable for installation on a seabed for purposes of drilling a drill pipe into a seabed, the drill rig comprising;

• a frame arrangement;

• a moving arrangement for moving the drill pipe relative to the frame arrangement along a guide path; and

· a telescoping mechanism for moving at least part of the moving arrangement in a telescoping manner between

o a retracted position, and o an extended position in which the guide path is moved relative to the retracted position.

Preferably, the length of the guide path is extended when the telescoping mechanism is in its extended position relative to the length of the guide path when the telescoping mechanism is in its retracted position.

Alternately, the guide path is moved between

• an upper condition when the telescoping mechanism is in its extended position, and

• a lower condition when the telescoping mechanism is in its retracted position.

Preferably, the moving arrangement comprises a guide arrangement for guiding movement of the drill pipe.

Preferably, the moving arrangement comprises a drill head for exerting a force on a drill pipe to move the drill pipe.

Preferably, the drill head is movable between

• an upper position and

• a lower position.

Preferably, when the telescoping mechanism is in its extended position, the guide path extends further from the frame arrangement than when the telescoping mechanism is in its retracted position.

Preferably, the moving arrangement comprises a drill head movable on a guide arrangement.

Preferably, the moving arrangement comprises a drill head movable on a guide arrangement between its upper position and lower position.

Preferably, the moving arrangement comprises a motor.

Preferably, the motor is a hydraulic motor.

Preferably, the moving arrangement comprises a transmission mechanism for moving the drill head along the guide path.

Preferably, the transmission mechanism comprises at least one chain and sprocket arrangement.

Preferably, the transmission mechanism comprises a chain and a plurality of sprockets. Preferably, the drill rig comprises a telescoping moving arrangement for moving the telescoping mechanism.

Preferably, the telescoping moving arrangement comprises a motor.

Preferably, the motor is a hydraulic motor.

Preferably, the telescoping moving arrangement comprises a telescoping transmission mechanism.

Preferably, the telescoping transmission mechanism comprises a chain and sprocket arrangement.

Preferably, the telescoping transmission mechanism comprises a chain and a plurality of sprockets.

Preferably, the telescoping mechanism comprises a telescoping beam.

Preferably, the telescoping beam is mounted to the frame arrangement in a telescoping manner.

Preferably, the frame arrangement comprises a frame beam.

Preferably, the telescoping beam is mounted to the frame beam in a telescoping manner.

Preferably, the frame beam is securely mounted to d e frame arrangement.

Preferably, the telescoping transmission mechanism comprises a securing arrangement for locking movement of the telescoping beam relative to the frame arrangement.

Preferably, the drill rig comprises a securing arrangement for locking movement of the telescoping mechanism.

Preferably, the securing arrangement is disposed at or towards an operationally lower end of the telescoping beam.

Preferably, the securing arrangement comprises at least one or more securing formations for securing the telescoping beam to the frame arrangement.

Preferably, the securing arrangement comprises at least one or more securing formations for securing the telescoping beam to the frame beam.

Preferably, when the telescoping beam is secured to the frame arrangement, movement of one or more selected from the telescoping transmission mechanism and the transmission mechanism causes movement of the drill head between its upper position and lower position. Preferably, when the telescoping beam is secured to the frame arrangement, movement of one selected from the telescoping transmission mechanism and the transmission mechanism causes movement of the drill head along the length of the telescoping beam.

Preferably, the moving arrangement is mounted on the telescoping beam.

Preferably, the guide arrangement comprises a track arrangement.

Alternately, the guide arrangement comprises a chain and sprocket arrangement. Preferably, the guide arrangement comprises a chain and a plurality of sprockets. Preferably, die guide arrangement also functions as one or more selected from the transmission mechanism and the telescoping transmission mechanism.

Preferably, the frame arrangement comprises a first stopper formation. Preferably, the moving arrangement also operates as the telescoping moving arrangement.

Alternately, d e telescoping moving arrangement also operates as the moving arrangement.

Preferably, when the telescoping beam is not secured to the frame arrangement, movement of die telescoping transmission mechanism in at least one direction causes movement of the drill head along a length of the telescoping beam to engage against the first stopper formation.

Preferably, when the telescoping beam is not secured to the frame arrangement, movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism in at least one direction causes movement of the drill head along the length of the telescoping beam, until the drill head makes contact against the first stopper formation, after which further movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism causes the telescoping beam to move from its retracted position to its extended position.

Preferably, the movement of the telescoping beam from its retracted position to its extended position causes movement of the securing arrangement to abut with at least part of the frame arrangement, for securing to the frame arrangement.

Preferably, the frame arrangement comprises a second stopper formation secured to the frame arrangement.

Preferably, the movement of the telescoping beam from its retracted position to its extended position causes movement of the securing arrangement to abut with the second stopper formation, for securing to the frame arrangement. Preferably, the frame arrangement comprises complementary securing formations for securing to the securing arrangement.

Preferably, the movement of the telescoping beam from its retracted position to its extended position causes movement of the securing arrangement to engage with complementary locking formations on the frame arrangement, for securing to the frame arrangement.

Preferably, the securing arrangement is securable to the complementary locking formations.

Preferably, the drill rig comprises a power source.

Preferably, the power source is a hydraulic accumulator system.

Preferably, the power source is for powering one or more of the moving arrangement and the telescoping moving arrangement.

In another aspect the present invention may broadly be said to be a drilling arrangement for guiding movement of a drill pipe in a drill rig comprising a drill rig frame, the drilling arrangement comprising

• a first support member; and

• a second support member;

• wherein the first support member and the second support member are coupled to and movable relative to each other in a telescoping manner; and

· a moving arrangement for moving a drill pipe along a guide path.

Preferably, the first support member and the second support member are movable relative o each other in a telescoping manner between an extended position and a retracted position.

Preferably, the drilling arrangement comprises a telescoping moving arrangement for moving the first support member and the second support member relative to each other.

Preferably, the telescoping moving arrangement comprises a motor. Preferably, the motor is a hydraulic motor.

Preferably, the telescoping transmission mechanism comprises a chain and sprocket arrangement. Preferably, the chain and sprocket arrangement comprises a chain and a plurality of sprockets.

Preferably, the moving arrangement also functions as the telescoping moving arrangement.

Preferably, the moving arrangement is mounted or mountable to one or more selected from the first support member and the second support member.

Preferably, the moving arrangement comprises a guide arrangement for guiding movement of said drill pipe

Preferably, the moving arrangement comprises a guide arrangement for guiding movement of the drill head along said guide path.

Preferably, the drilling arrangement comprises a drill head movable along the guide path between an upper position and a lower position.

Preferably, the drill head is configured to rotate a drill pipe.

Preferably, the guide arrangement comprises a track arrangement.

Alternately, the guide arrangement comprises a chain and sprocket arrangement.

Preferably, the moving arrangement comprises a transmission mechanism for moving one or more selected from

• the first support member movement relative to the second support member; and

· the drill head along the guide path.

Preferably, the guide arrangement also serves as a transmission mechanism. Preferably, the drilling arrangement comprises a drill pipe.

Preferably, the drilling arrangement comprises a securing arrangement for locking movement of the first support member relative to the second support member.

Preferably, the securing arrangement comprises securing formations coupled to the second support member.

Preferably, the securing arrangement comprises a complementary securing formations coupled to the first support member.

Preferably, the securing formation comprises a securing plate.

Preferably, the securing arrangement comprises threaded lugs engageable with complementary securing formations.

Preferably, the securing arrangement is reconfigurable between a secured condition in which movement of the first support member is locked relative to the second support member; and an unsecured condition in which the first support member and second support member are movable in a telescopic fashion relative to each other.

Preferably, the securing arrangement comprises securing formations are disposed on one selected from the first support member and the second support member, and the securing formations are securable to the complementary securing formations disposed on one or more selected from the drill rig frame and the other of said one selected from the first support member and the second support member.

Preferably, the first support member is securely mountable to the drill rig frame.

Preferably, the second support member is movable relative to the first support member in a telescoping manner.

Preferably, the guide arrangement is mounted to the second support member.

Preferably, the first support member is a frame beam that does not move relative to the drill rig frame.

Preferably, the second support member is a telescoping beam that is movable relative to the frame beam between the retracted position and d e extended position.

Preferably, the securing arrangement is mounted at or towards the operationally lower end of the telescoping beam.

Preferably, the drill head is adapted and configured to rotate a drill pipe.

Preferably, at least part of the moving arrangement is movable along the guide path by the telescoping manner of the first support member relative to the second support member.

Alternately, at least part of the moving arrangement is movable on a guide path along one or more selected from the first support member and the second support member.

Alternately, at least part of the moving arrangement is independently movable along one or more selected from the first support member and the second support member.

Preferably, the drill head is movable along one or more selected from the first support member and the second support member on the guide arrangement.

Preferably, the moving arrangement comprises a first stopper formation securely coupled to the drill rig frame.

Preferably, the first stopper formation is for stopping movement of the drill head along the guide path when the telescoping bean is in its retracted position. Preferably, when the securing arrangement is in its unsecured condition, movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism in at least one direction causes movement of the drill head along the length of the telescoping beam to engage with the first stopper formation on the drill rig frame.

Preferably, when the securing arrangement is in its unsecured condition, movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism in at least one direction causes movement of the drill head along the length of the telescoping beam, to engage with the first stopper formation, after which further movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism causes the telescoping beam to move from its retracted position to its extended position.

Preferably, when the securing arrangement is in its unsecured condition, movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism in at least one direction causes movement of the drill head along the length of the telescoping beam, to engage with the first stopper formation, after which further movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism causes the telescoping beam to move from its retracted position to its extended position until the securing arrangement is in a lockable configuration.

Preferably, the movement of the telescoping beam from its retracted position to its extended position causes movement of the securing formations to engage with the complementary securing formations, for locking the telescoping beam to the frame arrangement, and rendering the securing arrangement in its secured condition.

Preferably, the movement of the telescoping beam from its retracted position to its extended position causes movement of the securing plate to engage with the second stopper formation.

Preferably, when the securing arrangement is in it secured condition, movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism in at least one direction causes movement of the drill head along the length of the telescoping beam along the guide path.

Preferably, when the securing arrangement is in its secured condition, movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism in opposed directions causes respectively reciprocating movement of the drill head along the length of the telescoping beam along the guide path.

Preferably, when the securing arrangement is in its unsecured condition, movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism in at least one direction causes movement of the drill head along the length of the telescoping beam to engage against the second stopper formation on the second support member, to thereby cause the first support member and the second support member to move from their extended position to their retracted position.

Preferably, when the securing arrangement is in its unsecured condition, movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism in at least one direction causes movement of the drill head along the length of the telescoping beam, until the drill head makes contact against the second stopper formation, after which further movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism causes the telescoping beam to move from its extended position to its retracted position.

In another aspect the present invention may be said to broadly be a method of drilling, suitable for drilling a drill pipe into a sea bed, said method comprising the steps of:

* providing a drill rig suitable for installation on a seabed for purposes of drilling a drill pipe into a seabed, the drill rig comprising

o a frame arrangement,

o a moving arrangement for moving a drill pipe relative to the frame arrangement along a guide path, and

o a telescoping mechanism for moving at least part of the moving arrangement, said telescoping mechanism being telescopically movable between

^■ a retracted position, and

^■ an extended position in which the guide path is moved relative to the retracted position;

• operating the telescoping mechanism to move it to its extended position; · engaging a drill pipe with the moving arrangement, and

β moving the drill pipe along a guide path and into the seabed.

Preferably, the drill rig comprises a drill head configured to rotate the drill pipe, and the method comprises the step of rotating the drill pipe as it is moved into the seabed.

Preferably, the drill head is movably guided by a guide arrangement between an upper position and a lower position, and the method comprises the step of moving the drill head from its upper position towards its lower position to move the drill pipe into the seabed. Preferably, the method comprises the step of disengaging the drill head with the drill pipe.

Preferably, the method comprises the step of moving the drill pipe to its upper position.

Preferably, the method comprises die step of engaging another drill pipe with the drill head and drill pipe already moved into the seabed, and moving the drill head towards its lower position from its upper position, to move the drill pipes further into the seabed.

Preferably, the step of operating the telescoping mechanism to move it to its extended position comprises the steps of

• operating the moving arrangement to move the drill head against a first stopper formation,

• extending d e telescoping mechanism to its extended position by applying a reaction force of the drill head acting against the first stopper formation.

Preferably, the step of operating the telescoping mechanism to move it to its extended position further comprises the steps of

• locking telescopic movement of the telescoping mechanism. Preferably, after telescopic movement of the telescoping mechanism is locked, operation of the moving arrangement causes movement of the drill head along a guide path.

Preferably, the method comprises the step of

• moving the drill head from the lower position to the upper position to withdraw at least one drill pipe from the seabed.

Preferably, the method comprises the step of

• disengaging the drill pipe from the drill head.

Preferably, the method comprises the step of operating the telescoping mechanism to move it to its retracted position.

Preferably, the step of moving the telescoping mechanism it to its retracted position comprises the step of:

β unlocking telescopic movement of the telescoping mechanism.

Preferably, the step of moving the telescoping mechanism it to its retracted position comprises the step of: • moving the drill head to engage against a second stopper formation, after which the reaction force of the drill head against the second stopper formation causes the movement of the telescoping mechanism to its retracted position.

In a further aspect, the invention may be said to broadly consist in a self- deploying casing system for casing a drilled hole at or towards its upper lip.

In a further aspect, the invention may be said to broadly consist in a hole shoring system suitable for deployment on a drill rig, suitable for shoring the sides of a hole drilled into the ground by a drill pipe of said drill rig, to at least partially prevent the sides of the hole from collapsing into the hole, said hole shoring system comprising

• at least one tubular casing having

o an inner diameter that is configured and dimensioned to receive at least part of said drill pipe; and

o an outer diameter that is configured and dimensioned to be at least partly received into at least part of said hole drilled by said drill pipe;

• wherein said tubular casing is movably mountable to said drill rig in a sliding manner between a retracted position and a deployed position.

Preferably, the hole shoring system comprises a locking mechanism for preventing movement of the tubular casing from its retracted position.

Preferably, the locking mechanism is reconfigurable between a locked condition in which the tubular casing is locked from moving relative to the tubular frame arrangement, and an unlocked condition in which the tubular casing is movable relative to the frame arrangement.

Preferably, the tubular casing is configured and dimensioned to be deployed down said hole as the drill pipe drills it.

Preferably, the tubular casing is configured and dimensioned to be deployed down said hole as the drill pipe drills it under action of its own weight.

Preferably, the tubular casing is mountable or mounted to said drill rig in a position so that the drill pipe is movable downwardly and longitudinally through a centre of the tubular casing along its length.

Preferably, the tubular casing between 1 and 7 meters long.

More preferably, the tubular casing is between 2 and 6 meters long. Most preferably, the tubular casing as about 4 meters long.

Preferably, the tubular casing is mounted to the drill rig on at least one or more mounting formations.

Preferably, the mounting formations also guide movement of the tubular casing as it moves between its retracted position and its deployed position.

Preferably, the hole shoring system further comprises a stopper formation for stopping movement of the tubular casing as it moves downwardly into said hole.

Preferably, the tubular casing is mounted or mountable to said drill rig in a configuration for deployment operationally in a substantially vertical orientation.

Preferably, the tubular casing comprises a protruding formation located at or towards its operationally upper end.

Preferably, the stopper formation is disposed towards an operationally lower end of the tubular casing to engage with the protruding formation as the tubular casing moves towards its extended position.

Preferably, the protruding formation is annular.

Preferably, the protruding formation is an annular flange or lip.

Preferably, the hole shoring system comprises a casing recovery mechanism for moving the tubular casing at least from its deployed position to its retracted position.

Preferably, the tubular casing comprises at least one connector formation for connecting the tubular casing to the casing recovery mechanism.

Preferably, the casing recover}' mechanism comprises a moving arrangement.

Preferably, the casing recovery mechanism comprises a telescoping mechanism.

Preferably, the moving arrangement comprises a winch and cable.

Preferably, the cable is connectable to the connector formation, for pulling the tubular casing from the hole.

Alternatively, the moving arrangement comprises a drill head of the drill rig.

Preferably, the drill head is movable along guide path between an operationally upper position and lower position.

Preferably, the casing recovery mechanism comprises a connector pipe. Preferably, the drill head is connectable to the connector formations of the tubular casing by a connector pipe.

Preferably, the connector pipe comprises complementary connector formations for connection with the connector formations on the tubular casings. Preferably, the connector pipe comprises drill head connector formations for connection to the drill head.

In a further aspect, the invention may be said to broadly consist in a drill rig comprising a hole shoring system as described above.

Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As used herein the term "and/ or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/ or singular forms of the noun.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of. When interpreting statements in this specification which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if mc vidually set forth.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1: shows a front schematic view of a drill rig with the telescoping mechanism in its retracted position, the securing arrangement in its unsecured condition and the drill head in its upper position moving towards its lower position; Figure 2: shows a front schematic view of a drill rig with the telescoping mechanism in its retracted position, the securing arrangement in its unsecured condition and the drill head engaged with the first stopper formation, with the locking mechanism in its locked condition and the tubular casing in its retracted position;

Figure 3: shows a front schematic view of a drill rig with the telescoping mechanism in its extended position, the securing arrangement in its secured condition and the drill head engaged with the first stopper formation, with the locking mechanism in its locked condition and the tubular casing in its retracted position;

Figure 4: shows a front schematic view of a drill rig with the telescoping mechanism in its extended position, the securing arrangement in its secured condition, the drill head in its upper position with a drill pipe being engaged, and the locking mechanism moving to its unlocked condition and the tubular casing in its retracted position;

Figure 4a: shows a close up view of figure 4;

Figure 5: shows a front schematic view of a drill rig with the telescoping mechanism in its extended position, the securing arrangement in its secured condition, the drill head moving towards its lower position with a drill pipe engaged, the locking mechanism in its unlocked condition and the tubular casing moving from its retracted position to its extended position;

Figure 6: shows a front schematic view of a drill rig with the telescoping mechanism in its extended position, the securing arrangement in its secured condition, the drill head in its lower position with a drill pipe engaged, the locking mechanism in its unlocked condition and the tubular casing moving from its retracted position to its extended position;

Figure 7: shows a front schematic view of a drill rig with the telescoping mechanism in its extended position, the securing arrangement in its secured condition, the drill head in its upper position with a second drill pipe being engaged, the locking mechanism in its unlocked condition and the tubular casing moving from its retracted position to its extended position;

Figure 8: shows a front schematic view of a drill rig with the telescoping mechanism in its extended position, the securing arrangement in its secured condition, the drill head in its lower position, the locking mechanism in its unlocked condition and the tubular casing in its extended position; Figure 8A: shows a close up cutaway front schematic view of figure 8, showing how the tubular casing is prevented from moving further downward when in its extended position;

Figure 9: shows a front schematic view of a drill rig with the telescoping mechanism in its extended position, the securing arrangement in its secured condition, the drill head in its upper position, with the drill pipes having been removed after drilling of a hole in the seabed, and the locking mechanism in its unlocked condition and the tubular- casing in its extended position;

Figure 10: shows a front schematic view of a drill rig with the telescoping mechanism in its extended position, the securing arrangement in its secured condition, the drill head in its upper position with a connector formation engaged, with the drill pipes having been removed after drilling of a hole in the seabed, and the locking mechanism in its unlocked condition and the tubular casing in its extended position;

Figure 10A: shows a close up view of figure 10;

Figure 11: shows a front schematic view of a drill rig with the telescoping mechanism in its extended position, the securing arrangement in its secured condition, the drill head moving towards its lower position with a connector formation engaged for connecting to the tubular casing, with the drill pipes having been removed after drilling of a hole in the seabed, and the locking mechanism in its unlocked condition and the tubular casing in its extended position;

Figure 12: shows a front schematic view of a drill rig with the telescoping mechanism in its extended position, the securing arrangement in its secured condition, the drill head in its upper position with a connector formation engaged and connected to the tubular casing, with the drill pipes having been removed after drilling of a hole in the seabed, and the locking mechanism moving to its locked condition and the tubular casing in its retracted position;

Figure 12A: shows s close up view of figure 12;

Figure 13: shows a side perspective view of the telescoping mechanism; Figure 14: shows a top perspective view down the frame arrangement of a drill rig;

Figure 15: shows a bottom perspective view of the lower end of the telescoping beam; Figure 16: shows a side perspective view of the drill head on the telescoping beam;

Figure 17: shows a side perspective view of the top of the drill head and top end of the telescoping beam;

Figure 18: shows a top side perspective view of die support platform, and first stopper formation; and

Figure 19: shows a top side perspective view of the top end of the hole shoring system.

With reference to the above drawings, in which similar features are generally indicated by similar numerals, a drill rig according to a further aspect of the invention is generally indicated by the numerals 1000, and a self deploying casing system, or hole shoring system is generally indicated by the reference numeral 3000.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

In one embodiment now described, there is provided a drill rig 1000 suitable for installation on a seabed 2000 for purposes of drilling a drill pipe 700 into the seabed 2000. The drill rig 1000 comprises a frame arrangement 100; a moving arrangement 300 and a telescoping mechanism 400. A first support member or frame beam is securely mounted to the frame arrangement 100.

The telescoping mechanism 400 comprises a second support member or telescoping beam 410 that is slidably mounted to the frame beam 110. The frame beam 110 is securely mounted to the frame arrangement 100 (as shown in figure 13), and the telescoping beam 410 is mounted to it slidably by means of Hp formations 112 extending at least partially along the length of the frame beam 100, and which constrains movement of the telescoping beam 410 laterally, and only allow movement of the telescoping beam 410 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the telescoping beam 410 in a telescoping fashion.

In this way, the telescoping beam 410 is movable between a retracted position (shown in figures 1 and 2) and an extended position (as shown in figures 3-12) that corresponds to the retracted position and extended position of the telescoping mechanism 400.

The moving arrangement 300 is for moving a drill pipe 700 relative to the frame arrangement 100 along a guide path 210. It preferably does this by moving a drill head 200 along the guide path 210 between an operationally upper position and a lower position. The drill head 200 can comprise a rotating mechanism (not shown) for rotating the drill pipe as it is inserted into the seabed, however, this may not always be the case where non- rotating (drilling methods are employed.

In order for the moving arrangement 300 to move the drill head 200, it comprises a guide arrangement 310, and a transmission mechanism 320, as well as prime mover in the form of a motor 330 (most preferably a hydraulic motor 332).

The guide arrangement 310 is comprised of a chain and sprocket arrangement 312. The chain and sprocket arrangement 312 comprises a chain 313 that extends around a pair of sprockets 314 located at or towards each end of the telescoping bean 410. The chain 313 is moved around the sprockets 314 by the hydraulic motor 332 acting through another sprocket (not shown). It is envisaged that the guide arrangement 310 and /or moving arrangement 300 could alternatively be of a wide variety of alternative configurations, such as one of a wide variety of track arrangements, or one of a wide variety of transmission mechanisms, as long as it they are configured for moving and guiding movement of the drill pipe 700 (whether via a drill head 200 or otherwise). For example, the chain 313 could be a cable that is wound around drums instead of sprockets.

The telescoping mechanism 400 is for moving at least part of the guide path 210 between a retracted position and an extended position in which the guide path 210 is moved relative to the retracted position.

In the embodiments shown, the moving arrangement 300 is mounted to the telescoping beam 410 and the guide path 210 is defined substantially by the length of the telescoping beam 410, so that when the telescoping mechanism is in its extended position, the guide path is in an upper condition, and when the telescoping mechanism is in its retracted position the guide path 210 is in a lower condition. However, this need not be the case.

It is envisaged that in alternative embodiments (not shown), movement of the telescoping beam 410 may extend the length of the guide path, rather than move the entire guide path between an upper condition and a lower condition. It is however envisaged that the telescoping mechanism will preferably move or extend the guide path 210 to extend further from the frame arrangement 100 than when the telescoping mechanism 400 is in its retracted position for reasons that will be described below with reference to its use operationally.

It is envisaged that in one embodiment (not shown), the telescoping mechanism 400 may be moved by an independent telescoping moving arrangement, possibly including a prime mover, and a transmission arrangement (such as a chain and sprocket arrangement) for moving the telescoping beam. However, the preferred configuration proposed by the applicant and as shown in the figures, makes use of the moving arrangement 300 (that is used to move the drill pipe 700 via the drill head 200), to also move the telescoping beam 410 as will be described below. This has the benefit of decreasing the weight of the drill rig 1000, thereby facilitating more convenient handling of the drill rig 1000 to deploy it and retrieve it from the seabed 2000, as well as reducing the size and strength requirements for the support vessel (not shown) and handling crane (not shown) on which it is transported, and from which it is deployed or retrieved. In another embodiment, it is envisaged that the telescoping moving arrangement could also act as a moving arrangement to move the drill pipe and/ or drill head along a guide path.

The drill rig 1000 further comprises a securing arrangement 500 for locking movement of the telescoping beam 410 relative to the frame arrangement 100 and/or the frame beam 110. As shown more clearly in figure 10a, the securing arrangement 500 comprises a securing plate 510 disposed at or towards an operationally lower end of the telescoping beam 410. The securing plate 510 includes securing formations in the form of threaded lugs 512 extending from it. The threaded lugs 512 are configured to be secured by means of nuts (not shown) to complementary securing formations 520 (in the form of holes 522) on the frame arrangement 100. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the complementary securing formations 520 could be located on the frame beam 110. In this way, the securing arrangement 500 can secure the telescoping mechanism, and can be configured in a secured condition when the securing formations 512 are secured to the complementary securing formations 520, and an unsecured condition when the securing formations are not secured to the complementary securing formations.

It is envisaged that when the telescoping beam 410 is secured to the frame arrangement 100 by the securing arrangement 500, then movement of the moving arrangement will cause movement of the drill head 200 between its upper position and lower position on the guide path 210 along the length of the telescoping beam 410.

The frame arrangement 100 further comprises a first stopper formation 120 in the form of a first stopper plate 122. The first stopper formation 120 is located in the guide path of the drill head 200 as it travels from its upper position towards its lower position, when the telescopic beam is 410 is in its retracted position. The function of the first stopper formation 120 will be described in more detail below. The frame arrangement 100 also comprises a second stopper formation 140 in the form of a second stopper plate 142. The second stopper formation 140 is located in the path of the securing plate 510 as it moves with the telescoping beam 410 to stop the telescoping beam 410 in its extended position.

The drill rig can further comprise a power source (not shown) for providing power to move any of the features described above. In a preferred embodiment, the power source can comprise a hydraulic accumulator system (not shown) mounted or mountable on the frame arrangement 100.

The drill rig 1000 also comprises a control system 800 for conteolling movement one or more of the drill head 200, moving arrangement 300, telescoping mechanism 400, telescoping moving arrangement, drill pipe and power source. The control system comprises a control panel 810 for controlling the functions of these.

In a preferred embodiment, the control panel 810 is mounted on the frame arrangement 100 for operation by divers next to a support platform 130.

In a most preferred embodiment, the control panel 810 and support platform

130 will be mounted to the frame arrangement 100 at an operationally elevated level to keep divers at an elevated level from the seabed 2000 while they are operating and/or controlling operation of the drill rig 1000. There are two reasons for this. One reason is that the drilling operation makes the water murky close to the surface of the seabed 2000, thereby making conditions hazardous. Another reason is that the drill rig 1000 is envisaged as being typically used in water that is about 30-40 meters deep. By keeping divers at an elevated level, the build up of nitrogen in their blood is reduced, thereby allowing them to stay underwater for longer, and/or requiring the divers to undergo less decompression time.

It is also envisaged that in an alternative embodiment, control of the drill rig may be by remote operation, for example from a surface support vessel (not shown). The control panel could be connected to the drill rig 1000 by umbilical connectors. However, this is not a preferred embodiment, as currents acting on the umbilical connectors can affect operation of the drill rig, and can get snagged on vessels and/or underwater rock formations, etc.

Further, in another aspect, the drill rig 1000 comprises a self-deploying casing or hole shoring system 3000. The hole shoring system 3000 is for deployment on a drill rig 1000, and is for shoring the sides 2150 of a hole 2100 drilled into the seabed or ground by a drill pipe 700 by the drill rig 1000. The hole shoring system 3000 is for at least partially preventing the sides 2150 of the hole 2100 from collapsing into the hole 2100 (at least around the upper lip or edge of the hole).

The hole shoring system 3000 comprises at least one tubular casing 3100. The tubular casing 3100 is mounted to be movable in a longitudinal direction, and in a sliding manner between a retracted position and a deployed position in which it extends below the drill rig 1000. The tubular casing 3100 is movably received within a substantially vertically aligned tubular mounting formation 3300, which is in turn mounted securely to the frame arrangement 100. It is envisaged that the tubular casing 3100 could alternately be slidably mounted to the frame arrangement 1000 by a wide variety of configurations of mounting formations 3300. The mounting formations 3300 guide movement of the tubular casing 3100 as it moves between its retracted position and its deployed position.

The tubular mounting formation 3300 has a stopper formation 3400 in the form of an inner lip formation 3410 extending from an inner surface at or towards its lower end. The inner Hp formation is dimensioned to engage with a protruding formation 3400 on the tubular casing 3100, in the form of an annular flange or lip 3110 disposed at or towards its top end.

It is envisaged that the tubular casing 3100 will be between 1 and 7 meters long. More preferably, the tubular casing is between 2 and 6 meters long, and most preferably, the tubular casing is about 4 meters long.

The tubular casing 3100 has an inner diameter d that is configured and dimensioned to receive at least part of the length of the drill pipe 700. The tubular casing 3100 is mounted to the drill rig 100 in a position aligned with the drill pipe's guide path 210 so that the drill pipe 700 is reciprocally movable longitudinally through the centre of the tubular casing 3100 and along its length. It is envisaged that the drill pipe will fit through the inner diameter d of the tubular casing 3100 in a manner that extends substantially across the inner diameter d, but without damaging it

The tubular casing 3100 also has an outer diameter D that is configured and dimensioned to be at least partly received into at least part of the hole drilled by the drill pipe 700. It is envisaged that the outer diameter D of the tubular casing 3100 will be large enough to be snugly received within the hole 2100 to prevent the sides 2150 of the hole 2100 from collapsing, while also being small enough not to require large amounts of force to be exerted downwardly on the tubular casing to insert the tubular casing into the hole 2100. In fact, in a preferred embodiment, the weight of the steel tubular casing 3100 will be enough to sink it into the hole as the hole is being drilled by the drill pipe 700.

The hole shoring system 3000 also comprises a locking mechanism 3200 for locking movement of the tubular casing 3100 from its retracted position. The locking mechanism 3200 is reconfigurable between a locked condition in which movement of the tubular casing 3100 is locked relative to the tubular mounting formation 3300, and an unlocked condition in which the tubular casing 3100 can move through the centre of the tubular mounting formation 3300. It is envisaged that the locking mechanism 3200 will be used to lock the tubular casing in its retracted position while the drill rig 1000 is being transported and/or handled and/or rigged into position on the seabed 2000. The locking mechanism 3200 comprises a pair of semi-circular annular members 3222 that connect to each other by connecting formations (not shown) snugly around the outside diameter D of the tubular casing 3100 as shown in Figure 8a. The locking mechanism 3200 prevents movement of the tubular casing 3100 as it engages with a protruding formation in the form of an annular lip 3110 on the top end of the tubular casing 3100, and also engages with the top end of the tubular mounting formation 3300 to prevent the tubular casing moving through the inner diameter of die tubular mounting formation 3300 towards its extended position. It will be appreciated that the locking mechanism could take a wide variety of alternative forms and configurations. For example, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the locking formation could take the form of a pin that is inserted transversely though the tubular casing 3100 (and possibly the tubular mounting formation 3300) to prevent movement of the tubular casing 3100 relative to the tubular mounting formation 3300.

When the locking mechanism 3200 is unlocked, and removed from its position encircling the top end of the tubular casing 3100, the tubular casing 3100 is free to move downwardly through the tubular mounting formation 3300, until the lip 3110 engages with the inner lip formation 3310, preventing further downward movement of the tubular casing 3100.

The hole shoring system 3000 also comprises a casing recovery mechanism 3500 for connecting to the tubular casing 3100, and moving it back to its retracted position. The casing recovery mechanism 3500 comprises a moving arrangement and a connector pipe 3600. The top end of the tubular casing 3100 comprises threaded connector formations 3120 around its internal diameter d. The threaded connector formations 3120 are connectable to complementary threaded connector formations 3610 on an end of the connector pipe 3600.

The connector pipe 3600 in turn also has connector formations 3620 for connecting the connector pipe 3600 to the moving arrangement. It is envisaged that the moving arrangement could be an independent system located on the frame arrangement specifically for recovering the tubular casing. For example a hydraulic winch and cable system could be provided specifically for such a purpose. However, in a preferred embodiment, the moving arrangement 300 that moves the drill head 200 could be used, or the telescoping moving arrangement (not shown).

In the interests of weight and space saving, in a preferred embodiment, the connector pipe 3600 includes drill head connector formations 3620 at an opposed end to the end that includes the complementary threaded connector formations 3610. The drill head connector formations 3620 are for connection to the drill head 200. In this way, the connector pipe 3600 can be connected to the drill head 200, and fed down through the tubular mounting formation 3300. The connector pipe 3600 is then rotated by the drill head 200 so that the threads of the threaded connector formations 3610 engage with the threaded connector formations 3120 on the top end of the tubular casing 3100.

Operation of the drill rig 1000 will now be described below with reference to figures 1-12A. Initially, the drill rig 1000 will be stored on and travel to the location for its deployment at sea on a surface vessel (not shown). It will be required to be in a configuration that facilitates its convenient handling and rigging. For this reason, it is envisaged that the drill rig will be transported with the telescoping mechanism in its retracted position as shown in figure 1, to reduce its length.

The drill rig will then be moved by a crane on the surface vessel over the side of the surface vessel. The drill rig 1000 will then be lowered onto the seabed 2000 in the orientation shown in Figure 1.

At this stage, the telescoping mechanism is extended to its extended position. This is done by operating the moving arrangement 300 to move the drill head 200 towards the first stopper formation 120 as shown in Figure 1. When the drill head 200 makes contact with the first stopper formation 120, the drill head 200 will cease movement downwardly, but the reaction force of the drill head 200 acting on the first stopper formation 120 will cause the telescopic beam 410 to start moving from its retracted position to its extended position by sMding in a longitudinal direction along the frame beam 110 (as shown in Figure 2).

The telescoping beam 410 will continue moving towards its extended position until the securing plate 510, which is mounted to the telescoping beam 410 together with the hydraulic motor 332, engages with the second stopper plate 142 mounted on the frame arrangement 100 as shown in Figure 3. It is that envisaged in an alternative embodiment (and as shown in the schematic figures) the first stopper formation 120 and second stopper formation 140 could be a single entity.

Once the securing plate 510 engages with the second stopper plate 142, the threaded lugs 512 will extend through the holes 522 on the second stopper plate 142. Nuts (not shown) can then be fastened to the threaded lugs 512 to secure the second stopper plate 142 to the securing plate 510, thereby ensuring that the securing arrangement 500 is in its secured condition, with the telescoping beam 410 being locked in its in its extended position.

Once the securing arrangement 500 is in its secured condition, reversal of the direction of movement of the chain 313 around sprockets 314 will cause the drill head to move in an operationally upward direction towards its upper position at or towards a top end of the telescopic beam 410. This is shown in Figure 4. Once the drill head 200 has moved to its upper position, a drill pipe 700 can be mounted underneadi the drill head 200 (as shown by arrow P in figure 4.

At this stage, the locking mechanism 3200 of the hole shoring system 3000 is reconfigured to its unlocked condition. The direction of movement of the chain 313 around sprockets 314 is then reversed again, causing the drill head 200 to move in a downwardly direction towards its lower position as shown in Figure 5. As the drill head 200 moves downwardly, it pushes the drill pipe 700 downwardly.

At the same time, in one preferred embodiment, the drill head causes rotational movement of the drill pipe 700, to facilitate the boring of the drill pipe into the seabed.

As the drill pipe 700 drills into the seabed, forming a hole 2100, the tubular casing 3100 will move into the newly formed hole under its own weight, thereby "casing" the upper lip 2170 of the hole 2100 to prevent the collapse of the sides of the hole 2100. This is shown in Figure 6. Once the drill head has moved downwardly to its lower position, it will make contact with the first stopper formation 120, to stop movement of the drill head 200 along the guide path 210.

At this stage, the drill head 200 can be disconnected from the drill pipe to and the process repeated with another drill pipe 700 as shown in Figure 7, to drill deeper into the seabed.

As the drill pipe 700 moves into the seabed 2000, the tubular casing 3100 moves downwardly with it under its own weight, until the annular lip 3110 makes contact with the internal annular flange or lip on an inner surface of the tubular mounting formation 3300 as shown in figute 8 and 8a, or until integrity of the seabed 2000 is strong enough to support the tubular casing 3100.

Once the drilling process is complete, the process described above is carried out in reverse order to withdraw the drill pipes 700 from the seabed.

Once the drill pipes 700 have been removed from the hole and disengaged from the drill head, the drill head is moved to its upper position as shown in Figure 9. The connector pipe 3600 is connected to the drill head 200 by the drill head connector formations (which are envisaged to preferably be thread formations) as shown in figure 10 and 10a. The connector pipe 3600 is moved downwardly by the drill head 200 as shown in Figure 11 until it engages with the tubular casing 3100. The connector formation 3120 at the top of the tubular casing 3100 are then connected to the complementary connector formations 3610 on the bottom of the connector pipe 3600.

Once the connector pipe is connected to the tubular casing 3100, the drill head 200 is moved upwardly to pull the tubular casing upwardly with it, until the top end of the tubular casing 3100 extends from the top of the tubular mounting formation 3300 as shown in Figure 12 and 12a. At this stage, the semicircular annular members are connected to each other around the tubular casing under the annular lip 3110, to configure the locking mechanism in its locked condition, and to prevent it from falling through the tubular mounting formation 3300 again.

Once d e drill pipes 700 have been retrieved from the drilled hole 2100, and the tubular casing 3100 retrieved and locked in its locked condition as described, the drill head 200 is moved to its lower position to engage with the first stopper formation 120. The nuts are removed from the threaded lugs 512, thereby leaving the securing arrangement 500 in its unsecured condition. The weight of the telescoping beam 410 is now supported on the drill head 200. The transmission mechanism 320 is then operated to move the drill head upwardly. As it moves upwardly, the weight of the telescopic beam 410 will cause the threaded lugs 512 to disengage from the holes 522, and the telescopic beam 410 to move downwardly towards its retracted position, in a reversal of the earlier telescopic extension process. As the drill head moves relative to the telescopic beam 410 towards its upper end, it will encounter a top stopper formation (not shown) extending from the telescoping beam, that acts to stop further movement of the drill head along the guide path, and to prevent the drill head 200 engaging with and perhaps damaging the top sprocket 314.

While stopper formations, such as a the first stopper formation, second stopper formation or top stopper formation are relatively easy to manufacture, and will be effective in use, as well as relatively reliable, it is envisaged that these can be replaced by sensors that actuate control processes that cause holding mechanisms (not shown) to prevent movement of the drill head 200 and/ or telescoping beam 410 in much the same way.

If, at some stage, the seabed 2000 is solid enough to prevent further sinking of the tubular casing 3100 into the seabed 2000 under its own weight, this will not be a problem, as the compressive strength of the seabed 2000 would then be a useful indication of the nature of the soil that is being drilled into, and would indicate that the collapse of the sides of the hole 2100 is unlikely. In this way, collapse of the side walls of the hole is at least partially prevented, and contamination of soil samples being drilled by the drill rig 1000 is reduced.

It is envisaged in another embodiment (not shown), a moving mechanism (not shown), for example in the form of a hydraulic ram, can be provided to exert a force downwardly on the tubular casing 3100 to push it into the hole 2100, however, in the interests of weight, cost and space saving, this embodiment is not preferred.

It will be appreciated that the use of such a hole shoring system 3000 requires additional length of the drill rig 1000 on which it is mounted. This is because the length of the tubular casing 3100 prevents interaction of divers with the drill pipe along the length of the tubular casing 3100. A typical drill rig having a size that is able to accommodate an additional 4 meters of tubular casing 3100 will be required to have an additionally large frame, and would require a large support vessel for handling and transport of the drill rig, which would add costs to any such drilling operation. However, where a telescoping drill rig is provided, as described above, a hole shoring system 3000 can be used without the additional size required of the drill rig 1000, and divers operating the drill rig 1000 can operate in relatively safe conditions off the seabed, and at decreased depths for longer time periods, without significantly increasing the support costs for the drill rig.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth.

Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and/or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

Claims

1. A drill rig suitable for installation on a seabed for purposes of drilling a drill pipe into the seabed, the drill rig comprising;

a) a frame arrangement;

b) a moving arrangement for moving the drill pipe relative to the frame arrangement along a guide path; and

c) a telescoping mechanism for moving at least part of the moving arrangement in a telescoping manner between

i. a retracted position, and

ii. an extended position in which the guide path is moved relative to the retracted position.

2. A drill rig as claimed in claim 1, wherein the length of the guide path is extended when the telescoping mechanism is in its extended position relative to the length of the guide path when the telescoping mechanism is in its retracted position.

3. A drill rig as claimed in of claim 1, wherein the guide path is moved between

a) an upper condition when the telescoping mechanism is in its extended position, and

b) a lower condition when the telescoping mechanism is in its retracted position.

4. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the moving arrangement comprises a guide arrangement for guiding movement of the drill pipe.

5. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the moving arrangement comprises a drill head movable on a guide arrangement.

6. A drill rig as claimed in claim 5, wherein the drill head is configured for exerting a force on the drill pipe to move the drill pipe into the seabed.

7. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 1 to6, wherein the drill head is movable between

a) an upper position and

b) a lower position.

8. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the telescoping mechanism is in its extended position, the guide path extends further from the frame arrangement than when the telescoping mechanism is in its retracted position.

9. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the moving arrangement comprises a motor.

10. A drill rig as claimed in claim 9, wherein the motor is a hydraulic motor.

11. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the moving arrangement comprises a transmission mechanism for moving the drill head along the guide path.

12. A drill rig as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transmission mechanism comprises at least one chain and sprocket arrangement.

13. A drill rig as claimed in claim 12, wherein the transmission mechanism comprises a chain and a plurality of sprockets.

14. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the drill rig comprises a telescoping moving arrangement for moving the telescoping mechanism.

15. A drill rig as claimed in claim 14, wherein the telescoping moving arrangement comprises a motor.

16. A drill rig as claimed in claim 15, wherein the motor is a hydraulic motor.

17. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the telescoping moving arrangement comprises a telescoping transmission mechanism.

18. A drill rig as claimed in claim 17, wherein the telescoping transmission mechanism comprises a chain and sprocket arrangement.

19. A drill rig as claimed in claim 18, wherein the telescoping transmission mechanism comprises a chain and a plurality of sprockets.

20. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the telescoping mechanism comprises a telescoping beam.

21. A drill rig as claimed in claim 20, wherein the telescoping beam is mounted to the frame arrangement in a telescoping manner.

22. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the frame arrangement comprises a frame beam.

23. A drill rig as claimed in claim 22, wherein the telescoping beam is mounted to the frame beam in a telescoping manner.

24. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 23, wherein the frame beam is securely mounted to the frame arrangement.

25. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the drill rig comprises a securing arrangement for locking movement of the telescoping mechanism.

26. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the telescoping transmission mechanism comprises a securing arrangement for locking movement of the telescoping beam relative to the frame arrangement.

27. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 26, wherein the securing arrangement is disposed at or towards an operationally lower end of the telescoping beam.

28. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the securing arrangement comprises at least one or more securing formations for securing the telescoping beam to the frame arrangement.

29. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the securing arrangement comprises at least one or more securing formations for securing the telescoping beam to the frame beam.

30. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 29, wherein when the telescoping beam is secured to the frame arrangement, movement of one or more selected from the telescoping transmission mechanism and the transmission mechanism causes movement of the drill head between its upper position and lower position.

31. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 30, wherein when the telescoping beam is secured to the frame arrangement, movement of one selected from the telescoping transmission mechanism and the transmission mechanism causes movement of the drill head along the length of the telescoping beam.

32. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 31, wherein the moving arrangement is mounted on the telescoping beam.

33. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 32, wherein the guide arrangement comprises a track arrangement.

34. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 32, wherein the guide arrangement comprises a chain and sprocket arrangement.

35. A drill rig as claimed in claim34, wherein the guide arrangement comprises a chain and a plurality of sprockets.

36. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 35, wherein the guide arrangement also functions as one or more selected from the transmission mechanism and the telescoping transmission mechanism.

37. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein the frame arrangement comprises a first stopper formation.

38. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 37, wherein the moving arrangement also operates as the telescoping moving arrangement.

39. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 37, wherein the telescoping moving arrangement also operates as the moving arrangement.

40. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein when the telescoping beam is not secured to the frame arrangement, movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism in at least one direction causes movement of the drill head along a length of the telescoping beam to engage against the first stopper formation.

41. A drill rig as claimed in claim 40, wherein when the telescoping beam is not secured to the frame arrangement, movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism in at least one direction causes movement of the drill head along the length of the telescoping beam, until the drill head makes contact against the first stopper formation, after which further movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism causes the telescoping beam to move from its retracted position to its extended position.

42. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 41, wherein the movement of the telescoping beam from its retracted position to its extended position causes movement of the securing arrangement to abut with at least part of the frame arrangement, for securing to the frame arrangement.

43. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 42, wherein the frame arrangement comprises a second stopper formation secured to the frame arrangement.

44. A drill rig as claimed in claim 43, wherein the movement of the telescoping beam from its retracted position to its extended position causes movement of the securing arrangement to abut with the second stopper formation, for securing to the frame arrangement.

45. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 44, wherein the frame arrangement comprises complementary securing formations for securing to the securing arrangement.

46. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 45, wherein the movement of the telescoping beam from its retracted position to its extended position causes movement of the securing arrangement to engage with complementary locking formations on the frame arrangement, for securing to the frame arrangement.

47. A drill rig as claimed in claim 46, wherein the securing arrangement is securable to the complementary locking formations.

48. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 47, wherein the drill rig comprises a power source.

49. A drill rig as claimed in claim 48, wherein the power source is a hydraulic accumulator system.

50. A drill rig as claimed in any one of claims 48 to 49, wherein the power source is for powering one or more of the moving arrangement and the telescoping moving arrangement.

51. A drilling arrangement for guiding movement of a drill pipe in a drill rig comprising a drill rig frame, the drilling arrangement comprising

a) a first support member; and

b) a second support member;

c) wherein die first support member and the second support member are coupled to and movable relative to each other in a telescoping manner; and d) a moving arrangement for moving a drill pipe along a guide path.

52. A drilling arrangement as claimed in claim 51, wherein the first support member and the second support member are movable relative to each other in a telescoping manner between an extended position and a retracted position.

53. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 52, wherein the drilling arrangement comprises a telescoping moving arrangement for moving the first support member and the second support member relative to each other.

54. A drilling arrangement as claimed in claim 53, wherein the telescoping moving arrangement comprises a motor.

55. A drilling arrangement as claimed in claim 54, wherein the motor is a hydraulic motor.

56. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 55, wherein the telescoping moving arrangement comprises a telescoping transmission mechanism.

57. A drilling arrangement as claimed in claim 56, wherein the telescoping transmission mechanism comprises a chain and sprocket arrangement.

58. A drilling arrangement as claimed in claim 57, wherein the chain and sprocket arrangement comprises a chain and a plurality of sprockets.

59. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 58, wherein the moving arrangement also functions as the telescoping moving arrangement.

60. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 59, wherein the moving arrangement is mounted or mountable to one or more selected from the first support member and the second support member.

61. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 60, wherein the moving arrangement comprises a guide arrangement for guiding movement of said drill pipe

62. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any of claims 51 to 61, wherein the drilling arrangement comprises a drill head movable along a guide path between an upper position and a lower position.

63. A drilling arrangement as claimed in claim 62, wherein the moving arrangement comprises a guide arrangement for guiding movement of the drill head along said guide path.

64. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 62 to 63, wherein the drill head is configured to rotate a drill pipe.

65. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 61 to 64, wherein the guide arrangement comprises a track arrangement.

66. A drilling arrangement as claimed in claim 65, wherein the guide arrangement comprises a chain and sprocket arrangement.

67. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 62 to 66, wherein the moving arrangement comprises a transmission mechanism for moving one or more selected from a) the first support member movement relative to the second support member; and

b) the drill head along the guide path.

68. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 61 to 67, wherein the guide arrangement also serves as a transmission mechanism.

69. A drilling arrangement as claimed in claim 51, wherein the drilling arrangement comprises a drill pipe.

70. A drilling arrangement as claimed in claim 51, wherein the drilling arrangement comprises a securing arrangement for locking movement of the first support member relative to the second support member.

71. A drilling arrangement as claimed in claim 70, wherein the securing arrangement comprises securing formations coupled to the second support member.

72. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 70 to 71, wherein the securing arrangement comprises complementary securing formations coupled to the first support member.

73. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 71 to 72, wherein the securing formations comprises a securing plate.

74. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 72 to 73, wherein the securing arrangement comprises threaded lugs engageable with complementary securing formations.

75. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 70 to 74, wherein the securing arrangement is reconfigurable between a secured condition in which movement of the first support member is locked relative to the second support member; and an unsecured condition in which the first support member and second support member are movable in a telescopic fashion relative to each other.

76. A ckilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 72 to 75, wherein the securing formations are disposed on one selected from the first support member and the second support member, and the securing formations are securable to the complementary securing formations disposed on one or more selected from the drill rig frame and the other of said one selected from the first support member and the second support member.

77. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any of claims 51 to 76, wherein the first support member is securely mountable to the drill rig frame

78. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any of claims 51 to 76, wherein the second support member is movable relative to the first support member in a telescoping manner.

79. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 61 to 78, wherein the guide arrangement is mounted to die second support member.

80. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any of claims 51 to 79, wherein the first support member is a frame beam that does not move relative to the drill rig frame.

81. A drilling arrangement as claimed in claim 80, wherein the second support member is a telescoping beam that is movable relative to the frame beam between the retracted position and the extended position.

82. A drilling arrangement as claimed in claim 81, wherein the securing arrangement is mounted at or towards the operationally lower end of the telescoping beam.

83. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 62 to 82, wherein the drill head is adapted and configured to rotate a drill pipe.

84. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 83, wherein at least part of the moving arrangement is movable along the guide path by the telescoping manner of the first support member relative to the second support member.

85. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any of claims 51 to 84, wherein at least part of the moving arrangement is movable on a guide path along one or more selected from the first support member and the second support member.

86. A drilling arrangement as claimed in claim 85, wherein at least part of the moving arrangement is independently movable along one or more selected from the first support member and the second support member.

87. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 62 to 86, wherein the drill head is movable along one or more selected from the first support member and the second support member on the guide arrangement.

88. A drilling arrangement as claimed in claim 51, wherein the moving arrangement comprises a first stopper formation securely coupled to the drill rig frame.

89. A drilling arrangement as claimed in claim 88, wherein the first stopper formation is for stopping movement of the drill head along the guide path when the telescoping beam is in its retracted position.

90. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 88 to 89, wherein when the securing arrangement is in its unsecured condition, movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism in at least one direction causes movement of the drill head along the lengd of the telescoping beam to engage with the first stopper formation on the drill rig frame.

91. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 88 to 90, wherein when the securing arrangement is in its unsecured condition, movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism in at least one direction causes movement of the drill head along the length of the telescoping beam, to engage with the first stopper formation, after which further movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism causes the telescoping beam to move from its retracted position to its extended position.

92. A drilling arrangement as claimed in claim 91, wherein when the securing arrangement is in its unsecured condition, movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism in at least one direction causes movement of the drill head along the length of the telescoping beam, to engage with the first stopper formation, after which further movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism causes the telescoping beam to move from its retracted position to its extended position until the securing arrangement is in a lockable configuration.

93. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 81 to 92, wherein the movement of the telescoping beam from its retracted position to its extended position causes movement of the securing formations to engage with the complementary securing formations, for locking the telescoping beam to the frame arrangement, and rendering the securing arrangement in its secured condition.

94. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 81 to 93, wherein the movement of the telescoping beam from its retracted position to its extended position causes movement of the securing plate to engage with the second stopper formation.

95. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 81 to 94, wherein when the securing arrangement is in its secured condition, movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism in at least one direction causes movement of the drill head along the length of the telescoping beam along the guide path.

96. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 81 to 94, wherein when the securing arrangement is in its secured condition, movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism in opposed directions causes respectively reciprocating movement of the drill head along the length of the telescoping beam along the guide path.

97. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 81 to 96, wherein when the securing arrangement is in its unsecured condition, movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism in at least one direction causes movement of the drill head along the length of the telescoping beam to engage against the second stopper formation on the second support member, to thereby cause the first support member and the second support member to move from their extended position to their retracted position.

98. A drilling arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 81 to 96, wherein when the securing arrangement is in its unsecured condition, movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism in at least one direction causes movement of the drill head along the length of the telescoping beam, until the drill head makes contact against the second stopper formation, after which further movement of the telescoping transmission mechanism causes the telescoping beam to move from its extended position to its retracted position.

99. A method of drilling, suitable for drilling a drill pipe into a sea bed, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing a drill rig suitable for installation on a seabed for purposes of drilling a drill pipe into a seabed, the drill rig comprising

i. a frame arrangement,

ii. a moving arrangement for moving a drill pipe relative to the frame arrangement along a guide path, and

iii. a telescoping mechanism for moving at least part of the moving arrangement, said telescoping mechanism being telescopically movable between

a retracted position, and

an extended position in which the guide path is moved relative to the retracted position;

b) operating the telescoping mechanism to move it to its extended position;

c) engaging a drill pipe with the moving arrangement, and

d) moving the drill pipe along a guide path and into the seabed.

100. A method as claimed in claim 99, wherein the drill rig comprises a drill head configured to rotate the drill pipe, and the method comprises the step of rotating the drill pipe as it is moved into the seabed.

101. A method as claimed in claim 100, wherein the drill head is movably guided by a guide arrangement between an upper position and a lower position, and the method comprises the step of moving the drill head from its upper position towards its lower position to move the drill pipe into the seabed.

102. A method as claimed in any one of claims 99 to 101, wherein the method comprises the step of disengaging the drill head with the drill pipe.

103. A method as claimed in any one of claims 101 to 102, wherein the method comprises the step of moving the drill pipe to its upper position.

104. A method as claimed in any one of claims 101 to 103, wherein the method comprises the step of engaging another drill pipe with the drill head and drill pipe already moved into the seabed, and moving the drill head towards its lower position from its upper position, to move the drill pipes further into the seabed.

105. A method as claimed in any one of claims 100 to 104, wherein the step of operating the telescoping mechanism to move it to its extended position comprises the steps of

a) operating the moving arrangement to move the drill head against a first stopper formation, b) extending the telescoping mechanism to its extended position by applying a reaction force of the drill head acting against the first stopper formation.

106. A method as claimed in any one of claims 99 to 105, wherein the step of operating the telescoping mechanism to move it to its extended position further comprises the steps of

a) locking telescopic movement of the telescoping mechanism.

107. A method as claimed in claim 106, wherein after telescopic movement of the telescoping mechanism is locked, operation of the moving arrangement causes movement of the drill head along a guide path.

108. A method as claimed in any one of claims 101 to 107, wherein the method comprises the step of

a) moving the drill head from the lower position to the upper position to withdraw at least one drill pipe from the seabed.

109. A method as claimed in any one of claims 100 to 108, wherein the method comprises the step of

a) disengaging the drill pipe from the drill head.

110. A method as claimed in any one of claims 99 to 109, wherein the method comprises the step of operating the telescoping mechanism to move it to its retracted position.

111. A method as claimed in any one of claims 106 to 110, wherein the step of moving the telescoping mechanism it to its retracted position comprises the step of:

a) unlocking telescopic movement of the telescoping mechanism.

112. A method as claimed in any one of claims 105 to 111, wherein the step of moving the telescoping mechanism it to its retracted position comprises the step of:

a) moving the drill head to engage against a second stopper formation, after which the reaction force of the drill head against the second stopper formation causes the movement of the telescoping mechanism to its retracted position.

113. A self-deploying casing system for casing a drilled hole at or towards its upper Up.

114. A hole shoring system suitable for deployment on a drill rig, suitable for shoring the sides of a hole drilled into the ground by a drill pipe of said drill rig, to at least partially prevent the sides of the hole from collapsing into the hole, said hole shoring system comprising a) at least one tubular casing having

i. an inner diameter that is configured and dimensioned to receive at least part of said drill pipe; and

ii. an outer diameter that is configured and dimensioned to be at least partly received into at least part of said hole drilled by said drill pipe;

b) wherein said tubular casing is movably mountable to said drill rig in a s ding manner between a retracted position and a deployed position.

115. A hole shoring system as claimed in claim 114, wherein the hole shoring system comprises a locking mechanism for preventing movement of the tubular casing from its retracted position.

116. A hole shoring system as claimed in claim 115, wherein the locking mechanism is reconfigurable between a locked condition in which the tubular casing is locked from moving relative to the tubular frame arrangement, and an unlocked condition in which the tubular casing is movable relative to the frame arrangement.

117. A hole shoring system as claimed in any one of claims 114 to 116, wherein the tubular casing is configured and dimensioned to be deployed down said hole as the drill pipe drills it.

118. A hole shoring system as claimed in claim 117, wherein the tubular casing is configured and dimensioned to be deployed down said hole as the drill pipe drills it under action of its own weight.

119. A hole shoring system as claimed in any one of claims 114 to 118, wherein the tubular casing is mountable or mounted to said drill rig in a position so that the drill pipe is movable downwardly and longitudinally through a centre of the tubular casing along its length.

120. A hole shoring system as claimed in any one of claims 114 to 119, wherein the tubular casing between 1 and 7 meters long.

121. A hole shoring system as claimed in claim 120, wherein the tubular casing is between 2 and 6 meters long.

122. A hole shoring system as claimed in claim 121, wherein the tubular casing as about 4 meters long.

123. A hole shoring system as claimed in any one of claims 114 to 116, wherein the tubular casing is mounted to the drill rig on at least one or more mounting formations.

124. A hole shoring system as claimed in claim 123, wherein the mounting formations also guide movement of the tubular casing as it moves between its retracted position and its deployed position.

125. A hole shoring system as claimed in any one of claims 114 to 124, wherein the hole shoring system further comprises a stopper formation for stopping movement of the tubular casing as it moves downwardly into said hole.

126. A hole shoring system as claimed in any one of claims 114 to 124, wherein the tubular casing is mounted or mountable to said drill rig in a configuration for deployment operationally in a substantially vertical orientation.

127. A hole shoring system as claimed in any one of claims 114 to 124, wherein the tubular casing comprises a protruding formation located at or towards an operationally upper end of the tubular casing.

128. A hole shoring system as claimed in claim 127, wherein the stopper formation is disposed towards an operationally lower end of the tubular casing to engage with the protruding formation as the tubular casing moves towards its extended position.

129. A hole shoring system as claimed in any one of claims 127 to 128, wherein the protruding formation is annular.

130. A hole shoring system as claimed in claim 129, wherein the protruding formation is an annular flange or lip.

131. A hole shoring system as claimed in any one of claims 114 to 130, wherein the hole shoring system comprises a casing recovery mechanism for moving the tubular casing at least from its deployed position to its retracted position.

132. A hole shoring system as claimed in claim 131, wherein the tubular casing comprises at least one connector formation for connecting the tubular casing to the casing recovery mechanism.

133. A hole shoring system as claimed in any one of claims 131 to 132, wherein the casing recover}' mechanism comprises a moving arrangement.

134. A hole shoring system as claimed in claim 133, wherein, the casing recovery mechanism comprises a telescoping mechanism.

135. A hole shoring system as claimed in any one of claims 132 to 134, wherein the moving arrangement comprises a winch and a cable.

136. A hole shoring system as claimed in any one of claims 132 to 135, wherein the cable is connectable to the connector formation, for pulling the tubular casing from the hole.

137. A drilling hole shoring system as claimed in any one of claims 114 to 136, wherein the moving arrangement comprises a drill head of the drill rig.

138. A hole shoring system as claimed in claim 137, wherein the drill head is movable along a guide path between an operationally upper position and lower position.

139. A hole shoring system as claimed in any one of claims 131 to 138, wherein the casing recovery mechanism comprises a connector pipe.

140. A hole shoring system as claimed in claim 139, wherein the drill head is connectable to the connector formations of the tubular casing by the connector pipe.

141. A hole shoring system as claimed in any one of claims 139 to 140, wherein the connector pipe comprises complementary connector formations for connection with the connector formations on the tubular casings.

142. A hole shoring system as claimed in any one of claims 39 to 141, wherein the connector pipe comprises drill head connector formations for connection to the drill head.

143. A drill rig comprising a hole shoring system as claimed in any one of claims 114 to 142 .