A monitoring system for in-hole monitoring of geological boreholes

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of borehole monitoring, and discloses a monitoring system for geological borehole monitoring, which is used to solve the problems of difficult lowering of the imaging mechanism and blurring of image data due to vibration. The present application comprises an imaging mechanism, a controller and a background terminal. The imaging mechanism transmits image data to the controller, the controller transmits the image data to the background terminal for processing to obtain monitoring information. The present application further comprises a lowering mechanism for driving the imaging mechanism to move in the borehole. The present application can successfully lower the imaging mechanism into a deep borehole and maintain the stability of the camera, thereby ensuring clear image information, reducing the workload of data processing of the background terminal and improving efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of borehole monitoring technology, and specifically relates to a monitoring system for monitoring inside geological boreholes. Background Technology

[0002] During geological exploration, boreholes need to be monitored to obtain relevant stratigraphic information (such as stratigraphic identification, fracture information, etc.).

[0003] With the advancement of borehole visualization technology, borehole visualization has become the main technical means for borehole monitoring in geological exploration. The core of borehole visualization is to use cameras (or borehole televisions) to transmit borehole information to a controller on the ground. The controller transmits the data to a back-end terminal, which processes the transmitted data (such as video and / or images) to obtain relevant stratigraphic information.

[0004] Currently, there are three main methods for transmitting cameras (or in-hole televisions) into the hole:

[0005] 1. Lowering the camera using a sling is problematic because the flexibility of the sling (whether steel wire rope or other type) during descent causes significant camera shake, resulting in poor image quality and a heavy workload for the backend terminal. For example, a borehole visualization exploration method disclosed in application number 2021108352780...

[0006] 2. A camera is lowered using a telescopic rod, meaning the camera is connected to the bottom of the telescopic rod. The telescopic rod moves, causing the camera to move as well, allowing the camera to capture video or image data from inside the borehole. For example, a visual logging device for oil and gas wells disclosed in application number 2021230281086 includes a frame, a lifting device, a moving device, an adjusting device, a connecting rod, a camera, and a cleaning device. The frame has a lifting cavity, the lifting device is located within the lifting cavity, the moving device is mounted on the lifting device, the adjusting device is mounted on the moving device, the connecting rod is mounted on the adjusting device, and the camera and cleaning device are both mounted on the connecting rod. However, in geological exploration, where drilling depths reach tens or hundreds of meters, the telescopic rod simply cannot achieve such long-distance extension and retraction. Therefore, this technology is completely unusable for geological exploration involving very deep boreholes.

[0007] 3. Utilizing a combination of a disc structure and a suspension rope, where the disc structure is held in place within the borehole and lowered into the hole along with the camera, can stabilize the camera and improve image quality. For example, a visual rock and soil borehole exploration device disclosed in application number 2020220988359 includes a detection hole in the rock and soil layer, and a borehole wall detector and exploration display device connected via a data cable. The detection hole has a mounting ring at its upper end, with a rotatable detection seat fitted on the ring. The upper surface of the detection seat is a recessed steel wire disc, on which the borehole wall detector is placed. However, for deep boreholes tens or hundreds of meters deep, unavoidable problems such as deviations and borehole wall collapse during drilling often cause the disc structure to get stuck and unable to be lowered. More importantly, when the disc structure comes into contact with the borehole wall, it inevitably causes some compression and wear, leading to inconsistencies in data when repeated monitoring of the borehole is required.

[0008] 4. Using the drill rod structure of the drilling rig in conjunction with a camera for borehole monitoring, although the camera can be lowered using the drill rod, the drilling rig itself consumes a lot of energy and vibrates a lot, causing the camera to shake violently and resulting in blurry images. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the challenges of lowering cameras (or borehole televisions, scanners) and the blurring of image data due to vibration, this invention provides a monitoring system for monitoring inside geological boreholes. This system enables the smooth lowering of imaging devices (such as cameras, borehole televisions, scanners) into deeper boreholes while maintaining camera stability, thus ensuring clear image information. This reduces the workload of backend terminal data processing and improves efficiency.

[0010] To solve the technical problem, the technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows:

[0011] A monitoring system for monitoring inside geological boreholes includes an imaging mechanism, a controller, and a back-end terminal. The imaging mechanism transmits image data to the controller, and the controller transmits the image data to the back-end terminal for processing to obtain monitoring information. The system is characterized by further including a lowering mechanism for moving the imaging mechanism inside the borehole.

[0012] In some embodiments, the lowering mechanism includes a base for placement on the ground at the orifice, a hollow support frame mounted on the base, and a plurality of interconnected mounting plates disposed on the support frame. The imaging mechanism is mounted on the bottom of the lowest mounting plate. The mounting plates are I-shaped and have inwardly recessed cavities on opposite sides. At least one set of opposing rollers are mounted on both sides of the support frame. A portion of each roller can pass through the support frame and extend into the cavity of the mounting plate to contact the mounting plate, thereby pressing the mounting plate with the rollers on both sides of the mounting plate. During rotation, the rollers drive the mounting plate to move up and down on the support frame. A servo motor for driving the rollers to rotate is mounted on the support frame, and a through hole for the mounting plate to pass through is provided on the base.

[0013] In some embodiments, the mounting plate is provided with slots at both ends. The slot at one end of the mounting plate is located on the outer side of the mounting plate, and the slot at the other end of the mounting plate is located on the inner side of the mounting plate. The slot on the inner side of the mounting plate is compatible with the slot on the outer side of the adjacent mounting plate. Both the slots on the inner and outer sides of the mounting plate are provided with through pin holes, and the pin holes are equipped with locking pins.

[0014] In some embodiments, the support frame is equipped with two sets of rollers.

[0015] In some embodiments, a driven roller is mounted on the support frame, and the driven roller is installed between two sets of rollers to further enhance the clamping force on the mounting plate.

[0016] In some embodiments, the base is equipped with a rotating mechanism for rotating the entire support frame. The rotating mechanism includes a bearing mounted on the base, a driven gear mounted on the bearing, the support frame mounted on the driven gear, and a through hole in the middle of the driven gear communicating with the cavity of the support frame. A drive motor is mounted on the base, and a drive wheel that meshes with the driven gear is mounted on the output shaft of the drive motor.

[0017] In some embodiments, a speed sensor for monitoring the movement of the mounting plate is installed on the support frame. The speed sensor is connected to a controller. An electric telescopic rod is also installed on the support frame. A locking tongue is installed at the end of the electric telescopic rod. A strip groove adapted to the locking tongue is formed on the outer wall of the mounting plate.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] The monitoring system for monitoring inside geological boreholes of the present invention operates as follows: An I-shaped mounting plate is inserted into a support frame, and the mounting plate is securely clamped by the static friction between rollers and the mounting plate. When a servo motor drives the rollers to rotate, the rollers simultaneously move the mounting plate upwards or downwards, thereby driving the imaging mechanism on the bottom surface of the mounting plate to capture (or scan) images inside the borehole. The imaging mechanism transmits the acquired data (video and / or images) to a controller, which then transmits the data to a back-end terminal. The back-end terminal processes the received data to obtain relevant information (e.g., stratigraphic distribution, borehole quality), thus enabling monitoring inside the borehole.

[0020] This invention, through a clever design of the mounting plate, utilizes the interaction between rollers and the I-shaped mounting plate. The static friction between the rollers and the mounting plate synchronously moves the plate upwards or downwards, ensuring smooth operation during movement and guaranteeing the image quality of the imaging mechanism mounted at the lower end of the mounting plate. Compared to existing technologies that use suspension ropes, this invention offers greater stability for the imaging mechanism, resulting in higher-quality data and reducing the complexity of data processing at the backend terminal.

[0021] Compared to existing technologies that use telescopic rods to lower imaging mechanisms, this invention, through its structure design of several mounting plates, is not affected by length and can meet the depth requirements of tens or hundreds of meters in geological exploration.

[0022] Compared to existing technologies that use a combination of disc structure and suspension rope, this method solves the problem of jamming and improper lowering of disc structures. At the same time, the installation plate that extends into the hole will not touch the hole wall and damage it. When repeated monitoring of the hole is required, the data information monitored by the imaging mechanism before and after is consistent (of course, small rock and soil particles that naturally fall off the hole wall (non-human factors) are excluded).

[0023] In summary, the structure of this invention ensures that the imaging mechanism can be lowered to the required depth without affecting the depth; at the same time, it operates smoothly without shaking during the lowering process, improving the quality of the data information (such as video and / or images) acquired by the imaging mechanism, reducing the difficulty of data processing for the back-end terminal, thereby facilitating the rapid acquisition of information inside the hole and realizing the monitoring of the hole. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. In this schematic diagram, in order to show the contact diagram between the roller and the driven roller and the mounting plate, the servo motor used to drive the roller to rotate is not shown.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention from another angle;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the mounting plate of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a system block diagram of the present invention;

[0028] The markings in the diagram are: 1. Base, 101. Through hole, 102. Roller, 103. Adjusting rod, 104. Support plate, 2. Support frame, 201. Cavity, 202. Through hole, 3. Mounting plate, 301. Cavity, 302. Slot, 303. Pin hole, 304. Strip groove, 4. Imaging mechanism, 5. Roller, 6. Servo motor, 7. Bearing, 8. Driven gear, 9. Drive wheel, 10. Drive motor, 11. Driven roller, 12. Locking tongue, 13. Electric telescopic rod. Implementation

[0029] The present invention will be further described below with reference to embodiments. These embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. The terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the monitoring system for monitoring inside geological boreholes of the present invention includes an imaging mechanism 4, a controller, and a back-end terminal. The imaging mechanism 4 transmits image data to the controller, which then transmits the image data to the back-end terminal for processing to obtain monitoring information. The system also includes a lowering mechanism for moving the imaging mechanism 4 inside the borehole. The controller, back-end terminal, and imaging mechanism 4 are all existing technologies, readily understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0032] The imaging mechanism 4 can be a camera, scanner, in-hole television, etc., which will be understood by those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0033] In some embodiments, the lowering mechanism includes a base 1 for placement on the ground at the orifice. Preferably, a roller 102 is installed at the lower end of the base 1, which facilitates the movement of the lowering mechanism.

[0034] In the actual real-time process, an adjusting rod 103 is also installed on the base 1. The lower end of the adjusting rod 103 is connected to the support plate 104. Rotating the adjusting rod 103 can adjust the height position of the support plate 104, so as to stabilize the entire lowering mechanism.

[0035] The base 1 of the present invention is equipped with a hollow support frame 2, that is, the support frame 2 has a cavity 201. The support frame 2 is provided with a plurality of interconnected mounting plates 3. The imaging mechanism 4 is installed at the bottom of the lowest mounting plate 3. The mounting plate 3 is in the shape of an "I" and has inwardly recessed cavities 301 on opposite sides. At least one set of oppositely arranged rollers 5 are installed on both sides of the support frame 2. A part of the rollers 5 can pass through the support frame 2 and extend into the cavity 301 of the mounting plate 3 and contact the mounting plate 3. Thus, the rollers 5 on both sides of the mounting plate 3 are used to squeeze the mounting plate 3. During the rotation of the rollers 5, the mounting plate 3 is driven to move up and down on the support frame 2. The support frame 2 is equipped with a servo motor 6 for driving the rollers 5 to rotate. The base 1 is provided with a through hole 101 for the mounting plate 3 to pass through.

[0036] In the actual real-time process, roller 5 is equipped with a rotating shaft, and bearings are installed on the support frame 2. The rotating shaft of the roller is mounted on the support frame 2 through the bearings. A pair of rollers 5 can be driven to rotate by a single servo motor, or each roller can be driven by a separate servo motor 6. Whether a set (pair) of rollers 5 is driven by one or two servo motors, it is necessary to ensure that the rotation directions of the rollers are opposite, so that the force applied to the mounting plate is in the same direction.

[0037] As one preferred method of the present invention, a pair of rollers 5 are driven to rotate by a servo motor.

[0038] In the actual real-time process, in order to ensure that the roller 5 can hold the mounting plate 3, preferably, the mounting plate 3 is made of a lightweight hard material, such as lightweight aluminum alloy, so as to reduce the weight of the mounting plate.

[0039] Preferably, the outer circumferential surface of the roller 5 contacts the inner bottom surface of the cavity 301 of the mounting plate 3, and the two end faces of the roller 5 can respectively contact the two sides of the cavity 301 of the mounting plate 3, thereby increasing the contact area between the roller and the mounting plate and increasing the static friction between them. That is to say, the width of the roller 5 is adapted to the width of the cavity 301 of the mounting plate 3.

[0040] In the actual real-time process, the roller 5 is made of wear-resistant rubber. In order to further improve the static friction between the mounting plate and the roller, the inner bottom surface and side surface of the cavity 301 of the mounting plate 3 are provided with anti-slip texture, and the outer circumferential surface and two end faces of the roller 5 are also provided with anti-slip texture.

[0041] In some embodiments, the mounting plate 3 has slots 302 at both ends. The slot 302 at one end of the mounting plate 3 is located on the outer surface of the mounting plate 3, and the slot 302 at the other end of the mounting plate 3 is located on the inner surface of the mounting plate. The slot 302 on the inner surface of the mounting plate 3 is compatible with the slot 302 on the outer surface of the adjacent mounting plate 3. Both the slots 302 on the inner and outer surfaces of the mounting plate 3 have through pin holes 303, and the pin holes 303 are fitted with locking pins. That is, slots 302 are provided on both sides of the mounting plate 3, so that one end of the mounting plate forms a male head and the other end forms a female head. The male and female heads are used to achieve the interlocking between adjacent mounting plates. Then, the locking pin is inserted into the locking hole to connect the two adjacent mounting plates together.

[0042] In actual operation, the pin hole 303 is a non-circular pin hole, for example, the cross-section of the pin hole is rectangular, triangular, or oblong, etc., to prevent rotation after the two mounting plates are connected. Preferably, for ease of operation, the cross-section of the pin hole is square; correspondingly, the cross-section of the pin shaft fitted with the pin hole is also square.

[0043] In the actual operation, to facilitate the insertion of the pin between the two mounting plates 3, transition holes are provided outside the pin holes on both the outer and inner sides of the mounting plates. The longitudinal cross-section of the transition hole is trapezoidal, so that the opening size of the transition hole gradually decreases from the outside to the inside until it is the same as the size of the pin hole. Thus, when inserting the pin, the transition hole guides the pin gradually into the pin hole, improving the ease of operation.

[0044] To prevent the pin from passing through the pin hole, locking rods are rotatably connected to both ends of the pin. The outer surface of the mounting plate has clamping grooves that mate with the locking rods. When the locking pin is inserted into the pin hole, the locking rods at both ends of the pin are rotated, clamping them into the clamping grooves on the mounting plate, thus preventing the pin from falling out and ensuring a secure connection between adjacent mounting plates. Locking the pin using locking rods is existing technology in this field and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0045] In some embodiments, two sets of rollers 5 are mounted on the support frame 2. The two sets of rollers 5 are used to drive the mounting plate 3 to move, thereby further improving the stability of clamping the mounting plate.

[0046] In some embodiments, a driven roller 11 is mounted on the support frame 2, and the driven roller 11 is installed between two sets of rollers 5 to further enhance the clamping force on the mounting plate.

[0047] In some embodiments, a rotating mechanism for rotating the entire support frame 2 is installed on the base 1. The rotating mechanism includes a bearing 7 installed on the base 1, a driven gear 8 installed on the bearing 7, and the support frame 2 installed on the driven gear 8. The driven gear 8 has a through hole in the middle that communicates with the cavity 201 of the support frame 2. The through hole is designed to ensure that the mounting plate 3 can pass through, so that the mounting plate 3 on the support frame 2 can pass through the cavity 201 of the support frame 2, the through hole of the driven gear, the bearing 7 and then extend into the hole.

[0048] A drive motor 10 is mounted on the base 1 of this invention, and a drive wheel 9 that meshes with a driven gear 8 is mounted on the output shaft of the drive motor 10. This allows the drive motor to rotate the drive wheel 9 when the entire support frame (including the mounting plate mounted on the support frame) needs to rotate, thereby rotating the driven gear. Since the entire support frame is mounted on the driven gear, the support frame (including the mounting plate mounted on the support frame) can rotate synchronously, thereby rotating the imaging mechanism below the mounting plate to facilitate imaging (or scanning, etc.) of the perimeter of the hole wall.

[0049] In the actual real-time process, some imaging mechanisms 4 do not have the function of active rotation. Therefore, in order to capture images around the hole wall, the present invention can drive the imaging mechanism to rotate by setting a rotation mechanism.

[0050] In this invention, the mounting plates 3 are connected by a plug-in method and locked by locking pins, making operation very convenient. When the imaging mechanism 4 rotates to take pictures around the hole wall, the rotation speed is relatively slow. Therefore, the rotation of the entire support frame 2 does not affect the connection of the mounting plates 3.

[0051] In some embodiments, a speed sensor for monitoring the movement of the mounting plate 3 is installed on the support frame 2. The speed sensor is connected to a controller. An electric telescopic rod 13 is also installed on the support frame 2, and a locking tongue 12 is installed at the end of the electric telescopic rod 13. A strip groove 304 adapted to the locking tongue is formed on the outer wall of the mounting plate 3. Correspondingly, a through hole 202 for the locking tongue 12 to pass through is provided on the support frame 2. Preferably, the strip groove 304 is arranged along the length direction of the support frame 2, and a wear-resistant buffer rubber layer is provided on the peripheral wall of the strip groove 304 to prevent the locking tongue 12 from damaging the mounting plate 3 after it pops out.

[0052] The slotted design serves two purposes: firstly, it further reduces the weight of the mounting plate; secondly, when the speed sensor detects an abnormal speed of the mounting plate, it transmits the information to the controller. The controller then activates the electric telescopic rod, causing the latch to extend and engage with the slotted design on the mounting plate, thus preventing the mounting plate from falling into the hole. Simultaneously, as the electric telescopic rod moves the latch, the controller sends a control signal to the servo motor and stops it.

[0053] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, two locking tongues 12 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the support frame 2, so as to lock the mounting plate 3 simultaneously using the two locking tongues.

[0054] In the actual real-time process, the depth of the slot 304 gradually increases from bottom to top, meaning the bottom surface of the slot 304 is inclined. If the mounting plate 3 falls, the mounting plate moves downwards, and the locking tongue 12, under the action of the electric telescopic rod 13, gradually extends into the slot 304. Finally, the locking tongue 12 engages with the end of the slot 304, thus preventing the mounting plate 3 from falling into the hole. The inclined bottom surface of the slot acts as a buffer, and the movement of the electric telescopic rod 13 is also gradual, allowing the locking tongue 12 to gradually extend into the slot 304 and gradually increase the pressure on the slot 304, thus allowing the mounting plate to stop slowly and preventing damage to the mounting plate 3 from the impact of the locking tongue.

Claims

1. A monitoring system for monitoring inside geological boreholes, comprising an imaging mechanism, a controller, and a back-end terminal, wherein the imaging mechanism transmits image data to the controller, and the controller transmits the image data to the back-end terminal for processing to obtain monitoring information, characterized in that... It also includes a lowering mechanism for driving the imaging mechanism to move within the aperture; The lowering mechanism includes a base for placement on the ground at the orifice, a hollow support frame mounted on the base, and several interconnected mounting plates on the support frame. The imaging mechanism is mounted on the bottom of the lowest mounting plate. The mounting plates are I-shaped, with inwardly recessed cavities on opposite sides. At least one set of opposing rollers are mounted on both sides of the support frame. A portion of each roller can pass through the support frame and extend into the cavity of the mounting plate, contacting it. This allows the rollers on both sides of the mounting plate to press against it, and the rollers, during rotation, drive the mounting plate to move up and down on the support frame. A servo motor for driving the rollers to rotate is mounted on the support frame, and a through hole for the mounting plate to pass through is provided on the base. The base is equipped with a rotating mechanism for rotating the entire support frame. The rotating mechanism includes a bearing mounted on the base, a driven gear mounted on the bearing, and the support frame mounted on the driven gear. The driven gear has a through hole in its middle that communicates with the cavity of the support frame. A drive motor is mounted on the base, and a drive wheel that meshes with the driven gear is mounted on the output shaft of the drive motor. A speed sensor for monitoring the movement of the mounting plate is mounted on the support frame. The speed sensor is connected to a controller. An electric telescopic rod is also mounted on the support frame. A locking tongue is mounted at the end of the electric telescopic rod. A strip groove adapted to the locking tongue is formed on the outer wall of the mounting plate. The depth of the strip groove gradually increases from bottom to top.

2. The monitoring system for in-hole monitoring of geological boreholes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting plate has slots at both ends. The slot at one end of the mounting plate is located on the outer side of the mounting plate, and the slot at the other end of the mounting plate is located on the inner side of the mounting plate. The slot on the inner side of the mounting plate is compatible with the slot on the outer side of the adjacent mounting plate. Both the slots on the inner and outer sides of the mounting plate are provided with through pin holes, and the pin holes are equipped with locking pins.

3. The monitoring system for in-hole monitoring of geological boreholes according to claim 2, characterized in that, Two sets of rollers are installed on the support frame.

4. The monitoring system for in-hole monitoring of geological boreholes according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support frame is equipped with a driven roller, which is installed between two sets of rollers to further enhance the clamping force on the mounting plate.

Images