Drilling apparatus and method for controlling a drilling apparatus

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a drilling apparatus (100) comprising: a feed frame, a rod retainer (101) for holding a drill string (103) in a fixed position, and a chuck (111) for clamping the drill string, the chuck being movable relative to the rod retainer along the feed frame to allow longitudinal movement of the clamped drill string; and a hydraulic booster (120) configured to push the chuck via a pusher member (125). The drilling apparatus is configured to, during drill string retrieval: clamp the drill string via the chuck and release the drill string from the rod retainer; apply a feed force via the feed frame to pull the clamped drill string; detect insufficient feed force applied via the chuck; and, in response, control the booster to push the chuck.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to rock drilling and the recovery of the drill string during the rock drilling process (particularly in deep well drilling). In a particular aspect, this disclosure relates to methods and drilling equipment used in connection with the recovery of the drill string during rock drilling. This disclosure also relates to electronic control units and drilling rigs. Background Technology

[0002] A drill string used for rock drilling typically consists of multiple drill rods threaded together to form the drill string of the drilling equipment. In so-called surface drilling, drilling is typically performed downwards or at least partially downwards to create a downhole, with the drilling rig above the surface. As the depth of the drilled hole increases, the drill string is extended by adding new drill rods, bringing the drill bit into contact with the rock at the bottom of the hole. To retrieve the drill string from the downhole when the desired depth has been reached, a feed frame including a chuck is used to pull the drill string by applying hydraulic pressure. A rod retainer then engages with and holds the drill string in place, allowing the uppermost drill rod to disengage by rotating the chuck. This process is repeated until the entire drill string is retrieved.

[0003] In some applications, such as in exploratory drilling, the drilled holes may be several kilometers deep. For such deep wells, the drill string becomes heavy, and using hydraulic pressure to recover the drill string using a feed frame can be problematic unless the drilling rig is designed for the immense force required in these specific situations.

[0004] It would be advantageous to develop a drilling device that would facilitate the recovery of heavy drill strings associated with deep well drilling. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The primary objective of this disclosure is to overcome or mitigate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative. In particular, the objective is to provide drilling equipment, drilling rigs, and methods for controlling drilling equipment that facilitate the recovery of heavy drill strings associated with deep well drilling.

[0006] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, at least the aforementioned primary objectives can be achieved by the drilling apparatus according to claim 1. The drilling apparatus is configured to break up the mineral matrix during drilling operations, and the drilling apparatus comprises:

[0007] - A feed frame, a rod retainer, and a chuck, wherein the rod retainer is fixed to the feed frame and configured to releasably hold the drill string of a drill string in a fixed position, the drill string extending along a longitudinal axis, and wherein the chuck is movable relative to the rod retainer along the feed frame by the application of a longitudinal feed force, the chuck being configured to releasably clamp the drill string, and

[0008] - A force-boosting device, comprising at least one hydraulic cylinder and a pushing member movable via the at least one hydraulic cylinder, the force-boosting device being configured to push the chuck via the pushing member.

[0009] The drilling equipment is configured to: during drill string recovery operations:

[0010] - The drill pipe is held in place by the chuck, and then the drill pipe is released from the pipe retainer.

[0011] - The longitudinal feed force is applied through the feed frame to pull the clamped drill pipe in the longitudinal pulling direction via the chuck, and

[0012] - It is detected that the longitudinal feed force applied by the feed frame is insufficient to move the clamped drill rod in the pulling direction, and in response, the force boosting device is controlled to push the chuck in the pulling direction.

[0013] Compared to conventional drilling equipment that uses only a feed frame with a chuck to retrieve the drill string, the proposed drilling equipment increases the force used during drill string retrieval. This is particularly advantageous for deep well drilling operations where the drill string may be too heavy to be retrieved using only a feed frame and chuck. It is also advantageous for retrieving drill strings that are stuck in the hole for some reason.

[0014] Optionally, the cylinder body of the at least one hydraulic cylinder of the booster is configured to be supported on the feed frame, such as on the housing of the rod holder. In this way, support can be provided for the booster regardless of the presence of stable ground against it capable of supporting the booster. Thus, a universal drilling device is provided. In this case, the piston of at least one hydraulic cylinder of the booster can be fixed to the pressing member via a piston rod. In an alternative configuration, the piston can be supported on the feed frame via a piston rod, such as on the housing of the rod holder, and the cylinder body can be fixed to the pressing member.

[0015] Optionally, the cylinder body of the at least one hydraulic cylinder of the booster device can be releasably mounted to the feed frame, such as to the housing of the rod retainer. This allows for selective securing of the cylinder body to the housing, for example, when no stable ground suitable for support is available. Furthermore, the booster device can be removed from the drilling rig when not needed. In the alternative configuration described above, the piston rod can be releasably mounted to the housing of the rod retainer.

[0016] Optionally, the booster device is separate from the feed frame. In this way, the same booster device can be used with different drilling rigs, and it only needs to be installed if the feed force of the feed frame is considered insufficient.

[0017] Optionally, the booster device includes at least one support member configured to be supported against the ground during the drill string retrieval operation. In this way, the booster device does not need to have a specific interface for mating with the housing of a rod retainer, meaning that the same booster device can be used with different types of rod retainers. The ground can be understood herein as the surface of a rock mass including a mineral matrix.

[0018] Optionally, the force amplification device includes at least two hydraulic cylinders. The force amplification device may include two or more hydraulic cylinders (such as three or four hydraulic cylinders). By providing at least two hydraulic cylinders, it is easier to achieve sufficient force for pushing than using a single hydraulic cylinder. However, it is possible to provide a force amplification device with only a single hydraulic cylinder.

[0019] Optionally, the pushing member includes a plate configured to be positioned between the rod retainer and the chuck at least during the drill string retrieval operation. As described above, the plate is mechanically connected to one of the piston rod and cylinder body of at least one hydraulic cylinder of the booster device.

[0020] Optionally, the feed frame includes at least one hydraulic cylinder configured to apply the longitudinal feed force, thereby moving the chuck relative to the rod retainer. The feed frame may preferably include two or more hydraulic cylinders.

[0021] Optionally, the at least one hydraulic cylinder of the booster device has a stroke length shorter than that of the at least one hydraulic cylinder of the feed frame. Therefore, at least one hydraulic cylinder of the booster device can be activated at the start of the feed stroke of the at least one hydraulic cylinder of the feed frame. This allows for a more compact booster device.

[0022] Optionally, the pressing member is mechanically connected to at least one piston of the at least one hydraulic cylinder of the power amplification device. This connection can be a releasable connection, such as via a mechanical connecting member, or a fixed connection. The pressing member can, for example, be fixed to the piston rod of at least one hydraulic cylinder, and thus to the piston. Of course, when two or more hydraulic cylinders are provided in the power amplification device, the piston of each hydraulic cylinder can be mechanically connected to the pressing member.

[0023] Optionally, the drilling equipment is configured for rotary drilling, such as for rotary exploration drilling.

[0024] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, at least the primary objective is achieved by a computer-implemented method according to claim 11 for controlling drilling equipment to recover a drill string extending along a longitudinal axis. The drilling equipment includes:

[0025] - A feed frame, a rod retainer, and a chuck, wherein the rod retainer is fixed to the feed frame and configured to releasably hold the drill string in a fixed position, and wherein the chuck is movable relative to the rod retainer along the feed frame by the application of a longitudinal feed force, and the chuck is configured to releasably clamp the drill string.

[0026] - A force-boosting device, comprising at least one hydraulic cylinder and a pushing member movable via said at least one hydraulic cylinder.

[0027] The method includes, via an electronic control unit:

[0028] - Control the chuck to clamp the drill pipe and control the pipe retainer to subsequently release the drill pipe.

[0029] - Control the feed frame to apply the longitudinal feed force, thereby pulling the clamped drill pipe in the longitudinal pulling direction via the chuck.

[0030] - It is detected that the longitudinal feed force applied by the feed frame is insufficient to move the clamped drill rod in the pulling direction, and in response, the force boosting device is controlled to push the chuck in the pulling direction.

[0031] Compared to methods that rely solely on a feed frame with a chuck for drill string retrieval, the proposed method increases the force required for drill string recovery. This is particularly advantageous for deep well drilling operations where the drill string may be too heavy to be retrieved using only a feed frame. It is also beneficial for retrieving drill strings that are stuck in the borehole for some reason.

[0032] The advantages and beneficial features of the proposed method largely correspond to those advantages and beneficial features of the drilling equipment according to the first aspect.

[0033] Optionally, detecting that the feed force applied through the feed frame is insufficient to move the clamped drill pipe in the pulling direction includes detecting that the longitudinal feed force applied through the feed frame is the maximum available feed force. It may further include detecting that the chuck did not move when the feed force was applied.

[0034] Optionally, the method further includes, via the electronic control unit:

[0035] - During the application of the longitudinal feed force through the feed frame, if a predetermined condition is detected, and in response, the rod retainer is controlled to hold the drill pipe, and the chuck is controlled to subsequently release the drill pipe.

[0036] - Control the force booster and the feed frame to enter the retracted state while the drill pipe is held in place by the rod retainer.

[0037] Predetermined conditions can be conditions that indicate the booster device can no longer assist the feed frame during drill string recovery operations, for example, because it has reached its maximum extension.

[0038] Optionally, the predetermined condition is met when at least the clamped drill string is not detected to have moved in the pulling direction. This can be detected, for example, by detecting that the chuck is not moving. This can indicate that the booster has reached its maximum extension, and that the feed frame still cannot pull the drill string upward without the booster.

[0039] Optionally, the predetermined condition is met when it is detected that at least one hydraulic cylinder of the booster device has reached its maximum extension and when the longitudinal feed force applied through the feed frame is the maximum available feed force. This could be an additional condition besides detecting that the clamped drill pipe has not moved in the pulling direction.

[0040] According to a third aspect, an electronic control unit including processing circuitry is provided, the electronic control unit being configured to control drilling equipment to perform the method according to the second aspect.

[0041] According to a fourth aspect, a drilling rig is provided, including drilling equipment according to a first aspect. The drilling rig may further include an electronic control unit according to a third aspect.

[0042] Further advantages and advantageous features are disclosed in the following description, drawings and dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0043] In the following, this disclosure will be further explained by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a drilling rig according to an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 2 A portion of the drilling apparatus according to the first embodiment is schematically illustrated in a first position.

[0046] Figure 3 The drilling equipment according to the first embodiment is schematically illustrated in the second position.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a schematic top view of the pushing member according to an embodiment.

[0048] Figure 5 A portion of the drilling equipment according to the second embodiment is schematically illustrated in a first position.

[0049] Figure 6The drilling equipment according to the second embodiment is schematically illustrated in the second position.

[0050] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the method according to this disclosure.

[0051] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are schematic, and the parts are not necessarily drawn to scale. Furthermore, for clarity, the dimensions of some features may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The present disclosure will be illustrated by way of examples in the following description. Features from one embodiment may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment.

[0053] Figure 1 An example is a drilling rig 1 including a drilling apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The drilling rig 1 includes a support device 2 configured to support the drilling rig 1 against the ground 151. The support device 2 is adjustable herein, allowing adjustment of the drilling angle of the drilling rig 1.

[0054] Drilling equipment 100 is configured to break up mineral matrix (such as rock mass) by drilling holes therein during drilling operations. For this purpose, a drill string 103 is provided, comprising a plurality of drill rods 102 that can be attached to each other by threaded connections (not shown). The drill string 103 extends along a longitudinal axis A that defines the longitudinal direction of the drilling equipment 100.

[0055] Drilling equipment 100 includes a feed frame 110, a rod retainer 101, and a chuck 111 arranged on the feed frame 110. The rod retainer 101 is fixed to the lower portion of the feed frame 110 such that it can releasably hold the drill rod 102 of the drill string 103 in a fixed position relative to the stationary portion of the feed frame 110. The rod retainer 101 is configured to hold the drill string 103 when drilling is not being performed. The rod retainer 101 is movable between a closed position, in which it holds the drill rod 102, and in the open position, it does not hold the drill rod 102. The rod retainer 101 can be hydraulically or electrically controlled. It may include springs for holding the drill rod 102, such as mechanical springs or pneumatic springs that open hydraulically or electrically and close using pneumatic pressure.

[0056] The chuck 111 forms part of the rotating unit 115 and is movable relative to the rod retainer 101 along the feed frame 110 by the application of a longitudinal feed force. Movement can be achieved by means of one or more hydraulic cylinders (not shown) of the feed frame 110, which apply the longitudinal feed force to the rotating unit 115 via a movable bracket 112 or similar mounted thereon on the chuck 111. The chuck 111 is configured to releasably clamp the drill pipe 102 such that when the chuck 111 clamps the drill pipe 102, the chuck 111 can move the drill string 103 along the longitudinal axis A by means of the feed frame 110 (i.e., by means of one or more hydraulic cylinders and the bracket 112). The chuck 111 may include a spring (such as a gas spring or mechanical spring) similar to the spring of the rod retainer for clamping the drill pipe 102. The chuck 111 may be further configured to close hydraulically and open by means of at least one spring.

[0057] In some cases, at least two hydraulic cylinders may be provided for moving the chuck 111 along the feed frame 110, but in other cases a single hydraulic cylinder may be provided. The hydraulic cylinder is preferably a double-acting hydraulic cylinder.

[0058] During drilling operations, the rotating unit 115 is used to drive the drill string 103 underground while rotating it. During drill string retrieval operations, the rotating unit 115 is used instead to pull the drill string 103 out of the drilled hole. The rotating unit 115 may further be used during drill string retrieval to unscrew the connecting threads of the two connected drill rods 102 of the drill string 103 by rotating the clamped drill rod relative to another drill rod held by the rod retainer 101. The drilling apparatus 100 according to the illustrated embodiment does not include any impact unit, but in other embodiments, the drilling apparatus may further include an impact unit configured to provide a striking action to the drill string 103 during drilling.

[0059] The drilling equipment 100 further includes a force-boosting device 120 configured to temporarily increase the force applied to the drill string 103 by means of a chuck 111 during drill string retrieval operations (such as after drilling operations) when retrieving the drill string 103 from the drilled hole. The force-boosting device 120 includes at least one hydraulic cylinder (two hydraulic cylinders 121, 121' herein) and a pushing member 125 movable via the hydraulic cylinders 121, 121'. The force-boosting device 120 is configured to push the chuck 111 via the pushing member 125. For this purpose, the pushing member 125 is provided below the chuck 111.

[0060] The drilling rig 1 described herein further includes an electronic control unit 200. The electronic control unit 200 is configured to control the drilling equipment 100 during at least drill string retrieval operations, as will be described below in conjunction with… Figure 7The method illustrated in the example is further described.

[0061] The electronic control unit 200 may be provided on the drilling rig, or it may be located remotely from the drilling rig 1, and is configured to communicate with modules on the drilling rig 1 via wireless or wired communication. The electronic control unit 200 may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable digital signal processor, or other programmable device. Therefore, the control unit includes electronic circuitry and connectors (not shown), as well as processing circuitry (not shown) for communicating with different parts of the drilling equipment and with external control units. For example, the control unit 200 may be configured to communicate with various sensors, devices, systems, and control units of the drilling equipment 100 and / or the drilling rig 1. The electronic control unit 200 may include several sub-units (not shown) or be implemented as a single control unit.

[0062] The electronic control unit 200 may include hardware modules or software modules, or modules consisting of some hardware and some software, and communicates using known transmission buses (such as CAN bus) and / or wireless communication functions. The processing circuitry may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. The control unit 200 may include non-transitory memory for storing computer program code and data. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the electronic control unit 200 can be implemented in many different ways.

[0063] Now refer to Figures 2 to 6 The drilling equipment 100 (and especially the booster device 120) will be discussed in more detail, in which Figures 2 to 3 This example illustrates a portion of a drilling apparatus 100 including a booster device 100 according to a first embodiment, and Figures 5 to 6 An example is shown of a portion of a drilling apparatus 100 including a booster device 100 according to a second embodiment. These two embodiments can be compared with... Figure 1 Used together with the drilling rig 1 shown in the example.

[0064] In the first embodiment, the force-boosting device 120 and the feed frame 110 ( Figure 2 (Not shown) and rod retainer 101 are separate. It includes two hydraulic cylinders 121, 121', each supported against the ground 151 by means of corresponding support members 126, 126' during drill string retrieval operations. Each hydraulic cylinder 121, 121' of the booster device 120 includes a longitudinally movable piston 122, a cylinder body 123, and a piston rod 124 fixed to the piston 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the cylinder body 123 is fixed to the support member 126, and a pushing member 125 is mechanically connected to the piston 122 of each hydraulic cylinder 121, 121' of the booster device 120 via the corresponding piston rod 124. The pushing member 125 is inserted between the chuck 111 and the rod retainer 101.

[0065] Figure 2 The drilling rig 100 is shown in the first position, with the hydraulic cylinders 121, 121' of the booster device 120 in the retracted state. When the drilling rig 100 is to be used for drill string retrieval operations, the drill string 103 is initially held in a fixed position by the rod retainer 101. Thereafter, the chuck 111 is controlled to clamp the drill rod 102, and subsequently the rod retainer 101 is controlled to release the drill rod 102. Afterward, the feed frame 110 (see...) is controlled... Figure 1 The feed frame 110 applies a longitudinal feed force to pull the clamped drill pipe 102 in the longitudinal pulling direction A1 via the chuck 111. If it is detected that the longitudinal feed force applied by the feed frame 110 is insufficient to move the clamped drill pipe 102 in the pulling direction A1, the force booster 120 is controlled to push the chuck 125 in the pulling direction A1 while applying a longitudinal feed force through the feed frame 110.

[0066] Figure 3 The drilling rig 100 is shown in the second position, with the hydraulic cylinders 121 and 121' of the booster device 120 extended. The hydraulic cylinders 121 and 121' of the booster device 120 may have a shorter stroke length than the stroke length of the hydraulic cylinders of the feed frame 110, so that when the hydraulic cylinders 121 and 121' have reached their extended state at the end of their stroke length, the feed frame 110 may continue to pull the drill string 103 upward, if possible.

[0067] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a pusher member 125 according to an example is shown. The pusher member 125 is in the form of a plate and has a through hole 126 that allows the drill string 103 to pass through. The pusher member 125 can be arranged around the drill string 103 by: clamping the upper drill rod of the drill string 103 by a chuck 111 and clamping the lower drill rod of the drill string 103 by a rod retainer 101, rotating the chuck 111 to unscrew the threaded connection between the upper and lower drill rods, and then lifting the upper drill rod by a feed frame 110 and arranging the pusher member 125 around the upper or lower drill rod. Afterward, the upper drill rod can be reattached to the lower drill rod, and a drill string retrieval operation can be initiated. The pusher member 125 can, of course, have many different configurations; for example, it can be formed from two parts that can be releasably connected together by a mechanical connecting member to allow the pusher member to be inserted around the drill string 103 without unscrewing the two drill rods from each other. The pushing member 125 can be fixed to the piston rod 124 of each hydraulic cylinder 121, 121', or can be releasably fixed to the piston rod 124 of each hydraulic cylinder 121, 121' using a mechanical connection member.

[0068] Figure 5The second embodiment of the drilling rig 100 illustrated herein is similar to the first embodiment, except that the booster device 120 is configured to be supported herein on the feed frame 110 via the housing 104 of the rod holder 101, rather than against the ground 151. In the illustrated example, the cylinder body 123 of each hydraulic cylinder 121, 121' is mounted to the housing 104 of the rod holder 101. The hydraulic cylinders 121, 121' can be releasably mounted to the rod holder 101, such as via a mechanical connection member (not shown), so that the booster device 120 can be removed from the rod holder 101 when not needed.

[0069] Figure 5 The drilling equipment 100 is shown in the first position, and the hydraulic cylinders 121, 121' of the booster device 120 are in the retracted state. Figure 6 The drilling equipment 100 is shown in the second position, and the hydraulic cylinders 121, 121' of the booster device 120 are in the extended state.

[0070] Figure 7 An illustrative method is provided for controlling a drilling apparatus 100 according to any of the embodiments disclosed above to retrieve a drill string 103 from a downward-drilled hole during a drill string retrieval operation. When the method is initiated, the drill string 103 can be securely held by a rod retainer 101. The method includes the following actions performed by an electronic control unit (such as electronic control unit 200):

[0071] S1: Control the chuck 111 to clamp the drill pipe 102, and then control the rod retainer 101 to release the drill pipe 102. Thus, control the chuck 111 to its closed position and control the rod retainer 101 to its open position.

[0072] S2: Control the feed frame 110 to apply a longitudinal feed force, thereby pulling the clamped drill string 102 in the longitudinal pulling direction A1 via the chuck 111. This is typically achieved by controlling the hydraulic cylinder of the feed frame 110 to move from a retracted state to an extended state, causing the chuck 111 to move upward along the feed frame 110. When the drill string 103 has a low weight and is not stuck somewhere in the downward-facing hole, the longitudinal feed force applied by the feed frame 110 is usually sufficient to move the drill string 103 upward.

[0073] S3: It is detected that the longitudinal feed force applied through the feed frame 110 is insufficient to move the clamped drill pipe 102 in the pulling direction. This action may include detecting that the longitudinal feed force applied through the feed frame 110 is the maximum available feed force. This can be detected by monitoring the pressure applied through the hydraulic cylinders of the feed frame 110. It may further include detecting that the clamped drill pipe 102 and / or movable parts of the feed frame 110 (such as the bracket 112 and / or the chuck 111) are not moving in the pulling direction. For example, this may include monitoring the position of the bracket 112 relative to the feed frame 110.

[0074] S4: In response to detecting that the longitudinal feed force applied by the feed frame 110 is insufficient to move the clamped drill rod 102 in the pulling direction A1, the force-boosting device 120 is controlled to push the chuck 111 in the pulling direction A1. This may include controlling at least one hydraulic cylinder 121, 121' of the force-boosting device 120 to move from a retracted state to an extended state. Thus, the longitudinal feed force applied by the feed frame 110 is supplemented by the force applied by the force-boosting device 120.

[0075] During action S2, when a longitudinal feed force is applied via the feed frame 110, a predetermined condition can be detected. This predetermined condition can be considered satisfied when at least the clamped drill string 102 is not moved in the pulling direction A1. The predetermined condition can be further determined such that it is satisfied when at least one hydraulic cylinder 121, 121' of the booster device 120 has reached its maximum extension and when the longitudinal feed force applied via the feed frame 110 is the maximum available feed force. Therefore, the predetermined condition indicates that the force that the feed frame 110 can apply is insufficient to move the drill string 103 in the pulling direction A1.

[0076] In response to the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, the rod holder 101 can be controlled to hold the drill rod 102, and subsequently, the chuck 111 can be controlled to release the drill rod 102. Thereafter, the feed frame 110 and the force amplification device 120 can be controlled to enter a retracted state while the rod holder 101 holds the drill rod 102. This method can then be repeated by performing actions S1 to S4 again.

[0077] Once it is detected that the longitudinal feed force applied by the feed frame 110 is sufficient to move the drill string 103 in the pulling direction A1, action S4 is no longer required. Afterward, the drill string 103 can be retrieved without using the booster device 120.

[0078] Further modifications to this disclosure are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the invention should not be considered limited to the embodiments and figures described herein. Rather, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A drilling apparatus (100) configured to break a mineral matrix (150) during drilling operations, the drilling apparatus (100) comprising: The feed frame (110), rod retainer (101), and chuck (111) are provided, wherein the rod retainer (101) is fixed to the feed frame (110) and configured to releasably hold the drill string (102) of the drill string (103) in a fixed position, the drill string (103) extending along a longitudinal axis (A), and wherein the chuck (111) is movable relative to the rod retainer (101) along the feed frame (110) by the application of a longitudinal feed force, the chuck (111) being configured to releasably clamp the drill string (102). The force-boosting device (120) includes at least one hydraulic cylinder (121) and a pushing member (125) movable by the at least one hydraulic cylinder (121), the force-boosting device (120) being configured to push the chuck (111) via the pushing member (125). The drilling equipment (100) is configured to: The drill pipe (102) is held by the chuck (111) and then released from the rod holder (101). The longitudinal feed force is applied by the feed frame (110) to pull the clamped drill rod (102) in the longitudinal pulling direction (A1) via the chuck (111). If it is detected that the longitudinal feed force applied by the feed frame (110) is insufficient to move the clamped drill rod (102) in the pulling direction (A1), and in response thereto, the force booster (120) is controlled to push the chuck (125) in the pulling direction (A1).

2. The drilling equipment according to claim 1, wherein the cylinder body (123) of the at least one hydraulic cylinder (121) of the booster (120) is configured to be supported on the feed frame (110), such as on the housing (104) of the rod retainer (101).

3. The drilling apparatus of claim 2, wherein the cylinder (123) is releasably mountable to the feed frame (110), such as to the housing (104) mounted to the rod retainer (101).

4. The drilling equipment according to claim 1, wherein the booster device (120) is separate from the feed frame (110).

5. The drilling apparatus of claim 4, wherein the booster device (120) includes at least one support member (126) configured to be supported against the ground (151) during the drill string retrieval operation.

6. The drilling equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the booster device (120) comprises at least two hydraulic cylinders (121, 121').

7. The drilling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pushing member (125) includes a plate configured to be positioned between the rod retainer (101) and the chuck (111) at least during the drill string retrieval operation.

8. The drilling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed frame (110) includes at least one hydraulic cylinder configured to apply the longitudinal feed force to move the chuck (111) relative to the rod retainer (101).

9. The drilling equipment according to claim 8, wherein the at least one hydraulic cylinder (121) of the booster device (120) has a stroke length shorter than the stroke length of the at least one hydraulic cylinder of the feed frame (110).

10. The drilling equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pushing member (125) is mechanically connected to at least one piston (122) of the at least one hydraulic cylinder (121) of the booster device (120).

11. A computer-implemented method for controlling a drilling apparatus (100) to retrieve a drill string (103) extending along a longitudinal axis (A), said drilling apparatus (100) comprising: The feed frame (110), rod retainer (101), and chuck (111) are provided, wherein the rod retainer is fixed to the feed frame and configured to releasably hold the drill rod (102) of the drill string (103) in a fixed position, and wherein the chuck (111) is movable relative to the rod retainer (101) along the feed frame by the application of a longitudinal feed force, and the chuck is configured to releasably clamp the drill rod. The force-boosting device (120) includes at least one hydraulic cylinder (121) and a pushing member (125) movable by said at least one hydraulic cylinder (121). The method includes: via an electronic control unit (200): Control (S1) the chuck (111) to clamp the drill rod (102) and control the rod retainer (101) to subsequently release the drill rod (102). The feed frame (110) is controlled (S2) to apply the longitudinal feed force, thereby pulling the clamped drill rod (102) in the longitudinal pulling direction (A1) via the chuck (111). If (S3) it is detected that the longitudinal feed force applied by the feed frame (110) is insufficient to move the clamped drill rod (102) in the pulling direction (A1), and in response thereto, the force booster (120) is controlled (S4) to push the chuck (111) in the pulling direction (A1).

12. The method of claim 11, wherein detecting that the feed force applied by the feed frame (110) is insufficient to move the clamped drill pipe (102) in the pulling direction (A1) includes detecting that the longitudinal feed force applied by the feed frame (110) is the maximum available feed force.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising: Through the electronic control unit (200): During the application of the longitudinal feed force through the feed frame (110), a predetermined condition is detected. In response to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition, the rod retainer (101) is controlled to hold the drill rod (102), and the chuck (111) is controlled to subsequently release the drill rod (102). The feed frame (110) and the force booster (120) are controlled to enter the retracted state while the drill rod (102) is held in the rod retainer (101).

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied when at least it is detected that the clamped drill rod (102) has not moved in the pulling direction.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied when it is detected that at least one hydraulic cylinder (121) of the booster device (120) has reached its maximum extension and when the longitudinal feed force applied by the feed frame (110) is the maximum available feed force.

16. An electronic control unit (200) including processing circuitry, the electronic control unit (200) being configured to control a drilling equipment (100) to perform the method according to any one of claims 11 to 15.

17. A drilling rig (1) comprising drilling equipment (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

18. The drilling rig according to claim 17, further comprising the electronic control unit (200) according to claim 16.

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