DRILLING RIG

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a drilling rig with subsoil detection which is designed to analyse the subsoil during an earth drilling operation.

[0002] Drilling rigs for earth drilling are available in various designs. A drill head is attached to an extendable rod and inserted into the ground by rotation. Drilling is performed by a drive that sets the drill rod in rotating motion. Such a drilling rig is usually designed compactly so that it can be transported. Earth hole drilling machines can be specifically designed for vertical and horizontal drilling.

[0003] It is also known from the prior art to use drilling emulsions to support the drilling process, particularly in horizontal drilling. Drilling emulsions make it possible to soften the area of ​​the drill channel to be created in front of the drill head, thus improving the cutting effect. Furthermore, the removed earth material is flushed out, and for this purpose an annular gap is kept open between the drill rod and the drill channel, which simultaneously reduces the casing friction between the drill rod and the drill channel wall, with the drilling emulsion additionally acting as a lubricant. Drilling emulsions are particularly present as a dispersion of water and bentonite and can also contain additives, although in this case, adaptation to the material properties of the borehole is necessary. An advantageous solution for the material-adaptive provision of a drilling emulsion is known, for example, from DE 10 2017 002 336 A1.

[0004] The mechanical operating parameters such as speed, penetration depth, penetration depth per revolution, etc., can usually be adjusted via the machine according to the state of the art. Furthermore, if a device is available, the drilling emulsion can also be prepared and supplied in a specific composition to meet specific requirements.

[0005] Typically, the operating parameters are set manually by the rig operator. A particular disadvantage is that the decision for setting the operating parameters is based on the operator's assessment and the necessary experience, or on previously conducted ground analyses. The disadvantage is that ground analyses are time-consuming and costly and usually only provide information for specific reference sections of the future bore channel.

[0006] The quality of a borehole, with or without ground analysis, depends on the experience of the rig operator and thus on subjective factors. The quality of a borehole, including the time required, energy consumption, drilling emulsion consumption, and especially the stress and wear on the drilling rig, can therefore be suboptimal and fluctuate greatly.

[0007] US Patent No. 11 078 785 B1 describes a solution for vertical drilling in which data on the expected rock types is initially stored in a system control system based on previous drillings. Based on recorded operating conditions, the currently drilled rock type is then identified, which is then subsequently assigned to a stored rock type. The recorded operating conditions are then automatically adjusted.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a drilling rig with which boreholes can be drilled efficiently and with high quality and which can increase the service life of the rig or components of the rig.

[0009] The problem is solved by the features listed in patent claim 1. Preferred developments arise from the subclaims.

[0010] The drilling rig according to the invention is preferably designed as a horizontal drilling rig and has as basic components a drilling mechanics unit, a sensor unit and a subsoil detection unit.

[0011] The drilling rig is preferably designed to be compact and easy to transport. For this purpose, the rig can be mounted directly on various chassis or housed in standardized freight containers.

[0012] The drilling mechanism unit comprises, in a conventional manner, a drive assembly, a drilling assembly, and a drilling emulsion unit. The drilling mechanism unit comprises, in particular, the drill head and the drill rod and serves directly to mechanically remove the soil in the form of a borehole. For this purpose, a drill head with an extendable rod is driven into the ground.

[0013] The area of ​​the subsoil into which the borehole is to be installed is hereinafter referred to as the subsoil.

[0014] Preferably, a pilot hole is first drilled in a forward motion. The pilot hole is guided to an exit opening at the target point. The drill head is now accessible and is replaced with a reaming drill head, which is designed for excavating subsoil in a reaming hole and generally has a larger diameter than the drill head for the pilot hole. The reaming hole is then drilled using a retraction movement with a simultaneous rotating cutting movement of the reaming drill head, thus widening the bore channel.

[0015] The necessary rotary motion and the superimposed feed motion, as well as the retraction motion in the case of a reaming hole, are generated by the drive assembly. This assembly is also known from the prior art and preferably comprises at least one motor, a gearbox, and a correspondingly solid frame.

[0016] The drilling rig according to the invention is characterized in particular by the sensor unit and the subsoil detection unit.

[0017] The sensor unit according to the invention is designed to detect multiple parameters of a drilling process. For this purpose, the sensor unit has a plurality of sensors. The parameters are detected by means of these sensors.

[0018] The sensor unit is designed to record several parameters from the following group: Thrust / pulling force Torque Speed ​​Advance speed Bore path Bore inclination Drilling emulsion quantity Drilling emulsion pressure

[0019] The parameters of the above-mentioned group are also referred to below as the parameters.

[0020] Sensors are understood to be all technical means that can be used to record the parameters. The sensors can be arranged as additional modules on the relevant elements of the drilling mechanics unit. However, it is also possible for the sensors to already be integrated into the drilling mechanics unit, and the drilling mechanics unit to provide an interface through which the data from the sensors can be output and then further processed.

[0021] The sensors thus determine the process-critical parameters. These are primarily mechanical parameters. For example, the thrust or tensile force provides information about the axial force acting on the drill head against the ground during drilling advance, or about axial casing friction when withdrawing the drill rod, and thus allows conclusions to be drawn about the properties of the subsoil material, in particular the soil density or hardness. This also applies accordingly to the torque in conjunction with the speed. Other sensors record additional parameters accordingly. The amount of drilling emulsion and the drilling emulsion pressure applied can also be related to one another and to parameters, thus allowing more precise conclusions to be drawn about the properties of the subsoil material.

[0022] The properties of the subsoil material are also referred to below as subsoil properties or subsoil condition.

[0023] With the help of the sensors in the sensor unit, the key parameters for each drilling operation can be determined, although the strength and mechanics of the rock vary depending on the type of rock or soil. These parameters can usually be specified as setting values ​​by the rig operator during operation of the drilling rig. The parameters are partly interrelated, so that, for example, a certain rotational speed and a certain advance rate result in a certain torque depending on the ground conditions—also depending on the amount of drilling emulsion and other factors.

[0024] Furthermore, the sensor unit is designed to provide the recorded parameters in a transferable manner so that they are available for further processing by the subsoil detection unit.

[0025] The subsoil detection unit according to the invention is connected to the sensor unit and receives the data from the sensors via this route.

[0026] The subsoil detection unit comprises, in particular, an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit is preferably a computer.

[0027] The evaluation unit according to the invention is designed to evaluate the recorded parameters and provide an evaluation result. For this purpose, both the absolute values ​​of the individual parameters, hereinafter referred to as absolute values, and their relative relationships to one another are used. The more parameters are recorded and evaluated, the more different relationships and thus different relative values ​​can be formed between the individual parameters. In this way, an evaluation result is provided, for example, as a data set that has relative values ​​and preferably both absolute values ​​and relative values. Preferably, relative values ​​are also related to one another so that derived relative values ​​can also be formed and made available as part of the evaluation result.Furthermore, derived relative values ​​can be further related to characteristic values, so that derived relative values ​​of second and higher orders can also be formed. Absolute values, relative values, and derived relative values ​​of all orders are collectively referred to as characteristic values.

[0028] The evaluation unit is further designed to assign the evaluation result to a stored subsoil type.

[0029] For this purpose, the evaluation unit preferably has a storable database. Multidimensional value ranges for parameter values ​​such as absolute values, relative values, and derived relative values ​​can be stored for different subsoil types.

[0030] A comparison module is used to compare the evaluation result with the value corridors, whereby if there is a match, the relevant subsoil type is assigned to the evaluation result.

[0031] The evaluation unit further comprises a data output unit configured to output the assigned subsoil type as a determined subsoil type. A data output unit is understood to be any device configured to make a determined subsoil type recognizable to a system operator or for further technical processing. The data output unit can therefore be, for example, a display, a monitor, an interface, or a memory, for example, for documenting a completed borehole.

[0032] The present invention is based on the surprising discovery that, by means of reliable subsoil detection, a significant improvement in the service life of a drilling rig, and in particular of the drilling tools such as the drill heads and drill rods, can be achieved with minimal effort. Furthermore, it was discovered that the generation of relative values ​​and derived relative values, in particular, enables a high degree of assignment reliability.

[0033] With the identified subsoil type, a scheme of the subsoil condition is available that can aggregate a broad information base and make it available for further operational processes.

[0034] Such operating processes include, in particular, the operation of the drilling rig with the aim of achieving certain operating states as well as tamper-proof documentation of a drilling process.

[0035] Based on a recognized drilling subgrade type, the rig operator can be provided with a sample operating scheme that serves as a guide and significantly reduces the likelihood of suboptimal operation. At the same time, the technical requirements for personnel are reduced, allowing even less experienced rig operators to operate a drilling rig.

[0036] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the effectiveness of the drilling can be increased, for example by better utilising the possible advance speeds specific to the subsoil type, reducing energy consumption to the required level and reducing wear and tear on plant components and consumption of drilling emulsion, for example.

[0037] Another important advantage is the objectivity of the subsoil assessment based on measurement data. Both the measurement data and the resulting subsoil types can be documented in a tamper-proof manner, thus providing a basis for, for example, cost calculations and wear assessments of the drilling rig.

[0038] According to an advantageous further development, the drilling rig is characterized in that the evaluation unit is designed to assign a drill head position to the determined subsoil type.

[0039] Based on the drill head position, the precise geoposition data of the subsoil type can be assigned and documented. Another advantage is that this also provides information about the drill rods in sheath friction, allowing the torque component attributable to the drill head and the torque component attributable to sheath friction to be better expressed in the evaluation results, thus further increasing the reliability of the assignment.

[0040] According to a next advantageous development, the drilling rig is characterized in that the sensor system has a GPS module with which geoposition data can be provided and the evaluation unit is designed to evaluate the geoposition data.

[0041] Using the geolocation data, a subsoil cadastre can be created. This allows a drilling area, along with its locally identified subsoil conditions, to be stored in the database. This allows the subsoil conditions data from the database to be retrieved based on the geolocation for possible future applications, such as further drilling or construction projects.

[0042] Conversely, already available data on the subsoil condition can also be assigned to an evaluation result and used for subsoil type recognition or output in addition to a recognized subsoil type for plausibility checks.

[0043] According to a further advantageous development, the drilling rig is characterized in that the evaluation unit has a control module configured to assign a determined subsoil type to a stored operating scheme. Furthermore, the control module is configured to retrieve the assigned operating scheme as a determined operating scheme and, based on the determined operating scheme, to generate control commands that are transmitted to the drilling mechanism.

[0044] For this purpose, an operating scheme data set is preferably assigned to the subsoil types in the database module, in which target operating conditions, in particular parameters such as: Thrust / pulling force Torque Speed ​​Advance speed Drilling emulsion quantity Drilling emulsion composition (aggregate recipes) Drilling emulsion pressure are deposited.

[0045] The control unit then controls and regulates the drilling mechanism, preferably similar to a computer programmable controller based on a microprocessor unit.

[0046] This approach can advantageously enable semi-automatic or automatic operation of the drilling rig. The drilling rig is then controlled and regulated automatically, although manual intervention can still be optionally possible.

[0047] Furthermore, if no clear subsoil or operating scheme can be assigned to the current drilling process, this allows the operating personnel to be given instructions to operate the system manually.

[0048] In a further development, the system is self-learning, based on a neural network that adds artificial intelligence to the control system. This allows the evaluation unit to further develop an operating scheme during manual operation. The improved data can then be accessed during the next comparable drilling.

[0049] The invention is illustrated by way of example with reference to Fig. 1 schematic representation of the drilling rig structure explained in more detail.

[0050] The Figure 1 describes the drilling rig 1 in a schematic representation of the basic structure.

[0051] In this embodiment, the components of the system are housed in a system carrier, such as a transport container or similar. The drilling rig 1 is driven by the drilling mechanism unit 2. This consists of a drive assembly 5 and the connected drilling assembly 6. The drilling assembly 6 represents the tool that penetrates the subsoil 11 and creates a borehole.

[0052] The drilling emulsion unit 7 is connected here as an additional unit. The drilling emulsion serves to smooth the subsoil 11, reduce friction and wear on the drilling assembly 6, and flush out the excavated soil in the subsoil 11.

[0053] Several sensors 8 are distributed across the drilling mechanism unit 2 and the drilling assembly 6. The sensors 8 are mounted in such a way that they can directly determine the influencing variable to be measured. The sensors 8 are combined as sensor unit 3.

[0054] From here, a data connection is established to the evaluation unit 9 of the subsoil detection unit 4, where the evaluation unit 9 evaluates the sensor data. The evaluation result is output via the data output unit 10, here designed as a monitor, and visually displayed for the system operator.

[0055] Furthermore, the evaluation unit 9 of the subsoil detection unit 4 has a control module 12. The control module 12 has a memory in which an operating scheme is stored for several subsoil types. The relevant operating scheme is retrieved as soon as a specific subsoil type has been detected. Control commands are generated from the retrieved operating scheme that control the operating states of the drilling mechanics unit 2 and the drilling emulsion unit 7, for example, the rotational speed, the feed force, the drilling emulsion quantity, and the drilling emulsion composition. Reference symbols used

[0056] 1Drilling rig 2Drilling mechanics unit 3Sensor unit 4Subsoil detection unit 5Drive assembly 6Drilling assembly 7Drilling emulsion unit 8Sensors 9Evaluation unit 10Data output unit 11Subsoil 12Control module

Claims

1. A drilling rig (1), comprising a drilling mechanism system (2), a sensor unit (3) and a drilling ground detection unit (4), wherein the drilling mechanism system (2) comprises a drive assembly (5), a drilling assembly (6) and a drilling emulsion unit (7), wherein the sensor unit (3) includes several sensors (8) and is designed to capture several parameters of a drilling operation by means of the sensors (8), the parameters being from the group: - thrust / tractive force - torque - speed - advance rate - drilling path - drilling inclination - drilling emulsion quantity - drilling emulsion pressure and is designed to provide the captured parameters in a transferable form, wherein the ground detection unit (4) is connected to the sensor unit (3) and comprises an evaluation unit (9) and is designed to evaluate the captured parameters, provide an evaluation result and assign the evaluation result to a ground type that can be stored, and wherein the evaluation unit (9) comprises a data output unit (10) which is designed to output the assigned ground type as a determined ground type, wherein the evaluation unit (9) comprises a control module (12) which is designed to assign a storable operation scheme to a determined ground type, wherein the control module (12) is further designed to retrieve the assigned operation scheme as a determined operation scheme and is designed to generate control commands on the basis of the determined operation scheme and to transmit them to the drilling mechanism, characterized in that the operation scheme includes a drilling emulsion composition recipe.

2. The drilling rig (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the evaluation unit (9) is designed to assign a drilling head to the determined ground type.

3. The drilling rid (1) according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the sensor technology comprises a GPS module by means of which geopositional data can be provided, and the evaluation unit (9) is designed to evaluate the geopositional data.