Underwater drilling device and method for probing a bed of a body of water

Abstract

The invention relates to an underwater drilling device for probing a body of water (5), comprising a base frame (12) which is designed to be lowered into a body of water and to be set up on the body of water, a drilling drive (20) for the rotational drive and axial advancement of a drill rod (30) which can be constructed from tubular drill rod elements (32), wherein the drilling drive is mounted so as to be movable vertically along a drilling axis (21) between a lower borehole opening and an upper reset position, at least one storage area (14) on the base frame for storing the individual drill rod elements for constructing the drill rod, and a handling device (38) which is designed to feed individual drill rod elements from the at least one storage area to the drilling axis to form the drill rod.According to the invention, it is provided that a probe unit (60) with a probe mandrel (64) for probing the water bed is provided, which is detachably arranged on the drill rod, that the probe unit is designed to record soil data when driven into the ground and to store it in an internal data memory, and that a readout unit (70) for reading out and storing the data stored in the data memory of the probe unit is arranged on the base frame.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an underwater drilling device for probing a body of water, comprising a base frame which is designed to be lowered into a body of water and to be set up on the body of water, a drilling drive for the rotational drive and axial advancement of a drill rod which can be constructed from tubular drill rod elements, wherein the drilling drive is mounted so as to be movable vertically along a drilling axis between a lower borehole opening and an upper reset position, at least one storage area on the base frame for storing the individual drill rod elements for constructing the drill rod, and a handling device which is designed to feed individual drill rod elements from the at least one storage area to the drilling axis to form the drill rod, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method for probing a water bed according to the preamble of claim 9.

[0003] A generic underwater drilling device is disclosed, for example, in WO 2015 / 172818 A1. In this known underwater core drilling method, a borehole is created step by step, corresponding to the length of a drill rod element. With each drilling step, the drill core formed in the tubular drill rod is collected with a core catcher, removed from the drill rod, and placed in a storage area on a base frame of the drilling device. By repeating this core drilling process several times, a large number of drill cores can be obtained as soil samples and placed in the storage area of ​​the drilling device. The drill cores provide very accurate information about the structure of the waterbed.

[0004] To analyze the structure of the riverbed, with this current state of the art, it is necessary to lift the entire drilling rig from the riverbed and transport it out of the water onto a supply vessel or platform. There, the individual drill cores can be extracted, examined, and analyzed in more detail.

[0005] This process of obtaining and analyzing soil samples is very time-consuming. Especially when the procedure is carried out on the high seas, this time-consuming effort also entails very high costs, as the hourly or daily rates for supply vessels and the necessary personnel are very high.

[0006] WO 2013 / 188903 A1 discloses a method for investigating a body of water's bottom, in which the electrical conductivity and a magnetic property of the soil are recorded along a borehole using a sensor device. For this purpose, a sensor is moved along the borehole wall. However, two basic process steps are necessary for a reliable measurement. First, the borehole must be created, and then the measurement must be taken. When drilling the borehole and removing the drilled-out soil material from the borehole, there is also the fundamental problem that smearing can occur between the individual soil layers. This complicates the reliable determination of the layer structure of the body of water's bottom.

[0007] The invention is based on the Aufgabe The aim is to provide an underwater drilling device and a method with which an efficient probing of a body of water can be carried out.

[0008] The invention is achieved, on the one hand, by an underwater drilling device having the features of claim 1 and, on the other hand, by a method having the features of claim 9. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0009] The underwater drilling device according to the invention is characterized in that a probe unit with a probe mandrel for probing the waterbed is provided, which is detachably arranged on the drill rod, that the probe unit is designed to record soil data when driven into the ground and to store it in an internal data memory, and that a readout unit for reading out and storing the data stored in the data memory of the probe unit is arranged on the base frame.

[0010] A first aspect of the invention consists in creating a borehole by means of a drill string using an underwater drilling device. The borehole can be carried out, in particular, as a material-removing borehole, preferably by directional drilling, with the removed soil material being removed outside the borehole.

[0011] A probe unit with a probe mandrel can be detachably mounted at the lower end of the drill rod before or after a drilling step. For probing, the probe mandrel of the probe unit forms a lower end on the drill rod. By axially moving the drill rod downwards, the probe mandrel can be driven into the still unprocessed, so-called virgin soil at the bottom of the borehole. During driving, preferably no or only a slight rotational movement of the probe mandrel can occur. This allows the probe unit to collect particularly meaningful data on the unaltered soil. The data collected by the probe unit can, for example, allow conclusions to be drawn about the strength or load-bearing capacity of the soil, its structure, or its composition, particularly with regard to potential mineral resources.A rotary drive for rotating the drill rod and a travel drive for axial travel can be arranged on the base frame.

[0012] A further aspect of the invention is that the probe unit is designed to acquire soil data as it is driven into the ground and to store it in an internal data memory. The probe unit can essentially operate autonomously and is provided with its own power supply, in particular a rechargeable battery. The probe unit therefore does not need to be equipped with a data and / or power line during probing. Instead, the acquired data is stored internally and can be read out after the probe unit is withdrawn from the borehole and transmitted to a supply vessel. There is no data cable connection between the probe unit and the other components of the drilling device during drilling and / or probing operation. The probe unit is arranged so to speak without cables or wires.

[0013] According to the invention, it is advantageous for a readout unit to be arranged on the base frame for reading and storing the data stored in the internal data memory of the probe unit. Data reading can be performed, in particular, wirelessly, without the need to establish a plug connection for data retrieval between the probe unit and the readout unit. Generally, however, this would also be possible alongside wireless reading.

[0014] A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention consists in that the drill rod consisting of the tubular drill rod elements has a central hollow space through which the probe unit can be inserted to the lower end of the drill rod and then retracted again. This means that the material-removing drilling step can be carried out without the probe unit. The free hollow space can be used during drilling to supply a flushing fluid and / or to remove drilling cuttings. The sensitive probe unit can thus also be protected, which has a positive effect on the measurement accuracy and the longevity of the probe unit. After probing, the probe unit can be retracted so that another drilling step and another probing can then take place. The drilling and probing steps can be repeated until a desired final depth is reached.

[0015] After drilling, the probe unit can be moved through the cavity of the tubular drill rod to its lower end position. The drill rod can be retracted within the borehole by a certain amount, depending on the length of the probe unit, in particular the probe mandrel. The probe unit can be releasably locked and secured in its lower end position using a locking device. The probe mandrel of the probe unit can then be inserted into the waterbed below the bottom of the borehole by further lowering the drill rod. Soil data can preferably be recorded as the drill is being driven into the ground. Soil data can be recorded based on time and / or depth, allowing the measured data to be stored based on the time of drilling and / or, in particular, the drilling depth. This facilitates subsequent evaluation and assignment to specific soil layers.

[0016] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous for a lower drill rod element of the drill rod to have a drilling tool, in particular an annular drilling tool, for removing soil material. Material-removing drilling can be performed here. The removed soil material can be removed upwards according to a directional drilling method by supplying a flushing fluid. The flushing fluid can preferably be conveyed through the inner cavity of the drill rod to the annular drilling tool. The removed cuttings can preferably be discharged upwards along the outer side of the drill rod.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that a control system is provided which is designed to carry out, by means of the drill drive, a rotary drilling to form a borehole while removing soil material in a first drilling step and then, after insertion of the probe unit, a probing step by axially driving the probe mandrel into the ground, preferably without a rotary movement. The drilling and probing processes can thus be carried out automatically. In particular, in a first step, drilling can take place down to a depth position from which probing of the ground is to take place. The probe unit with the probe mandrel is introduced into the as yet unworked soil below the bottom of the borehole by axially displacing the drill rod, preferably without a rotary movement. By avoiding a rotary movement, undesired smearing of soil material is prevented.This allows for particularly reliable data on the probed soil area to be collected. Alternatively, the first step can be probing to an initial depth. Subsequently, drilling can be carried out to the initial depth, allowing a further probing step to follow. Probing and drilling can be performed alternately, especially until a final depth is reached.

[0018] According to a further development of the invention, it is advantageous that a lifting device is arranged on the base frame for vertically moving the probe unit in the drill rod, in particular for moving it into the lower probing position and for retrieving it into an upper removal position. For retrieval, the probe unit can first be unlocked in the lower probing position, so that it is detached from the drill rod. The lifting device can then move the probe unit through the hollow drill rod into an upper removal position. The probe unit can then be removed from the drill rod, or a reading can be performed directly in the area of ​​the removal position.

[0019] It is particularly preferred that the lifting device has a lifting cable with a cable end piece for detachable connection to a connecting element at the upper end of the probe unit. In particular, the probe unit can be returned to the operating position via the lifting unit. After the probe unit has been locked again at the lower end of the drill rod, the lifting cable can be detached from the probe unit and retracted during probing. In principle, the lifting cable can remain on the probe unit, particularly during axial driving in of a probe mandrel. Alternatively, the probe unit can also be inserted in free fall through the tubular drill rod. The probe unit can be locked at the lower end of the drill rod so that further movement of the probe unit can take place via the drill rod and the drill drive.

[0020] In principle, the data can be read out in any suitable manner. According to one embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous for the readout unit to be designed for wireless and / or contact-based reading and storage of the data stored in the data memory of the probe unit. This enables particularly efficient reading.

[0021] In principle, the readout unit can be moved toward the probe unit. A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention is that a manipulator device is arranged on the base frame, which is designed to grip the probe unit and move it between the drill rod and the readout unit, as well as a storage position. The manipulator device can grip the probe unit and move it toward the readout unit.

[0022] It is particularly expedient for the manipulator device to be formed entirely or partially by the handling device. In particular, the same gripper can be used to grip the probe unit as is used to grip the drill rod elements.

[0023] Any suitable bearing arrangement can be provided on the base frame for supporting the drill rod elements. According to one embodiment of the invention, a particularly compact arrangement is achieved in that the at least one storage area has a revolving magazine for receiving and storing the tubular drill rod elements and the probe unit. In particular, two or more revolving magazines can also be arranged.

[0024] The drill rod elements can thus be mounted in a rotatable manner, which simplifies the design of the handling device accordingly, since, for example, when removing the drill rods, they can always be moved to a defined delivery position by the revolving magazine. Conversely, the drill rod elements can also always be delivered to a defined free storage position, which is achieved by rotating the revolving magazine to the same receiving position.

[0025] The underwater drilling device can, in principle, be designed to be self-sufficient. According to one embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous for the underwater drilling device to be connected to a supply vessel via at least one cable, and for data from the readout unit to be transmitted to the supply vessel via the cable. This allows, in particular, data exchange with and power supply from a supply vessel. In particular, it is possible to read out the data after each probing step. Based on the data obtained, a decision can be made immediately as to whether a further probing step is necessary or advisable.

[0026] The invention further comprises a method for probing a body of water, wherein according to the invention it is provided that an underwater drilling device according to the invention is lowered into a body of water and set up on the body of water, that a bore is created using a drilling drive and a drill rod which is constructed from tubular drill rod elements, that before and / or after drilling a probe unit with a probe mandrel for probing the body of water is detachably arranged on the drill rod, that the probe unit is driven into the ground, wherein ground data is recorded and stored in an internal data memory of the probe unit, and that the stored data is read out from the data memory of the probe unit via a readout unit on the base frame.

[0027] The method enables the previously described advantages to be achieved when using the underwater drilling device according to the invention.

[0028] An advantageous embodiment of the method involves moving the probe unit to the readout unit on the base frame of the underwater drilling rig to read out the recorded data from the data storage device. The probe unit can thus operate autonomously, and the recorded data can be reliably read out by the readout unit after each probing step. From the readout unit, the recorded data can be forwarded via a suitable data connection, for example, to a supply vessel.

[0029] A further preferred embodiment of the invention consists in that the data from the data memory is read out wirelessly and / or via a wire at the readout unit. The readout unit can in particular have a receptacle, in particular a docking station, on which the probe unit is arranged for data transmission. The data transmission for reading out the data from the data memory of the probe unit can be contact-based, for example via a plug connection, or preferably wirelessly. In particular, the probe unit can be provided with a transponder which, upon receipt of a corresponding signal, transmits the acquired data to the readout unit. A charging station can also be arranged on the readout unit, with which an electrical energy storage device on the probe unit is charged, either contact-based or wirelessly.

[0030] A further advantageous method variant according to the invention consists in transmitting the data from the readout unit via a cable or wirelessly to a supply vessel, either immediately or after intermediate storage at specific times. Particularly at greater working depths of 100 meters and deeper, and particularly at working depths of over 1,000 meters, the data from the readout unit can be transmitted via a cable, in particular a so-called umbilical, to a supply vessel on the water surface. The cable can be designed not only as a data cable but also as a complete supply line for the underwater drilling rig. For rapid data evaluation, in particular for deciding on a further drilling or measuring step, the data can be transmitted directly to the supply vessel.Alternatively, the data in the readout unit can also be temporarily stored in a data memory of the readout unit for a certain period of time in order to be able to be transmitted to the supply vessel at a suitable time.

[0031] A further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention consists in that in a first drilling step, rotary drilling is carried out to form a borehole with removal of soil material and that subsequently in a second probing step the probing unit is inserted into the drill rod, wherein probing is carried out by axially driving the probe mandrel into the soil at the bottom of the borehole, preferably without rotational movement, and that if necessary the drilling step and the probing step are repeated until the water bed has been probed to a desired depth.

[0032] Alternatively, according to another embodiment of the invention, in a first probing step, the probe unit is inserted into the drill rod, wherein probing is carried out by axially driving the probe mandrel into the ground at the bottom of the borehole, preferably without rotational movement. Subsequently, in a second drilling step, rotary drilling is carried out to form a borehole while removing soil material. If necessary, the probing step and the drilling step are repeated until the waterbed (5) has been probed to a desired depth. The method thus begins immediately with a probing step, so that data is obtained starting from the ground surface.

[0033] According to a further development of the invention, particularly meaningful data is obtained by recording a depth in the ground during drilling and / or probing, and storing the recorded soil data associated with the respective depth. This makes it possible, in particular, to determine the layered structure of the soil.

[0034] By alternating drilling and probing, each subsequent drilling step can be adjusted to the completed probing depth and the length of the probe mandrel. In particular, each subsequent drilling step is performed at a depth corresponding to the previous probing depth. This allows the probing unit to always conduct probing in an unprocessed soil area. This increases data quality.

[0035] The invention is further described below with reference to a preferred embodiment, which is shown schematically in the drawings. In the drawings show: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an underwater drilling device according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the underwater drilling device according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of a probe unit for the invention; Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of an underwater drilling device according to the invention before inserting a probe unit into a bore; Fig. 5a is a schematic side view of the underwater drilling device according to the invention of Fig. 4 after inserting a probe unit into the borehole; Fig. 5b shows a schematic detailed view of the underwater drilling device according to the invention from Fig. 5a for connecting the probe unit; Fig. 6 schematic side views of the underwater drilling device for the process according to the invention; Fig. 7 a schematic cross-sectional view of the bearing area of ​​an underwater drilling device; Fig. 8 a schematic side view of a readout unit of an underwater drilling device according to the invention before reading; and Fig. 9 a schematic side view of the readout unit of Fig. 8 when reading a special unit.

[0036] The basic structure of an underwater drilling device 10 according to the invention is described in connection with the Figuren 1 and 2explained. The underwater drilling device 10 comprises a box-shaped base frame 12, which is preferably constructed from steel girders. In an inner, particularly central region of the base frame 12, a vertically directed drilling guide 24 can be provided, along which a drilling drive 20 with a clamping device 22 for clamping drill rod elements 32 can be mounted and driven vertically along a drilling axis 21. In addition, the drilling drive 20 can be displaceable perpendicular to the drilling axis 21 in a horizontal direction along a cross rail 23 away from the drilling axis 21. The drilling drive 20 can serve as part of a handling device 38 to grip drill rod elements 32 (not shown) mounted in the storage areas 14 and 15 of the base frame 12 and to guide them into the drilling axis 21.The handling device 38, which is only indicated schematically, can have further components in order to grip vertically directed, mounted drill rod elements 32 and a probe unit 60 in a known manner and to convey them to the drilling axis 21.

[0037] To form a drill string or drill rod 30, a new drill rod element 32 is connected to an existing drill rod element 32 by means of a screw connection. Fig. 1 Only a single drill rod element 32 is shown, which was inserted into the waterbed 5 in a first drilling step. This initial drill rod element 32 has a drilling tool 31 with soil-removing cutting tools at its lower end. When drilling through the tubular drill rod element 32, soil material is removed and can be removed upwards using a known directional drilling technique. This creates a borehole. A cavity is arranged inside the drill rod 30, into which a special unit can be fed and removed.

[0038] To feed and remove drill rod elements 32 and a probe unit 60, the drill drive 20 can be moved along and / or transversely to the drilling axis 21. A hoist cable 43 of a hoisting device 40, which may have an adjustment device 41, can be moved along the drilling axis 21 and, in particular, introduced into the cavity of the drill rod 30. The drill drive 20 can be ring-shaped with a passage and / or can be moved out of the area of ​​the drilling axis 21. A sleeve-shaped connecting device 44 can be arranged at the lower free end of the hoist cable 43. The hoist cable 43 runs from a winch 42 attached to the base frame 12, preferably via a lower guide roller 45, to an upper deflection device 46 of the hoisting device 40.The hoist rope 43, which is repeatedly deflected on the base frame 12, can be lowered downward via the winch 42, whereby the connecting device 44 on the hoist rope 43 engages with a connecting device 36 at the upper end of the probe unit 60. A connection is thereby established so that the probe unit 60 can be pulled upward out of the drill rod 30 or lowered therein to the bottom of the borehole.

[0039] When pulled out, the probe unit 60 can be moved laterally toward the storage areas 14, 15 on the base frame 12 by means of the handling device 38. The probe unit 60 can be moved to a readout unit 70 (not shown in detail), which can read a data memory of the probe unit 60. For this purpose, in particular, the drill drive 20 can be detached from the drill rod 30 and moved out of the drilling axis. After connecting it to an auxiliary winch, the probe unit 60 can be pulled upwards and unlocked there.

[0040] In an area 50 above the borehole opening, one or more clamping units 17 for holding the drill rod 30 and / or releasing a rod connection can be arranged.

[0041] After this first drilling and probing step, a further drilling step can be performed with a new drill rod element 32 from the storage area 14, 15. The new drill rod element 32 can be connected to the upper drill rod element 32 of the drill rod 30. Subsequently, the drill rod 30 can be drilled down into the waterbed 5 again by one drilling step, the length of one drill rod element 32. The probe unit 60 can then be reinserted into the borehole, and a new probing step can be performed.

[0042] Further drilling and probing steps can then be carried out if desired.

[0043] After dismantling the drill string 30, the underwater drilling device 10 can be moved to a second position to perform further drilling and probing.

[0044] An embodiment of a possible probe unit 60 for use in the underwater drilling device 10 according to the invention is described in more detail in Fig. 3 The probe unit 60 has a substantially cylindrical base body 62, at the lower end of which a probe mandrel 64 with a lower measuring tip 65 can be arranged. The probe mandrel 64 can be designed, in particular, as a CPT measuring probe with a CPT interface as the measuring tip 65.

[0045] At an upper end of the base body, a data interface 67, which is particularly designed for wireless data transmission, and a connecting element 66 are arranged, which can interact with a connecting device 44 at the free end of the hoist cable 43 for releasably connecting the probe unit 60 to the hoist cable 43. The data interface 67, together with the readout unit 70, is designed so that the acquired data can be read from the data memory of the probe unit 60. Furthermore, a locking device 68 can be arranged on the base body 62 above the probe mandrel 64, which can be designed to releasably lock the probe unit 60 to a lower end of the drill rod 30.

[0046] An outer diameter of the probe unit 60 is designed such that it can be inserted into an inner cavity of the tubular drill string 30. Additionally, the probe unit 60 can have a centering section 63 on the probe mandrel 64 or the base body 62, with which the probe unit 60 can be arranged centered in the drill string 30 at specific locations or in a readout unit.

[0047] The probe mandrel 64 has a length L, with which the probe mandrel 64 can be driven or pressed into the ground 5. The length L thus also determines the minimum length for a drilling step, so that the probe mandrel 64 can always be driven into a ground 5 that is as unchanged as possible.

[0048] The basic structure and operation of an underwater drilling device 10 according to the invention are further described in connection with the Figuren 4, 5a und 5b explained. The base frame 12 of the underwater drilling device 10 is placed on a body of water 5. The underwater drilling device 10 can be connected to a supply vessel via a line 19. Drill rod elements 32 are arranged in a storage area on the base frame 12 and can be moved below the drilling drive 20 via a handling device 38 (not shown here). A first drill rod element 32 with a lower drilling tool 31 can be inserted into the body of water 5. If necessary, the inserted drill rod element 32 can be held in a desired position by means of a clamping unit 17 on the base frame 12 after the drilling drive 20 has been released.

[0049] By means of the handling device 38 (not shown), a rod-shaped probe unit 60, which according to Fig. 4 at a reading unit 70 in a reading or waiting position on the base frame 12, can be moved under the upwardly moved drill drive 20. For this purpose, the probe unit 60 can be connected via a connecting device 44 to the free end of the hoist cable 43 of a hoisting device 40, as shown in Fig. 5b By means of the lifting device 40 with a winch 42 and a deflection device 46 for the lifting cable 43, the probe unit 60 can be inserted vertically through the annular drill drive 20 into the created borehole and releasably fastened within the tubular drill rod element 32 by means of the locking device 68, as shown in Fig. 5a By moving the drill drive 20 downward via a travel drive (not shown), the probe unit 60 can then be pressed into the ground 5 to collect data. Alternatively, the probe unit 60 can also be inserted into the drill rod 30 without a lifting device by inserting it and dropping it.

[0050] A possible preferred process sequence is shown schematically in the process diagrams according to Fig. 6 explained in more detail.

[0051] According to Fig. 6a The underwater drilling device 10 is in an initial state on the waterbed 5. The probe unit 60 can be in a waiting or reading position. The individual drill rod elements 32 can be arranged in a location area 14.

[0052] From this starting position, the probe unit 60 can now be moved by means of a handling device 38 into a position below the drill drive 20 and coupled thereto. At the same time, the hoist cable 43 of the hoisting device 40 can be connected to the probe unit 60 via the connecting device 44, as shown in FIGS. Figuren 6b und 6c The drill drive 20 can be formed with a hollow shaft and / or mounted so as to be movable from the drilling axis.

[0053] Then, by moving the drilling drive 20 downwards, preferably without performing a rotational movement, the probe unit 60 can be pressed into the water bottom 5, as clearly shown in Fig. 6d is shown. During this pressing, data on the waterbed 5 can be acquired via the probe unit 60, which is preferably designed as a CPT probe.

[0054] After the first probing step, the drilling drive 20 with the probe unit 60 can be withdrawn from the water bottom 5, as shown in Fig. 6e is shown.

[0055] After the probe unit 60 has been detached from the drill drive 20 and the lifting device 40, the probe unit 60 can be moved out of the drilling axis into the lateral reading position via the handling device 38 (not shown), as shown in Fig. 6f Simultaneously or subsequently, a drill rod element 32 can be moved from the lateral storage area by means of the handling device 38 into the drilling axis below the drilling drive 20.

[0056] After connecting the drill rod element 32 to the drill drive 20, a borehole can be drilled with the drill rod element 32 by rotating drive through the drill drive 20 and by axially moving downwards into the water bottom 5 according to Fig. 6g Removed soil material can be flushed out of the borehole, particularly by introducing a flushing fluid, as is generally known in directional drilling methods.

[0057] After reaching the desired drilling position according to Fig. 6g the probe unit 60 can be inserted into the cavity of the tubular drill rod element 32 in the water bottom 5 via the handling device 38 and the lifting device 40, as shown in Fig. 6h is shown. The insertion of the probe unit 60 can be carried out via the lifting device 40, wherein the drill drive 20 can be reset to its upper position after being released from the drill rod element 32.

[0058] After inserting the probe unit 60 into the drill rod element 32 inserted into the water bed 5, the drill drive 20 can be moved downwards again and connected to the inserted drill rod element 32, as shown in Fig. 6i is shown.

[0059] Subsequently, the drill drive 20 with the drill rod element 32 can be moved upwards, while the probe unit 60 remains in the created borehole in the water bed 5, as in Fig. 6j In this position, the probe unit 60 can be releasably locked to the lower end of the drill rod element 32 via the locking device 68.

[0060] As in Fig. 6k As shown, the drilling drive 20 with the drill rod element 32 and the probe unit 60 locked and fixed therein can now be moved downwards, preferably without rotation, whereby the probe unit 60 with its probe mandrel 64 is pressed a further step into the waterbed 5.

[0061] During the pressing process, a further probing step can be carried out with the acquisition of data on the water bottom 5 by the probe unit 60.

[0062] After completion of this further probing step, the drill drive 20 is released from the drill rod element 32 and moved upwards into the starting position, as shown in Fig. 6l The drill rod element 32 located in the waterbed 5 can, if necessary, be held by the clamping unit 17 at the lower end of the underwater drilling device 10.

[0063] The probe unit 60 can now be unlocked from the drill rod element 32 and pulled out of the water bottom 5 via the lifting device 40, as shown in Fig. 6m is clarified.

[0064] Using the handling device 38 (not shown), the probe unit 60 can now be moved again in accordance with the method step according to Fig. 6f be moved into the lateral readout position for reading the recorded data. The data can be read out contactlessly via radio or by means of a plug connection. At the same time or subsequently, another drill rod element 32 can be moved from the storage area 14, 15 with the handling device 38 into the area of ​​the drilling axis 21 below the drill drive 20, as shown in Fig. 6n is evident.

[0065] By connecting the drill drive 20 to the second drill rod element 32, the latter can be connected to the first drill rod element 32 already located in the waterbed 5, for example by means of a screw connection, and then introduced further into the waterbed 5 by moving the drill drive 20 downwards while generating a rotary movement. The two drill rod elements 32 form a drill rod 30 with an inner cavity, as shown in Fig. 6o is clarified.

[0066] Now, the drill drive can be released from the upper drill rod element 32 and moved upwards into a starting position. Then, the probe unit 60 can be moved again via the handling device 38 (not shown) into the area of ​​the drilling axis 21 below the drill drive 20 and connected to the connecting device 44 at the free end of the hoist cable 43 of the hoisting device 40 in order to move the probe unit 60 again according to the method step according to Fig. 6h into the cavity of the drill rod 30. After connecting to the lower end of the drill rod 30, a further probing step can be carried out with the probing unit 60, as previously described in connection with the Figuren 6h bis 6m These steps of alternating drilling and probing can be repeated until the desired final depth is reached.

[0067] A possible design and arrangement of a handling device 38 according to the invention with a gripper or a manipulator device 35 is shown in Fig. 7 shown. A first storage area 14 and a second storage area 15 for drill rod elements are arranged on an underwater drilling device 10. The two storage areas 14, 15 are each equipped with a revolving magazine 16, in which the drill rod elements (not shown) are held in circumferential receiving slots and can be moved to an output position in the area of ​​the handling device 38 by a rotary movement of the revolving magazine 16.

[0068] The handling device 38 has a pivot arm with a manipulator device 35, which can be pivoted about a pivot axis along an arcuate travel path 18. The manipulator device 35 can preferably be telescopic, for example, to insert the drill rod elements 32 into the storage areas of the revolving magazines 16 or to remove them. Positioned along the travel path 18 are the dispensing positions of the revolving magazines 16 of the two storage areas 14, 15, as well as the drill drive 20 with the drilling axis 21 and a readout unit 70 for reading a probe unit 60. The probe unit 60 with the data memory, together with the readout unit 70, can be designed in any suitable manner to enable efficient storage and readout of the acquired data.Thus, the probe unit 60 can in particular have a transponder through which the data is transmitted to the readout unit 70 upon receipt of a corresponding input signal.

[0069] The readout unit 70 is arranged along the travel path 18 of the handling device 38 between the two storage areas 14, 15. In this way, the handling device 38 with the manipulator device 35 can move both individual drill rod elements 32 between the respective delivery position of the storage area 14, 15 and the drill drive 20 with the drilling axis 21, as well as the probe unit 60 between the drilling axis 21 and the readout unit 70.

[0070] A possible embodiment of a readout unit 70 for the underwater drilling device 10 according to the invention is shown in the Figuren 8 und 9 Along a linear guide 74, which is attached to the base frame of the underwater drilling device 10, a sleeve-shaped docking station 72 can be moved by means of an actuating cylinder 76 between an upper retraction position according to Fig. 8 into a lower reading position according to Fig. 9 For reading, the probe unit 60 is moved below the sleeve-shaped docking station 72 into the retracted position according to Fig. 8 By moving the sleeve-shaped docking station 72 downward, it can be moved over a cylindrical measuring interface at the upper end of the probe unit 60, whereby data can be read out, preferably wirelessly, in this state.

[0071] In principle, one or more plug connections can also be established between the docking station 72 and the probe unit 60. The read data can be forwarded via a line 19 from the docking station 72 to a storage device on the underwater drilling device 10 and / or preferably directly via the line 19 to a supply vessel on the water surface.

Claims

1. An underwater drilling device for probing the bottom of a body of water (5), comprising - a base frame (12), which is configured to be lowered into a body of water and to be placed on the bottom of the body of water (5), - a drill drive (20) for rotatingly driving and axially advancing a drill pipe (30) which can be constructed from tubular drill pipe elements (32), wherein the drill drive (20) is mounted for vertical movement along a drilling axis (21) between a lower borehole opening (18) and an upper reset position, - at least one storage area (14) on the base frame (10) for storing the individual drill pipe elements (32) for constructing the drill pipe (30), and - a handling device (38) which is configured to feed individual drill pipe elements (32) from the at least one storage area (14, 15) to the drilling axis (21) to form the drill pipe (30), characterized - in that a probe unit (60) with a probe mandrel (64) is provided for probing the bottom (5) of the body of water and is releasably arranged on the drill pipe (30) for probing, - in that the probe unit (60) is configured to record soil data during it is driven into the soil and to store it in an internal data memory, and - in that a readout unit (70) for reading out and storing the data stored in the data memory of the probe unit (60) is arranged on the base frame (12).

2. The underwater drilling device according to claim 1, characterized in that a lifting device (40) is arranged on the base frame (12) for vertically moving the probe unit (60) in the tubular drill pipe (30), in particular for moving it to a lower probing position and for retracting it to an upper removal position.

3. The underwater drilling device according to claim 2, characterized in that the lifting device (40) comprises a lifting cable (43) with a connecting device (44) for releasable connection to a connecting element (66) at the upper end of the probe unit (60).

4. The underwater drilling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the readout unit (70) is configured for wireless and / or contact-based readout and storage of the data stored in the data memory of the probe unit (60).

5. The underwater drilling device according to claim 4, characterized in that a manipulator device (35) is arranged on the base frame (12) and is configured for gripping the probe unit (60) and moving it between the drill pipe (30) and the readout unit (70).

6. The underwater drilling device according to claim 5, characterized in that the manipulator device (35) is formed in whole or in part by the handling device (38).

7. The underwater drilling device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one storage area (14, 15) comprises a revolver magazine (16) for receiving and storing the tubular drill pipe elements (32) and / or the probe unit (60).

8. The underwater drilling device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the underwater drilling device (10) is connected to a supply ship via at least one line (19) and data can be transmitted from the readout unit (70) to the supply ship via the line (19).

9. A method for probing the bottom of a body of water (5), characterized - in that an underwater drilling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is lowered into a body of water and placed on the bottom (5) of the body of water, - in that a borehole is created with a drill drive (20) and a drill pipe (30), which is constructed from tubular drill pipe elements (32), - in that a probe unit (60) with a probe mandrel (64) for probing the bottom of the body of water (5) is releasably arranged on a drill pipe (30) before and / or after drilling, - in that the probe unit (60) is driven into the soil, wherein soil data are recorded and stored in an internal data memory of the probe unit (60), and - in that the stored data is read out from the data memory of the probe unit (60) via a readout unit (70) on the base frame (12).

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the probe unit (60) is moved to the readout unit (70) on the base frame (12) of the underwater drilling device (10), in order to read out the recorded data in the data memory.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the data is read from the data memory at the readout unit (70) wirelessly and / or in a contact-based manner.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the data is transmitted from the readout unit (70) to a supply ship via a line (19) or wirelessly, directly or after storage in a buffer at specific points in time.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that in a first drilling step, rotary drilling is carried out to form a borehole while removing soil material, in that the probe unit (60) is then inserted into the drill pipe (30) in a second probing step, wherein probing is carried out by axially driving the probe mandrel (64) into the soil at the bottom of the borehole, preferably without rotational movement, and if necessary, the drilling step and the probing step are repeated so often, until the bottom of the body of water (5) has been probed to a desired depth.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, in a first probing step, the probe unit (60) is inserted into the drill pipe (30), wherein probing is carried out by axially driving-in the probe mandrel (64) into the soil at the bottom of the borehole, preferably without rotational movement, in that subsequently, in a second drilling step, rotary drilling is carried out to form a borehole while removing soil material, and in that, if necessary, the probing step and the drilling step are repeated so often, until the bottom of the body of water (5) is probed to a desired depth.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that a depth position in the soil is recorded during drilling and / or probing and in that the recorded soil data is stored assigned to the respective depth position.

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