Integrated perforation injection and extraction device and method - Patent Application 20070122997

Abstract

The present invention provides an integrated drilling and injection device, comprising: a longitudinal shank (7) having an internal passageway extending from a first end, which is an opening in the shank (7), along the axis of the shank (7) toward a second end of the shank (7), a drill bit (3) located at a second end of the shank (7) opposite the first end, and at least one outlet (9) in fluid communication between the internal passageway and an outer surface of the shank (7). In this manner, the device can be driven into a substrate and then fluid can be injected into the substrate by passing the fluid along the internal passageway and through the at least one outlet (9) without first having to remove the device and replace it with a separate injection component.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to an integrated drilling and injection device and method for injecting material into a substrate, which finds use in, but is not exclusive of, tunnel construction and repair. [Background technology]

[0002] During subsurface operations, such as tunneling, it is sometimes necessary to stabilize the surrounding geology, for example, by applying grout and cement to cracks, fissures, and cavities. Grout injection lances and manchette tubes are well known for advantageously disposing grout in a variety of situations. Common to these devices is a hollow pipe with holes positioned along its length. A flexible sleeve may optionally cover these holes to prevent material from entering the pipe / lance through the holes. Such devices are inserted into a channel drilled into a workpiece of a geological formation or man-made structure (such as concrete). Grout is then pumped into the device, which causes the grout to exit the hole and enter the workpiece. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an integrated drilling and injection device comprising: a longitudinal shank having an internal passageway extending from a first end that is an opening in the shank along the axis of the shank toward a second end of the shank; a drill bit located at the second end of the shank opposite the first end; and at least one outlet in fluid communication between the internal passageway and an outer surface of the shank.

[0004] In this manner, the device can be driven into a substrate by rotating the shank about its axis, allowing the drill bit to excavate material in front of it. Once the shank is embedded to a desired depth, fluid can be injected into the substrate by passing the fluid along the internal passageway and through at least one outlet without first having to remove the device and replace it with a separate injection element.

[0005] The longitudinal shank may be configured in a substantially cylindrical shape, but in some embodiments may be configured in any other substantially cylindrical shape, such as a hexagonal prism shape.

[0006] The internal passage may be substantially cylindrical and / or cylindrical, i.e., having a substantially circular, square, star-shaped, triangular, hexagonal, etc. cross-section. The cross-section may vary along the length of the internal passage. The internal passage may be accessed from a first end of the shank. The internal passage may be oriented with an axis (e.g., rotational symmetry axis and / or longitudinal axis) parallel to the axis (e.g., rotational symmetry axis and / or longitudinal axis) of the shank.

[0007] The internal passageway may terminate before reaching the second end of the shank, or alternatively, the internal passageway may reach the second end of the shank and / or may be capped at the second end, such as by a drill bit.

[0008] The drill bit may be formed at the second end of the shank, i.e., the shank may comprise the drill bit. Alternatively, the drill bit may be attached / attachable to the shank, i.e., the drill bit is disposed at the second end of the shank. In particular, the drill bit may be removably attachable to the shank.

[0009] A drill bit includes at least one blade / edge, which may be disposed adjacent the tip of the drill bit, for cutting material into which the drill bit is driven. A drill bit may include only one, two, or more blades.

[0010] The device may include at least one spiral flute extending substantially from at least one blade and extending along at least a portion of the shank. This allows for effective removal of chips created during the internal cutting process. The flute(s) may extend from the at least one blade by 10 to 150 mm, particularly 20 to 100 mm, or even 25 to 70 mm, for example, approximately 30 mm, 40 mm, or 50 mm. Each blade may be provided with its own flute.

[0011] The blade may be configured to cut in a first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise), and the flute may be configured to draw shavings from the blade by rotating the blade in a second rotational direction opposite the first direction (e.g., counterclockwise).

[0012] The device may include at least one secondary flute having a helical shape. The secondary flute may be disposed on the shank and spaced from the blade and / or drill bit. The secondary flute may be configured to draw a substance (such as water) toward the blade by rotating the blade in a first rotational direction. The device may include only one, two, or more secondary flutes.

[0013] The second groove can be located in a groove portion of the shank spaced from the first end of the shank, the groove portion of the shank having a diameter substantially larger than the diameter of the shank at the first end of the shank.

[0014] The at least one outlet may comprise at least one through-hole and / or at least one nozzle. The at least one outlet may consist of only one, two, three, four, or more outlets.

[0015] The outlets can extend from the internal passages to the outer surface of the shank. Specifically, the outlets can extend to one of the spiral flutes, the drill bit, and / or a portion of the shank spaced from one of the spiral flutes and / or the drill bit. The outlets can extend from the ends of the internal passages or from an intermediate portion of the internal passage spaced from each end. In this manner, material can be deployed into the substrate by passing through the internal passages and out through each outlet.

[0016] The at least one outlet may consist of only one outlet, or a plurality of outlets, for example at least two, at least four, at least six, or at least 10. The outlets may be spaced apart along the length of the shank. The outlets may be angularly spaced apart about the longitudinal axis of the shank.

[0017] Each outlet may be provided with a flexible sleeve that covers the hole and prevents material from entering the interior passageway through the hole.

[0018] Each outlet is provided with a frangible / embedded membrane to prevent unwanted substances from passing through the outlet. The membranes may be configured to rupture at a predetermined pressure. In this manner, all membranes may be configured to rupture at the same pressure, or each membrane may be configured to rupture at a separate pressure. In this manner, substances may be injected into regions before others.

[0019] The device may include a valve within the internal passageway, the valve configured to control passage of material within the internal passageway, and in an alternative arrangement, the device may include a plurality of such valves.

[0020] In particular, the valve may be a one-way valve. The valve may be configured to prevent material in the substrate from passing through the internal passage. In this way, water naturally present in the underlying geology may be prevented from entering the location where the device is deployed, and recently deployed chemicals may be prevented from returning to the location. Alternatively or additionally, the valve may be configured to transport material through the internal passage to the substrate. In this way, liquids and / or water and / or gases naturally present in the underlying geology may be discharged into the location where the device is deployed. The valve may be operable to be opened or closed by the control means, and / or its one direction may be reversed by the control means.

[0021] The valve may comprise a shuttle valve, although other valve configurations are also envisioned.

[0022] The device may include a seal disposed on the shank, the seal being spaced from the drill bit, and the seal may be configured to form a barrier around the shank, the barrier extending between the shank and a channel drilled by the drill bit.

[0023] The seal may extend radially outward from the shank. The seal may extend radially outward from the shank a distance substantially greater than the drill bit and / or blade. The seal may be an expanding seal, whereby the extent to which the seal extends radially outward from the shank is variable up to a maximum extent.

[0024] The seal may comprise threads, particularly self-tapping threads, configured to engage the periphery of a channel drilled by a drill bit.

[0025] The seal may be located at a first end of the shank. The seal may be located on an exterior of the shank. The seal may be removably attached to the shank.

[0026] In this way, material within the perforated channels can be prevented from escaping through the channels beyond the device.

[0027] The seal may be frangibly connected to the shank.

[0028] The shank may include multiple shank sections. The shank may thus be formed by connecting multiple shank sections together, for example, end-to-end. Adjacent shank sections may be connected together by any suitable connecting means, particularly threads. In particular, the threads of adjacent shank sections may be configured to engage when a first end of the shank is driven in a first rotational direction.

[0029] For example, the first shank section can include a second end of the shank and an opposite first shank section end. Similarly, the second shank section can include a first end of the shank and an opposite second shank section end. The second shank section end can be of reduced diameter and have external threads that allow engagement with the interior of the first shank section. The external threads can be self-tapping. Alternatively, the first shank section end can include internal threads configured to mate with the external threads.

[0030] In this manner, a device of any length can be formed by simply connecting multiple shank sections together. For example, the device can be 100 to 5000 mm long. At least one outlet can be located in any shank section. In particular, if multiple outlets are present, the outlets can be located in different shank sections.

[0031] The shank sections may be releasably connectable to one another or may be permanently connectable by any conventional means.

[0032] The device may be provided with a screw driver at a first end that allows the device to be rotated, for example, by a screw driver. In the context of this application, a screw driver is simply any device for engaging a screw driver that imparts any rotational motion through the connection, and should not be limited to a manual or hand-held instrument.

[0033] The screw driver may include a socket for inserting the screw driver therein. Alternatively or additionally, the screw driver may include a socket for receiving the screw driver therein (such as a bolt head received in a wrench). The screw driver may include a square, hexagonal, star-shaped, or any other conventionally shaped cross-section.

[0034] The screw drive may be releasably connected to the shank, for example, via threads as described above associated with the shank section.

[0035] The device may be constructed of any suitable material, but is preferably formed from injection-molded plastic such as ABS, Nylon 66 (RTM), glass or carbon fiber reinforced material, Nylon 6 (RTM), and / or PEEK. However, materials are also contemplated for construction, for example, by die casting (such as zinc or aluminum). In either case, the drill bit, and particularly the blade, may be constructed of metal by conventional methods.

[0036] The size of the device is limited only by its application and the physical requirements of the process. If the device is to be used in subsurface geology, and therefore grout is to be injected through the device, it is desirable that the internal passages have a diameter of at least 6 mm.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for injecting a substance into a substrate, the system comprising: a device according to the first aspect; an access surface for deploying the device; and apparatus for deploying the device, for driving the device through the access surface and into the substrate to inject the substance into the internal passage.

[0038] The access surface may be a portion of a pipe, for example an underground pipe (such as HDPE), however, in some embodiments the access surface may simply be the surface of a substrate.

[0039] The device deploying apparatus may include means for rotating the device about its axis, such as a motor. The device deploying apparatus may include means for axially pushing the device. The device deploying apparatus may include means for injecting a substance into the internal passage.

[0040] The device deployment apparatus may include means for connecting the second shank section to the first shank section already driven through the access surface. In this manner, the device deployment apparatus can be used in confined spaces.

[0041] The apparatus for deploying the device may consist of a single unit or may consist of a drive unit and a respective injection unit.

[0042] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of injecting a substance into a substrate, the method comprising: providing a device of the first aspect; driving the device into the substrate; and injecting a substance into the internal passage.

[0043] In addition to using cement and grout to stabilize the surrounding geology (e.g., ground consolidation), for example in tunnel construction applications, this method can be utilized in the construction and repair of man-made structures (including ancient architecture) for targeted grouting, waterproofing, and leak containment (e.g., by injecting PU foam to stop water flow), and hydraulic fracturing (e.g., by injecting high-pressure water).

[0044] The devices of the first embodiment are implantable in that they will likely be left in situ after deployment, and may further include embedded tools / technologies therein, including pressure relief valves (in case gas or water buildup may weaken the structure), explosive charges, RFID / NFC tags, active / passive location devices, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, motion / acceleration sensors, acoustic sensors for vibration studies, electrical resistance tomography emitters / detectors, and / or mesh nodes for connecting sensors to wireless devices (e.g., via a LAN).

[0045] Injected materials may include epoxies, acrylics, polyesters, and polyurethanes as alternatives to grout / cement and / or PU foam.

[0046] As a specific example, a camera may be passed through internal passages and exits in a similar manner to an endoscope.

[0047] These and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given by way of example only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The reference figures referred to below refer to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0048] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the drill element of FIG. 1 with a sealing element attached; FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway view of the drill element and seal of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the drill element and the sealing element of FIGS. 2 and 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a valve element used in the sealing element of FIGS. 2 to 4. [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective view of an extension tube for use with the drill element of FIG. 1; FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the extension tube of FIG. 6 with a sealing element attached. [Figure 8] 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4, with the extension tube of FIG. 6 disposed between the drill element and the sealing element. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 8 with two extension tubes disposed between the drill element and the sealing element. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative drill element driven from behind a barrier into a base body. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the alternative drill element of FIG. 10 driven completely into the base body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] The present invention will be described with reference to certain drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings shown are schematic and non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all features of the invention and therefore need not necessarily be considered an embodiment of the invention. In the drawings, the size of some elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reduction to practice of the invention.

[0050] Furthermore, terms such as first, second, third, etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and do not necessarily represent an order, either temporally or spatially, in ranking or in any other way. It should be understood that terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and that operations may be performed in orders other than those described or illustrated herein. Similarly, method steps described or claimed in a particular order may be understood to operate in a different order.

[0051] Furthermore, terms such as top, bottom, upper, lower, and the like are used in this specification and claims for descriptive purposes only and do not necessarily denote relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that directions of operation other than those described or illustrated herein are possible.

[0052] It should be noted that the term "comprising" used in the claims should not be interpreted as being limited to the means listed thereafter, nor as excluding other elements or steps. It should therefore be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, or components as mentioned, but not as excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to a device consisting only of components A and B. In the context of the present invention, it simply means that the relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0053] Similarly, it should be noted that the term "connected" as used herein should not be construed as being limited solely to direct connections. Thus, the scope of the phrase "device A connected to device B" should not be limited to devices or systems in which the output of device A is directly connected to the input of device B. It means that a path exists between the output of A and the input of B, which may be a path that includes other devices or means. "Connected" can mean that two or more elements are in either direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but still cooperate or interact with each other. For example, wireless connections are contemplated.

[0054] References throughout this specification to an "embodiment" or "aspect" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the invention. Thus, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," or "in an aspect" appearing in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer all to the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to various embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics in any one embodiment or aspect of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner with any other particular features, structures, or characteristics of other embodiments or aspects of the invention, in one or more embodiments or aspects, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0055] Similarly, it should be understood that in the description, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, drawing, or description for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in understanding one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the description of any individual drawing or aspect is not necessarily considered an embodiment of the present invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single above-disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, combinations of features in different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the present invention and will form yet other embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any claimed embodiment can be used in any combination.

[0057] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it should be understood that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0058] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise stated, the disclosure of alternative values ​​at the upper or lower limits of a permissible range of a parameter is to be construed as an implicit expression that one of those values ​​is more preferred than the other, and that each intermediate value of said parameter between said more preferred and less preferred alternatives is itself preferred over said less preferred value, and also over each value between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

[0059] Use of the term "at least one" may mean only one in certain contexts. The term "any" may mean "all" and / or "each" in certain contexts.

[0060] The principles of the present invention will now be explained by a detailed description of at least one drawing of exemplary features. It is clear that other arrangements can be constructed according to the understanding of those skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept or technical teachings. The present invention is limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

[0061] 1 is a perspective view of a drill element having a tip 1, two opposing cutting blades 3, and two spiral flutes 5 extending from each of the rotating cutting blades 3 around the shank and away from the tip 1. A blind shank body section 7 is provided outside the flutes 5. A respective through-hole 9 is disposed in each flute 5 and extends into an internal axial passage (not shown).

[0062] The drill element can be placed with its tip 1 against a surface, such as the inside surface of an HDPE pipe, and driven into the surface. As the drill element rotates clockwise about its longitudinal axis, the two blades 3 cut into the surface, producing shavings that are drawn away from the blades 3 by the flutes 5.

[0063] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the drill element of Figure 1 with a sealing element 21 attached to the end of the body section 7 opposite the tip 1. The sealing element 21 includes a self-tapping external thread 23 whereby the shank body section 7 passes through a hole in the surface formed by the blade 3 and the thread 23 cuts into the surface to engage and connect the sealing element 21 to the surface, thereby forming a seal to resist the egress of undesirable material through the hole.

[0064] Figure 3 is a partial cutaway view of the drill element and sealing element of Figure 2, showing the internal passage 31 to which the through hole 9 is connected. The internal passage 31 has a circular cross section from the through hole 9 back towards the open end. However, at the end of the internal passage opposite the tip 1, the internal passage 31 has a square internal cross section 33, which can act as a screw drive for rotating the drill element. The internal passage 31 continues through the sealing element 21 to the open end, where a similar square internal cross section 35 is present for the same purpose.

[0065] The drill element and the sealing element 21 are connected via a coupling member 37 having external threads and a hollow axial passage 39. Corresponding internal threads within the internal passages 31 in the adjacent members of the drill element and the sealing element 21 operably engage with one another.

[0066] Between the connecting member 37 and the rectangular interior cross-section 35 of the sealing element 21 is an enlarged portion 41 of the interior passageway 31 and a constriction 43 adjacent the rectangular interior cross-section 35. Disposed within the enlarged portion 41 is a valve element 45, which will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0067] 2 and 3. Valve element 45 is free to move axially within enlarged portion 41 and, in particular, can be pushed by fluid passing through internal bore 31. Valve element 45 is configured to allow fluid to flow through as it moves through internal passage 31 toward tip 1. However, when fluid attempts to move through internal passage 31 from the tip, valve element 45 engages constriction 43 and prevents flow therethrough.

[0068] 5 is a perspective view of valve element 45, showing that it has a central core 51 with a narrow, pointed end 53 for engaging constriction 43 and effectively sealing off flow therethrough. Three longitudinal ribs 55 prevent central core 51 from engaging the interior surface of internal passage 31 and allow fluid to flow through. Longitudinal ribs 55 terminate in respective feet 57. Feet 57 are configured to rest on connecting member 37 while allowing fluid to flow through.

[0069] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an extension tube for use with the drilling component of Figure 1. Like the drill element, the extension tube has a blind shank body section 61, but it is of a slightly reduced diameter relative to the blind shank body section 7 of the drill element.

[0070] At the upper end as shown, a first connecting portion 63 is provided, which includes an external thread of the same shape as the above-described connecting member 37. In this way, the extension tube can be connected to a drill element via the same internal thread that is connected to the connecting member 37 as described with respect to FIG.

[0071] As can be seen in this figure, stepped teeth 65 surround the first connection and engage with corresponding teeth (not shown) on the drill element to prevent the extension tube from loosening / disengaging from the drill element once connected.

[0072] At the lower end in the figure, a second connecting portion 67 is provided, which is identical to the corresponding portion of the drill element, i.e., it includes a square internal cross section (not shown) which can act as a screw drive for rotating the extension tube, includes an internal thread for cooperatively engaging with the connecting member 37 having an external thread as described above, and includes the stepped teeth (not shown) referred to above.

[0073] 7 is a perspective view of the extension tube of FIG. 6 with a sealing element 21 attached. As explained, the second connection 67 is identical to the connection at the base of the drill element. In this way, any extension tube can be interposed between any drill element and any sealing element 21.

[0074] 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 with the extension tube of FIG. 6 disposed between the drill element and the sealing element.

[0075] 9 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 8 with two extension tubes disposed between the drill element and the sealing element. This is possible with the same connections described above.

[0076] As can be seen, an internal passageway 31 extends from the drill element to the sealing element 21 through the extension element.

[0077] In all figures, the through-hole 9 is shown at the tip of the passage 31. However, in some alternative embodiments, the through-hole 9 may be spaced from or in addition to this tip.

[0078] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative drill element driven into a base 1001 from behind a barrier 1003. Figure 11 shows a similar view of the drill element driven completely into the base 1001. Various features of the drill element, such as the internal passageway and the outlet in fluid communication with the internal passageway, have been omitted from Figures 10 and 11 for clarity. However, it should be understood that these and other features may be incorporated in the manner described above.

[0079] The substrate 1001 may be composed of, for example, rock, sand, and / or any other typical geology. The barrier 1003 may be composed of a wall of HDPE pipe. A drill element may be driven into the substrate 1001 from inside the HDPE pipe. In particular, the drill element may be driven by a device (not shown) connected to the shank 1005 of the drill element. This device may be configured to rotate the drill about the longitudinal axis 1007, causing the drill bit 1009 to first penetrate the barrier 1003 and then drill into the substrate 1001. In particular, such a drive device may be connected by a screw drive connection 1010.

[0080] Spiral flutes 1011 formed in the body 1013 behind the drill bit 1009 draw swarf away from the drill bit parallel to the axis 1007. The shank 1005 is of reduced diameter relative to both the drill bit 1009 and the body 1013 in which the spiral flutes 1011 are formed. In this manner, swarf can collect in the hole 1015 drilled by the drill bit.

[0081] A sealing device 1017 is provided around the shank 1005. The sealing device 1017 has a circular internal bore of the same diameter as the shank and an outer surface of the same diameter as the drill bit 1009 (and / or the hole 1015 formed by the drill bit). The outer surface is optionally provided with a self-tapping thread 1019 configured to cut into and engage the barrier 1003. A flange 1021 is provided at the opposite end of the sealing device 1017 from the drill bit, whereby the flange 1021 is configured to abut the side of the barrier 1003 opposite the base 1001 and prevent further rotation of the sealing device 1017.

[0082] In use, the sealing device 1017 is frangibly connected to the shank 1005, such that the sealing device 1017 rotates with the shank 1005 when driven by the drive means. In this manner, the sealing device is provided with sufficient torque from the drive means through the shank 1005 for the self-tapping threads 1019 to cut into the barrier 1003. The frangible connection 1023 is configured such that when the flange 1021 abuts the barrier 1003 such that further engagement therein is prevented, the frangible connection 1023 breaks, allowing further rotational and axial movement of the shank 1005 within the sealing device 1017. The frangible connection 1023 may comprise small connecting pieces well known in the art.

Claims

1. 1. An integrated piercing and injection device comprising: a longitudinal shank having an internal passageway extending along an axis of the shank from a first end that is an opening in the shank to a second end of the shank; a drill bit positioned at a second end of the shank opposite the first end; at least one outlet in fluid communication between the internal passage and an outer surface of the shank; a valve within the internal passageway configured to control passage of a substance within the internal passageway; a seal disposed on the shank spaced from the drill bit; Equipped with the seal is configured to form a barrier around the shank between the shank and a channel drilled by the drill bit; An integrated drilling and injection device.

2. The valve an enlarged portion of the internal passage; A narrowed portion, a valve element free to move axially within said enlarged portion; Equipped with The valve element a central core with a narrow, pointed end for engaging the constriction and sealing against fluid passage; three longitudinal ribs that prevent the central core from engaging the interior surface of the internal passageway and allow fluid to flow through; and the longitudinal ribs terminate in respective feet configured to rest on the distal end of the enlarged portion of the internal passage while allowing fluid to flow therethrough; 10. The integrated piercing and injection device of claim 1.

3. The drill bit is a blade configured to cut in a first rotational direction; a spiral groove extending from the blade along a portion of the shank; Equipped with the spiral groove is configured such that material is drawn from the blade by rotating the spiral groove in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction; 3. An integrated piercing and injection device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The integrated piercing and injection device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the seal is frangibly connected to the shank.

5. The integrated drilling and injection device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shank comprises multiple shank sections.

6. The integrated drilling and injection device of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an embedding tool / technique therein.

7. 1. A system for injecting a substance into a substrate, comprising: A device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, an access surface for deployment through the device; a device for deploying the device to drive the device through the access surface into the substrate to inject a substance into the internal passage; 1. A system for injecting a substance into a substrate, comprising:

8. 1. A method of infusing a substance into a substrate, comprising: Providing a device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; driving the device into a substrate; injecting a substance into the internal passage; 1. A method of injecting a substance into a substrate, comprising:

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