Controlling a drill rig

Abstract

A method for controlling a drill rig (1) configured to perform a drill operation, the drill operation comprises drilling a drill hole (10) in a rock volume (RV). The method comprises obtaining measurements of the drill hole (10) as drilled by the drill rig (1). The method comprises, based on the obtained measurements, determining one or more geological properties of the rock volume (RV). The method comprises, based on the one or more geological properties, determining one or more drill rig parameters for the drill operation. The method comprises triggering the drill rig (1) to drill into the drill hole (10) based on the determined one or more drill rig parameter.

Description

[0001] CONTROLLING A DRILL RIG

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Aspects disclosed herein relate to a method and a control unit for controlling a drill rig. Furthermore, a computer program and a carrier are also provided herein. In particular, examples herein may relate to determining one or more drill rig parameters for a drill operation.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] When drilling into a rock, forces applied to the drill and rock are substantial. To ensure that the rock is drilled accurately and efficiently and without excessive wear to the drill, it is beneficial to select the right drilling tool and to apply appropriate configuration for a drill operation performed by a drill rig. The best drilling tool and configuration may depend on a wide range of parameters such as the type of hole to drill, drill rig characteristics, and geological properties of where the hole is to be drilled. However, even when an optimal drilling tool for a drill operation is selected, and when configurations are tuned to be optimal for the drill operation in a certain location, as drilling is performed deeper into the rock, geological properties of the rock may change, and as a result, the drilling tool may still be subject to excessive wear and performance degradation. This means that the drilling tool and configuration may no longer be efficient for continuing drilling. Hence, there is a need to improve handling of drill operations.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] As part of developing examples herein, issues in handling drill operations have been identified and considered. When drilling into a rock and geological properties of the rock changes as the drilling tool progresses into the rock, excessive wear and performance degradation may be a consequence. However, such excessive wear and performance degradation is not detected during a typical work sequence for handling a drill operation rig as drilling is performed without any consideration for changes in performance or wear, and configuration may be predefined or at best determined prior to the drill operation. Examples herein may overcome at least part of these issues.

[0008] An object herein is to improve handling of drill operations.According to a first aspect, a method for controlling a drill rig configured to perform a drill operation is provided. The drill operation comprises drilling a drill hole in a rock volume. The method comprises obtaining measurements of the drill hole. The method comprises, based on the obtained measurements, determining one or more geological properties of the rock volume. The method comprises, based on the one or more geological properties, determining one or more drill rig parameters for the drill operation. The method comprises triggering the drill rig to drill into the drill hole based on the determined one or more drill rig parameters.

[0009] Since the drill rig is triggered to drill into the drill hole based on the determined one or more drill rig parameters, the drill operation dynamically account for the determined geological properties when drilling the drill hole. This means that the drill rig parameters of the drill rig can be dynamically controlled and updated when drilling down into the drill hole such as to improve the drill operation. The improvements of handling the drill operation with regards to using appropriate drill rig parameters may depending on the parameter relate to any one or more out of: improved control, reduced wear, increased performance.

[0010] According to some examples, obtaining the measurements comprises triggering the drill rig to perform at least part of the measurements and / or triggering the drill rig to provide rock materials separated from the rock volume to an analysis unit arranged to perform at least part of the measurements.

[0011] In this way, improved handling of the drill operation is achieved. This is since the measurements can be flexibly and accurately performed. As an example, the measurements may be obtained as measured by the drill rig, e.g., mechanically, and / or by performing analysis of the material composition typically using a nearby analysis unit for real time measurements. As such, the geological properties can be accurately obtained and thereby the one or more drill rig parameters can be determined and used for the drill operations such that the drill operation achieves higher performance and lower wear.

[0012] According to some examples, the drill rig comprises a return channel for transferring rock material separated from the rock volume out from the drill hole, the drill rig being configured to, as part of, or in conjunction with, the drill operation, provide the drilled rock material via said return channel. In some of these examples, obtaining the measurements comprises triggering the measurement to be performed on the rock material provided via the return channel. In this way, the drill operation measurements can be performed by analysis in a timely and efficient manner. This is since the return channel of the drill rigcan provide the rock material to be measured by the analysis, and in response, the geological properties and the drill rig parameters can be determined.

[0013] According to some examples, the drill rig is configured to provide the rock material via the return channel towards an analysis unit. In some of these examples, obtaining the measurements comprises triggering the analysis unit to perform at least part of the measurements on the rock material provided via the return channel. In this way, the measurements performed by the analysis unit can be performed in a timely and efficient manner. This is since the analysis unit can be directly coupled with the drill rig and be fed the materials drilled by the drill rig, and in response, the geological properties and the drill rig parameters can be determined.

[0014] According to some examples, the analysis unit is located within a predefined minimum distance of the drill rig. In this way, the measurements performed by the analysis unit can be performed in a timely and efficient manner. This is since if the analysis unit is located within the predefined minimum distance of the drill rig, a time for obtaining the measurements and determining the geological properties and the drill rig parameters can be limited. Hence, the distance may be a manner of ensuring that the one or more drill rig parameters can be updated for the drill rig under real time constraints.

[0015] According to some examples, obtaining the measurements comprises triggering the measurements of rock material of the rock volume to be performed within a set time window of the rock material being drilled from the rock volume. In this way, the measurements performed by the analysis unit can be performed in a timely and efficient manner.

[0016] According to some examples, determining the one or more drill rig parameters comprises determining any one or more out of the following parameters for when drilling into the rock volume:

[0017] - one or more positioning and / or orientation parameters of a drill tool,

[0018] - one or more drill hammer parameters,

[0019] - a weight applied to a drill bit,

[0020] - a drill string and / or drill tool to use for the drill operation,

[0021] - a rotation speed for performing the drill operation, and

[0022] - one or more parameters for a flow of air or liquid use for performing the drill operation.

[0023] In this way, the one or more drill rig parameters can be flexibly and efficiently determined to best improve performance or reduce wear. This is since different parameters may need to be adjusted when encountering different compositions orstructures of rock. Some situations may need a change in weight applied, and / or some situations may require a different rotation speed.

[0024] According to some examples, determining the one or more geological properties of the rock volume comprises determining or estimating any one or more parameters out of the following:

[0025] - a hardness parameter of the rock volume,

[0026] - one or more elemental properties of the rock volume,

[0027] - one or more structural properties of the rock volume,

[0028] - a geological formation of the rock volume,

[0029] - one or more hazards of the of the rock volume,

[0030] - hydrological information of or associated with the rock volume, and

[0031] - geo-mechanical information of the rock volume.

[0032] According to some examples, the measurements comprises any of the following measurements:

[0033] - Pulsed Fast Thermal Neutron Activation (PFTNA) measurements,

[0034] - Measuring While Drilling (MWD) measurements.

[0035] - Logging While Drilling (LWD) measurements,

[0036] - X Ray Fluorescence (XRF) measurements,

[0037] - X Ray Diffraction (XRD) measurements,

[0038] - X Ray Transmission (XRT) measurements,

[0039] - Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) measurements, or

[0040] - a combination thereof.

[0041] As per any of the above two examples, any suitable geological properties may be determined. It follows that the one or more drill rig parameters are determined to best improve handling of the drill operation, e.g., to reduce wear and / or to improve performance.

[0042] In examples herein, PFTNA measurements may comprise any suitable manner for activation of neutrons to measure elemental composition of rock materials.

[0043] MWD may utilize a mechanical feedback to a drill when drilling a drill hole to sense structural features of the rock material, e.g., any of hardness, porosity, density, or a combination thereof.

[0044] According to some examples, determining the one or more geological properties of the rock volume comprises obtaining a model of the rock volume. In some of these examples determining the one or more drill rig parameters is further based on said model of the rock volume. In this way, the one or more geological properties may be moreaccurately determined. This is since the model of the rock model may comprise more information of the Rock Volume, e.g., from multiple different measurements.

[0045] According to some examples, adapting the model of the rock volume based on the determined one the obtained measurements. In this way, accuracy of the model of the rock volume may increase. This means that future one or more geological properties may be more accurately determined and any other or future operations relying on the model of the rock volume may be improved.

[0046] According to some examples, determining the one or more drill rig parameters comprises determining the one or more drill rig parameters which are expected to achieve a reduction in wear with respect to the one or more geological properties and as compared to one or more reference drill rig parameters. Hence, wear of the drill rig and / or any suitable components such as a drill tool and drill bit can be reduced.

[0047] According to some examples, the method further comprises triggering the drill rig or at least one additional drill rig to drill one or more second drill holes based on the one or more drill rig parameters. In this way, the one or more drill rig parameters may further be used to improve drilling of the rock volume by being able to be used as a basis for the one or more second drill holes.

[0048] According to a second aspect, a control unit configured to control a drill rig configured to perform a drill operation is provided. The drill operation comprises drilling a drill hole into a rock volume. The control unit is configured to obtain measurements of the drill hole as drilled by the drill rig. The control unit is configured to, based on the obtained measurements, determine one or more geological properties of the rock volume. The control unit is configured to, based on the one or more geological properties, determine one or more drill rig parameters for the drill operation. The control unit is configured to trigger the drill rig to drill into the drill hole based on the determined one or more drill rig parameters.

[0049] According to some examples, the control unit may be configured to perform the method according to the first aspects, and optionally any one or more of the discussed or applicable examples.

[0050] According to a third aspect, a drill rig comprising and / or is controlled by the control unit according to the second aspect is provided.

[0051] According to some examples, the drill rig comprises a return channel for transferring rock material separated from the rock volume out from the drill hole. In these examples, the drill rig may be configured to, as part of in conjunction with the drill operation, to provide the drilled rock material via said return channel towards an analysis unit. In someof these examples, analysis unit is arranged to perform measurements on the rock material provided via the return channel.

[0052] According to some examples, the analysis unit is a PFTNA analysis unit for performing PFTNA measurements of rock material.

[0053] According to a fourth aspect, a computer program is provided. The computer program comprises instructions, which when executed by a processor, causes the processor according to the second aspect to perform the method according the first aspect. The processor may be a processor comprised in the control unit according to the second aspect.

[0054] According to a fifth aspect, a carrier comprising the computer program according to the fourth aspect is provided. The carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0055] Where applicable, examples and advantages of the first aspect may also apply to all other aspects, respectively, in a corresponding manner. All examples related to any of the listed aspects above and / or their further descriptions in the detailed description below, may apply to all other aspects in a corresponding manner.

[0056] Further advantages and advantageous features of examples herein are disclosed in the following detailed description and in the attached claims.

[0057] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example scenario.

[0059] Fig. 2 is a flowchart depicting a method according to an example.

[0060] Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example scenario.

[0061] Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a control unit according to an example.

[0062] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] As briefly discussed above, examples herein may relate to improving handling of drill operations by determining one or more drill rig parameters for drilling into a drill hole.Fig. 1 illustrates a drill rig 1. The drill rig 1 may be any suitable drill rig, i.e., any machine which may be arranged for drilling. The drill rig 1 may be configured to perform a drill operation. The drill operation comprises drilling a drill hole 10 in a rock volume RV.

[0064] The drill hole 10 may be any suitable drill hole, e.g., used for exploration drilling or to be used for blasting or for any other purpose. The rock volume RV may comprise any suitable material. The examples herein may be particularly beneficial when the rock volume RV has varying geological properties, e.g., by having different layers of different composition or structure.

[0065] The drill rig 1 may comprise a drill tool 2. The drill tool 2 may be any suitable drill tool. The drill tool 2 may comprise any suitable drill bit 3. The drill tool 2 and the drill bit 3 may be used for drilling the drill hole 10.

[0066] To drill the drill hole 10, a rotation R may be applied to the drill tool 2. Other or additional means of drilling may also apply. The drill rig may or may not utilize a hammer for striking the drill tool 2 as part of the drill operation.

[0067] To perform the drill operation, the drill rig 1 may be configured with a number of different drill rig parameters such as any one or more out of the following parameters for when drilling into the rock volume RV:

[0068] - one or more positioning and / or orientation parameters of the drill tool 2, e.g., how the drill tool 2 is to be angled or positioned to form the drill hole 10 accurately,

[0069] - one or more drill hammer parameters, e.g., if a hammer is used for the drill operation, how, when, and / or how fast shall the hammer strike for performing the drill operation

[0070] - a weight applied to the drill bit 3 and / or any vertical force applied to the drill tool 2,

[0071] - a drill string and / or drill tool to use for the drill operation, e.g., the drill tool 2 may be selected for this specific drill operation,

[0072] - a rotation speed for performing the drill operation, e.g., when rotation is used for the drill operation the speed and / or torque for the rotation may be parameters used, and

[0073] - one or more parameters for a flow of air or liquid use for performing the drill operation, e.g., how is water and / or liquid used to flush or blow drill cuttings and / or by what means is water removed from the drill hole 10 such as pumping parameters.As discussed above, all parameters are optional and depends on what type of drilling is performed by the drill operation. Examples herein is not limited to any specific type of drilling, and depending on the drill operation, more or less parameters as discussed above may be configured for the drill rig 1.

[0074] In examples herein, the drill hole 10 may be drilled by the drill rig 1 and measurements of the drill hole may at least partly be obtained as part of the drill operation, e.g., by being performed by the drill rig 1 such as by sensing mechanical aspects as the drill rig 1 performs the drill operation and / or by collecting rock material from the drill hole and using an analysis unit 5 for measuring at least part of the measurements.

[0075] According to some examples, the measurements comprises any of the following measurements: PFTNA measurements, MWD measurements, LWD measurements, XRF measurements, XRD measurements, XRT measurements, LIBS measurements, ora combination thereof. The measurements may be able to measure different aspects of the rock volume RV such as different compositions and / or different structural features. All measurements listed above, or any other suitable measurements may, individually or in combination be used for determining geological properties of the drill hole 10. In examples herein, the geological properties may be used for determining one or more drill rig parameters, e.g., which may be updates to any of the above-mentioned parameters considering the newly measured and determined geological properties. The drill rig 1 may then be reconfigured to use any of these determined one or more drill rig parameters for further drilling such as continuing drilling into the drill hole 10, and thereby improve performance and / or reduce wear.

[0076] Performance as may be improved in examples herein may relate to any one or more of different metrics such as any one or more out of:

[0077] Rate of penetration may be a key metric for productivity.

[0078] Hole condition, e.g., of drill hole 10, as it may be beneficial to ensure that the drill operation does not cause wash outs or cavities which may add risks for later equipment going in the drill hole 10 or in the case of blasting, overcharging sections can result as the cavity is filled with explosive, and excessive explosive use if hole size is not nominal.

[0079] - A consistent sample return, e.g. for cutting / core analysis.

[0080] Preventing blocked bit or equipment, e.g., of the drill rig 1 , stuck in the drill hole 10.In some examples, the drill rig 1 comprises a return channel 4 for feed rock material separated from the rock volume RV out from the drill hole 10. The drill rig 1 may be configured to, as part of in conjunction with the drill operation, to provide the drilled rock material via said return channel 4 towards the analysis unit 5. The analysis unit 5 may be arranged to perform measurements on the rock material provided via the return channel 4.

[0081] In some examples the analysis unit 5 is a PFTNA analysis unit for performing PFTNA measurements of rock material. This means that examples herein may provide for a timely manner of using PFTNA measurements, e.g., in real time, to determine material composition of rock material in the drill hole 10, which can be useful for determining how to drill in such material composition, e.g., as part one or more drill rig parameters for the drill rig 1.

[0082] A control unit 60 may be arranged to perform any suitable examples herein. The control unit 60 may be arranged in the drill rig 1. The control unit 60 may alternatively be arranged in a location remote from the drill rig 1 , e.g., as part of a server or a control station. The control unit 60 may be communicatively connected with any suitable entities of examples herein. The control unit 60 may be able to control the drill rig 1 and / or any suitable entity of examples herein. The control unit 60 may be able to control or communicate with the analysis unit 5. In particular, the control unit 60 may be able to obtain measurements of the drill hole 10, determine geological properties of the rock volume RV, be able to determine the one or more drill rig parameters, and to trigger the drill rig 1 to drill into the drill hole 10 based on the one or more drill rig parameters.

[0083] Fig. 2 illustrates an example method for controlling the drill rig 1. The drill rig 1 is configured to perform a drill operation. The drill operation comprises drilling a drill hole 10 in a rock volume RV. The method comprises the following actions in any suitable order. The actions may be performed by the control unit 60 or by any other suitable entity. The method herein may be iterative, i.e., such that one or more of the following actions may be repeated in any suitable order or according to any suitable iterative cycle. While actions below discuss measurements with respect to the drill hole 10, any number of drill holes may apply. Dashed boxes in Fig. 2 may illustrate optional actions.

[0084] Action 201

[0085] The method comprises obtaining measurements of the drill hole 10 as drilled by the drill rig 1.

[0086] In some examples, obtaining the measurements comprises triggering the drill rig 1 to perform at least part of the measurements and / or triggering the drill rig to provide rockmaterials separated from the rock volume RV to the analysis unit 5 arranged to perform at least part of the measurements.

[0087] In some examples, the drill rig 1 comprises a return channel 4 for transferring rock material separated from the rock volume RV out from the drill hole 10. In some of these examples, the drill rig 1 may be configured to, as part of, or in conjunction with, the drill operation, provide the drilled rock material via said return channel 4. In some of these examples, obtaining the measurements comprises triggering the measurement to be performed on the rock material provided via the return channel 4.

[0088] In some examples, the drill rig 1 is configured to provide the rock material via the return channel 4 towards an analysis unit 5, and wherein obtaining the measurements comprises triggering the analysis unit 5 to perform at least part of the measurements on the rock material provided via the return channel 4.

[0089] As understood by the above-mentioned examples, the measurements of the drill hole 10 may be obtained in any suitable manner by the drill rig 1 and / or by other sensors or by the analysis unit 5. The measurements may be measurements of any suitable material of the drill hole 10, e.g., rock material drilled from the rock volume RV or by inspection of the drill hole 10. The measurements may comprise mechanical measurements from when drilling the drill hole 10. In particular, the measurements may indicate features of the rock volume RV with respect to the drill hole 10, e.g., structural and / or elemental composition of the drill hole 10.

[0090] In some examples, the analysis unit 5 is located within a predefined minimum distance of the drill rig 1. Ideally the minimum distance is set such that any measured rock material sample is not needed to be transported from a drill area of the drill rig 1.

[0091] In some examples, obtaining the measurements comprises triggering the measurements to be performed within a set time window of rock material being drilled from the drill hole 10.

[0092] Both of the above examples allow for timely and efficient measurements of the drill hole 10.

[0093] According to some examples, the measurements comprises any of the following measurements: PFTNA measurements, MWD measurements, LWD measurements, XRF measurements, XRD measurements, XRT measurements, LIBS measurements, ora combination thereof. The measurements may be able to measure different aspects of the rock volume RV such as different compositions and / or different structural features.

[0094] Measurements as used herein may be real-time measurements obtained during the drill operation. In other words, in examples herein the measurements may be obtained asthe drill hole 10 is drilled, and as will be discussed further with respect to the actions below, the measurements may be acquired subject to a time constraint such that the drill rig 1 has time to update its drill rig parameters and continue drilling the drill hole 10 based on geological properties determined by the measurements.

[0095] In examples herein, the obtained measurements may be obtained with respect to a certain location, e.g., depth, of the drill hole 10.

[0096] Action 202

[0097] The method comprises, based on the obtained measurements, determining one or more geological properties of the rock volume RV. The obtained measurements may be from rock material drilled from the drill hole 10 and / or may be measured by a sensor in the drill hole 10, e.g., preferably as part of the drill rig 1 when drilling the drill hole 10.

[0098] In some examples, the geological properties may be determined directly by performing the measurements, e.g., as obtained in action 201 and / or by deriving the geological properties by the measurements and any suitable heuristics or model.

[0099] Since different measurements may be better or worse at measuring different features of rock material, the one or more geological properties may as a consequence be determined in a corresponding manner more accurately for certain properties, depending on how the measurements were obtained, e.g., as in action 201.

[0100] In some examples, determining the one or more geological properties of the rock volume RV comprises determining or estimating any one or more parameters out of the following:

[0101] one or more elemental properties of the rock volume RV, e.g., what elements is part of the rock material in the current location of drilling into the drill hole 10, one or more structural properties of the rock volume RV,

[0102] a hardness parameter of the rock volume RV, e.g., which may relate to tough the rock may be to drill,

[0103] a geological formation of the rock volume RV,

[0104] one or more hazards of the of the rock volume RV, e.g., risks for collapse, hydrological information of or associated with the rock volume RV, and geo-mechanical information of the rock volume RV, e.g., which may include any one or more of: elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, bulk modulus, etc.

[0105] do not remember exactly what this could be.

[0106] Hydrological information may for example indicate any of: a water level in the drill hole 10 or with respect to the rock volume RV, how water can behave in the drill hole 10,a moisture of the drill hole 10, whether the drill hole 10 comprises free water, whether the drill hole 10 comprises bound water, or a combination thereof.

[0107] In examples herein, the one or more geological properties may be determined with respect to a certain location, e.g., depth, of the drill hole 10. Typically, the one or more geological properties is determined with respect to a location of where drilling is currently, or at least very recently such as within a set distance or time window of drilling, performed in the drill hole 10. For example, the drill rig 1 may be measuring while drilling and measuring the mechanical effects of the ongoing drill operation in the drill hole 10 and thereby determining at least part of the one or more geological properties and / or where rock materials are fed to the analysis unit 5, e.g., via the return channel 4, to, in real-time, determine the one or more geological properties.

[0108] In some examples, determining the one or more geological properties of the rock volume RV comprises obtaining a model of the rock volume. The rock model may be any suitable model describing features of the rock volume RV such as structural features and / or elemental composition of the rock volume RV. In some examples, the rock model may be adapted based on the determined one the obtained measurements. This means that the rock model may be improved overtime as measurements are collected, and the drill operation, which may comprise drilling further drill holes, may take advantage of the rock model for how to control the drill rig 1 efficiently and accurately.

[0109] In some particular examples, the one or more geological properties may comprise mechanical properties of rock as measured by the drill rig 1, e.g., using MWD or LWD.

[0110] In some particular examples, the one or more geological properties may comprise using PFTNA measurements, in particular if these measurements can be obtained using a real-time condition or constraint. The drill rig 1 may as discussed above be configured with the return channel 4 which may be used for transporting stone chips / material from the drill hole 10 up to the drill rig 1. This material may then be measured by a PFTNA device such as the analysis unit 5 to collect data on the elemental composition of the material in the return channel 4, e.g., as part of the determined one or more geological properties. PFTNA technology may rely on activation of material by neutrons, and the instantaneous emission of gamma rays from nuclei which have absorbed neutrons.

[0111] Capitalizing on the unique gamma ray spectrum associated with each element, the instrument can perform an analysis on the composite spectrum to determine the overall elemental composition of the material. As such, unique information of the geological properties may be possible, and as discussed below, the drill rig 1 can thereby be precisely adapted based on such geological properties.Action 203

[0112] The method comprises, based on the one or more geological properties, determining one or more drill rig parameters for the drill operation.

[0113] In some examples, determining the one or more drill rig parameters comprises determining any one or more out of the following parameters for when drilling into the rock volume RV:

[0114] - one or more positioning and / or orientation parameters of a drill tool 2,

[0115] - one or more drill hammer parameters,

[0116] - a weight applied to the drill bit 3,

[0117] - a drill string and / or drill tool to use for the drill operation,

[0118] - a rotation speed for performing the drill operation, and

[0119] - one or more parameters for a flow of air or liquid use for performing the drill operation.

[0120] In some examples, determining the one or more drill rig parameters comprises determining the one or more drill rig parameters which are expected to achieve a reduction in wear with respect to the one or more geological properties and as compared to one or more reference drill rig parameters. The one or more reference drill rig parameters may comprise current and / or default parameters of the drill rig 1.

[0121] While wear may be one important aspect to consider when determining the one or more drill rig parameters, other aspects may also be considered, and in fact, since the one or more geological properties is determined, it may be possible to determine the one or more drill rig parameters to improve or control any suitable metric of the drill operation. For example, when the one or more geological properties indicates material composition of a majority of certain elements, e.g., light or heavy elements, the one or more drill rig parameters may be determined with parameters known to be suitable for said certain elements. As another example, when one or more geological properties indicates a very high porosity of rock material in the drill hole 10, it may then be desired to determine the one or more drill rig parameters to comprise parameters suitable for drilling into high porosity rock.

[0122] In some examples, adding drilling fluids in some clay formations can cause swelling in the formation leading to stuck rods. In hard formations weight on bit can be reduced to prevent burning of the drill bit 3. Fluid flow and potentially additives may be beneficial to lift higher density material out of the drill hole 10. Fluid loss to formation may require modifying flow rates to avoid excessive water use and needing to bring more water to thedrill rig 1. It may be possible to use moderate amount of water and / or to add drilling muds to the drill operation.

[0123] In some examples, if it is detected that the drill hole 10 comprises a swelling of a clay formation, e.g., as part of the one or more geological properties of the rock volume RV determined in action 202, the one or more drill rig parameters may be determined accordingly. For example, the one or more drill rig parameters may be determined to set a drill bit weight to be lower by a threshold of a current drill bit weight or to a predefined drill bit weight or to a drill bit weight determined by predefined heuristics. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more drill rig parameters may be determined to comprise modifying a flow rate of water to the drill rig 1, e.g., to reduce a current flow rate.

[0124] Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more drill rig parameters may be determined to comprise an addition of or an increase in drilling muds to the drill operation of the drill rig 1.

[0125] In some examples, determining the one or more drill rig parameters may be based on a model of the rock volume RV, e.g., as discussed in action 202. The model of the rock volume RV may preferably be initially obtained offline or before obtaining the measurements, and may further be adapted based on the measurements.

[0126] In some examples, determining the one or more drill rig parameters may comprise determining to update one or more current drill rig parameters of the drill rig 1.

[0127] Action 204

[0128] The method preferably comprises triggering the drill rig 1 to drill into the drill hole 10 based on the determined one or more drill rig parameters. The triggering to drill rig 1 to drill into the drill hole 10 based on the determined one or more drill rig parameter may be performed in response to determining the one or more drill rig parameters as in action 203. The triggering to drill rig 1 to drill into the drill hole 10 based on the determined one or more drill rig parameters may be performed in real time e.g., within a time window from the measurements being measured.

[0129] The triggering to drill rig 1 to drill into the drill hole 10 based on the determined one or more drill rig parameters may be a periodic or continuous feedback trigger based on the previous actions. The method may further iterate Actions 201, 202, 203, 204 to allow for a frequent, continuous, or periodic update of drill rig parameters of the drill rig 1.

[0130] The triggering to drill rig 1 to drill into the drill hole 10 based on the determined one or more drill rig parameters may comprise updating one or more current drill rig parameters of the drill rig 1 with the one or more drill rig parameters.The triggering to drill rig 1 to drill into the drill hole 10 based on the determined one or more drill rig parameters may comprise continuing drilling into the drill hole 10.

[0131] Action 205

[0132] According to some examples the method comprises triggering the drill rig 1 or at least one additional drill rig to drill one or more second drill holes based on the one or more drill rig parameters. The drill rig parameters used for drilling the drill hole 10 may for example be used in the same manner for nearby positions in the same manner as when drilling the drill hole 10, e.g., if no measurements or geological properties can be obtained for the one or more second drill holes. Action 205 may be performed before, after, concurrent to, or alternatively to action 204. In other words, while the method may typically adapt the drill rig 1 as drilling into the drill hole 10 by the determined one or more drill rig parameters, the information of drilling the drill hole 10 may also be used for optimizing drilling into the one or more second drill holes.

[0133] As an example herein may comprise one or more of the above-mentioned actions and / or otherwise learning from a drill operation of drilling any suitable drill hole such as the drill hole 10, and apply any information learnt from drilling the drill hole 10, for how to optimize a subsequent drill operation of a subsequent drill hole such as by setting the one or more drill rig parameters for the drill rig 1.

[0134] Fig. 3 illustrates an example scenario of the drill rig 1. As the measurements are obtained, e.g., as in action 201, as the drill hole 10 is at a first position 300, the corresponding geological properties can be determined, e.g., as in action 202, and the most suitable one or more drill rig parameters may be determined for the drill rig 1 e.g., as in action 203. The drill rig 1 is in the example scenario, the drill rig 1 may then be triggered to use the determined one or more drill rig parameters to further drill into the drill hole 10, e.g., as in action 204, and then, the drill operation may be performed with higher performance and / or reduced wear to reach the second position 301. The examples herein may be performed iteratively, continuously or periodically and / or at the second position 301, the method of actions 201-204 may be performed again to further determine the best drill rig parameters dynamically as the drill rig 1 drills further down the drill hole 10. As an addition or alternative to examples herein, as illustrated in Fig. 3 examples herein may further relate to, e.g., as in action 205, triggering the drill rig 1 or at least one additional drill rig 302 to drill one or more second drill holes 11 based on the one or more drill rig parameters. The drill rig parameters of the one or more second drill holes 11 may be determined as in actions 201-204, or when measurements is lacking, use the one or more drill rig parameters determined for the drill hole 10, e.g., at corresponding depth,which would provide a good starting point, at least if the one or more second drill holes 11 are within a predefined distance from the drill hole 10 or if the one or more second drill holes 11 can be determined to have some similarities to the drill hole 10.

[0135] Fig. 4 illustrates an example of the control unit 60. To perform examples herein the control unit 60 may be utilized. According to examples herein, the control unit 60 is configured to control the drill rig 1. The drill rig 1 is configured to perform a drill operation. The drill operation comprises drilling the drill hole 10 into the rock volume RV. The control unit 60 is configured to obtain measurements of the drill hole 10 as drilled by the drill rig 1. The control unit 60 is configured to, based on the obtained measurements, determine one or more geological properties of the rock volume RV. The control unit 60 is configured to, based on the one or more geological properties, determine one or more drill rig parameters for the drill operation. The control unit 60 is configured to, trigger the drill rig 1 to drill into the drill hole 10 based on the determined one or more drill rig parameter. The control unit 60 may be located remote from entities described in examples herein or comprised in part of any suitable entity described in examples herein, e.g., the drill rig 1.

[0136] The control unit 60 may be configured to perform the method according to any one or more examples of actions 201-205. The control unit 60 may comprise an arrangement depicted in Fig.4. The control unit 60 may comprise an input and output interface 400 e.g. for communicating with network entities, e.g., a server controlling the control unit 60, the drill rig 1. The control unit 60 may be able to control any suitable aspects of any one or more of the drill rig 1, such as by obtaining measurements and / or by controlling any suitable aspect of drilling or any suitable mining operations with respect to the one or more drill rig parameters.

[0137] The input and output interface 400 may comprise a wireless or wired receiver not shown, a transceiver, one or more antennas, and / or a wired or wireless transmitter not shown.

[0138] The examples herein may be implemented through a processor 410 in the control unit 60, depicted in Fig. 4, together with a computer program 430 comprising instructions, which when executed by the processor 410, causes the processor 410 to perform the functions and actions of the examples herein

[0139] In some examples, a respective carrier 440 comprises the respective computer program 430, wherein the carrier 440 is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer-readable storage medium. For example, one such carrier may be inthe form of a memory stick. The computer program 430 may furthermore be provided as pure program code on a server and downloaded to the control unit 60.

[0140] The control unit 60 may further comprise a memory 420 comprising one or more memory units. The memory 420 comprises instructions executable by the processor 410 control unit 60. The memory 420 is arranged to be used to store e.g. information, indications, data, configurations, measurements, and applications to perform the examples herein when being executed in the control unit 60.

[0141] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units in the control unit 60 described above may refer to a combination of analog and digital circuits, and / or one or more processors configured with software and / or firmware, e.g. stored in the control unit 60, that when executed by the processor 410. The processor 410 may comprise one or more processors and / or other digital hardware, e.g., an Application-Specific Integrated Circuitry (ASIC), which may be distributed among several separate components or assembled into a system-on-a-chip (SoC).

[0142] Measurement implementations and sensor discussion

[0143] As part of examples herein, the measurements, e.g., of action 201 , may be performed in any suitable manner, preferably some examples comprise PFTNA measurements. Below follows a brief discussion of some measurements and sensors that may be used in any suitable manner in examples herein related to the measurements of examples herein.

[0144] Any of the discussed measurements and / or sensors may have different errors in their ability to assess where the respective measurement is measured with respect to location information. Hence, examples herein may allow for an accurate combination of multiple different complementing measurements and / or sensor usages, where the respective location information can be adjusted as discussed in examples herein.

[0145] Acronyms Visible(VIS), Near Infrared (NIR), Short Range Infrared (SWIR), MidRange Infrared (MWIR), Long Range Infrared (LWIR), Thermal Infrared (TIR) etc. may describe different parts or ranged of an electromagnetic spectrum which may be measured as part of measurements herein. Definitions may vary but may broadly be defined as:

[0146] • VIS = Visible: 0.4 - 0.7 mm

[0147] • NIR = Near Infrared: 0.7 - 1.4 mm

[0148] • SWIR = Short Range Infrared: 1.4 -3.0 mm

[0149] • MWIR = Mid-Range Infrared: 3- 8 mm

[0150] • LWIR = Long Range Infrared: 8- 15 mm• TIR = Thermal Infrared: 10-20 mm

[0151] Generally, longer the wavelengths may relate to more exotic and expensive detectors or sensors used for measuring. The more sensitive the system is to temperature, and the more cooling is required. This is why most hyperspectral sensors operate in the VIS / SWIR range, leaving the longer wavelengths to ultra-stable environments such as satellites.

[0152] Red, Green, Blue (RGB) is a color model for most video systems e.g., computer monitors and may use a 24-bit color depth, meaning that each of the pixels of each color may be represented by 8 bits of data. In essence, it is a low-cost, low-resolution, spectrograph.

[0153] Raman & Hyperspectral are complementary sensors or measurement methods. Both may detect light that is reflected by a mineral, revealing frequencies / wavelengths where it is not reflected but is absorbed instead. Hyperspectral detects absolute absorption frequencies. Very low frequencies (long wavelengths) may be difficult to detect. Raman detects frequency shifts relative to the center (laser) frequency. Hence all detection takes place in the (easy) visible region. Hyperspectral generally has good signal and provides broad mineral coverage & identification, and implementation is straightforward. Raman generally has low signal (so long measurement times) but has the advantage of being very specific (i.e. identifies individual minerals).

[0154] XRF is previously a laboratory method for measurement which may now be used online as part of examples herein. Training via calibration may be required. Whilst ‘Soft’ XRF systems exist for detecting lighter elements (Na, Mg, Al, Si, P etc.), due to absorption of a signal in air, very short stand-off distances are required. Hence, on-line XRF, measuring from a distance, tends to target heavier elements, such as Potassium (K) and above with reference to the periodic table.

[0155] An overview of sensors or techniques are further presented below. Any sensor or technique below may be used for obtaining the measurements.

[0156] Spot as discussed below may relate to an area measurement, e.g., a 10mm spot / area measurement.

[0157]

[0158]

[0159] >

[0160]

[0161]

[0162] Table 2. Mixed sensors

[0163] In particular, for PFTNA, elements may have a neutron cross section value which may indicate how well they interact with neutrons. This means some elements may absorb too many neutrons and some too few. This means that some elements are well-measured by PFTNA and some elements are more difficult to measure.

[0164] XRD has previously only been considered a laboratory method that is applied to fine powder or dust to determine mineralogy and have been developed to be used to perform measurements herein, e.g., by the analysis unit 5 and / or by the drill rig 1. A mineral’s crystal structure acts like a grating to diffract the incident x-rays into specific angles, enabling the molecule’s structure to be deduced.

[0165] XRD + XRF may be used together on to determine mineralogy + geochemistry, previously this has been performed in planetary missions. In those cases, a robotic system was used alongside the sensors to drill holes (as necessary) and prepare the powdered samples.

[0166] No cases are known of on-line XRD being used in the minerals industry outside laboratory settings as part of examples herein.

[0167] It will be appreciated that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings represent non-limiting examples of the methods and apparatus taught herein. As such, the apparatus and techniques taught herein are not limited by the foregoing description and accompanying drawings.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for controlling a drill rig (1) configured to perform a drill operation, the drill operation comprises drilling a drill hole (10) in a rock volume (RV), the method comprising:obtaining (201) measurements of the drill hole (10) as drilled by the drill rig (1), based on the obtained measurements, determining (202) one or more geological properties of the rock volume (RV), andbased on the one or more geological properties, determining (203) one or more drill rig parameters for the drill operation,triggering (204) the drill rig (1) to drill into the drill hole (10) based on the determined one or more drill rig parameters.

2. The method of any of the preceding claims wherein obtaining (201) the measurements comprises triggering the drill rig (1) to perform at least part of the measurements and / or triggering the drill rig to provide rock materials separated from the Rock Volume (RV) to an analysis unit (5) arranged to perform at least part of the measurements.

3. The method of any of the preceding claims wherein the drill rig (1) comprises a return channel (4) for transferring rock material separated from the rock volume (RV) out from the drill hole (10), the drill rig (1) being configured to, as part of, or in conjunction with, the drill operation, provide the drilled rock material via said return channel (4), and wherein obtaining (201) the measurements comprises triggering the measurement to be performed on the rock material provided via the return channel (4).

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the drill rig (1) is configured to provide the rock material via the return channel (4) towards an analysis unit (5), and wherein obtaining (201) the measurements comprises triggering the analysis unit (5) to perform at least part of the measurements on the rock material provided via the return channel (4).

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the analysis unit (5) is located within a predefined minimum distance of the drill rig.

6. The method of any of the preceding claims wherein obtaining (201) the measurements comprises triggering the measurements to be performed within a set time window of rock material being drilled from the drill hole.

7. The method of any of the preceding claims wherein determining (203) the one or more drill rig parameters comprises determining any one or more out of the following parameters for when drilling into the rock volume (RV):one or more positioning and / or orientation parameters of a drill tool (2), one or more drill hammer parameters,a weight applied to a drill bit (3),a drill string and / or drill tool (2) to use for the drill operation,a rotation speed for performing the drill operation, andone or more parameters for a flow of air or liquid use for performing the drill operation.

8. The method of any of the preceding claims wherein determining (202) the one or more geological properties of the rock volume (RV) comprises determining or estimating any one or more parameters out of the following:a hardness parameter of the rock volume (RV),one or more elemental properties of the rock volume (RV),one or more structural properties of the rock volume (RV),a geological formation of the rock volume (RV),one or more hazards of the of the rock volume (RV),hydrological information of or associated with the rock volume (RV), and geo-mechanical information of the rock volume (RV).

9. The method of any of the preceding claims wherein the measurements comprises any of the following measurements:Pulsed Fast Thermal Neutron Activation, PFTNA, measurements, Measuring While Drilling, MWD, measurements,Logging While Drilling, MWD, measurements,X Ray Fluorescence, XRF, measurements,X Ray Diffraction, XRD, measurements,X Ray Transmission, XRT, measurements,Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, LIBS, measurement data, ora combination thereof.

10. The method of any of the preceding claims wherein determining (202) the one or more geological properties of the rock volume (RV) comprises obtaining a model of the rock volume, and wherein determining (203) the one or more drill rig parameters is further based on said model of the rock volume.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising adapting the model of the rock volume (RV) based on the determined one the obtained measurements.

12. The method of any of the preceding claims further comprising triggering (205) the drill rig (1) or at least one additional drill rig (302) to drill one or more second drill holes (11) based on the one or more drill rig parameters.

13. The method of any of the preceding claims wherein determining (203) the one or more drill rig parameters comprises determining the one or more drill rig parameters which are expected to achieve a reduction in wear with respect to the one or more geological properties and as compared to one or more reference drill rig parameters.

14. A control unit (60) configured to control a drill rig (1) configured to perform a drill operation, the drill operation comprises drilling a drill hole (10) into a rock volume (RV), the control unit (60) being configured to:obtain measurements of the drill hole (10) as drilled by the drill rig (1),based on the obtained measurements, determine one or more geological properties of the rock volume (RV),based on the one or more geological properties, determine one or more drill rig parameters for the drill operation, andtrigger the drill rig (1) to drill into the drill hole (10) based on the determined one or more drill rig parameters.

15. The control unit (60) of claim 14 further configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 2-13.

16. A drill rig (1) comprising and / or is controlled by the control unit of claim 14 or 15.

17. The drill rig (1) of claim 16 comprising a return channel (4) for transferring rock material separated from the rock volume (RV) out from the drill hole (10), the drill rig (1) being configured to, as part of in conjunction with the drill operation, to provide the drilled rock material via said return channel (4) towards an analysis unit (5), wherein analysis unit (5) is arranged to perform measurements on the rock material provided via the return channel (4).

18. The drill rig of claim 17 wherein the analysis unit (5) is a Pulsed Fast Thermal Neutron Activation, PFTNA, analysis unit for performing PFTNA measurements of rock material.

19. A computer program (430) comprising instructions, which when executed by a processor (410), causes the control unit (60) to perform the method according to any of the claims 1-1320. A carrier (440) comprising the computer program of claim 19, wherein the carrier (440) is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

Images