Acoustic Vibration Sensing for Core Drilling Tool Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current core drilling methods face challenges in efficiently determining when the core retrieving pipe and catch tool have reached their operative positions, leading to prolonged operation times, safety concerns, and reduced production efficiency due to the noisy and unpredictable environment.
Innovation Solution
The method employs acoustic vibration sensing to differentiate between vibrations at operative positions and other operational vibrations, using a sensor element connected to the drill string to generate an output signal when characteristic vibrations are detected, allowing for timely initiation of the next process step.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator manually determines when the core retrieving pipe and catch tool have reached their operative positions through control and observation, then operational safety is maintained through continuous flushing, but operational time is significantly extended and production efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical observation system with an acoustic vibration sensing system. A sensor element detects characteristic acoustic vibrations generated when tools reach their operative positions, converting mechanical positioning information into detectable acoustic signals. This substitution eliminates the need for prolonged manual monitoring and flushing, automatically determining tool positions through vibration analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the drilling operation to self-determine tool positions through automatic acoustic vibration detection. The sensor element continuously monitors vibrations and autonomously identifies when tools have reached their operative positions, eliminating dependence on operator judgment and manual control procedures. This self-service capability reduces both operational time and human error.
2Reliability
If the operator extends the flushing period as a safety measure after the tool has reached its operative position, then operational safety is improved, but production efficiency is significantly impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where acoustic vibration signals provide real-time information about tool positioning status. The sensor element detects characteristic vibrations and feeds this information back to automatically control the flushing operation. When vibrations indicate the tool has reached its operative position, the system automatically adjusts or stops flushing, eliminating unnecessary extended flushing periods while maintaining safety through accurate real-time monitoring.
3Productivity
If the next step is initiated before the tool has reached its operative position, then production efficiency is improved, but erroneous function and operational stoppage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operator judgment with an automatic acoustic vibration detection system that objectively determines tool positioning. The sensor element continuously monitors for characteristic vibrations that definitively indicate the tool has reached its operative position. This mechanical-to-acoustic substitution provides reliable, unambiguous positioning information that prevents premature initiation of subsequent steps, ensuring operational reliability while enabling efficient workflow management.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables quick and secure detection of tool positions, reducing unnecessary delays and improving operational safety and efficiency by automating the transition to the next step in the core drilling process.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic vibrations that occur when the respective tool has reached its respective operative position
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A method in core drilling, wherein a tubular drill bit (8) being arranged at the end of a tubular drill string (6) is driven under rotation against a material intended for drilling, and wherein for the purpose of core retrieving, a tool (17, 20) is brought inside the drill string to an operative position in the area of the drill bit. Acoustic vibrations (24, 25) from the drill string are sensed when the tool is brought to its operative position, sensed acoustic vibrations are analysed for detecting the occurrence of acoustic vibrations characteristic for when the tool has reached its operative position, and an output signal is emitted when the occurrence of vibrations characteristic of when the tool has reached its operative position has been detected. The invention also concerns a device and a drill rig.