Borehole Depth Measurement Using Embedded Cable Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the depth of blast holes in drilling and blasting operations are inaccurate and inefficient, often relying on manual tape measurements that can be affected by water and other environmental factors, leading to potential inaccuracies and the need for costly re-drilling.
Innovation Solution
A borehole measurement system comprising a cable with embedded elements and sensors that detect these elements as they pass a sensor, using a processor to determine the cable's travel distance, which includes a probe for detecting water and voids, and electronic sensors for temperature and orientation, with a computer system to calculate and display the depth and other parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual tape measure method is used to measure blast hole depth, then the measurement process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to water interference and operator variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical tape measure system with an automated electronic measurement system. A cable with embedded elements is lowered into the borehole, and a sensor detects these elements as they pass, automatically calculating depth based on the number of elements counted. This eliminates manual operation and water interference issues while maintaining ease of deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces embedded elements as intermediaries between the measurement system and the borehole depth. These elements are attached to the cable at known intervals and serve as detectable markers that allow the sensor to accurately determine cable position and depth without direct mechanical contact or manual reading, thus overcoming water interference.
2Measurement precision
If automated measurement systems are implemented to improve measurement accuracy, then depth measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into simple, discrete components: a cable with equally spaced embedded elements and a sensor that counts these elements. This segmentation allows the complex measurement task to be broken down into simple detection and counting operations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from continuous mechanical reading to discrete element counting. By attaching elements at fixed intervals (e.g., every 0.25m or 0.5m) and counting them as they pass the sensor, the system achieves precise depth measurement through simple integer counting rather than complex continuous measurement, reducing device complexity.
3Reliability
If quality control measurements are performed to ensure blast hole accuracy, then blast pattern reliability improves, but time consumption increases due to manual measurement processes
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system enables continuous operation by automatically lowering the cable, detecting elements in real-time, and calculating depth without interruption. The process occurs continuously as the cable descends into the borehole, eliminating the stop-start nature of manual measurement and significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is self-acting and requires minimal human intervention. Once the cable is lowered and the sensor begins detecting elements, the system automatically counts, calculates depth, and provides results without requiring operator involvement in the measurement process itself, thus reducing time loss while ensuring consistent quality control.
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
Provides accurate and efficient measurement of blast hole depth, water level, and detection of voids, reducing the need for re-drilling and improving operational safety and efficiency in drill and blast operations.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for detection of the elements as they move relatively past the sensor... the sensor is an induction sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A bore hole measurement system includes a cable with spaced apart embedded elements along a length of the cable, a sensor for detection of the elements as they move relatively past the sensor, and a processor for determining the distance that the cable has travelled based on the detections of elements that have moved past the sensor. A method includes detecting the elements moving past a sensor, and determining the distance that the cable has travelled based on the detections of elements that have moved past the sensor.