Borehole Casing Drill String Segmentation for Deeper Drilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for drilling shafts in rock, clay, and related materials are inefficient due to time-consuming extension of the drill string, which reduces drilling speed and increases the risk of accidents from rotating parts and heights.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that secures the drill string within the borehole casing, allowing for deeper penetration without extending the drill string, using translation means and fluid injection to enhance drilling efficiency and safety, and includes a water column for efficient discharge of dislodged material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the drill string is extended by adding segments to reach greater drilling depth, then the drilling depth is increased, but the drilling efficiency decreases due to time-consuming extension operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling depthVSAvoiddrilling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The drill string is divided into multiple segments that can be connected and disconnected. The drilling means is segmented into a drill head, a drill string with multiple segments, and a driving device. This allows the drill string to be extended by adding segments only when necessary, rather than requiring full repositioning and rotation operations in conventional methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a vertical dimension for the drill string configuration by allowing segments to be connected in series vertically within the borehole casing. The drilling means can be lowered to different depths and segments connected at specific depths, enabling depth extension without horizontal repositioning operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the drill string is moved above ground level and rotated to horizontal position for lengthening, then additional segments can be added, but time is lost in the lengthening process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrill string lengthening capabilityVSAvoidtime for lengthening operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The drill string segments are pre-positioned and prepared for connection before the actual drilling operation reaches the required depth. The segments can be connected in advance at convenient locations, and the drilling means is then lowered to the target depth with the segments already in place, eliminating time-consuming on-site assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical system of moving and rotating the entire drill string above ground with a simplified system where segments are connected vertically within the borehole casing. The driving device remains stationary or moves minimally, and segments are connected in place using coupling mechanisms, substituting complex mechanical repositioning operations with simpler in-situ connection operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If personnel are present near rotating parts or at great heights for drill string operations, then manual control and monitoring are possible, but working safety decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual control capabilityVSAvoidworking safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The drilling means is equipped with an autonomous driving device that can operate independently without requiring personnel to be present at great heights or near rotating parts. The driving device includes automatic control systems for drilling, segment connection, and discharge operations, enabling the system to service itself and reducing human exposure to hazardous environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces automated control systems and remote monitoring devices as intermediaries between operators and the drilling operations. These intermediaries enable manual control and monitoring capabilities to be maintained while eliminating the need for personnel to be physically present in hazardous zones near rotating parts or at great heights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Markedly increases drilling efficiency by minimizing drill string extension and enhancing safety by keeping personnel away from rotating parts, while allowing deeper penetration and efficient material discharge.

Implementation Method 1

The water column which is arranged in the borehole casing, and which otherwise extends into the space between the borehole casing and the drilling means lowered into the borehole casing and disposed substantially coaxially with the borehole casing, provides for a pressure difference between the upper side of the discharge means for dislodged ground material connected to the drill string and the underside of the drill string

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2615239B1Device and method for drilling shafts in a ground consisting of rock, clay and/or related materials
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 GEOSEA
  • EP2615239B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2615239B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2615239B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device and method for drilling shafts in a ground consisting of rock, clay and/or related materials. The device (1) comprises a borehole casing (4) and means for arranging the borehole casing (4) in the ground (3); a drilling means (10)which can be lowered into the borehole casing (4) by means of a flexible suspension; wherein the drilling means (10) comprises a hollow drill string (5) provided with a drill head (7) with cutting tools (8) and means (13) for setting the drill string (5) into rotation, and wherein the drilling means (10) is further provided with securing means with which the drilling means (10) can be secured in the borehole casing, and with discharge means for dislodged ground material connected to the hollow drill string. The invention also relates to a lifting platform provided with the device. Using the invented device drilling can take place with higher efficiency than with the known device and method.