Underwater Drill Head Wireline Core Barrel Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional underwater core drilling methods require the entire drill string to be removed from the borehole for inner core barrel replacement, disrupting drilling operations and complicating the process due to the need for manual intervention and storage of drill rods and barrels.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operable underwater drilling system that allows for the insertion and removal of inner core barrels through the drill head while connected to the drill string, using a wireline assembly with a winch and inner core barrel retrieval device, enabling continuous drilling without removing the entire drill string and simplifying operations by reducing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the entire drill string is removed from the borehole for inner core barrel replacement, then the inner core barrel can be replaced, but drilling operations are disrupted and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the inner core barrel replacement operation from the drill string assembly/disassembly process. The retrieval device is lowered through the drill string via wireline to access and retrieve the inner core barrel while the drill string remains in place, separating the barrel replacement function from the overall drill string handling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a retrieval device as an intermediary tool that facilitates inner core barrel removal and replacement without requiring drill string disconnection. The retrieval device, deployed on wireline, acts as a mediator that can access, grasp, and retrieve the inner core barrel through the drill string's interior passage.
2Ease of operation
If manual intervention is used for inner core barrel replacement, then the process can be controlled, but device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the inner core barrel to be retrieved and replaced through self-contained operations. The retrieval device is lowered on wireline, automatically grapples the inner core barrel using grapple teeth, and retrieves it through the drill string without requiring manual intervention or complex external equipment.
3Ease of manufacture
If drill rods and barrels are stored on the drilling platform, then replacement is possible, but storage space is required and operational simplicity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the inner core barrel from the drill string through the retrieval device and removes it completely from the drilling system. The retrieved barrel can then be exchanged for a fresh one without requiring storage of multiple barrels on the platform, as each barrel is used and then retrieved and replaced sequentially.
Data Source
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AI summary
A drilling system including a drill head. The drill head defines a drill head bore and includes a drill head bore closure device. An inner core barrel and an inner core barrel retrieval device may be passed through the interior of the drill string and the drill head bore when the drill head is connected with the drill string and the drill head bore closure device is actuated to an open position. A method of wireline core drilling which includes passing an inner core barrel retrieval device through the drill head bore and into the interior of the drill string when the drill head is connected with the drill string, and removing an inner core barrel and the inner core barrel retrieval device from the interior of the drill string through the drill head bore when the drill head is connected with the drill string.