HDD Adapter Assembly for Real-Time Crossbore Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) systems face challenges in confirming the creation of crossbores when drilling in areas with unknown underground utility installations, leading to increased job time and cost due to the need for post-drilling inspections using cameras and lengthy cable retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing tracer wires for power line communication (PLC) to power and transmit data to a camera or electromagnetic sensor attached to the drill string, enabling real-time downhole observation during pullback, allowing immediate detection and marking of crossbores without additional site operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If post-drilling inspections are performed using cameras and cable retrieval, then crossbores can be confirmed, but job time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing crossbore detection during the pullback operation itself rather than as a separate post-drilling inspection. The observation device is positioned on the drill string to conduct detection while the drill string is being retrieved, allowing crossbores to be identified in real-time during the existing operation window without requiring additional time for separate inspection activities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the crossbore detection function with the existing pullback operation. By attaching the observation device to the drill string, the detection process is combined with the retrieval process that already occurs after drilling. This integration eliminates the need for separate cable retrieval and post-drilling inspection steps, thereby reducing overall job time while maintaining detection capability
2Reliability
If post-drilling inspections are performed using cameras and cable retrieval, then crossbores can be confirmed, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The observation device is deployed in advance during the pullback operation rather than requiring separate post-drilling inspection equipment and operations. This preliminary detection during an existing operation reduces the need for additional specialized inspection equipment and personnel time, thereby lowering overall project costs while ensuring crossbore detection
Solution Approach 2:
By combining crossbore detection with the mandatory pullback operation, the patent eliminates redundant equipment and labor costs associated with separate post-drilling inspection protocols. The merged approach uses the existing drill string and pullback machinery to perform both retrieval and detection functions, reducing overall project expenditure
3Loss of time
If real-time downhole observation is enabled during pullback, then crossbores can be immediately detected, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the drill string itself as an intermediary carrier for the observation device. Rather than requiring complex independent deployment and retrieval systems for detection equipment, the drill string serves as the mounting platform and retrieval mechanism. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture by leveraging existing components rather than adding separate complex subsystems
Solution Approach 2:
The drill string is given multi-functionality by serving both as the drilling/retrieval tool and as the mounting platform for the observation device. This universal use of existing equipment reduces the need for specialized complex infrastructure, as the same component performs multiple functions including mechanical retrieval and instrument carrier duties
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
Enables real-time identification and documentation of crossbores, reducing job time and cost by eliminating the need for post-drilling inspections and cable retrieval, and providing immediate site clearance for rectification.
Implementation Method 1
A camera is provided within an adapter assembly that couples a utility line to the drill string for installation of the utility line into the borehole during pullback of the drill string, and the camera is oriented to view in a direction opposite a direction of the pullback of the drill string. An uphole module is connected with the camera via power line communication over a pair of insulated wires.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter assembly for connection between a drill head of a horizontal directional drilling system and a utility line. A central housing body defines an interior space. A first end cap is secured to a first end of the central housing body. A second end cap is secured to a second end of the central housing body and configured to attach to the utility line. An electromagnetic (EM) sensor, including an antenna arrangement is configured to emit and receive EM signals, provided within the interior space of the central housing body. A connection structure at the first end cap is configured to attach to the drill head for pullback. The central housing body is at least partially transmissive to the EM signals, and the EM sensor is configured to receive electrical power and transmit data via wiring connected through at least one of the first and second end caps.