Movable Drill Head Layout for Longer Core Tube Retrieval
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drill rigs are limited by the height of the drill head, restricting the maximum length of core samples that can be retrieved, necessitating multiple short samples for a given sampling length, which is time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A drill rig design that allows the drill head to move between positions, enabling the wireline system to lift core samples beyond the drill head's height limitation, with a movable energy chain bracket assembly and a carriage system to prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the drill head is positioned at the top of the mast to enable core sample retrieval, then the drilling operation can be performed, but the maximum length of retrievable core samples is limited by the drill head height
Solution Approach 1:
The drill head is made movable between a first position (aligned with drilling axis) and a second position (spaced from drilling axis) through a carriage system that travels along the mast. This dynamic repositioning allows the wireline assembly to clear the drill head during core sample retrieval, enabling recovery of longer core samples that exceed the original drill head height limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-position drill head to a multi-position system by adding the longitudinal dimension of mast travel. The carriage system allows the drill head to move along the mast's length, creating additional spatial dimension for wireline assembly clearance and enabling longer core sample retrieval without increasing drill head height.
2Productivity
If multiple short core samples are drilled to achieve a given sampling length, then the sampling coverage is maintained, but the overall operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drill head is repositioned to the second position (spaced from drilling axis) in advance before wireline retrieval begins. This preliminary action clears the path for the wireline assembly and roller subassembly to move freely along the drilling axis, enabling continuous retrieval of longer core samples without interruption or repeated repositioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable drill head system enables continuous wireline retrieval operations by maintaining clear passage for the wireline assembly throughout the entire core sample length. The drill head remains in the second position during retrieval, allowing uninterrupted continuous action rather than stopping and repositioning between multiple short samples.
3Length of moving object
If the drill head is moved away from the drilling axis to allow wireline retrieval, then longer core samples can be retrieved, but collision risk between drill head and wireline assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the drill head and the mast. It provides controlled, precise movement of the drill head along the mast while maintaining proper spacing from the wireline assembly path. The carriage guides the drill head through safe trajectories, preventing direct contact between the drill head and wireline assembly during retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect the position of the drill head and wireline assembly, providing feedback control to prevent collision. The carriage system monitors the spacing between the drill head and wireline path, automatically adjusting position to maintain safe clearance while still enabling retrieval of extended core samples.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for retrieving inner tubes following core sampling are disclosed. Exemplary systems include a drill rig having a drilling axis. The drill rig can have a mast having a longitudinal axis and opposed first and second ends, the first end of the mast being configured for positioning proximate a drilling formation. A drill head can be configured to impart rotation to a drill string. The drill head can be configured for movement about and between a first position in which the drilling axis extends through the drill head; and a second position in which drill head is spaced from the drilling axis.