GB2561986A - Drill head for earth boring, drilling device for earth boring having the drill head, and method to detect objects while earth boring - Google Patents
Drill head for earth boring, drilling device for earth boring having the drill head, and method to detect objects while earth boring Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2561986A GB2561986A GB1806734.8A GB201806734A GB2561986A GB 2561986 A GB2561986 A GB 2561986A GB 201806734 A GB201806734 A GB 201806734A GB 2561986 A GB2561986 A GB 2561986A
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- drill head
- radio signal
- reflected radio
- above ground
- receiver
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- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 70
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 19
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- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000012937 correction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000001131 transforming effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910000278 bentonite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000000440 bentonite Substances 0.000 description 2
- SVPXDRXYRYOSEX-UHFFFAOYSA-N bentoquatam Chemical compound O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Al]O[Al]=O SVPXDRXYRYOSEX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000006854 communication Effects 0.000 description 2
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- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910001141 Ductile iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 241000404883 Pisa Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003044 adaptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009412 basement excavation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007175 bidirectional communication Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011224 oxide ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052574 oxide ceramic Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000009527 percussion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B44/00—Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systems; Systems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
- E21B47/02—Determining slope or direction
- E21B47/022—Determining slope or direction of the borehole, e.g. using geomagnetism
- E21B47/0228—Determining slope or direction of the borehole, e.g. using geomagnetism using electromagnetic energy or detectors therefor
- E21B47/0232—Determining slope or direction of the borehole, e.g. using geomagnetism using electromagnetic energy or detectors therefor at least one of the energy sources or one of the detectors being located on or above the ground surface
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
- E21B47/09—Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wells, e.g. the position of an extending arm; Identifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
- E21B7/04—Directional drilling
- E21B7/046—Directional drilling horizontal drilling
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
- E21B7/02—Drilling rigs characterised by means for land transport with their own drive, e.g. skid mounting or wheel mounting
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Geophysics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)
- Excavating Of Shafts Or Tunnels (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
- Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
Drill head 1 for earth boring, for a horizontal drilling device, where the drill head features a housing, a transmitter 6 for generating a radio signal, an antenna 7 and a receiver 8 for receiving a reflected radio signal. Where characterized the antenna unit 7 is adapted to transmit a radio signal into the earth as well as to receive a reflected radio signal, the antenna unit 7 arranged to receive signals relating to obstacles ahead and on the side of the drill head 1. Optionally, the receiver 8 is adapted such that the reflected radio signal can be transmitted unprocessed to a device above ground. Optionally, the drill head features a location acquisition device and the receiver 8 is adapted to transmit data of the location acquisition device together with the reflected radio signal to a device above ground.
Description
(56) Documents Cited:
WO 2003/080988 A2 US 20120006597 A1 (71) Applicant(s):
Tracto-Technik-Paul Schmidt Spezialmaschinen (Incorporated in the Federal Republic of Germany) Paul-Schmidt-Strasse 2, 57368 Lennestadt, Germany
E21B 47/09 (2012.01)
US 7143844 B2 US 20090183917 A1 (58) Field of Search:
INT CL E21B Other: EPODOC, WPI
IDS GeoRadar s.r.i
Via A.Righi 1-2, Pisa 56121, Italy
Florence Engineering s.r.i
Via Don Giulio Facibeni 3, Firenze 50141, Italy
OSTS Technology Ltd
391 Benton Road, Four Lanes End,
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, N7 7EE, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):
Manfred Schauerte Devis Dei Guido Manacorda (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:
Urquhart-Dykes & Lord LLP Altius House, 1 North Fourth Street,
MILTON KEYNES, Buckinghamshire, MK9 1NE, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Drill head for earth boring, drilling device for earth boring having the drill head, and method to detect objects while earth boring
Abstract Title: A horizontal drill featuring obstacle detection radar in the drill head (57) Drill head 1 for earth boring, for a horizontal drilling device, where the drill head features a housing, a transmitter 6 for generating a radio signal, an antenna 7 and a receiver 8 for receiving a reflected radio signal. Where characterized the antenna unit 7 is adapted to transmit a radio signal into the earth as well as to receive a reflected radio signal, the antenna unit 7 arranged to receive signals relating to obstacles ahead and on the side of the drill head 1. Optionally, the receiver 8 is adapted such that the reflected radio signal can be transmitted unprocessed to a device above ground. Optionally, the drill head features a location acquisition device and the receiver 8 is adapted to transmit data of the location acquisition device together with the reflected radio signal to a device above ground.
Fig.3
At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.
This print incorporates corrections made under Section 117(1) of the Patents Act 1977.
1/3
2/3
3/3
Drill head for earth boring, Drilling device for earth boring having the drill head, and
Method to detect objects while earth boring
The invention relates to a drill head, and in particular to a drill head for a horizontal drilling device, a drilling device for earth boring, especially a horizontal drilling device, comprising the drill head, and a method to detect objects while earth boring, especially using a horizontal drilling device.
Obstacles in front of the drill head of a drilling device for earth boring pose a problem in the horizontal drilling technique. Such obstacles may for example involve boulders of hard rock that oftentimes cannot be crushed by the used drilling devices. Furthermore, water, gas, telephone, or power lines can be located in regions near the earth’s surface and they should not be destroyed during drilling.
This problem led to the development of steerable horizontal drilling devices. Such drilling devices, designated HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling), render it possible to navigate around obstacles. It is further known to identify obstacles before drilling by means of georadar survey in order to enable to circumnavigate obstacles in view of the location determination.
Obstacles in the earth are normally detected reliably by the radar unit in that electromagnetic waves radiating from the radar unit are reflected from electrical discontinuities caused by parts of the obstacles and received again by the radar unit. By analyzing the received electromagnetic waves, it is possible i.a. to determine the position, i.e. the direction of the obstacle in relation to the drill head, and the distance thereto, and to use it for a course correction of the drilling device.
US 6 755 263 B2 discloses systems and methods for sensing at an underground drilling device in communication with an above-ground locator. The systems and methods involve transmitting a radar probe signal from the underground drilling device. A radar return signal is received at the underground drilling device. The radar return signal is processed at the underground drilling device to produce sensor data. The sensor data is transmitted in a form suitable for reception by the above-ground locator.
The integration of a radar unit in a horizontal drilling device, however, represents a major problem. Since the radar unit normally is used to monitor the region in front of the drill head, it is sensible to arrange the radar unit in the drill head in order to preclude the horizontal drilling device itself from interfering with the electromagnetic waves. Further, the drill head is subject to harsh environmental influences so that electronic devices in the drill head may be subject to extensive wear and/or damages. In a horizontal drilling device, the drill head represents a component that is subject to most intense stress because it transmits to the earth the static and dynamic (when a percussion device is involved) drilling forces, generated by a drive unit of the horizontal drilling device. Further, the space in the drill head is limited.
Starting from the prior art, the invention is based on the object to provide an advantageous possibility to integrate a radar unit in a drill head which solves or addresses at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks.
This object is solved by the subject-matter according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent patent claims.
The essence of the invention resides in the finding that only one antenna unit can be used to detect obstacles ahead and on the side of the drill head. The number of components in the drill head is decreased as well as the space which has to be provided for the components necessary to detect obstacles in the path of the drill head.
In a preferred embodiment, the reflected radio signal can be processed above ground and that processing of the reflected radio signal is done above ground. As a consequence in the drill head no processing has to take place but only transmission of the reflected radio signal - received by the drill head - has to take place. Therefore, the number of electronic components in the drill head can be further decreased and the electronic components in the drill head can be less complex. A drill head for earth boring according to the invention, in particular for a horizontal drilling device, thus can comprise a receiver which is adapted such that the reflected radio signal can be transmitted unprocessed to a device above ground.
-3A horizontal drilling device which can be used in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) encompasses according to the invention a device to trenchlessly drill a hole in the earth or soil. A drill head can be used which can be steered. The purpose in drilling the hole in the ground can be to install an underground pipe, conduit or cable along the hole to be drilled. The pipe can be made of a material such as a polymer, for example PVC, polyethylene and/or polypropylene, ductile iron and/or steel. The pipe can be pulled through the drilled hole during or after drilling the hole.
The term “housing” according to the invention encompasses a space that is at least partially surrounded by a section of an outer contour of the drill head.
A “transmitter” according to the invention encompasses a pulse generator which is functionally coupled to the antenna for sending out electromagnetic waves, i.e. the radio signal. Radar, especially for the earth boring, is ground penetrating-radar which is a sensitive technique for detecting even small changes in the subsurface dielectric constant. Using radar, images can be generated and can contain a great amount of detail. The main purpose for using radar in horizontal directional drilling is to detect obstacles in front of the drill head as well as on the side. Transmitter and receiver can be part of an object/obstacle-detection system. The transmitter can in one embodiment comprise an antenna and circuit components which are used to generate the radio signal.
The drill head can comprise a single antenna for both transmission and receiving/reception of the radio signal. However, an additional antenna or additional antennas, especially for different purposes, for example transmitting and/or receiving localizing information and/or control or steering information and/or commands, can be provided as well. It is possible to use a single antenna unit having a single antenna for transmitting the signal and a single antenna for receiving the signal. The antenna or antennas will preferably be located inside the drill head or on its surface in a conformal configuration. In case that the antenna is located inside the drill head, at least a portion of the drill head comprises a non-metallic material, preferably a hard dielectric,
-4especially POM, or a radar wave transparent material, which allows for a transmission from the drill head into the earth.
A “receiver” according to the invention encompasses a device which is adapted to receive electromagnetic waves, in particular the previously transmitted radio signal which is reflected from an object.
The term that the “receiver is adapted such that the reflected radio signal is transmitted unprocessed above ground” encompasses that the received reflected radio signal can be transmitted by the receiver itself, i.e. the receiver can comprise a transmission means, or the receiver is functionally connected to a transmission means which transmits the reflected radio signal received by receiver.
The term “unprocessed” encompasses that the reflected radio signal received by the receiver and transmitted to a device above ground is transmitted without evaluating the signal. The “raw signal” received by the receiver can be transmitted to a device above ground. Transmitting a received radio signal “unprocessed” encompasses that the radio signal can be modulated and/or amplified for the transmission purpose but, however, no information was obtained with regard to the purpose of detecting an obstacle, i.e. no evaluation of the received radio signal for the purpose of detecting an obstacle takes place in the drill head. Evaluation of the received radio signal takes place above ground. The device above ground may further comprise or be connected to a display unit to indicate information about an obstacle situated in the earth and detected by the radar unit, in particular about distance, location (i.e. direction in relation to the drilling device), size and shape. Moreover, the device above ground may further comprise or be connected with a control unit which is able to automatically execute a course correction for the drill head of the drilling device to prevent a collision with the detected obstacle.
The term “device above ground” encompasses that the respective device can be located above the earth. It can also encompass that the device is located in an excavation of the earth, especially a starting or target pit used in HDD. The “device above ground” is
-5different from the drill head and the drill string. The “device above ground” is outside the hole which is to be drilled.
The term “drill head” according to the invention encompasses a so-called steerable drill head having an end face which is slanted at least in some areas in relation to the own longitudinal axis and thus in relation to the drilling direction. The slanted surface causes a deflective force that is directed to the side during propulsion and results in curved drilling pattern when the drill head is driven statically, i.e. does not rotate. A drilling in a straight line is possible with such a controlled drill head by operating the drill head in propulsion direction as well as rotating it so that the deflective forces compensate over a complete revolution.
The invention explicitly considers the reflected radio signal, however, signals can be considered as well which are diffracted, i.e. the diffracted radio signal, so that signals are considered which are caused by non-reflective underground obstacles. Thus, the term “reflected radio signal” encompasses the signal which is received by the receiver, irrespective whether the received signal is a reflected radio signal or a diffracted radio signal.
The electronic and/or electric components in the drill head can be power-supplied by a battery or accumulator. Providing a battery or an accumulator in the drill head allows an independent power supply for the electric/electronic components in the drill head. The electronic and/or electric components in the drill head can be power-supplied from the surface by a wire in the drill rod.
The polarity of power provided by the power-supply can be altered or varied so that the power for supplying the electronic and/or electric components can be set to a suitable polarity scheme or can be alternated to manage any electrolytic corrosion in the drill string.
The radar can be used which is based in a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS). A DDS is a type of frequency synthesizer which can be used for creating arbitrary waveforms from
-6a single, fixed-frequency reference clock. A DDS circuit which can be used, can comprise (a) a phase accumulator, (b) a memory/storage, (c) a D/A converter and (d) means for transforming an analog periodic signal into analog pulses. The phase accumulator can be controlled numerically and can have predetermined input counting duration and input clock frequency and can have a phase-modulated periodic output digital signal. The memory/storage can be implemented as a ROM for phase/amplitude conversion of the phase-modulated periodic digital signal and providing an amplitudemodulated periodic digital signal. The D/A converter can convert said amplitudemodulated periodic digital signal into a quantized analog periodic signal. Preferably, said means for transforming comprise a comparator that detects the “zero crossing” of said analog periodic signal and generates driving pulses for each of said “zero crossing”. Advantageously, upstream from said comparator a filter is provided for transforming said quantized analog periodic signal into a sinusoidal signal.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiver is coupled to a signal transmitter and the signal transmitter is adapted to transmit the reflected radio signal received by the receiver unprocessed to a device above ground. Thus, the receiver for receiving the reflected radio signal can be a separate entity additional to the receiver. However, it is also possible that the receiver for receiving the reflected radio signal is adapted to transmit the reflected radio signal by itself.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiver for receiving the reflected radio signals and/or the signal transmitter is adapted to receive the unprocessed reflected radio signal wirelessly. Thus, the device above ground is adapted to receive the reflected radio signal wirelessly. Having a wireless transmission, there is no need for a wire by which the unprocessed radio signal can be transmitted to the device above ground. The unprocessed radio signals can be transmitted via electromagnetic waves, which can be modulated. Thus, modulated electromagnetic waves are used to transfer the unprocessed radio signal to the device above ground. After demodulation of the electromagnetic waves, which were received by the device above ground, the unprocessed data can be used to visualize information and/or to generate a warning signal.
- 7According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiver is coupled to a cable or wire being connected to a connecting element for transmission of the reflected radio signal to a connection element of a drill rod segment connectable to the drill head. By providing a cable or wire for transmission the risk of interference is reduced which may be possible due to an influence on the electromagnetic wave used for wireless transmission.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drill head comprises a location acquisition device and the receiver is adapted to transmit data of the location acquisition device together with the reflected radio signal to a device above ground. The data of the obstacle detection system can be synchronized with the data of the location acquisition device. It may be possible to correlate the data of the obstacle detection device to the location information.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiver is adapted to transmit the reflected radio signal and the data of the location acquisition device by discrete multitoned modulation (DMM). The reflected radio signal which was received by the antenna is first amplified as raw data in an amplifier. From the amplifier the signals then pass via an Ethernet-interface (which is a four-wire interface) to a DMMModem in the drill head, which makes the four-wire interface a two-wire interface. The signals are then transferred via a so-called Inliner in the drill rod or the inner pipe of a drill rod having two pipes (an outer pipe and an inner pipe) and the drill rod or the outer respective pipe and the drill rod to the device above ground, i.e. the drilling device. The device above ground can tap the transferred signal via a slip ring. A so-called In-Cab modem makes the two-wire interface again a four-wire interface (Ethernet). Via a commercial Ethernet-network cable the raw data then passes for evaluation to a computer at the drilling device.
The term “Ethernet” encompasses the possibility that a communication over Ethernet divides the stream of data into shorter pieces, so-called frames. Each frame can contain source and destination addresses and error checking data. The content of the frame
-8provides the possibility that a damaged frame can be detected and discarded and/or retransmitted and/or corrected.
By using discrete multitoned modulation a signal can be separated in frequency bands. Fast Fourier transformation (FFT) algorithms can be used for modulation and demodulation.
It can be provided that the technique used can be adaptive using the most favourable tones at a rate to sustain optimum throughput. The data stream can carry an error detection and correction overhead to ensure the quality of the data.
Further, the invention provides a drilling device for earth boring, in particular a horizontal drilling device, wherein the drilling device comprises the above-mentioned drill head and a device above ground.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device above ground is adapted to steer the drill head. It becomes possible to steer the drill head and to drill a hole in the earth in response to commands or instructions entered into the device above ground. The drill head can receive the commands/instructions or the drilling device is operated in response to the device above ground.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device above ground is adapted to visualize the reflected radio signal and/or the data of a location acquisition device. The device above ground can comprise a display or monitor to visualize the information received by the obstacle detecting system (reflected radio signal) as well as the location acquisition device.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device above ground is adapted to steer the drill head in response to the reflected radio signal and/or the data of a location acquisition device. The control of the drill head or the drilling device can be an automatic control so that the drill head is steered along a pre-determined path taking into account the information given by the reflected radio signal (obstacle detection
-9device). After avoiding the detected obstacle the drill head can be returned to its predetermined path behind the obstacle.
Further, the invention provides a method to detect objects while earth boring, the method comprising the steps: Transmitting a radio signal from a drill head and Receiving a reflected radio signal via a receiver in the drill head by using the same antenna. Thus, only one single antenna for transmitting the radio signal into earth as well as receiving reflected radio signal is used.
In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the step of Transmitting the received reflected radio signal unprocessed to a device above ground.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of Transmitting the received reflected radio signal via a cable through the drill head and drill rod segments being connected to the drill head.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of transmitting the reflected radio signal together with data of a location acquisition device, especially by discrete multitoned modulation.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of steering the drill head in response to the reflected radio signal.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the drawings.
It is shown in the drawings:
Fig. 1 a horizontal drilling device with a drill head according to the invention,
Fig. 2 a further embodiment of a horizontal drilling device with a drill head according to the invention,
- 10 Fig. 3 a first embodiment of a drill head according to the invention,
Fig. 4 a second embodiment of a drill head according to the invention, and
Fig. 5 a flow diagram describing the flow of data, signals and power.
Fig. 1 shows by way of a simplified illustration the application of a steerable horizontal drilling device which is also called a HDD drilling device. HDD is short for “Horizontal Directional Drilling”. The horizontal drilling device includes a drill head 1 which involves a drill head 1 according to the invention. The drill head 1 is mounted to the leading end of a drill rod 2, with the drill rod 2 comprised of a plurality of rod sections 3 that are connected to one another via screw threads. The trailing end of the drill rod 2 is connected to a drive unit 4 by which forces in longitudinal direction of the drill rod 2 as well as a torque can be transmitted to the drill rod 2. By means of the drive unit 4, the drill rod 2 including the attached drill head 1 can be driven in thrust direction and pull direction as well as rotated.
In the horizontal drilling device of fig. 1, the drive unit 4 is placed stationary on the earth’s surface and thus above ground. The drilling operation thus starts also from the earth’s surface, whereby initially it is drilled at a slant into the ground and after reaching the desired depth, the course of drilling is changed until reaching the horizontal, and then drilling continues in a substantially horizontal manner.
Deviations from the straight-lined drilling course may become necessary when obstacles (not shown) are encountered in the earth that cannot be drilled through (e.g. bedrock) or must not be drilled through (e.g. power, gas, or water lines). To detect such obstacles in the ground, the drill head is provided with a radar unit which radiates electromagnetic waves and receives these waves after the latter have been reflected from an electrically conductive object, so as to be able to calculate distance, shape, size, and location of the object. Thus radar unit is described in more detail in figs. 3 and 4.
- 11 Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment in which the drive unit 4 is located in a start pit 5. According to the understanding of the present invention, the drive unit 4 is a device above ground.
Figs. 3 and 4 show two embodiments of a drill head 1 according to the invention with a radar unit and useable in a horizontal drilling device as shown in figs. 1 and 2.
The drill heads 1 of figs. 2 and 3 have a cylindrical shaft which is formed on its trailing end in drilling direction with a locking system by which it can be secured to the leading end of the drill rod 2. Provided on the leading end of the drill head 1 is a drill head front having a shape configured for maximum propulsion. For this purpose, the drill head front includes various hard metal elements which provide for a good cutting action in the earth and moreover are extremely wear-resistant. A slanted surface produces during propulsion in the earth a laterally directed deflection that allows steerability of the horizontal drilling device. Integrated in the slanted surface can be in addition two nozzles for bentonite flushing by which bentonite, conducted to the drill head 1 via an external feed (not shown) and via the interior of the hollow drill rod 2, exits under high pressure from the drill head and improves the drilling propulsion by the hydraulic cutting action on one hand and a softening of the earth in front of the drill head 1 on the other hand.
The radar unit is arranged in the cylindrical shaft of the drill head 1 and includes a transmitter 6 for generating an electrical pulse and emitting electromagnetic waves (reflected radio signal via antenna 7), a receiver 8 for receiving the reflected electromagnetic waves. The reflected radio signal is transmitted unprocessed to the drive unit 4. The drive unit 4 comprises an evaluation unit having a display device which can indicate information about distance, location, size, and shape of obstacles located in the earth. The evaluation unit is further connected with a control unit which enables navigation around the obstacles by respectively operating the drive unit 4.
The radar unit, especially the antenna 7, sends out the electromagnetic waves in a defined direction, whereby the region of the housing of the drill head 1 from which
- 12 region the electromagnetic waves emerge, can be covered by a plate which is made of oxide ceramics, a dielectric material. In contrast thereto, the remainder of the housing of the drill head 1 can be made of steel and thus of electrically conductive material. The plate of a radar wave transparent material can ensure a sufficient passage of the electromagnetic waves through the housing of the drill head 1 so as to enable a monitoring of the earth in front of and/or to the side of the drill head 1.
The drill heads 1 illustrated in figs. 3 and 4 are configured essentially in three parts, comprised of a shaft end for attachment to the leading end of the drill rod 2, the drill head front whose shape is designed for optimum drilling propulsion, as well as a radar housing arranged between these components of the drill head 1 and forming part of the shaft of the drill head 1. The connection between the three parts of the drill head 1 is implemented by a quick-acting closure system with locking elements. The three-part configuration of the drill head 1 allows optional installation of the radar unit so that the drill head front can also be directly connected with the shaft end. Depending on the earth in which drilling takes place, there may be situations in which radar monitoring may not be required and since the radar unit is also fairly expensive, the optional installation of the radar unit serves only to improve effectiveness because in some cases fewer radar units may be purchased than drill heads.
The transmission of the unprocessed radio signal received via antenna 7 by the receiver to the drill unit 4 according to the embodiment shown in fig. 3 is carried out by a wire coupled to the receiver 8 and leading to contact surface which comes into contact with leading end of the drill rod 2. In the drill rod 2 (each drill rod section 3) a cable is provided for establishing an electrical contact from the receiver 8 to the drill unit 4.
The transmission of the unprocessed radio signal received via antenna 7 by the receiver 8 to the drill unit 4 according to the embodiment shown in fig. 4 is carried out wirelessly. The receiver 8 transmits the received reflected radio signal to the drill unit 4. The receiver 8 comprises a signal transmitter 10 to transmit the reflected radio signal to the drill unit 4.
- 13 Fig. 5 describes the flow of signals, data and power according to an embodiment of the present invention. The Fig. 5 describes an exemplary system flow diagram. Fig. 5 shows schematically the components of the drill head 1. The components of the drill head 1 are encircled by a dashed line. However, the components denoted by 21a and 21b can also be comprised in a drill rod adjacent the drill head 1.
According to Fig. 5, the drill head 1 comprises Tx/Rx electronics 31, electronics 21a and electronics 21b. Tx/Rx electronics 31 is adapted to generate an electrical pulse and emit electromagnetic waves indicated by Tx pulse. Further, received electromagnetic waves indicated by Rx signal, are received by the Tx/Rx electronics 31.
The Tx/Rx electronics 31 is power-supplied by a control unit 22 contained in the electronics 21a. Further, the control unit 22 sends a timing data to the Tx/Rx electronics 31 on which basis the Tx/Rx electronics 31 generates the electrical pulse and an electromagnetic wave is transmitted. Additionally, the control unit receives the raw radar data in the form of the signal received by the Tx/Rx electronics 31. The data can be sent unprocessed.
The control unit 22 is described as being adapted to communicate with the radar modem interface 23 in a bi-directional manner. The control unit 22 is adapted to receive and send configuration and/or status data from and to the radar modem interface 23, respectively.
An attitude sensor 24 is provided which is arranged as part of the drill head electronics 21a. The attitude sensor 24 can receive power from the control unit 22. The control unit can be connected to the attitude sensor 24 so that the signal generated by the attitude sensor 24 can be recived by the control unit 22. The attitude sensor 24 can determine the roll angle of the drill head 1. The roll angle can correspond to an angle by which the drill head 1 is rotated around the longitudinal axis of the drill head 1. The control unit 22 can receive a signal corresponding to the roll angle of the drill head 1.
- 14 The control unit 22 can send the received radar data unprocessed together with an information about the roll angle of the drill head 1. The respective information of radar data together with roll angle is called “tagged radar data” and send to a radar modem interface 23.
The tagged radar data is send from the radar modem interface 23 of electronis 21a to a spread spectrum modem interface 25 of electronics 21b via an Ethernet link 26. The Ethernet link 26 provides a bi-directional communication between the radar modem interface 23 and the spread spectrum modem interface 25.
The control unit 22 is supplied by power via a power conversion and monitoring unit 27. The power conversion and monitoring unit 27 serves as power supply for the spread spectrum modem interface 25. Further, the power conversion and monitoring unit 27 provides drill string status data for the spread spectrum modem interface 25.
The spread spectrum modem interface 25 provides spread spectrum data which can be sent via the drill string to the drill unit 4 controlling the drilling. The drill string serves in one direction for providing power and in a bi-directional manner for the signals of the radar data. The spread spectrum data can be tapped by a slip ring 28 from the drill string to a display and/or control for visualizing the information of the radar data and the roll angle. In the control the radar data can be processed based on the raw signal and the respective roll angle associated therewith. A picture can be shown on a respective device 42 which depicts the position of underground obstacles. In addition or alternatively, it can be possible that an alarm signal can be generated by a control 42 in case that the drill head 1 runs the risk to contact an obstacle in case the drill head 1 moves further in the present direction of the drill head 1.
Via the slip ring 28 it is possible to feed in the signal with regard to the radar data and/or the power into the drill string.
Claims (15)
1. Drill head (1) for earth boring, in particular for a horizontal drilling device, comprising a housing, a transmitter (6) for generating a radio signal, an antenna (7) and a receiver (8) for receiving a reflected radio signal, characterized in that the antenna unit (7) is adapted to transmit a radio signal into the earth as well as to receive a reflected radio signal, the antenna unit (7) arranged to receive signals relating to obstacles ahead and on the side of the drill head (1).
2. Drill head (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiver (8) is adapted such that the reflected radio signal can be transmitted unprocessed to a device above ground.
3. Drill head (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiver (8) is coupled to a signal transmitter (10) and the signal transmitter (10) is adapted to transmit the reflected radio signal received by the receiver (8) unprocessed to a device above ground.
4. Drill head (1) according to anyone of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the device above ground is adapted to receive the unprocessed reflected radio signal wirelessly.
5. Drill head (1) according to anyone of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the receiver (8) is coupled to a cable or wire (9) being connected to a connecting element for transmission of the reflected radio signal to a connection element of a drill rod segment connectable to the drill head (1).
6. Drill head (1) according to anyone of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the drill head (1) comprises a location acquisition device and the receiver (8) is adapted to transmit data of the location acquisition device together with the reflected radio signal to a device above ground.
- 16
7. Drill head (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the receiver (8) is adapted to transmit the reflected radio signal and the data of the location acquisition device by discrete multitoned modulation.
8. Drilling device for earth boring, in particular a horizontal drilling device, characterized in that the drilling device comprises the drill head (1) according to claims 1 to 7 and a device above ground.
9. Drilling device according to claim 8, characterized in that the device above ground is adapted to steer the drill head (1).
10. Drilling device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the device above ground is adapted to visualize the reflected radio signal and/or the data of a location acquisition device.
11. Drilling device according to anyone of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the device above ground is adapted to steer the drill head (1) in response to the reflected radio signal and/or the data of a location acquisition device.
12. Method to detect objects while earth boring comprising the steps: transmitting a radio signal from a drill head (1) and receiving a reflected radio signal via a receiver (8) in the drill head (1), characterized by transmitting the radio signal into earth and receiving the reflected radio signal by the same antenna unit (7), which detects obstacles ahead and on the side of the drill head (1).
13. Method according to claim 12, characterized by transmitting the received reflected radio signal unprocessed to a device above ground, wherein the received reflected radio signal is transmitted via a wire (9) through the drill head (1) and drill rod segments being connected to the drill head (1).
14. Method according to claim 12, characterized by transmitting the received reflected radio signal unprocessed to a device above ground, wherein the received
- 17reflected radio signal is transmitted wirelessly from the drill head (1) to the device (4) above ground.
15. Method according to anyone of claims 12 to 14, characterized by transmitting 5 the reflected radio signal together with data of a location acquisition device, especially by discrete multitoned modulation.
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Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP17000714 | 2017-04-26 | ||
| EP17001053 | 2017-06-21 |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
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| GB201806734D0 GB201806734D0 (en) | 2018-06-06 |
| GB2561986A true GB2561986A (en) | 2018-10-31 |
| GB2561986A8 GB2561986A8 (en) | 2019-02-20 |
Family
ID=62236277
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1806734.8A Withdrawn GB2561986A (en) | 2017-04-26 | 2018-04-25 | Drill head for earth boring, drilling device for earth boring having the drill head, and method to detect objects while earth boring |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20180313205A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2018184828A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE102018003401A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2561986A (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112696189B (en) * | 2020-12-16 | 2022-12-20 | 北京六合伟业科技股份有限公司 | Near-bit rapid detection device and method |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2003080988A2 (en) * | 2002-03-27 | 2003-10-02 | Tracto- Technik Gmbh | Drill head and method for controlled horizontal drilling |
| US7143844B2 (en) * | 1999-09-24 | 2006-12-05 | Vermeer Manufacturing Company | Earth penetrating apparatus and method employing radar imaging and rate sensing |
| US20090183917A1 (en) * | 2005-11-16 | 2009-07-23 | The Charles Machine Works, Inc. | System and apparatus for locating and avoiding an underground obstacle |
| US20120006597A1 (en) * | 2008-06-03 | 2012-01-12 | Tracto-Technik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Drill head |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5881310A (en) * | 1990-07-16 | 1999-03-09 | Atlantic Richfield Company | Method for executing an instruction where the memory locations for data, operation to be performed and storing of the result are indicated by pointers |
| US6417666B1 (en) * | 1991-03-01 | 2002-07-09 | Digital Control, Inc. | Boring tool tracking system and method using magnetic locating signal and wire-in-pipe data |
| DE19607365C5 (en) * | 1996-02-27 | 2004-07-08 | Tracto-Technik Paul Schmidt Spezialmaschinen | Method for steering an earth drilling device and a steerable device for producing an earth drilling |
| US5867117A (en) * | 1996-12-13 | 1999-02-02 | The University Of Kansas, Center For Research, Incorporated | Swept-step radar system and detection method using same |
| US6072769A (en) * | 1997-03-04 | 2000-06-06 | At&T Corporation | Method for multitone division multiple access communications |
| JPH1183995A (en) * | 1997-09-09 | 1999-03-26 | Osaka Gas Co Ltd | Obstacle detector and detecting method in underground propelling work |
| US6308787B1 (en) * | 1999-09-24 | 2001-10-30 | Vermeer Manufacturing Company | Real-time control system and method for controlling an underground boring machine |
| US6644421B1 (en) * | 2001-12-26 | 2003-11-11 | Robbins Tools, Inc. | Sonde housing |
| WO2004076799A2 (en) * | 2003-02-24 | 2004-09-10 | The Charles Machine Works, Inc. | Configurable beacon for a horizontal boring machine |
| JP2005017101A (en) * | 2003-06-26 | 2005-01-20 | Kyushu Electric Power Co Inc | Underground radar device |
| US7187298B2 (en) * | 2005-01-13 | 2007-03-06 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Methods and systems for transmitting and receiving a discrete multi-tone modulated signal in a fluid |
| JP2009503306A (en) * | 2005-08-04 | 2009-01-29 | シュルンベルジェ ホールディングス リミテッド | Interface for well telemetry system and interface method |
| JP6268900B2 (en) * | 2013-10-11 | 2018-01-31 | 富士通株式会社 | Transmission apparatus, transmission system, and transmission method |
-
2018
- 2018-04-25 JP JP2018084094A patent/JP2018184828A/en active Pending
- 2018-04-25 US US15/962,363 patent/US20180313205A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2018-04-25 GB GB1806734.8A patent/GB2561986A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2018-04-25 DE DE102018003401.2A patent/DE102018003401A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7143844B2 (en) * | 1999-09-24 | 2006-12-05 | Vermeer Manufacturing Company | Earth penetrating apparatus and method employing radar imaging and rate sensing |
| WO2003080988A2 (en) * | 2002-03-27 | 2003-10-02 | Tracto- Technik Gmbh | Drill head and method for controlled horizontal drilling |
| US20090183917A1 (en) * | 2005-11-16 | 2009-07-23 | The Charles Machine Works, Inc. | System and apparatus for locating and avoiding an underground obstacle |
| US20120006597A1 (en) * | 2008-06-03 | 2012-01-12 | Tracto-Technik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Drill head |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE102018003401A1 (en) | 2018-10-31 |
| GB201806734D0 (en) | 2018-06-06 |
| US20180313205A1 (en) | 2018-11-01 |
| GB2561986A8 (en) | 2019-02-20 |
| JP2018184828A (en) | 2018-11-22 |
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| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |