Modern Exploration Techniques Employing "Q" Wireline System
Authors: Wicklund Albin P. 
Published: December 2007

American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers Inc.
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Abstract
Recent developments in the "O" wireline coring system and problems which had to be overcome prior to its adaptation to exploration projects. Operation of the "Q" wireline system is emphasized and the advantages which are obtained by employing this technique. Performance data of the "Q" wireline as compared to conventional drill strings used under comparable conditions.

Introduction
The "Q" wireline system is a recent modification of the wireline technique which was first used by the oil industry, has undergone changes by the oil and mineral industry until today it has reached maturity and is synonymous with mineral exploration programs throughout the world. The petroleum industry developed the basic equipment and drilling procedures many years ago. However, the tools employed were of large diameter often ranging up to eight inches in size, and it was not until after a six-year period of continuous testing and development work that the E. J. Long year Company succeeded in perfect ting small diameter tools such as our wireline system that it became practical to employ on exploration projects. Prior to 1954, conventional ball-bearing, swivel type core barrels were used almost exclusively. Employing this method required drill rods to be pulled every time there was a core block or when the core barrel was filled to capacity (normally every ten feet). The E. J. Long year Company, in an effort to effect higher core recovery and speed up drilling progress and combat rising labor and material costs, placed in service on drilling projects located in the southwestern United States strings of NX and BX size wireline coring tools. Since 1953 the NX wireline and BX wireline and smaller diameter AX wireline core barrels and accessory tools have been applied with outstanding success on coring operations in the southwest copper and uranium districts; in midwest sedimentary bearing gypsum, limestone and fluorspar deposits; in Lake Superior Pre-Cambrian rocks containing cooper, nickel and iron ore; in the Appalachians both sedimentary and crystalline rocks exploring for lead, zinc and copper; in western altered volcanic rocks, and throughout the United States on underground storage projects. Recent development of the "Q" series wireline has, increased both core recovery and the length of core runs, and also the penetration rate due to suspension and stabilization of the inner tube assembly. Both angle and vertical holes have been completed using the "Q" wireline system to depths ranging from 300 to 4700 feet.