Patent Abstract:
There is provided a system for helicopter portable drilling comprising: a drill frame, a drill mast affixed a first end of the drill frame, a drill operatively coupled to the drill mast and operable using one of compressed air, pressurized hydraulic fluid and both compressed air and pressurized hydraulic fluid and a unified power source for providing compressed air and pressurized hydraulic fluid coupled to the drill, the total operating weight of the system being approximately 3000 pounds for allowing a single-pick move by a helicopter. A method of seismic line drilling comprising the steps of placing a first single-pick drilling system at a first location with a single pick, placing a second single-pick drilling system at a second location with a single pick, when finished drilling, moving the first single-pick drilling system to a third location with a single pick, when finished drilling, moving the second single-pick drilling system to a fourth location with a single pick.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/106,118 filed on Apr. 18, 2008, which claims priority of Canadian Patent Application No. 2,623,121 filed on Feb. 29, 2008. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to methods and systems for drilling and is particularly concerned with a helicopter portable drilling. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Referring to  FIG. 1  there is illustrated a known tracked drilling rig. The rig consists of a tracked vehicle  10  fitted with a drill  12 , a hydraulic system  14  for operating the drill and a compressor  16  for providing pressurized air for cleaning the hole being drilled. The tracked vehicle  10  is used on road accessible land, which has terrain that allows unrestricted movement of such vehicles. 
         [0004]    For areas that are inaccessible or where environmental impact is of concern, it is also known to use helicopter portable drilling systems. These drills are referred to as heli-portable drills. The method of using them is called heli-drilling The earliest examples of heli-portable drills included three components: a drill, a compressor and a supplies basket, which must be separated due to weight limitations of various helicopters. 
         [0005]    Referring to  FIG. 2  there is illustrated a known drill from a three pick drilling system. Typically the drills are hydraulically operated and have either a gasoline or diesel motor for powering the hydraulic pump. These pumps are used to operate the various hydraulic components of the drill. The drill in  FIG. 2  is from a two pick system but is a typical to a 3 pick. 
         [0006]    The second component is the compressor system an example of which is shown in  FIG. 3 . The compressor has a diesel or gasoline engine that is used to operate a high-volume air compressor. A hose is used to connect the compressor to the drill. The air is used to operate an air hammer, which is down the hole. Once the air has left the hammer, it cleans out the drill hole by forcing the drill cuttings to the surface. Depending on the drilling conditions, the driller may chose to drill with an auger style bit rather than an air hammer. In this case the air is only used to clean out the hole. 
         [0007]    The third pick typically contains drill stem, an explosive magazine, a cap magazine, drill mud, and any other supplies that the driller deems necessary (not shown in the figures). 
         [0008]    As technology continued to improve all of the components that were typically in the third basket where moved to the drill and compressor picks. This was primarily due to improved helicopter performance. Reducing the number of picks required not only reduces the time that the helicopter spends in a dangerous hover condition, it also significantly reduces costs due to less equipment being moved by the helicopter. 
         [0009]    A complete drill crew generally consists of six drills, six compressors and various accessory baskets. There are several reasons that the crew consists of six units. The first is that each drill has a driller and a driller&#39;s helper for a total of 12 persons. The Bell  212 ,  210  and  205  series of helicopters are configured to have a pilot, copilot and thirteen passengers. Six drills also give the helicopter adequate work each day, while keeping the drills productive. It is referred to as a cycle every time all of the drills are moved. The logistics of each program varies. It is primarily dependent on terrain. A drill crew typically works on between one and three seismic lines. 
         [0010]    Referring to  FIG. 4  there is graphically illustrated a typical seismic program having about 9000 shot points to drill with heli-portable drills. 
         [0011]    Referring to  FIG. 5  there is graphically illustrated a typical shot hole drilling sequence for a two-pick heli-portable drill system. Helicopter moves  20  drill from completed shot point A to next shot point to drill B. Then the Helicopter returns  22  to A to pick up the compressor. The helicopter moves  24  the compressor to B. The helicopter then flies  26  to C to start the sequence again for a second drill, e.g. moving to shot point E-E is not on diagram but was meant to be included to show 3 drills working on a single line. Depending on terrain, weather and drilling conditions there can be 2 to 6 drills working on a single line and multiple drill crews on a single program. 
         [0012]    Industry helicopters 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Bell  
                   
                   
                 Bell Eagle 
               
               
                 Specifications 
                 205 A-1++ 
                 Bell 210 
                 Bell 212 
                 Single 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 # of Engines 
                 One 
                 One 
                 Two 
                 One 
               
               
                 Engine Type 
                 T53-17A/B 
                 T53-17B 
                 PT6T-3/B 
                 T53-17A/B 
               
               
                 Blade Type 
                 212 
                 212 
                 212 
                 212 
               
               
                 Certification 
                 STC 
                 TC 
                 TC 
                 STC 
               
               
                 Avg Empty W 
                 5700 lbs 
                 5600 lbs 
                 6600 lbs 
                 5600 lbs 
               
               
                 Max Gross W 
                 10200 lbs  
                 10500 lbs  
                 11200 lbs  
                 11200 lbs  
               
               
                 Internal 
               
               
                 Max Gross W 
                 10500 lbs  
                 11200 lbs  
                 11200 lbs  
                 11200 lbs  
               
               
                 External 
               
               
                 Load Available 
                 4500 lbs 
                 4900 lbs 
                 4600 lbs 
                 5600 lbs 
               
               
                 Internal 
               
               
                 Load Available 
                 4800 lbs 
                 5000 lbs 
                 4600 lbs 
                 5000 lbs 
               
               
                 External 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0013]    There are a number of dangers present with helicopter assisted drilling. The pilot and driller are both at risk when the drill is being picked or dropped. Every time the helicopter is in a hover position while working over the source pont the pilot is working in what is referred to as the dead man&#39;s curve. It is called this because if the helicopter has a mechanical failure, the height and altitude are not conducive to a safe landing, even on level ground. Typically not only is the ground uneven, but there are trees further endangering the pilot. 
         [0014]    For the driller on the ground, it is equally dangerous, as they are working underneath a heavily loaded helicopter. Steep terrain, loose rocks and trees are also a hazard. The rotor wash from the helicopter is capable of knocking down trees and blowing off loose limbs. When placing drills and compressors in steep terrain, the helicopter may have to spend extra time to ensure the unit is secure. The risk for both the pilot and driller was significantly reduced twelve years ago when the two-pick system was developed. Two pick drills were developed around 1995. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    An object of the present invention is to provide method and system for helicopter portable drilling. 
         [0016]    In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for helicopter portable drilling comprising: a drill frame, a drill mast affixed a first end of the drill frame, a drill operatively coupled to the drill mast and operable using one of compressed air, pressurized hydraulic fluid and both compressed air and pressurized hydraulic fluid and a unified power source for providing compressed air and pressurized hydraulic fluid coupled to the drill, the total operating weight of the system being approximately 3000 pounds for allowing a single-pick move by a helicopter. 
         [0017]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of seismic line drilling comprising the steps of placing a first single-pick drilling system at a first location with a single pick, placing a second single-pick drilling system at a second location with a single pick, when finished drilling, moving the first single-pick drilling system to a third location with a single pick, when finished drilling, moving the second single-pick drilling system to a fourth location with a single pick. Once again depending on terrain, weather and drilling conditions there can be two to six drills working on a single line and multiple drill crews on a single program. The entire methodology of drilling will likely change due to the reduced number of picks. A crew will likely consist of between 9 and 12 drills instead of the traditional six 
         [0018]    In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of seismic line drilling comprising the steps of placing a first drill carrier at a first location with a single pick, placing a first single-pick drilling system on the carrier at the first location with a single pick, when finished drilling, moving the first single-pick drilling system to a second location using the carrier and when meeting an obstacle between drilling locations, moving the first single-pick drilling system to a third location with a single pick, moving the first drill carrier at the third location with a single pick and placing the first single-pick drilling system on the carrier at the third location. 
         [0019]    In an embodiment of the present invention there is a drill carrier for moving the drilling system between locations when the terrain permits. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    The present invention will be further understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings in which: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  illustrates a known tracked vehicle with drill holes; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  illustrates a drill for a known two-pick helicopter portable drilling method 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  illustrates a compressor assembly for a known two pick helicopter portable 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  graphically illustrates a typical seismic program having about 9000 shot points to drill with heli-portable drills; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  graphically illustrates a typical shot hole drilling sequence for a two-pick heli-portable drill system; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  illustrates in a right side view a single pick drilling system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  illustrates in a right front perspective view the single-pick system of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  illustrates in a left side view the embodiment of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  illustrates in a perspective view a combined turbine, hydraulic pump and compressor for the embodiment of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  graphically illustrates a method of heli-drilling in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  illustrates a tracked carrier for use with the one-pick drilling system of  FIG. 6  in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  illustrates in the single pick drilling system of  FIG. 6  carried on the tracked carrier of  FIG. 11  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  graphically illustrates a method of heli-drilling in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  illustrates in a right side perspective a single pick drilling system in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  illustrates in a right front upper perspective view the single-pick system of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  illustrates in a front perspective of the embodiment of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  illustrates in a right side perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 18  illustrates in a rear perspective of the embodiment of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 19  illustrates in a top perspective of the embodiment of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 20  illustrates in a left side perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 21  illustrates in a right side perspective view a combined turbine, primary gearbox, secondary gearbox, hydraulic pump and compressor for the embodiment of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 22  illustrates in an upper right perspective view a combined turbine, primary gearbox, secondary gearbox, hydraulic pump and compressor for the embodiment of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 23  illustrates in a right side view a combined turbine, primary gearbox, secondary gearbox, hydraulic pump and compressor for the embodiment of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 24  illustrates in a top plan view a combined turbine, primary gearbox, secondary gearbox, hydraulic pump and compressor for the embodiment of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 25  illustrates in a left side view a combined turbine, primary gearbox, secondary gearbox, hydraulic pump and compressor for the embodiment of  FIG. 14 ; and 
           [0046]      FIG. 26  illustrates in a bottom plan view a combined turbine, primary gearbox, secondary gearbox, hydraulic pump and compressor for the embodiment of  FIG. 14 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 6  there is illustrated in a right side view a single pick drilling system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The single-pick drilling system  100  includes a drill frame  102 , a drill mast  104 , a combined power source, compressor and hydraulic pump  106 . The single-pick drilling system  100  also includes a fuel tank  108 , hydraulic tank  110  ( 110  not seen in drawing  100 , a detonator magazine  112 , an explosives magazine  114 , loading poles  116 , drill stems  118  and air and oil separator  120 . The drill frame  102  stands on four adjustable legs  122 . 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 7  there is illustrated in a right front perspective view the single-pick system of  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 7  shows the driller&#39;s station  124  with hydraulic and pneumatic controls. Hydraulic tank  110  is in bottom right corner under drill stem  118 . 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 8  there is illustrated in a left side view the embodiment of  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 8  shows the detonator magazine  112 , the explosives magazine  114  loading poles  116  and the drill stem, all visible from the left side. Hydraulic tank  110  is under drill stem. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 9  there is illustrated in a perspective view a combined motor turbine, hydraulic pump (multiple pumps may be used, piggybacked together in some configurations) and compressor for the embodiment of  FIG. 6 . The gas turbine  130  drives the hydraulic pump  132  and compressor  134  through primary and secondary reductions gears  136 . The combined clutch and gearbox assembly allow all of the components from a two pick system to be combined into a single unit. This configuration is still able to utilize the same helicopters in use with the two pick heli-drills. 
         [0051]    An exemplary implementation of the single-pick system follow: 
       Key Components 
       [0000]    
       
         1. Modified Single Stage Centrifugal Turbine and primary reduction gearbox. Custom automatic start and shutdown sequence electronics.
       a. The primary reduction gearbox will reduce the turbine output RPM from approximately 60,000 RPM to one of the following 6000 RPM, 6480 RPM or 8640 RPM depending on the configuration required.   
     
       
     
         [0054]    2. Custom Gearbox, which consists of the following:
       a. Manually engaged clutch (now configured as dual hydraulically engaged independent clutches)
           i. Emergency stop which disconnects both clutches and shuts down turbine.   
           b. Secondary reduction gearing that will reduce the primary reduction gearbox RPM to between 2500 and 2800 RPM depending on the configuration requirements. Gearbox configured with one output shaft between 6000 and 6480 RPM and a second output between 2500 and 2800 RPM. Both clutches can be engaged/disengaged independently. Although the initial prototype will have a secondary gearbox I am ultimately working towards a single gearbox to further eliminate weight.   c. The secondary reduction gearbox will have dual output shafts. The primary shaft will be used for the compressor 6480-6000 RPM (manufacture and model may vary depending on program conditions), while the secondary shaft will be for operating the hydraulic pump 2500-2800 RPM (manufacture and model may vary depending on program conditions)       3. Helicopter portable tracked carrier for the heli-drill. This unit can be configured to either ride on or walk behind with remote controls.   
 
         [0060]    The turbine and gearboxes are all housed in a protective box to reduce the likely hood of damage. The enclosure is also designed as a protective housing in case of mechanical failure (protect personnel and explosives from flying debris. The enclosure will also house an air filter system for the gas turbine. 
         [0061]    The exhaust system will have at least one cold air intake to reduce exhaust gas temperatures. The exhaust pipe diameter will also be increased in diameter to reduce the pressure of exhaust gases. 
         [0062]    The remaining drill components vary depending on end user and the specific requirements that they have. The following may also be available to further reduce the overall mass of the drill.
   1. Composite drill mast   2. Composite drill frame   3. Low mass air/oil separator   4. Low mass fuel tank   5. Low mass hydraulic tank   
 
         [0068]    The complete drill configuration may include; 
       Drill Configuration 
       [0069]    The drill has everything that is currently on the two separate drill components. Here is a list that includes the majority of items required. The items on the drill are not limited to this list; this is a basic configuration of the key elements.
   1. Compressor, air oil separator and compressor oil cooler   2. Detonator magazine   3. Drill frame and mast   4. Drill stem (both auger and smooth—as per drillers requirements)   5. Drillers mud   6. Drillers station (with hydraulic and air controls)   7. Emergency shutdown system   8. Explosive magazine   9. Fuel tank   10. Hydraulic tank and hydraulic oil cooler   11. Power source for compressor and hydraulic systems (turbine and gearbox)   12. Required hydraulic pumps and motors for the drill (as per end user requirements)   13. Rotary pull down (either a hydraulic cylinder or hydraulic motor)   14. Tool box   15. Water pump   
 
       Carrier Configuration 
       [0085]    The carrier is a self-propelled track carrier that is capable of hauling the single pick drill. On occasion it maybe impractical to utilize the carrier due to the nature of terrain that the drills work in. The driller and drill coordinator will decide on which areas the carrier is used in. 
         [0086]    Referring to  FIG. 10  there is graphically illustrated a method of heli-drilling in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 10  illustrates one of many possible variations with a single-pick drill. With the system of  FIG. 6 , only a single trip is required to move the drill between shot holes.  FIG. 10  shows how three single-pick drills  200 ,  202 , and  204  could be moved. A helicopter moves  206  drill  200  from completed shot point A to drill next shot point B. The helicopter then flies  208  from B to move the next drill  202  from completed shot point C to next shot point D to be drilled  210 . The helicopter then flies  212  from D to move the next drill  204  from complete shot point E. 
         [0087]    Referring to  FIG. 11  there is illustrated a tracked carrier for use with the one-pick drilling system of  FIG. 6  in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. The tracked carrier  220  includes a platform  222  for receiving the single-pick drill system of  FIG. 6  and a bulkhead  224 . The tracked carrier of  FIG. 11  has tracks  226  for moving across a variety of terrains and includes and optionally includes an operator&#39;s position  230  with a seat  232 , controls  234  and rollover protection system (ROPS)  236 . Another configuration of tracked carrier  220  dispenses with operator position  230  and instead uses a remote control so that the operator can walk a safe distance from the tracked carrier. The heli-carrier will eliminate the need for the helicopter from shot point to shot point when the terrain allows. The heli-carrier is a lightweight self-propelled track carrier that is configured to move or be flown to a shot point with a heli-drill. Once the carrier and drill are on site it is able to haul the drill to the next point. 
         [0088]    Referring to  FIG. 12  there is illustrated the one-pick drilling system of  FIG. 6  carried on the tracked carrier of  FIG. 11  in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 12  shows the single-pick drill system of  FIG. 6  placed on the tracked carrier  220  of  FIG. 11 . 
         [0089]    Referring to  FIG. 13  there is graphically illustrated a method of heli-drilling in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. A drill  250  on a carrier  252  has completed drilling at shot position A. A helicopter moves  254  the drill to shot point B. The helicopter flies back  256  to shot point A to retrieve the carrier  252 . The helicopter moves  258  the carrier  252  to shot point B After traversing the obstacle (in  FIG. 13  a river), the drill and carrier combination are able to move  260  from shot point B to shot point C, to move  262  from shot point C to shot point D, to move  264  from shot point D to shot point E, when the terrain permits such movement. Once a further obstacle is encountered, the helicopter repeats the process as from shot point A to shot point B. 
         [0090]    Referring to  FIG. 14  there is illustrated in a right side perspective a single pick drilling system in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. The single-pick drilling system  300  includes a drill frame  302 , a drill mast  304 , a combined power source, compressor and hydraulic pump  306 . The single-pick drilling system  300  also includes a fuel tank  308 , hydraulic tank  310  ( 310  not seen in drawing), a detonator magazine  312 , an explosives magazine  314 , drill stems  316  and air and oil separator  320 . 
         [0091]    Referring to  FIG. 15  there is illustrated in a right front upper perspective view the single-pick system of  FIG. 14 . The hydraulic tank  310  can be seen in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0092]    Referring to  FIG. 16  there is illustrated in a front perspective of the embodiment of  FIG. 14 . The drill mast  304 , fuel tank  308 , the hydraulic tank  310  and Drill stems  316  can be seen in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0093]    Referring to  FIG. 17  there is illustrated in a right side perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 14 . 
         [0094]    Referring to  FIG. 18  there is illustrated in a rear perspective of the embodiment of  FIG. 14 . 
         [0095]    Referring to  FIG. 19  there is illustrated in a top perspective of the embodiment of  FIG. 14 . 
         [0096]    Referring to  FIG. 20  there is illustrated in a left side perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 14 .  FIG. 20  shows the detonator magazine  312 , the explosives magazine  314 , and the drill stem  316 , all visible from the left side. 
         [0097]    Referring to  FIG. 21  there is illustrated in a right side perspective view a combined turbine, hydraulic pump and compressor for the embodiment of  FIG. 14 . The gas turbine  330  drives the hydraulic pump  332  (cannot be seen in  FIG. 21 ) and compressor  334  through primary and secondary reductions gears  336 . The combined clutch and gearbox assembly allow all of the components from a two pick system to be combined into a single unit. This configuration is still able to utilize the same helicopters in use with the two pick heli-drills. 
         [0098]    Referring to  FIG. 22  there is illustrated in an upper right perspective view a combined turbine, hydraulic pump and compressor for the embodiment of  FIG. 14 . The hydraulic pump  332  can be seen in this view. 
         [0099]    Referring to  FIG. 23  there is illustrated in a right side view a combined turbine, hydraulic pump and compressor for the embodiment of  FIG. 14 . 
         [0100]    Referring to  FIG. 24  there is illustrated in a top plan view a combined turbine, hydraulic pump and compressor for the embodiment of  FIG. 14 . 
         [0101]    Referring to  FIG. 25  there is illustrated in a left side view a combined turbine, hydraulic pump and compressor for the embodiment of  FIG. 14 . 
         [0102]    Referring to  FIG. 26  there is illustrated in a bottom plan view a combined turbine, hydraulic pump and compressor for the embodiment of  FIG. 14 . 
         [0103]    Numerous modifications, variations and adaptations may be made to the particular embodiments described above without departing from the scope patent disclosure, which is defined in the claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4