Systems for drilling or tunneling include an assembly for accelerating a projectile through a first conduit into a region of geologic material, which generates debris. The debris may be reduced in size by moving the debris to a crushing device located in a second conduit using a conveying device, such as an auger. The reduced-size debris is then moved toward the surface using fluid movement. A third conduit may be used to provide and remove material from the bottom of the first conduit to control pressure at the end of the conduit to prevent ingress of material into the first conduit. Water jets or other types of devices may be used to cut or deform a perimeter of a region of geologic material before the projectile is accelerated to control the shape of the borehole and the manner in which debris is broken from the geologic material.
Boreholes used for generating geothermal energy or other purposes are formed at least in part by accelerating projectiles toward geologic material. Interaction between a projectile and the geologic material may generate debris or other material. The temperature of this generated material may be used to determine the potential for generation of geothermal energy using the borehole. Based on the temperature of the material, a fluid having a different temperature than that of the material is provided into the borehole for generation of power using geothermal energy.
E21B 49/04 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells by mechanically taking samples of the soil using explosives in boreholesTesting the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells by mechanically taking samples of the soil using projectiles penetrating the wall
F24T 10/13 - Geothermal collectors with circulation of working fluids through underground channels, the working fluids not coming into direct contact with the ground using tube assemblies suitable for insertion into boreholes in the ground, e.g. geothermal probes
E21B 41/00 - Equipment or details not covered by groups
E21B 7/16 - Applying separate balls or pellets by the pressure of the drill, so-called shot-drilling
G01V 1/143 - Generating seismic energy using mechanical driving means
E21B 47/14 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves
F24T 10/17 - Geothermal collectors with circulation of working fluids through underground channels, the working fluids not coming into direct contact with the ground using tube assemblies suitable for insertion into boreholes in the ground, e.g. geothermal probes using tubes closed at one end, i.e. return-type tubes
G01V 1/104 - Generating seismic energy using explosive charges
Geologic material in a borehole is weakened by accelerating a projectile into contact with the material. A drill bit is then used to bore through the weakened material. To accelerate the projectile, an endcap is placed in a conduit using a source of gas. The endcap isolates the conduit from the external environment. A projectile is then positioned in the conduit above the endcap. Movable members within the conduit are operated in sequence to enable single endcaps and projectiles to be moved into the conduit. Gas from the conduit is evacuated into an annulus between the conduit and a surrounding conduit, and a propellant material is provided into the conduit. The propellant material applies a force to the projectile to accelerate the projectile into contact with the geologic material. A fluid is circulated down a second annulus outside of the surrounding conduit to contact the drill bit and remove debris.
Geologic material in a borehole is weakened by accelerating a projectile into contact with the material. A drill bit is then used to bore through the weakened material. To accelerate the projectile, an endcap is placed in a conduit using a source of gas. The endcap isolates the conduit from the external environment. A projectile is then positioned in the conduit above the endcap. Movable members within the conduit are operated in sequence to enable single endcaps and projectiles to be moved into the conduit. Gas from the conduit is evacuated into an annulus between the conduit and a surrounding conduit, and a propellant material is provided into the conduit. The propellant material applies a force to the projectile to accelerate the projectile into contact with the geologic material. A fluid is circulated down a second annulus outside of the surrounding conduit to contact the drill bit and remove debris.
E21B 7/00 - Special methods or apparatus for drilling
E21B 17/18 - Pipes provided with plural fluid passages
E21B 7/16 - Applying separate balls or pellets by the pressure of the drill, so-called shot-drilling
E21B 21/12 - Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor using drilling pipes with plural fluid passages, e.g. closed circulation systems
E21B 23/04 - Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
Geologic material in a borehole is weakened by accelerating a projectile into contact with the material. A drill bit is then used to bore through the weakened material. To accelerate the projectile, an endcap is placed in a conduit using a source of gas. The endcap isolates the conduit from the external environment. A projectile is then positioned in the conduit above the endcap. Movable members within the conduit are operated in sequence to enable single endcaps and projectiles to be moved into the conduit. Gas from the conduit is evacuated into an annulus between the conduit and a surrounding conduit, and a propellant material is provided into the conduit. The propellant material applies a force to the projectile to accelerate the projectile into contact with the geologic material. A fluid is circulated down a second annulus outside of the surrounding conduit to contact the drill bit and remove debris.
Systems for forming or extending a tunnel or shaft within geologic material may include a ram accelerator assembly for accelerating one or more projectiles into geologic material to weaken a region of the geologic material. The projectile(s) pre-condition the geologic material, such as by forming one or more holes in a central region of the material or to define a perimeter of the region to be displaced. A cutting tool or subsequent projectile impacts may then be used to remove the weakened material. The voids formed by the first projectile(s) cause compressive forces from subsequent impacts or cutting operations to be converted to tension forces that more efficiently break geologic material, which may fall into the voids created by the first projectile(s). The voids created by the projectile impacts may also control the material that is removed and the shape of a resulting section of the tunnel or shaft.
Systems for forming or extending a tunnel or shaft within geologic material may include a ram accelerator assembly for accelerating one or more projectiles into geologic material to weaken a region of the geologic material. The projectile(s) pre-condition the geologic material, such as by forming one or more holes in a central region of the material or to define a perimeter of the region to be displaced. A cutting tool or subsequent projectile impacts may then be used to remove the weakened material. The voids formed by the first projectile(s) cause compressive forces from subsequent impacts or cutting operations to be converted to tension forces that more efficiently break geologic material, which may fall into the voids created by the first projectile(s). The voids created by the projectile impacts may also control the material that is removed and the shape of a resulting section of the tunnel or shaft.
Systems for forming or extending a tunnel or shaft within geologic material may include a ram accelerator assembly for accelerating one or more projectiles into geologic material to weaken a region of the geologic material. The projectile(s) pre-condition the geologic material, such as by forming one or more holes in a central region of the material or to define a perimeter of the region to be displaced. A cutting tool or subsequent projectile impacts may then be used to remove the weakened material. The voids formed by the first projectile(s) cause compressive forces from subsequent impacts or cutting operations to be converted to tension forces that more efficiently break geologic material, which may fall into the voids created by the first projectile(s). The voids created by the projectile impacts may also control the material that is removed and the shape of a resulting section of the tunnel or shaft.
E21C 37/00 - Other methods or devices for dislodging with or without loading
E21C 39/00 - Devices for testing in situ the hardness or other properties of minerals, e.g. for giving information as to the selection of suitable mining tools
E21D 9/00 - Tunnels or galleries, with or without liningsMethods or apparatus for making thereofLayout of tunnels or galleries
E21D 9/12 - Devices for removing or hauling away excavated material or spoilWorking or loading platforms
E21B 7/18 - Drilling by liquid or gas jets, with or without entrained pellets
E21B 49/04 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells by mechanically taking samples of the soil using explosives in boreholesTesting the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells by mechanically taking samples of the soil using projectiles penetrating the wall
E21D 9/10 - Making by using boring or cutting machines
Systems for drilling or tunneling include an assembly for accelerating a projectile into a region of geologic material. An interaction between the projectile and the geologic material extends a borehole and forms debris. The debris may be reduced in size by moving the debris to a crushing device. The reduced-size debris is then moved toward the surface using fluid movement. Water jets or other types of devices may be used to cut or deform a perimeter of a region of geologic material before the projectile is accelerated to control the shape of the borehole and the manner in which debris is broken from the geologic material.
Systems for drilling or tunneling include an assembly for accelerating a projectile into a region of geologic material. An interaction between the projectile and the geologic material extends a borehole and forms debris. The debris may be reduced in size by moving the debris to a crushing device. The reduced-size debris is then moved toward the surface using fluid movement. Water jets or other types of devices may be used to cut or deform a perimeter of a region of geologic material before the projectile is accelerated to control the shape of the borehole and the manner in which debris is broken from the geologic material.
Systems for drilling or tunneling include an assembly for accelerating a projectile into a region of geologic material. An interaction between the projectile and the geologic material extends a borehole and forms debris. The debris may be reduced in size by moving the debris to a crushing device. The reduced-size debris is then moved toward the surface using fluid movement. Water jets or other types of devices may be used to cut or deform a perimeter of a region of geologic material before the projectile is accelerated to control the shape of the borehole and the manner in which debris is broken from the geologic material.
Systems for forming or extending a tunnel or shaft within a working surface may include a ram accelerator assembly for accelerating a projectile into geologic material to weaken a region of the geologic material. A cutting tool may then be used to remove the weakened material. A collection assembly may be used to move debris away from the working surface while the projectile and cutting operations are performed to enable generally continuous use of the system. The number of projectiles that are accelerated and the rate at which projectiles are used may be controlled based on characteristics of the geologic material and the rate at which created debris may be removed.
E21C 37/00 - Other methods or devices for dislodging with or without loading
E21D 9/10 - Making by using boring or cutting machines
E21D 9/12 - Devices for removing or hauling away excavated material or spoilWorking or loading platforms
E21D 9/00 - Tunnels or galleries, with or without liningsMethods or apparatus for making thereofLayout of tunnels or galleries
E21D 9/11 - Making by using boring or cutting machines with a rotary drilling-head cutting simultaneously the whole cross-section, i.e. full-face machines
Systems for forming or extending a tunnel or shaft within a working surface may include a ram accelerator assembly for accelerating a projectile into geologic material to weaken a region of the geologic material. A cutting tool may then be used to remove the weakened material more rapidly, with lower energy use and less wear on the cutting tool than use of the cutting tool independently. A collection assembly may be used to move debris away from the working surface while the projectile and cutting operations are performed to enable generally continuous use of the system. The number of projectiles that are accelerated and the rate at which projectiles are used may be controlled based on characteristics of the geologic material and the rate at which created debris may be removed, allowing an operation to be optimized for speed, cost, stability, or other factors.
Systems for forming or extending a tunnel or shaft within a working surface may include a ram accelerator assembly for accelerating a projectile into geologic material to weaken a region of the geologic material. A cutting tool may then be used to remove the weakened material more rapidly, with lower energy use and less wear on the cutting tool than use of the cutting tool independently. A collection assembly may be used to move debris away from the working surface while the projectile and cutting operations are performed to enable generally continuous use of the system. The number of projectiles that are accelerated and the rate at which projectiles are used may be controlled based on characteristics of the geologic material and the rate at which created debris may be removed, allowing an operation to be optimized for speed, cost, stability, or other factors.
One or more ram accelerator devices may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth. The ram accelerator devices propel projectiles which are accelerated by combustion of one or more combustible gasses in a ram effect to reach velocities exceeding 500 meters per second. An endcap may be deployed within a tube of the ram accelerator device to prevent incursion of formation pressure products such as oil, water, mud, gas, and so forth into a guide tube of the ram accelerator. During operation the projectile penetrates the endcap and at least a portion thereof impact a working face. In some implementations a purge gas may be used to form a ullage between the endcap and the working face.
E21B 7/00 - Special methods or apparatus for drilling
F41A 1/04 - Missile propulsion using the combustion of a liquid or gaseous fuel, e.g. hypergolic fuel
F41A 1/02 - Hypervelocity missile propulsion using successive means for increasing the propulsive force, e.g. using successively initiated propellant charges arranged along the barrel lengthMultistage missile propulsion
E21C 37/04 - Other methods or devices for dislodging with or without loading by devices with parts pressed mechanically against the wall of a borehole
E21D 9/10 - Making by using boring or cutting machines
E21B 10/26 - Drill bits with leading portion, i.e. drill bits with a pilot cutterDrill bits for enlarging the borehole, e.g. reamers
Spherical projectiles may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth.
Spherical projectiles may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth.
Spherical projectiles may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth.
Methods for generating boreholes used for generating geothermal energy or other purposes include forming the borehole by accelerating a projectile into contact with geologic material. Interaction between the projectile and the geologic material generates an acoustic signal, such as vibrations within the formation, that is detected using acoustic sensors along a drilling conduit, at the surface, or within a separate borehole. Characteristics of the geologic material, such as hardness, porosity, or the presence of fractures, may be determined based on characteristics of the acoustic signal. The direction in which the borehole is extended may be modified based on the characteristics of the geologic material, such as to create a borehole that intersects one or more fractures for generation of geothermal energy.
E21B 7/00 - Special methods or apparatus for drilling
E21B 44/00 - 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 systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/14 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves
Methods for generating boreholes used for generating geothermal energy or other purposes include forming the borehole by accelerating a projectile into contact with geologic material. Interaction between the projectile and the geologic material generates an acoustic signal, such as vibrations within the formation, that is detected using acoustic sensors along a drilling conduit, at the surface, or within a separate borehole. Characteristics of the geologic material, such as hardness, porosity, or the presence of fractures, may be determined based on characteristics of the acoustic signal. The direction in which the borehole is extended may be modified based on the characteristics of the geologic material, such as to create a borehole that intersects one or more fractures for generation of geothermal energy.
F03G 7/04 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using pressure differences or thermal differences occurring in nature
E21B 47/022 - Determining slope or direction of the borehole, e.g. using geomagnetism
E21B 47/18 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves through the well fluid
Methods for generating boreholes used for generating geothermal energy or other purposes include forming the borehole by accelerating a projectile into contact with geologic material. Interaction between the projectile and the geologic material generates an acoustic signal, such as vibrations within the formation, that is detected using acoustic sensors along a drilling conduit, at the surface, or within a separate borehole. Characteristics of the geologic material, such as hardness, porosity, or the presence of fractures, may be determined based on characteristics of the acoustic signal. The direction in which the borehole is extended may be modified based on the characteristics of the geologic material, such as to create a borehole that intersects one or more fractures for generation of geothermal energy.
E21B 47/14 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves
E21B 49/04 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells by mechanically taking samples of the soil using explosives in boreholesTesting the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells by mechanically taking samples of the soil using projectiles penetrating the wall
E21B 7/00 - Special methods or apparatus for drilling
F24T 10/17 - Geothermal collectors with circulation of working fluids through underground channels, the working fluids not coming into direct contact with the ground using tube assemblies suitable for insertion into boreholes in the ground, e.g. geothermal probes using tubes closed at one end, i.e. return-type tubes
F24T 10/13 - Geothermal collectors with circulation of working fluids through underground channels, the working fluids not coming into direct contact with the ground using tube assemblies suitable for insertion into boreholes in the ground, e.g. geothermal probes
E21B 41/00 - Equipment or details not covered by groups
A drill string comprises a mechanical drill bit and a ram accelerator with a launch tube proximate to the mechanical drill bit. A projectile accelerated by the ram accelerator exits the mechanical drill bit through an orifice and impacts a geologic formation. The impact weakens a portion of the formation, enabling the drill bit to penetrate the weakened portion more easily. An endcap may be used to prevent outside material from entering the ram accelerator. The projectile may pass through or otherwise displace the endcap during operation. The launch tube may be positioned at an angle relative to the drill bit such that projectiles impact and weaken the formation on a particular side. Contact between the drill bit and the formation may direct the drill bit toward the weakened side, enabling the ram accelerator to be used to steer the drill bit.
A drill string comprises a mechanical drill bit and a ram accelerator with a launch tube proximate to the mechanical drill bit. A projectile accelerated by the ram accelerator exits the mechanical drill bit through an orifice and impacts a geologic formation. The impact weakens a portion of the formation, enabling the drill bit to penetrate the weakened portion more easily. An endcap may be used to prevent outside material from entering the ram accelerator. The projectile may pass through or otherwise displace the endcap during operation. The launch tube may be positioned at an angle relative to the drill bit such that projectiles impact and weaken the formation on a particular side. Contact between the drill bit and the formation may direct the drill bit toward the weakened side, enabling the ram accelerator to be used to steer the drill bit.
A drill string comprises a mechanical drill bit and a ram accelerator with a launch tube proximate to the mechanical drill bit. A projectile accelerated by the ram accelerator exits the mechanical drill bit through an orifice and impacts a geologic formation. The impact weakens a portion of the formation, enabling the drill bit to penetrate the weakened portion more easily. An endcap may be used to prevent outside material from entering the ram accelerator. The projectile may pass through or otherwise displace the endcap during operation. The launch tube may be positioned at an angle relative to the drill bit such that projectiles impact and weaken the formation on a particular side. Contact between the drill bit and the formation may direct the drill bit toward the weakened side, enabling the ram accelerator to be used to steer the drill bit.
E21B 44/00 - 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 systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
A hole in geologic material, such as a wellbore, may be extended by impacting the working face of the hole with high velocity projectiles. A tube may be placed within the hole, and the lower end of the tube may be sealed to prevent ingress of material from the hole into the tube. A projectile may be accelerated through the tube, such as by igniting a combustible gas mixture to impart a force to the projectile. The impact of the projectile may extend the hole. In some cases, accelerated projectiles may be used in conjunction with a drill bit to drill a wellbore or other type of hole.
E21B 7/00 - Special methods or apparatus for drilling
F41A 1/04 - Missile propulsion using the combustion of a liquid or gaseous fuel, e.g. hypergolic fuel
F41A 1/02 - Hypervelocity missile propulsion using successive means for increasing the propulsive force, e.g. using successively initiated propellant charges arranged along the barrel lengthMultistage missile propulsion
F41A 1/00 - Missile propulsion characterised by the use of explosive or combustible propellant charges
A hole in geologic material, such as a wellbore, may be extended by impacting the working face of the hole with high velocity projectiles. A tube may be placed within the hole, and the lower end of the tube may be sealed to prevent ingress of material from the hole into the tube. A projectile may be accelerated through the tube, such as by igniting a combustible gas mixture to impart a force to the projectile. The impact of the projectile may extend the hole. In some cases, accelerated projectiles may be used in conjunction with a drill bit to drill a wellbore or other type of hole.
F41A 1/00 - Missile propulsion characterised by the use of explosive or combustible propellant charges
F41A 1/02 - Hypervelocity missile propulsion using successive means for increasing the propulsive force, e.g. using successively initiated propellant charges arranged along the barrel lengthMultistage missile propulsion
F41A 1/04 - Missile propulsion using the combustion of a liquid or gaseous fuel, e.g. hypergolic fuel
A wellbore or other type of hole in a geologic formation or other material, such as concrete or other manmade structures, may be formed by accelerating perforating charges containing detonable material through a tubular string. Movement of a fluid, such as drilling mud, may be used to transport perforating charges to a bottom hole assembly. In the bottom hole assembly, a propellant material may be used to accelerate the perforating charges, such as by using a ram acceleration mechanism. The perforating charges may be shaped to at least partially penetrate a surface of the hole. Detonation of the perforating charge may displace, stress, or fracture the geologic material. Movement of the fluid may remove displaced geologic material and detonated material from the perforating charge from the hole.
A wellbore or other type of hole in a geologic formation or other material, such as concrete or other manmade structures, may be formed by accelerating perforating charges containing detonable material through a tubular string. Movement of a fluid, such as drilling mud, may be used to transport perforating charges to a bottom hole assembly. In the bottom hole assembly, a propellant material may be used to accelerate the perforating charges, such as by using a ram acceleration mechanism. The perforating charges may be shaped to at least partially penetrate a surface of the hole. Detonation of the perforating charge may displace, stress, or fracture the geologic material. Movement of the fluid may remove displaced geologic material and detonated material from the perforating charge from the hole.
A hole in geologic material, such as a wellbore, may be extended by impacting the working face of the hole with high velocity projectiles. A tube may be placed within the hole, and the lower end of the tube may be sealed to prevent ingress of material from the hole into the tube. A projectile may be accelerated through the tube, such as by igniting a combustible gas mixture to impart a force to the projectile. The impact of the projectile may extend the hole. In some cases, accelerated projectiles may be used in conjunction with a drill bit to drill a wellbore or other type of hole.
E21B 7/16 - Applying separate balls or pellets by the pressure of the drill, so-called shot-drilling
E21B 7/18 - Drilling by liquid or gas jets, with or without entrained pellets
E21B 7/00 - Special methods or apparatus for drilling
F41A 1/04 - Missile propulsion using the combustion of a liquid or gaseous fuel, e.g. hypergolic fuel
E21C 37/00 - Other methods or devices for dislodging with or without loading
F41A 1/02 - Hypervelocity missile propulsion using successive means for increasing the propulsive force, e.g. using successively initiated propellant charges arranged along the barrel lengthMultistage missile propulsion
F42B 12/06 - Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect of armour-piercing type with hard or heavy coreKinetic energy penetrators
F42B 12/74 - Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the material of the core or solid body
F42D 3/04 - Particular applications of blasting techniques for rock blasting
E21B 33/14 - Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices or the like for cementing casings into boreholes
E21B 17/18 - Pipes provided with plural fluid passages
One or more ram accelerator devices may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth. The ram accelerator devices propel projectiles which are accelerated by combustion of one or more combustible gasses in a ram effect to reach velocities exceeding 500 meters per second.
E21B 7/00 - Special methods or apparatus for drilling
F41A 1/04 - Missile propulsion using the combustion of a liquid or gaseous fuel, e.g. hypergolic fuel
F41A 1/02 - Hypervelocity missile propulsion using successive means for increasing the propulsive force, e.g. using successively initiated propellant charges arranged along the barrel lengthMultistage missile propulsion
E21C 37/00 - Other methods or devices for dislodging with or without loading
One or more ram accelerator devices may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth. The ram accelerator devices propel projectiles which are accelerated by combustion of one or more combustible gasses in a ram effect to reach velocities exceeding 500 meters per second. An endcap may be deployed within a tube of the ram accelerator device to prevent incursion of formation pressure products such as oil, water, mud, gas, and so forth into a guide tube of the ram accelerator. During operation the projectile penetrates the endcap and at least a portion thereof impacts a working face. A downhole end of the tube may be displaced laterally within the hole to change the direction of the hole.
E21B 7/00 - Special methods or apparatus for drilling
F41A 1/02 - Hypervelocity missile propulsion using successive means for increasing the propulsive force, e.g. using successively initiated propellant charges arranged along the barrel lengthMultistage missile propulsion
F41A 1/04 - Missile propulsion using the combustion of a liquid or gaseous fuel, e.g. hypergolic fuel
E21B 10/26 - Drill bits with leading portion, i.e. drill bits with a pilot cutterDrill bits for enlarging the borehole, e.g. reamers
One or more ram accelerator devices may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth. The ram accelerator includes one or more baffles that are downhole. The ram accelerator devices propel projectiles which are accelerated by combustion of one or more combustible gasses in a ram effect to reach velocities exceeding 500 meters per second. An endcap may be deployed within a tube of the ram accelerator device to prevent incursion of formation pressure products such as oil, water, mud, gas, and so forth into a guide tube of the ram accelerator. The endcap may be maintained in place within the hole at least in part by the one or more baffles. During operation the projectile penetrates the endcap and at least a portion thereof impacts a working face.
E21B 7/00 - Special methods or apparatus for drilling
F41A 1/04 - Missile propulsion using the combustion of a liquid or gaseous fuel, e.g. hypergolic fuel
F41A 1/02 - Hypervelocity missile propulsion using successive means for increasing the propulsive force, e.g. using successively initiated propellant charges arranged along the barrel lengthMultistage missile propulsion
E21B 49/04 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells by mechanically taking samples of the soil using explosives in boreholesTesting the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells by mechanically taking samples of the soil using projectiles penetrating the wall
One or more ram accelerator devices may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth. The ram accelerator includes one or more baffles that are downhole. The ram accelerator devices propel projectiles which are accelerated by combustion of one or more combustible gasses in a ram effect to reach velocities exceeding 500 meters per second. An endcap may be deployed within a tube of the ram accelerator device to prevent incursion of formation pressure products such as oil, water, mud, gas, and so forth into a guide tube of the ram accelerator. The endcap may be maintained in place within the hole at least in part by the one or more baffles. During operation the projectile penetrates the endcap and at least a portion thereof impact a working face.
F41A 1/00 - Missile propulsion characterised by the use of explosive or combustible propellant charges
F41A 1/02 - Hypervelocity missile propulsion using successive means for increasing the propulsive force, e.g. using successively initiated propellant charges arranged along the barrel lengthMultistage missile propulsion
F41A 1/04 - Missile propulsion using the combustion of a liquid or gaseous fuel, e.g. hypergolic fuel
One or more ram accelerator devices may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth. The ram accelerator includes one or more baffles that are downhole. The ram accelerator devices propel projectiles which are accelerated by combustion of one or more combustible gasses in a ram effect to reach velocities exceeding 500 meters per second. An endcap may be deployed within a tube of the ram accelerator device to prevent incursion of formation pressure products such as oil, water, mud, gas, and so forth into a guide tube of the ram accelerator. The endcap may be maintained in place within the hole at least in part by the one or more baffles. During operation the projectile penetrates the endcap and at least a portion thereof impact a working face.
E21B 7/00 - Special methods or apparatus for drilling
F41A 1/04 - Missile propulsion using the combustion of a liquid or gaseous fuel, e.g. hypergolic fuel
F41A 1/02 - Hypervelocity missile propulsion using successive means for increasing the propulsive force, e.g. using successively initiated propellant charges arranged along the barrel lengthMultistage missile propulsion
F41A 1/00 - Missile propulsion characterised by the use of explosive or combustible propellant charges
A ram accelerator device may utilize rails arranged within a guide tube that may be emplaced downhole. The rails may serve to direct a hypervelocity projectile along the length of the guide tube. The rails may carry utilities or provide other services to operate the system. For example, electrical wiring for power, control signaling, and so forth, may be placed within the rails. In another example, gasses may be delivered by the rails.
A ram accelerator device may utilize rails arranged within a guide tube that may be emplaced downhole. The rails may serve to direct a hypervelocity projectile along the length of the guide tube. The rails may carry utilities or provide other services to operate the system. For example, electrical wiring for power, control signaling, and so forth, may be placed within the rails, in another example, gasses may be delivered by the rails.
A ram accelerator device may utilize rails arranged within a guide tube that may be emplaced downhole. The rails may serve to direct a hypervelocity projectile along the length of the guide tube. The rails may carry utilities or provide other services to operate the system. For example, electrical wiring for power, control signaling, and so forth, may be placed within the rails, in another example, gasses may be delivered by the rails.
One or more ram accelerator devices may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth. The ram accelerator devices propel projectiles which are accelerated by combustion of one or more combustible gasses in a ram effect to reach velocities exceeding 500 meters per second. An endcap may be deployed within a tube of the ram accelerator device to prevent incursion of formation pressure products such as oil, water, mud, gas, and so forth into a guide tube of the ram accelerator. During operation the projectile penetrates the endcap and at least a portion thereof impacts a working face. In some implementations a purge gas may be used to form a ullage between the endcap and the working face.
One or more ram accelerator devices may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth. The ram accelerator devices propel projectiles which are accelerated by combustion of one or more combustible gasses in a ram effect to reach velocities exceeding 500 meters per second. An endcap may be deployed within a tube of the ram accelerator device to prevent incursion of formation pressure products such as oil, water, mud, gas, and so forth into a guide tube of the ram accelerator. During operation the projectile penetrates the endcap and at least a portion thereof impacts a working face. In some implementations a purge gas may be used to form a ullage between the endcap and the working face.
One or more ram accelerator devices may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth. The ram accelerator devices propel projectiles which are accelerated by combustion of one or more combustible gasses in a ram effect to reach velocities exceeding 500 meters per second.
One or more ram accelerator devices may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth. The ram accelerator devices propel projectiles which are accelerated by combustion of one or more combustible gasses in a ram effect to reach velocities exceeding 500 meters per second.
One or more ram accelerator devices may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth. The ram accelerator devices propel projectiles which are accelerated by combustion of one or more combustible gasses in a ram effect to reach velocities exceeding 500 meters per second.
E21B 7/00 - Special methods or apparatus for drilling
F41A 1/04 - Missile propulsion using the combustion of a liquid or gaseous fuel, e.g. hypergolic fuel
F41A 1/02 - Hypervelocity missile propulsion using successive means for increasing the propulsive force, e.g. using successively initiated propellant charges arranged along the barrel lengthMultistage missile propulsion
A wellbore or other type of hole in a geologic formation or other material, such as concrete or other manmade structures, may be formed by accelerating perforating charges containing detonable material through a tubular string. Movement of a fluid, such as drilling mud, may be used to transport perforating charges to a bottom hole assembly. In the bottom hole assembly, a propellant material may be used to accelerate the perforating charges, such as by using a ram acceleration mechanism. The perforating charges may be shaped to at least partially penetrate a surface of the hole. Detonation of the perforating charge may displace, stress, or fracture the geologic material. Movement of the fluid may remove displaced geologic material and detonated material from the perforating charge from the hole.
patents
