SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR LOCATING AND AVOIDING AN UNDERGROUND OBSTACLE
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for detecting and avoiding an underground object during a horizontal directional drilling operation. The apparatus comprises a boring tool with a ground penetrating radar detection system. The boring tool is operatively connected to a drill string and advanced through the earth to create a borehole. The radar detection system includes at least one transmitter, at least one detector, and a processor. The transmitter is located on a surface of the boring tool and is adapted to transmit electromagnetic waves. At least one detector is located on the surface of the boring tool, and detects the electromagnetic waves reflected by underground objects. The processor determines the location of the underground object from characteristics of the reflected waves. Using this information, the drill string may be pulled back up the borehole or redirected to avoid the object. The boring tool may be caused to breakout of the existing borehole using a pivoting boring tool. Alternatively, a shoe protruding from the boring tool may be engaged to push the boring tool into an opposite wall of the borehole.
34 Citations
37 Claims
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1-17. -17. (canceled)
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18. An apparatus for redirecting a drill string from an existing bore hole, the apparatus comprising:
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a boring tool, having a first end connectable to a drill string, a second end comprising a cutting head, and a midsection; and a shoe, operatively connected to the midsection of the boring tool, the shoe adapted to be extended from the midsection of the boring tool. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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20. A downhole tool for use in directional drilling, the downhole tool comprising:
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a housing connectable to a drill string;
po1 a drill head pivotally connected to the housing; anda rotation assembly, supported by the housing, the rotation assembly adapted to pivot the drill head relative to the housing, such that the drill head is forced into a wall of an existing borehole.
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21. An apparatus for redirecting a drill string from an existing borehole, the apparatus comprising:
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a housing supported on the drill string; a drill bit operatively connected to the housing; and a redirection assembly adapted to force the drill bit into a wall of an existing borehole. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. A method for redirecting a drill string from an existing borehole, the method comprising:
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pulling back the drill string a predetermined distance in the borehole; pivoting the a drill bit at an end of the drill string such that the drill bit is forced into a wall of the borehole; and advancing the drill string without rotation so the drill bit exits the borehole through the wall of the borehole. - View Dependent Claims (37)
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Specification