Apparatus and method for horizontal drilling

• US 6,886,644 B2
• Filed: 08/20/2002
• Issued: 05/03/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/11/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
• Original Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
• Inventors: Allen, Christopher T., Stump, Gregory S
• Primary Examiner(s): Hartmann, Gary S.
• Application Number:
  US10/224,205
• Publication Number:
  US 20030006071A1
• Time in Patent Office: 987 Days
• Field of Search: 175/24, 175/40, 175/45, 175/50, 175/61, 175/62, 731/520.1, 324/323, 324/344, 324/345, 340/853.3, 340/853.4, 340/853.5, 340/853.6, 340/854.6
• US Class Current: 175/61
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/0232 at least one of the energy sources or one of the detectors being located on or above the ground surface
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/13 by electromagnetic energy, e.g. radio frequency
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 7/046 horizontal drilling drilling with mechanical conveying means E21B7/003
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/74 Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/86 Combinations of radar systems with non-radar systems, e.g. sonar, direction finder
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/878 Combination of several spaced transmitters or receivers of known location for determining the position of a transponder or a reflector G01S13/874 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/885 for ground probing prospecting or detecting using electromagnetic waves G01V3/12
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 1/42 using generators in one well and receivers elsewhere or vice versa G01V1/52 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 3/12 operating with electromagnetic waves operating with millimetre waves G01V8/005
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 3/30 operating with electromagnetic waves

Abstract

An apparatus and method for horizontally drilling provides for detecting subsurface features and avoiding such features during closed-loop control of an underground drilling machine. A horizontal drilling system includes a base machine capable of propelling a drill pipe rotationally and longitudinally underground. A cutting tool system is coupled to the drill pipe, and a control system controls the base machine. A detector is employed to detect a subsurface feature. A communication link is utilized for transferring data between the detector and the control system. The control system uses the data generated by the detector to modify control of the base machine in response to detection of the subsurface feature.

Claims

1. A method of horizontal drilling, comprising:

propelling a cutting tool rotationally and longitudinally underground;

detecting, using an electromagnetic detection system, a subsurface feature in proximity with the cutting tool;

producing a detection signal in response to detecting the subsurface feature; and

modifying cutting tool propulsion, at least in part in response to the detection signal, prior to the cutting tool contacting the subsurface feature and to avoid contact between the cutting tool and the subsurface feature.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the subsurface feature comprises a man-made obstruction.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the subsurface feature comprises a transition between a first subsurface geology and a second subsurface geology.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the subsurface feature comprises detecting the subsurface feature from above ground.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the subsurface feature comprises detecting the subsurface feature at least in part from below ground.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the subsurface feature comprises detecting the subsurface feature using radar waves.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising computing a location of the subsurface feature.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising computing a location of the cutting tool.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising computing a depth of the subsurface feature.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising computing a depth of the cutting tool.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising communicating detection data via multiple antennae for use in modifying cutting tool propulsion.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the cutting tool comprises a boring tool or a reamer.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying cutting tool propulsion comprises automatically modifying cutting tool propulsion in response to the detection signal.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying cutting tool propulsion comprises modifying cutting tool propulsion at least in part manually.

15. A system for horizontal drilling, comprising:

a driving apparatus for propelling a cutting tool rotationally and longitudinally underground;

an electromagnetic detection system for detecting a subsurface feature in proximity with the cutting tool, the detection system generating a detection signal in response to detecting the subsurface feature; and

means for modifying, at least in part in response to the detection signal, cutting tool propulsion prior to the cutting tool contacting the subsurface feature and to avoid contact between the cutting tool and the subsurface feature.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the subsurface feature comprises a man-made obstruction.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the subsurface feature comprises a transition between a first subsurface geology and a second subsurface geology.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the detection system comprises an above-ground detector.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the detection system comprises a down-hole detector.

20. The system of claim 15, wherein the detection system comprises a ground penetrating radar.

21. The system of claim 15, wherein the detection system comprises above-ground and down-hole detector elements.

22. The system of claim 15, further comprising means for computing a location of one or both of the cutting tool and the subsurface feature.

23. The system of claim 15, further comprising means for computing a depth of one or both of the cutting tool and the subsurface feature.

24. The system of claim 15, wherein the detection system further comprises sets of antennae.

25. The system of claim 15, wherein the cutting tool comprises a boring tool.

26. The system of claim 15, wherein the cutting tool comprises a reamer.