Abstract: A drilling system can comprise a drill string having a longitudinal axis and comprising at least one drill rod and a wireless sub coupled to the at least one drill rod. The wireless sub can comprise processing circuitry that is configured to detect mechanical impulses of the drill string. The processing circuitry can be configured to wirelessly transmit signals indicative of the mechanical impulses to a remote computing device.

Abstract: Detector device (10) mounts to a drilling rig (12) to sense sound or vibration signalled from downhole. The device (10) has a transmitter (10,20) to transmit data and/or an alert relating to sensed sound and/or vibration associated with deployment and/or positioning of a tool downhole. The device (10) recognises that one or more predetermined events or a pattern of events or one or more particular sound and/or vibration signatures occur(s). Downhole device (36) has a transmitter (38) transmitting a signal indicating a sensed pressure, position or motion change downhole. Communication between the downhole device and the device at the surface to determine depth or distance e.g. time of flight of a signal emitted by one device and the return signal from the other device or from the send and received times of the signal between the two devices based on their respective timers.

Abstract: Rate of penetration (ROP) measurement system (10) has sensor apparatus on a drill rig detecting drilling advancement. Sender (38, 200) transmits to a receiver (40, 204), optionally via a reflector (39, 208). An electronic sub (201) can include the sender (200), receiver (204) or reflector (208). Reflector (39, 208) reflects signals to the receiver (40, 204). Distance measurement or space mapping can use LIDAR/laser and MEMS mirror. Releasable attachment to the drill rig can be by magnet (112). Atmospheric or barometric pressure can be detected and pressure change can be used to determine distance moved. WOB, RPM, torque and time rate of progress can be measured and combined with distance moved measurements to assess wear on a drill bit. Near real time ROP measurement can be calculated and displayed (17) and/or reported (21). Drilling efficiency and premature drill wear or change in rock can be determined.

Abstract: A core barrel head assembly having at least one electronic instrument that is configured to obtain orientation data; a power source; and a communication means to receive and/or transmit orientation data for use in a core sample down hole surveying and sample orientation system that is configured to provide an indication of the orientation of a core sample relative to a body of material from which the core has been extracted, and also to a method of core sample orientation identification.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in one aspect, is a system for determining depth within a borehole. The system can comprise a downhole device comprising at least one inertial sensor, at least one processor, and a memory in communication with the at least one processor. The memory can comprise instructions thereon that, when executed, cause the processor to: receive data from the at least one inertial sensor and store the data from the at least one inertial sensor in the memory with respective correlated time values. The system can further comprise a drill rig comprising at least one depth measurement device. The at least one depth measurement device can comprises a drill string position sensor that is configured to produce a measurement indicative of a length of a portion of a drill string removed from a borehole or a wireline sensor that is configured to determine a length of deployed wireline cable.

Abstract: A control unit can comprise a housing and circuitry disposed within the housing. The circuitry can comprise a communications module, a memory, and a processor in communication with the memory and the communications module. A power source can be disposed within the housing. An input port that is configured to mate with a complementary output of a sensor unit that is external to the housing. The input port can be in communication with the circuitry. The input port can be configured to interface with the sensor unit.

Abstract: A drilling system can comprise a drill string having a longitudinal axis and comprising at least one drill rod and a wireless sub coupled to the at least one drill rod. The wireless sub can comprise processing circuitry that is configured to detect mechanical impulses of the drill string. The processing circuitry can be configured to wirelessly transmit signals indicative of the mechanical impulses to a remote computing device.

Abstract: Described is apparatus housing an instrumented device and an inner tube providing a fluid flow path therethrough. A strain gauge is on the outer surface of the inner tube. Bulkhead(s) transfers forces from an external housing to the inner tube to be detected by the strain gauge. Flow sensors measure fluid flow velocity and/or fluid flow volume rate. Pressure sensors sense pressure differential between an inlet side and an outlet side of the apparatus. Sensors provide for measurement of RPM, WOB, azimuth and rate of penetration. Communication means (such as a Wi Fi transceiver) and/or GPS device can communicate through EM transparent windows. The apparatus is used aboveground axially in-line in a drill string.

Abstract: A drilling system can comprise a drill string having a longitudinal axis and comprising at least one drill rod and a wireless sub coupled to the at least one drill rod. The wireless sub can comprise processing circuitry that is configured to detect mechanical impulses of the drill string. The processing circuitry can be configured to wirelessly transmit signals indicative of the mechanical impulses to a remote computing device.

Abstract: A core barrel head assembly having at least one electronic instrument that is configured to obtain orientation data; a power source; and a communication means to receive and/or transmit orientation data for use in a core sample down hole surveying and sample orientation system that is configured to provide an indication of the orientation of a core sample relative to a body of material from which the core has been extracted, and also to a method of core sample orientation identification.

Abstract: A downhole sensing device deployment control apparatus (10) includes means to control speed of the sensing device progressing within a borehole associated with a drilling operation. A mechanical, electrically powered and/or hydro-dynamic drag/damping means/device (12) can be provided as part of the control apparatus to control speed of deployment down the borehole. The drag device (12) can have a plurality of wheels or rollers to contact an internal bore of an inner pipe of a drill string. Rotation control means (24), (26) can be provided to control an amount of rotation and/or direction of rotation of the wheels or rollers relative to travel of the sensing device within the borehole. Valving (60) can be provided. A two stage (dual) flow/pressure control valve (100) can be provided. A sensing device (release 216) and downhole position latch (202) can be provided. The sensing device can be pumped into the borehole, such as by compressed air.

Abstract: Winch (304) has a load bearing tape (305) to advance into a borehole (307). Hole depth can be determined by subtracting a sensed height (310) above ground surface (311) from total depth (312) measured. Can include a height above ground sensor (314) and a tape distance measurer (316). Depth of water or watery mud or muddy water (320) can be sensed, such as by a pressure sensor (326) on a weight or in a sensor device at or near the tape leading end. A heater (309) can warm the tape. A cover or housing (313) can be provided for the winch or spool. The tape can include wires or fibre optics (336) embedded in or applied to a surface of the tape (305) and/or apertures or embedded or surface applied markers/indicators (338) along a length thereof e.g. for reading by an optical or magnetic sensor.

Abstract: A method and system of validating orientation of a core obtained by drilling the core from a subsurface body of material, the method including: a) determining that vibration from drilling is below a nominated level, b) recording data relating to orientation of the core to be retrieved, the data recorded using a downhole core orientation data recording device, c) separating the core from the subsurface body, and d) obtaining from the core orientation data recording device an indication of the orientation of the core based on the recorded data obtained when the vibration from drilling was below the nominated level and before the core was separated from the subsurface body.

Abstract: Detector device (10) mounts to a drilling rig (12) to sense sound or vibration signalled from downhole. The device (10) has a transmitter (10,20) to transmit data and/or an alert relating to sensed sound and/or vibration associated with deployment and/or positioning of a tool downhole. The device (10) recognises that one or more predetermined events or a pattern of events or one or more particular sound and/or vibration signatures occur(s). Downhole device (36) has a transmitter (38) transmitting a signal indicating a sensed pressure, position or motion change downhole. Communication between the downhole device and the device at the surface to determine depth or distance e.g. time of flight of a signal emitted by one device and the return signal from the other device or from the send and received times of the signal between the two devices based on their respective timers.

Abstract: A drilling system can comprise a drill string having a longitudinal axis and comprising at least one drill rod and a wireless sub coupled to the at least one drill rod. The wireless sub can comprise processing circuitry that is configured to detect mechanical impulses of the drill string. The processing circuitry can be configured to wirelessly transmit signals indicative of the mechanical impulses to a remote computing device.

Abstract: A core barrel head assembly having at least one electronic instrument that is configured to obtain orientation data; a power source; and a communication means to receive and/or transmit orientation data for use in a core sample down hole surveying and sample orientation system that is configured to provide an indication of the orientation of a core sample relative to a body of material from which the core has been extracted, and also to a method of core sample orientation identification.

Abstract: A core barrel head assembly having at least one electronic instrument that is configured to obtain orientation data; a power source; and a communication means to receive and/or transmit orientation data for use in a core sample down hole surveying and sample orientation system that is configured to provide an indication of the orientation of a core sample relative to a body of material from which the core has been extracted, and also to a method of core sample orientation identification.

Abstract: A core barrel head assembly having at least one electronic instrument that is configured to obtain orientation data; a power source; and a communication means to receive and/or transmit orientation data for use in a core sample down hole surveying and sample orientation system that is configured to provide an indication of the orientation of a core sample relative to a body of material from which the core has been extracted, and also to a method of core sample orientation identification.

Abstract: A core barrel head assembly having at least one electronic instrument that is configured to obtain orientation data; a power source; and a communication means to receive and/or transmit orientation data for use in a core sample down hole surveying and sample orientation system that is configured to provide an indication of the orientation of a core sample relative to a body of material from which the core has been extracted, and also to a method of core sample orientation identification.

Abstract: An insert having a compartment that can be secured into a cap of a container is disclosed. The compartment can be used to store a humectant, desicant, or other material, which can be used to help preserve the contents of the container, such a food product or a pharmaceutical. The insert has a main body, a sidewall that surrounds the main body and extends upwards to define the compartment. A flange extends outwardly from the top of the sidewall that engages with the inner surface of the cap. The insert can be comprised of a resilient material to allow it to deform to fit within the cap and to secure it within the cap.