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 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: Processes are described for isomerizing one or more C14-C24 alpha olefins to produce an isomerization mixture comprising one or more C14-C24 internal olefins comprising contacting an olefinic feed comprising the one or more C14-C24 alpha olefins with a catalyst under isomerization conditions, wherein the catalyst comprises a microporous crystalline aluminosilicate having an MWW framework. The resulting isomerization mixture typically exhibits a low pour point with maintained biodegradability properties as compared to the olefinic feed, and is particularly useful in drilling fluid and paper sizing compositions.

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 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: Processes are described for isomerizing one or more C14-C24 alpha olefins to produce an isomerization mixture comprising one or more C14-C24 internal olefins comprising contacting an olefinic feed comprising the one or more C14-C24 alpha olefins with a catalyst under isomerization conditions, wherein the catalyst comprises a microporous crystalline aluminosilicate having an MWW framework. The resulting isomerization mixture typically exhibits a low pour point with maintained biodegradability properties as compared to the olefinic feed, and is particularly useful in drilling fluid and paper sizing compositions.

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: A charged particle detecting device includes: a holding structure; a first charged particle detector at the terminal portion of the holding structure; a second charged particle detector at the terminal portion of the holding structure; a detector head at the terminal portion of the holding structure; and a first electrode which is transmissive for the first and second species of charged particles covering an entrance opening of the detector head.

Abstract: Apparatus (100) for measuring drilling parameters of a down-the-hole drilling operation for mineral exploration includes a module 10.1 mounted in-line with a drill string (110) and proximate to a drill bit (120). The drill string (110) is rotated and progressed down the hole. The module (10) has sensors for sensing conditions. The apparatus (100) measures drilling parameters based on the sensed conditions. The measured data is logged in the module (10) and then transmitted to a computer for a drilling operator's use. The drilling operator monitors progress and optimises performance of the drilling operation based on the measured data. Measurement of drilling parameters based on sensed data proximate to the drill bit enables accurate determination of actual WOB, torque and RPM fluctuations, axial vibration, radial vibration, temperature, RPM. A second module 10.2 is mounted in-line with the same drill string (110) but away from the drill bit (120). The second module 10.

Abstract: A charged particle detecting device is disclosed which includes: a holding structure; a first charged particle detector at the terminal portion of the holding structure, the first charged particle detector being configured to generate a first electrical signal when a first species of charged particles impinges on the first charged particle detector; a second charged particle detector at the terminal portion of the holding structure, the second charged particle detector is configured to generate a second electrical signal when a second species of charged particles impinges on the second charged particle detector; a detector head at the terminal portion of the holding structure, the detector head defining a hollow volume within which a particle entrance surface of the first charged particle detector and a particle entrance surface of the second charged particle detector are arranged; and a first electrode which is transmissive for the first and second species of charged particles covering an entrance opening of

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gas field ion source having a gun housing, an electrically conductive gun can base attached to the gun housing, an inner tube mounted to the gun can base, the inner tube being made of an electrically isolating ceramic, an electrically conductive tip attached to the inner tube, an outer tube mounted to the gun can base, the outer tube being made of an electrically isolating ceramic, and an extractor electrode attached to the outer tube. The extractor electrode can have an opening for the passage of ions generated in proximity to the electrically conductive tip.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a charged particle beam system, comprising a noble gas field ion beam source, a charged particle beam column, and a housing defining a first vacuum region and a second vacuum region. A noble gas field ion beam source is arranged within the first vacuum region. A first mechanical vacuum pump is functionally attached to the first vacuum region, an ion getter pump is attached to the charged particle beam column, and a gas supply is attached to the first vacuum region configured to supply a noble gas to the noble gas field ion beam source.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a charged particle beam system comprising a charged particle beam source, a charged particle column, a sample chamber, a plurality of electrically powered devices arranged within or at either one of the charged particle column, the charged particle beam source and the sample chamber, and at least one first converter to convert an electrical AC voltage power into an electrical DC voltage. The first converter is positioned at a distance from either of the charged particle beam source, the charged particle column and the charged particle chamber, and all elements of the plurality of electrically powered devices, when operated during operation of the charged particle beam source, are configured to be exclusively powered by the DC voltage provided by the converter.

Abstract: Ion sources, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Ion sources, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Ion sources, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that include: (a) a first material layer positioned on a first surface of a support structure and configured to generate secondary electrons in response to incident charged particles that strike the first layer, the first layer including an aperture configured to permit a portion of the incident charged particles to pass through the aperture; and (b) a second material layer positioned on a second surface of the support structure and separated from the first layer by a distance of 0.5 cm or more, the second layer being configured to generate secondary electrons in response to charged particles that pass through the aperture and strike the second layer, where the device is a charged particle detector.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a charged particle beam system comprising a charged particle beam source, a charged particle column, a sample chamber, a plurality of electrically powered devices arranged within or at either one of the charged particle column, the charged particle beam source and the sample chamber, and at least one first converter to convert an electrical AC voltage power into an electrical DC voltage. The first converter is positioned at a distance from either of the charged particle beam source, the charged particle column and the charged particle chamber, and all elements of the plurality of electrically powered devices, when operated during operation of the charged particle beam source, are configured to be exclusively powered by the DC voltage provided by the converter.