Core Drilling Components and Methods

The present invention provides a drilling tower having a rod handling tower allowing for the retrieval of rods from a rod rack system in an automated manner. The present invention also provides a method to deliver and install a core drilling platform in a remote area and its removal by air. The present invention also provides a cold box assembly for the storage of core drilling samples.

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Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119

The present application for patent claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/002,792 entitled “Core Drilling Components and Method”, filed May 23, 2014, assigned to the assignee hereof and hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to core drilling, and more specifically to the components of a modular core drilling platform and method for assembling the platform.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of energy by the world continuously increases with the ever increasing population. As such there is a constant need to explore and find sources of energy such as oil or gas. Unfortunately the current core drilling platforms or core drilling instrument cannot be effectively assembled, operated and disassembled in remote areas without the need for significant infrastructure. Therefore, there is a need for a core drilling platform which can be easily delivered, assembled, operated and disassembled without such need of significant infrastructure such as roads, bridges and other applicable infrastructure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a rod drilling tower with a rod handling tower capable of retrieving rods from a rod rack system to be used on a core drilling platform.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a rod rack system for the storing and use of rods while drilling for core samples.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of assembling a core drilling platform which can be assembled, operated and disassembled in a remote area.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a chuck to be operational within the drilling tower and while drilling for core samples.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a cold box in order to store the core samples taken from the core drilling operations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures serve to illustrate various embodiments of features of the invention. These figures are illustrative and are not intended to be limiting.

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a drilling tower with a rod handling tower and a rod rack system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1b is a second perspective view of a drilling tower with a rod handling tower and a rod rack system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rod handling tower without the rod rack system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the rod handling tower having opposing clamps according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the rod handling tower with a rod positioned on the rod handling tower according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the displacement means for the rod handling tower connected to the central structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rod handling tower in an elevated position with a rod positioned on the rod handling tower according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the rod handling tower elevated and parallel to the main tower according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is top perspective view of the receiving plate positioned on the main tower according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the main tower and central structure without the rod handling tower according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rod rack system without the rod handling tower and central structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the rod rack system having receiving levers and control wheels according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is side view of a rack within the rod rack system with a first and second inclined surface according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is side perspective view of the receiving levers and second controls wheels on a rack within the rod rack system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a chuck system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of a chuck system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional detailed view of a bowl engaged to springs and a housing of a chuck system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a chuck system without a housing according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional detailed view of a bowl engaged to jaws of a chuck system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional detailed view of an actuator sleeve, engaged with a bearing and a piston of a chuck system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional side view of a chuck system in threaded engagement with a gear box according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a drill rod within a chuck system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a disassembled cold box assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is an upper perspective view of an assembled cold box assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a lower perspective view of an assembled cold box assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view according to another embodiment of a drilling tower with a rod handing tower and a rod rack system of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a front view according to another embodiment of a drilling tower with a rod handing tower and a rod rack system of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view according to another embodiment of a rod rack system of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view according to another embodiment of a single rod rack within a rod rack system of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is an exploded view of a control wheel within a rod rack according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a rod support according to another embodiment of the rod rack system of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the first step for loading a rod onto the rod handling tower from the rod rack system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the second step for loading a rod onto the rod handling tower from the rod rack system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the third step for loading a rod onto the rod handling tower from the rod rack system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the fourth step for loading a rod onto the rod handling tower from the rod rack system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the first step for unloading a rod from the rod handling tower to the rod rack system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 36 a perspective view of the second step for unloading a rod from the rod handling tower to the rod rack system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37 a perspective view of the third step in unloading a rod from the rod handling tower to the rod rack system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 38 is an upper perspective cross-sectional view of a chuck system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a lower perspective cross-sectional view of a chuck system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 40 is a first detailed cross-sectional view of a securing member creating an operative engagement between a jaw and a cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 41 is a second detailed cross-sectional view of a securing member creating an operative engagement between a jaw and a cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 42 is a third detailed view of a the vertical movement of a cartridge relative to the horizontal movement of a jaw according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an actuator sleeve operatively engaged with a piston by means of a bearing according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a chuck system according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 45-92 are perspective views of the various steps required to assemble a core drilling platform having the components as described in the present invention.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting. It will be appreciated that various modifications and/or alterations to the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the invention and any modifications and/or alterations are within the scope of the contemplated invention.

The terms “coupled” and “connected”, along with their derivatives, may be used herein. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, “connected” may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. “Coupled” may be used to indicated that two or more elements are in either direct or indirect (with other intervening elements between them) physical or electrical contact with each other, or that the two or more elements co-operate or interact with each other (e.g. as in a cause and effect relationship).

With reference to FIGS. 1a and 1b, a drilling tower with a rod handling tower and a rod rack system 10 is shown. The drilling tower 10 has a central structure 20 with a main tower 30 and a rod handling tower 40. A rod rack system 50 is comprised of a first and second rod rack 52 and 54 which are not interconnected. The central structure 20 is not connected to the rod rack system 50. The drilling tower 10 shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b is a drilling tower which is incorporated within a mobile drilling platform with a number of other elements.

With reference to FIG. 2 and according to one embodiment of the present invention, the drilling tower 10 is shown without the rod rack system. The drilling tower 10 has a central structure 20 and a main tower 30. The drilling tower 10 also has a rod handling tower 40 which allows the retrieval and storing of rods used in the drilling process through the use of a rod rack system further described below. The rod handling tower 40 is shown in a lowered position which allows a rod to be retrieved from a rod rack system (not shown) or alternative to store a rod within a rod rack system. The rod handling tower 40 has a rod 60 positioned within the rod handling tower. The rod handling tower 40 will displace rod 60 from the rod handling tower 40 to the main tower. The central structure 20, main tower 30 and rod handling tower 40 are constructed from steel trusses as would be known by a worker skilled in the relevant art. The steel trusses can be modified to various sizes based on the required application.

With reference to FIG. 3, securing means on the rod handling tower 40 allow to secure rod 60 to the rod handling tower 40. An example of securing means on the rod handling tower 40 are comprised of hydraulic or pneumatic opposing clamps 70 which partially surround rod 50. As opposing clamps 70 are moved closer to one another, rod 50 is secured to the rod handling tower 40. Other types of securing means could be used to secure a rod to the rod handling tower as would be known by a worker skilled in the relevant art. The securing means can also be displaced away from the rod handling tower 40 through the use of a displacement piston 80 which can be hydraulic or pneumatic. A displacement piston 80 can be positioned on each securing means on the rod handling tower 40 or a single displacement piston can be positioned on a securing means. If a single displacement piston is utilized, the other securing means require an extendable section to be displaced with the other securing means having a displacement piston. Once the rod is within the securing means, the rod is positioned within a chuck as further described below. The Displacement of the chuck within the drilling tower would be based on chuck displacement means as known by a worker skilled in the relevant art.

With further reference to FIG. 3, the rod handling tower 40 also has receiving plates 90 which enable the placement of a rod 60 onto the rod handling tower prior to the securing means securing a rod onto the rod handling tower 40. When a rod is positioned onto the receiving plates 90 the securing means such as opposing clamps 70 are retraced underneath the receiving plates in order to allow a rod to rest on the receiving plates 90. Once the rod is positioned onto the receiving plates 90, the opposing clamps may be extended through the displacement piston 80 toward rod 60 in order to secure the rod onto the rod handling tower 40 and raising the rod away from the receiving plates. Alternatively, the displacement piston only travels a distance which positions the opposing clamps 70 at the same height as the receiving plates 90. The displacement piston 80 is also required to transfer the rod 60 from the handling tower 40 onto the main tower of the central structure.

With reference to FIG. 4 and according to one embodiment of the present invention, the rod handling tower 40 is shown with the securing means comprised of opposing clamps 62 and a support tip 100 located at one extremity of the rod handling tower. The support tip 100 allows for greater control of rod 60 when displacing the rod 60 to the main tower (not shown). The support tip 100 could also have securing means as described under FIG. 3.

With reference to FIG. 5 and according to one embodiment of the present invention, the rod handling tower 40 has displacement means which allow for the displacement of the rod handling tower 40 to the main tower (not shown). The displacement means shown in FIG. 4 consist of hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders 110 and 120 connected to the rod handling tower 40 and the central structure 20. The cylinders 110 and 120 are shown in a fully extended position which allows for the lowering of the rod handling tower 40. Support cylinders 130 and 140 are also connected to the rod handling tower and the central structure which provides added support for the rod handling tower 40. A pivot point 150 secures the rod handling tower 40 to the central structure 20 and also allows for the rod handling tower to travel from a lowered position as shown in FIG. 4 to a parallel position to the main tower 30 which is further described below. Other displacement means could be utilized allowing for the displacement of the rod handling tower such as electrical or mechanical as would be known by a worker skilled in the relevant art.

With reference to FIG. 6 and according to one embodiment of the present invention, the rod handling tower 40 is displaced from a lowered position to an inclined position through cylinders 110 and 120 being retracted which lifts the rod handling tower 40. The clamps 70 secure rod 60 onto rod handling tower to assure that rod 50 does not move during the displacement of rod handling tower 40 in closer proximity to the main tower 30.

With reference to FIG. 7, the rod handling tower 40 is adjacent to the main tower 30 which allows for a rod to be transferred from the rod handling tower 40 to the main tower 30. The cylinders 110 and 120 are fully retracted displacing the rod handling tower 40 as shown in FIG. 7. The main tower 30 has positioning cylinders 32 and 34 allowing for the main tower 30 to be in an operating position as shown or in a non-operating position by lowering the main tower 30 in close proximity to the central structure 20. The rod handling tower 40 can be displaced from pivot point 150 within an angle rotation range of −5 degrees to 120 degrees. With further reference to FIG. 7 and according to one embodiment of the present invention, the main tower 30 has a receiving platform 180 in order to transfer rod 60 from rod handling tower 40 to the main tower 30 and will be further described below.

With reference to FIG. 8 and according to one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving platform 180 on main tower 30 is shown in greater detail. The receiving platform 180 has an opening 182 with transfer means in close proximity to the opening 182. The transfer means consists of opposing rollers 190 which can be displaced along the surface of receiving platform 180 allowing for opening 182 to be narrower or larger. The displacement of the opposing rollers 190 is achieved through the use of hydraulic or pneumatic pistons 192 and 194. Through the extension of pistons 192 and 194, the opposing rollers 190 are displaced closer to one another. If the pistons 192 and 194 are retracted, the opposing rollers 190 will be displaced further apart from one another and providing a wider opening to opening 182.

With further reference to FIG. 8 and according to one embodiment of the present invention, rod 60 is displaced into opening 182 through the movement of opposing clamps 62 on the rod handling tower. Once rod 60 is positioned between opposing rollers 190, the opposing rollers 190 are moved toward rod 60 narrowing opening 182 and securing rod 60 between opposing rollers 190. With rod 60 secured within opposing rollers 190, opposing clamps 62 are released from rod 60 allowing for the rod handling tower 40 to be moved away from the main tower 30.

With reference to FIG. 9 and according to one embodiment of the present invention, the central structure 20 and main tower 30 are shown without the rod handling tower. The main tower 30 has a chuck 1010 with a gear box 1150 positioned within the main tower 30. The chuck 1010 and gear box 1150 travel in parallel relationship to the main tower 30 through extension pistons 250 and 252. During a drilling operation, the chuck 1010 and gear box 1150 remain at the lower section of the main tower 30 or at the extended position of pistons 250 and 252. The chuck 1010 and gear box 1150 travel upwards when rods (not shown) are being extracted after a drilling operation. The operation of the chuck and gear box are further described below.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, once a rod (not shown) is secured within opposing rollers 190 and the rod handling tower (not shown) is lowered, the chuck 1010 and gear box 1150 can travel upward to retrieve a rod (not shown) within opposing rollers 190. The securing of a rod onto another rod being held by chuck 1010 is achieved by the mobility of displacement piston 80. Specifically, displacement piston 80 can displace opposing clamps 62 parallel to receiving platform 180 as well as parallel to the main tower 30. The movement of opposing clamps 62 parallel to the main tower 30 once the rod handling tower is parallel to the main tower 30, allows for a rod to be lowered into another rod being held in position by chuck 1010. By lowering a rod into a rod held by chuck 1010, opposing clamps 62 are released and opposing rollers are activated to engage both rods via threads present in rod being held by chuck 1010. In order to secure a rod onto chuck 1010, the chuck 1010 needs to be positioned in a manner that a rod can clear over the chuck and be held in position by the opposing rollers 190.

With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 and according to one embodiment of the present invention, the rod rack system 50 is shown without the central structure and the rod handling tower. The rod rack system 50 has a first rod rack 52 and a second rod rack 54 which is longer in length. Rod rack 52 is not connected to rod rack 54 and a predetermined distance is measure between the racks. The desired distance between both racks 52 and 54 is the distance allowing for a rod handling tower (not shown) to be lowered in between both racks and allowing for a transfer of a rod onto a rod handling tower.

With further reference to FIG. 11 and according to one embodiment of the present invention, racks 52 and 54 have retrieving levers 300 which remove rods from the rod handling tower (not shown). Once the rod handling tower is positioned in between racks 52 and 54, levers 300 are rotated towards the opposing racks positioning tips 310 of the levers under a rod positioned on a rod handling tower (not shown). Once positioning tips are underneath a rod, levers 300 are rotated toward their respective racks lifting the rod from the rod handling tower and positioning the rod on the top surface of racks 52 or 54. The levers 300 are able to rotate a full 360 degrees in either clock or counter clockwise motion. In another embodiment levers 300 only rotate in a range of 180 degrees.

With reference to FIG. 12 and according to one embodiment of the present invention, once a rod (not shown) is positioned a top surface 600 of rack 52, a rod will travel along an inclined surface towards stoppers 400 positioned at the opposite end from levers 300 on rack 52. The stoppers 400 have a control wheel 410 positioned in close proximity to the stopper 400 allowing rods to travel to a second surface 610 on rack 52 once the control wheel 410 is activated. The rods are positioned on second surface 610 of rack 52 by allowing a rod positioned on the first surface 600 to drop into spacers 420 in control wheels 410. With the rotation of control wheel 410, a rod will travel from the first surface 600 of rack 52 to second surface 610 which is underneath first surface 600 of rack 52. Once the rod is on second surface 610 of rack 52, a rod can be displaced along the inclined surface of the second surface 610 based on a predetermined angled which will direct the rod to a second control wheel 500 positioned underneath levers 300. The second control wheel 500 allows for the positioning of rods onto a rod handling tower (not shown).

With reference to FIG. 13 and according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second control wheels 500 have contact surfaces 510 which allows a rod to be positioned onto it and with the rotation of the second control wheels 500, the rod is lifted from the rack and dropped onto a rod handling tower (not shown). The levers 300 on opposing racks will be off-set to assure that if the levers deployed simultaneously that the levers 300 will not contact each other. The racks of the rod rack system of the present invention can have one or more levers, stoppers, first and second control wheels with one or more contact surfaces. The rotational movement of the stoppers, first and second control wheels is a full 360 degrees.

With reference to FIG. 14 and according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a chuck system 1010 is shown generally comprised and encased by a housing 1015, secured to a cover 1020 by means of first bolts 1025. In turn, the cover 1020 is fastened to a cap 1030 by means of second bolts 1026, and said cap 1030 is fastened to a bushing 1035 by means of third bolts 1027. A drill rod (not shown) is secured to the chuck system 1010 by positioning said drill rod (not shown) into the main aperture 1040, said main aperture 1040 being circumferentially defined by the area within the bushing 1035, through the chuck system 1010 and out of a gear box (not shown) which is in threaded engagement with the housing 1015. Said gear box (not shown) also engages with an adapter 1045 of the chuck system 1010. The functioning of the chuck system 1010 and positioning and handling of the drill rod (not shown) is further explained below.

The operation of the drilling tower with a rod handling tower and rod rack system as described above is fully automated and does not require the use of any manual operators. The automation of the operation of these components would be based on the knowledge of a worker skilled in the relevant art.

With reference to FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 and according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the chuck system 1010 is generally comprised of a housing 1015 which is in threaded engagement with a gear box (not shown). A cylindrical bowl 1050 is operatively connected to the housing 1015 by means of a plurality of radially spaced springs 1055, serving to bias the bowl 1050 in an upward position, in the direction of the cap 1030 and bushing 1035. The springs 1055 bias an outer edge portion 1057 of the bowl 1050, forcing said bowl 1050 upwards. Therefore, in the position at rest of the springs 1055, an upper surface 1060 of the bowl 1050 is flush with an inner surface 1062 of the cover 1020. In other words, when no drill rod (not shown) is present in the chuck system 1010 and the system 1010 is at rest, the upper surface 1060 of the bowl 1050 will be flush with the inner surface 1062 of the cover 1020. The presence of the drill rod (not shown) will not allow the contact of the upper surface 1060 to the inner surface 1062 as the inherent size and shape of said drill rod (not shown) will force jaws 1070 outward towards the bowl 1050, said bowl 1050 thence forced downwards. This functioning is further described below.

With specific reference to FIG. 17, the radially spaced apart springs 1055 are shown in greater detail, exerting pressure and biasing the bowl 1050 in an upward position. FIG. 3a specifically shows the chuck system 1010 in a first position, whereby the jaws 1070 are not yet pushed inward and ready to grab onto the drill rod (not shown).

With further reference to FIGS. 15 and 18, a plurality of radially-spaced jaws 1070 are operatively engaged with the bowl 1050, said jaws 1070 able to grasp onto the drill rod (not shown). Said jaws 1070 are further comprised of friction inserts 1072 which serve to facilitate the grasping of the drill rod (not shown), and a plurality of hooks 1075 which engage corresponding cylindrical protrusions 1080 located on the bowl 1050. The jaws 1070 are held in place and biased outwards by means of a split ring (not shown) which is in an annular form and located within each jaws 1070. The split ring (not shown) can converge on itself such that inward movement of the jaws 1070 with respect to one another is permitted; however, the jaws 1070 are constantly biased in an outward position with respect to the center of the chuck system 1010. In a first position of the chuck system 1010, the hooks 1075 of the jaws 1070 are flush against and within the protrusions 1080 of the bowl 1050. As such, the jaws 1070 allow for the drill rod (not shown) to be freely inserted within and out of the chuck system 1010. In a second position of the chuck system 1010, the springs 1055 force the bowl 1050 upwards, thus the protrusions 1080 of said bowl 1050 move upwards as well and force the hooks 1075 and therefore the jaws 1070 in an inward position relative to the center of the chuck system 1010. Forcing said jaws 1070 inwardly allows the inserts 1072 to grasp onto the drill rod (not shown) and secure it within the chuck system 1010.

With reference to FIGS. 15 and 19 and according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical bowl 1050 is shown connected to an actuator sleeve 1090 by means of connecting rods 1095. Therefore, the movement imparted upon the actuator sleeve 1090 is similarly reflected onto said bowl 1050. The connecting rods 1095 are not connected to the housing 1015, as spacers 1092 exist between said connecting rods 1095 and the housing 1015 to separate their respective movement. The actuator sleeve 1090 has an annular groove 1100 in a lower portion thereof and a retaining clip 1105 (also known in the art as a circlip) is located therein. The retaining clip 1105 is connected to a lower ring 1110 which is in turn connected to a bearing 1115. As such, the load of the bearing 1115 is transferred onto the lower ring 1110, the retaining clip 1105 and ultimately onto the actuator sleeve 1090 and the bowl 1050. A piston 1120 is also shown, operatively connected to the actuator sleeve 1090 by means of the bearing 1115, lower ring 1110 and retaining clip 1105 as was explained. A chamber 1125 is also present, which allows for a liquid such as oil to flow within said chamber 1125 to engage the piston 1120. In a first position as was explained above, liquid has been inserted within the chamber 1125 and thus forcing the piston 1125 in a downward position. Correspondingly, the piston engages the bearing 1115, lower ring 1110 and retaining clip 1105 downward, said retaining clip 1105 within an annular groove 1100 of the actuator sleeve 1090. The actuator sleeve 1090 is also forced downwards, which, due to the connecting rods 1095 connecting said actuator sleeve 1090 to the bowl 1050, also forces said bowl 1050 downward. In this first position, the jaws 1070 do not engage the drill rod (not shown). In a second position, the fluid is removed from the chamber 1125, and the biasing force of the springs 1055 forces the bowl 1050, and thus correspondingly the actuator sleeve 1090, retaining clip 1105, lower ring 1110, bearing 1115 and piston 1120, upwards. As was previously explained, this biasing force of the springs 1055 forces the jaws 1070 inwards with respect to the center of the chuck system 1010.

With reference to FIG. 20 and according to one embodiment of the present invention, the chuck system 1010 is connected to a gear box 1150. Said gear box 1150 is connected to the chuck system 1010 by means of a threaded engagement between threads on the housing 1015 and threads on a spindle 1155 of the gear box 1150. By rotating said spindle 1155 of the gear box 1150, the housing 1015 is rotated as well. Rotating motion is mimicked on all connected parts as enumerated above, including the bowl 1050, jaws 1070, springs 1055, actuator sleeve 1090, retaining clip 1105, lower ring 1110, bearing 1115 and not including the piston 1120 and a base 1166. Indeed, the movement of the piston 1120 and base 1166 are independent from the remainder of the parts on the chuck system 1010 and will not rotate with the spindle 1155 of the gear box 1150. The adapter 1045 of the chuck system 1010 is also designed to engage an upper portion 1160 of the gear box 1150, and said adapter 1045 serves to hold the base 1166 of the chuck system 1010 onto the gear box 1150, and while preventing the adapter 1045 and base 1166 from spinning with the housing 1015.

With reference to FIG. 21 and according to one embodiment of the present invention, the chuck system 1010 is shown with a drill rod 1170 within the main aperture (not shown), through said chuck system 1010 and ultimately out of a gear box (not shown). While the term drill rod 1170 has been used throughout this document, a worker skilled in the relevant art should not limit the use of the chuck system 1010 with solely a drill rod 1170. Indeed, a worker skilled in the art would appreciate that the drill rod 1170 is interchangeable with a casing or a coring pipe or similar types of tubes and cores, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

With reference to FIG. 22 and according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a cold box assembly 1210 is shown generally comprised of a cold box 1215, to be inserted and secured into an insulating container 1220. The cold box 1215 and insulating container 1220 are each comprised of first and second sets of circular apertures 1225, 1227 respectively, aligned with one another and utilized in order to receive and store core samples to be stored in cold temperatures, approximately 70 degrees Celsius. The insulating container 1220 is comprised and lined of heavily insulating material 1229 which is preferably between 1 inch and 20 inches in thickness and serves to protect the core samples from ambient temperatures and keep said core samples cold. The insulating container 1220 is further comprised of a front flap 1230 which serves to seal the second set of circular apertures 1227 and a pivotally-connected insulated lid 1235 to enclose the insulating container 1220 once the cold box 1215 has been inserted therein. Caps (not shown) may also be required in order to cap the ends of the core samples once said core samples have been inserted into the first and second sets of circular apertures 1225, 1227. The caps (not shown) are fitted into the second apertures 1227 of the container 1220. The cold box 1215 is further comprised of its own lid 1240 to enclose and contain the core samples as described earlier.

With reference to FIG. 23 and according to a first embodiment, of the present invention, the cold box assembly 1210 is shown assembled with the cold box 1215 inserted within the insulating container 1220. An exemplary cap 1245 is shown which is inserted into the second sets of circular apertures 1227 to completely insulate the core samples within the cold box 1215. In this particular embodiment, a stand 1250 is shown which serves to secure the cold box assembly 1210 in a position above-ground.

With reference to FIG. 24 and according to a first embodiment, of the present invention, the cold box assembly 1210 is shown assembled with the insulated lid 1235 in a closed position. Front flap 1230 is in an open position in order to illustrate the second set of circular apertures 1227 and the cap 1245 which is to be inserted within said apertures 1227. Handles 1255 are located on the outer side of the insulated lid 1235 in order to facilitate the handling of the cold box assembly 1210.

With reference to FIGS. 25 and 26 and according to another embodiment of the present invention, a drilling tower 10 is shown with a structural frame 20, main tower 30 and a rod handling tower 40. The drilling tower is shown with a rod rack system comprised of a first rod rack 5200, a second rod rack 5400 and a rod support 5500. The rod handling tower 40 is positioned in between first rod rack 5200 and second rod rack 5400. As in other embodiment, rod racks 5200 and 5400 are not connected or attached to one another. The rod handling tower also is not connected or attached to either rod racks 5200 and 5400.

With reference to FIG. 27 and according to another embodiment of the present invention, a rod rack system is shown without the presence of the drilling tower and rod handling tower. The rod support 5500 is also not attached to either rod racks 5200 and 5400. The rod support 5500 is to allow the rod rack system to manipulate longer rods as would be positioned within the rod rack 5400.

With reference to FIG. 28 and according to another embodiment of the present invention, rod rack 5200 is shown in greater detail. Rod rack 5200 is comprised of a structural frame having opposing steel trusses 6200 and 6400 and ground frame 6500. A worker skilled in the relevant art would be familiar with a number of ground frames that could be utilised for a rod rack of the present invention. Rod rack 5200 also has two control wheels 6600 and 6700 which allow for the transfer of a rod from the rod rack 5200 to a rod handling tower (not shown). The control wheels 6600 and 6700 can only transfer a single rod from rod rack 5400 to a rod handling tower (not shown). The control wheels 6600 and 6700 have rod receiving indentations 6800 and 6900 allowing for the placement of a rod (not shown) within such indentations. The various steps to transfer a rod from a rod rack to a rod handling tower will be described further below. The control wheels 6600 and 6700 rotate around an axis on the structural frame of the rod rack. The rotation of control wheels 6600 and 6700 is in synchronised with both indentations 6800 and 6900 being aligned with one another. The power source for the rotation of the control wheels 6600 and 6700 can be any number of sources such as electrical, hydraulics or any other power source as would be known by a worker skilled in the relevant art. Shaft 6950 also links both control wheels 6600 and 6700 allowing for synchronisation of both control wheels and also only requiring a single power source to either control wheel in order to activate them.

With further reference to FIG. 28 and according to another embodiment of the present invention, rod rack 5200 has retrieval arms 7000 and 7100 positioned near control wheels 6600 and 6700. The retrieval arms 7000 and 7100 allow for the removal of a rod from a rod handling tower and to transfer them to the rod rack 5200. Rod rack 5200 also has two rod displacement controls 7200 and 7300. Rod displacement controls 7200 and 7400 control the travel of a rod (not shown) on steel trusses 6200 and 6400. In the present embodiment rod displacement controls consist of two hydraulic arms allowing to raise or lower the steel trusses 6200 and 6400. With the raising of the hydraulic arms 7200 and 7300, a rod will travel towards wheel controls 6600 and 6700 whereas with the lowering of hydraulic arms 7200 and 7400 a rod will travel at the opposite end of the steel trusses 6200 and 6400 which is away from control wheels 6600 and 6700.

With further reference to FIG. 28 and according to another embodiment of the present invention, rod rack 5200 also has stops 8000 and 8100 at one end of steel trusses 6200 and 6400 which assure that a rod does not fall off the rod rack 5200. Support trusses 8200 and 8300 are hinged on steel trusses 6200 and 6400 and link together steel trusses 6200 and 6400.

With reference to FIG. 29 and according to another embodiment of the present invention, control wheel 6600 is shown in greater detail. The movement of control wheel 6600 is powered by a hydraulic arm 7600 wherein with the extension of hydraulic arm 7600, control wheel 6600 will rotate away from the rod rack positioning the rod receiving indentation in a position to receive a rod (not shown). A worker skilled in the relevant art would be familiar with a number of power sources allowing for the rotation of the control wheel 6600. A shaft also links both control wheels.

With reference to FIG. 30 and according to another embodiment of the present invention, rod support 5500 is shown in greater detail. Rod support 5500 is composed of a steel frame with a steel trust 8800 wherein an end of a rod can rest upon. A control wheel 5600 is also positioned on rod support 5500 allowing for the transfer of rods from a rod rack to a rod handling tower. The control wheel 5600 is also only used to load a rod onto a rod handling tower. As indicated above, the use of any control wheels must be synchronised otherwise a rod cannot be transferred from the rod handling tower to a rod rack or vice versa. Rod support 5500 also has a power source to rotate control wheel 8800 in the form of a hydraulic arm.

The elements described for rod rack 5400 are also present in rod rack 5200 such that any opposing rod rack system would have identical elements.

The transfer of a rod from a rod rack to a rod handling will be shown through FIGS. 31 to 34 and the removal of a rod from a rod handling tower and transferred to a rod rack will be shown through FIGS. 35 to 37.

With reference to FIG. 31 and according to one embodiment of the present invention, a rod 9000 is positioned on rod rack 5200. Control wheels 6600 and 6700 are rotated in order to place rod receiving indentations 6800 and 6900 onto rod 9000. The rod displacement controls (not shown) would be positioned in a manner that would move all rods including rod 9000 toward the control wheels 6600 and 6700. Through the use of rod receiving indentations 6800 and 6900 on control wheels 6600 and 6700 assures that only one rod is selected to be moved from the rod rack 5200 onto rod handling tower 40. The rod receiving indentations 6800 and 6900 are limited in shape such that only a single rod can be positioned within the indentations.

With reference to FIG. 32 and according to another embodiment of the present invention, the control wheels 6600 and 6700 are rotated away from rod rack 5200 and towards rod handling tower 40. The rotation of control wheels 6600 and 6700 is powered by a hydraulic arm (not shown). The deployment of the hydraulic arm on control wheel 6600 and 6700 rotates the control wheels 6600 and 6700 away from rod rack 5200 and toward rod handling tower 40. With further reference to FIG. 32, rod 9000 is clearly positioned within the rod receiving indentations of control wheels 6600 and 6700 allowing for the transfer of rod 9000 to rod handling tower 40.

With reference to FIG. 33 and according to one embodiment of the present invention, rod 9000 is positioned onto rod handling tower once the control wheels 6600 and 6700 have rotated to the point that the rod receiving indentations 6800 and 6900 can no longer support rod 9000. Control wheels 6600 and 6700 do not contact rod handling tower 40. Once the rod receiving indentations are positioned as shown in FIG. 33, the mere weight of rod 9000 will transfer rod 9000 onto the rod handling tower 40 by falling on the rod handling tower 40. Rod 9000 will fall onto rod receiving plates 9100 and 9200 as positioned on rod handling tower 40.

With reference to FIG. 34 and according to one embodiment of the present invention, control wheels 6600 and 6700 will rotate towards rod rack 5200. By rotating away from rod handling tower 40, this will allow rod handling tower 40 to be raised toward the main tower (not shown) on the drilling tower (not shown). Rod 9000 will be secured to rod handling tower 40 through securing means defined as opposing clamps 70. The transfer of another rod from a rod rack to a rod handling tower can then be repeated as described under FIGS. 31-34.

With reference to FIG. 35 and according to one embodiment of the present invention, a rod 9000 is removed from rod handling tower 40. In order to remove rod 9000 from rod handing tower 40, opposing clamps 70 are raised which in turn raises rod 9000 away from rod handling tower 40. Once rod 9000 is raised, retrieval arms 7000 and 7000 are extended underneath rod 9000. Retrieval arms 7000 and 7100 are extended through the use of hydraulic arms (not shown) allowing the retrieval arms to be positioned underneath rod 9000. Once retrieval arms 7000 and 7100 are positioned underneath rod 9000, opposing clamps 70 are released and lowered which in turn transfers rod 9000 onto retrieving arms 7000 and 7100. A worker skilled in the relevant art would be familiar with various power sources allowing for the retrieving arms to be extended and retracted.

With reference to FIGS. 36 and 37 and according to one embodiment of the present invention, once rod 9000 is positioned on retrieving arms 7000 and 7100, rod 9000 will travel directly to control wheels 6600 and 6700 since retrieving arms 7000 and 7100 are angled upwards assuring the travel of rod 9000 toward control wheels 6600 and 6700. When receiving a rod at this stage, control wheels 6600 and 6700 are rotated to assure that rod receiving indentations are positioned to receive a rod as shown in FIG. 36. With reference to FIG. 37, once rod 9000 is within the rod receiving indentations on control wheels 6600 and 6700, control wheels 6600 and 6700 are rotated toward rod rack 5200 which in turn will transfer rod 9000 onto steel trusses 6200 and 6400 to roll toward the stops on the rod rack system.

A worker skilled in the relevant art would appreciate that only one rod rack could be used with a rod handling tower and a drilling tower. It is not necessary to have two rod rack system as shown.

A worker skilled in the relevant art would also understand that the control wheels as defined above could be defined as scoop wheels. A worker skilled in the relevant art would also understand the retrieving arms described above as covering indexing arms allowing for the removal of arms from the rod handling tower.

With reference to FIGS. 38 and 39 and according to another embodiment of the present invention, a chuck system 2010 is shown, generally comprised of a housing 2015 to engage the chuck system 2010 to a gear box (not shown). A cylindrical bowl 2050 is also shown, operatively connected to the housing 2015 by a plurality of radially spaced apart biasing means 2055 which in this embodiment are shown as springs. At least two cartridges 2022 are present, each cartridge 2022 further comprised of at least one sloping inner surface (not shown) to actuate at least two corresponding jaws 2070, whereby each cartridge 2022 is attached to the cylindrical bowl 2050. A worker skilled in the art would appreciate that more than two jaws 2070 and corresponding cartridges 2022 can be utilized, and that in this particular embodiment six jaws 2070 and cartridges 2022 are present to manipulate a drill rod (not shown). The jaws 2070 are operatively connected to said cartridges 2022 by means of a plurality of securing members 2024, and serve to grip onto or release a drill rod (not shown). Said jaws 2070 are further comprised of a longitudinally extending friction inserts 2072 along the length of the jaws 2070 in order to provide griping means to clasp onto the drill rod (not shown). An actuator sleeve 2090 is provided, fastened to the cylindrical bowl 2050 by means of radially spaced apart connecting rods 2095. The actuator sleeve 2090 is operatively coupled to a piston 2120 by means of a cylindrically-shaped bearing 2115. While the bearing 2115 provides for circular movement to the actuator sleeve 2090, and correspondingly to the bowl 2050, cartridges 2022, jaws 2070 and housing 2015, the position of the piston 2120 remains the same relative to said circular motion. An annular chamber 2125 is provided in order to receive a fluid therein, and thus actuates the piston 2120 in a downwards movement. Therefore, downward movement from the piston 2120 engenders corresponding vertical downward movement from the bearing 2115, actuator sleeve 2090, bowl 2050 and cartridges 2022, which will in turn push the jaws 2070 inwards horizontally. In turn, the jaws 2070 will manipulate the drill rod (not shown), which is to say that the jaws 2070 can clamp on or release the drill rod (not shown) depending on the movement of the adjacent cartridges 2022. This functioning is further explains below; however, a worker skilled in the art would appreciate that there are two positions for the chuck system: a first, clamping position whereby the biasing means 2055 are in a first position forcing the bowl 2050 upwards and thus the jaws 2070 inwards to clamp onto the drill rod (not shown), and a second, releasing position whereby a fluid is introduced into the annular chamber 2125 and forces a piston 2120 downwards, and correspondingly the bowl 2050 and biasing means 2055 downwards and thus the jaws 2070 inwards to release the drill rod (not shown). A worker skilled in the art would appreciate that the connection between the chuck system 2010 to a gear box (not shown) is similar to that which was described above.

With reference to FIGS. 40, 41 and 42, the securing members 2024 are further described, comprised of a shoulder bolt 2031, a friction pad 2032 and a coil 2033. As is shown, the shoulder bolt 2031 is secured within the jaw 2070 such that the horizontal motion of the jaw 2070 is reflected onto the shoulder bolt 2031 and the securing members 2024 overall. Indeed, a sliding aperture 2034 is present, allowing for the horizontal movement of the securing members 2024 separate from the upwards and downwards vertical movement of the cartridge 2022 and bowl 2050 as described above. Said vertical movement of the cartridge 2022 relative to the horizontal movement of the jaw 2070 is allowed by means of sloping inner surface 2036 on the cartridge 2022. As the cartridge 2022 moves upwards, the sloping inner surface 2036 pushes against a corresponding sloping outer surface 2037 of the jaw 2070 as is specifically shown in Figure E and represented by movement arrows. At any given moment in the motion of the chuck, the jaw 2070 is biased outwards, against the cartridge 2022 by means of the securing members 2024. This biasing is specifically shown in Figure C and is achieved by providing a friction pad 2032 biased flushly against the sliding aperture 2034 of the cartridge by means of coil 2033. Since the shoulder bolt 2031 is secured within the jaw 2070 and not secured to the cartridge 2022, the jaw 2070 is always forced outwardly and towards the cartridge 2022.

With reference to FIG. 43, the actuator sleeve 2090 is shown connected to both a plurality of connecting rods 2095 and operatively coupled to a piston 2120 by means of a cylindrically-shaped bearing 2115. The bearing 2115 is held in place and supported by means of a lower ring 2110 and a retaining clip 2105, and said bearing 2115 allows for the rotational movement of the actuator sleeve 2090 relative to the piston 2120 which does not rotate and is held in place by means of a lock pin 2038 thus only moves in a vertical motion. Indeed, an annular chamber 2125 is present which allows for the injection of fluid in order to move the piston 2120 in a downwards motion. Downward movement of the piston 2120 pushes the actuator sleeve 2090 downward which cause the remainder of the chuck system to move downward, with the except of the aforementioned jaws (not shown) which move inward to clasp onto the drill rod (not shown). When fluid is removed from the annular chamber 2125, upwards pressure from the biasing means (not shown) overcomes the downwards pressure exhibited from the fluid and thus forces the bowl (not shown), actuator sleeve 2090, bearing 2115 and piston 2120 upwards to a position at rest. As was previously described, when a spindle (not shown) is introduced from the gear box (not shown) into the chuck system 2010, it will rotate and thus rotate the parts enumerated above; namely, the bowl 2050, jaws 2070, biasing means 2055, actuator sleeve 2090, retaining clip 2105, lower ring 2110, bearing 2115 and not including the piston 2120.

With reference to FIG. 44, the chuck system 2010 is shown with handles 2039 connected to a cover 2020 for easy manipulation of the chuck system, while a nozzle 2041 is also provided as a lubrication point for gear box (not shown).

In one embodiment of the present invention a method for delivering and installing a core drilling platform in a remote area is provided based on the following steps:

Step 1 is to install a total of 8 base leveling structures and system on a surface as shown in FIG. 45-52 with the delivery of a rod support for a rod rack system in one embodiment. In another embodiment of the present invention, the rod support is not included;

Step 2 is to install two central structures as shown in FIGS. 53-54 onto the base leveling structures;

Step 3 is to install two water tanks with structures next to the central structures as shown in FIGS. 55 and 56 onto the base leveling structures;

Step 4 is to install three support structures over as shown in FIGS. 57-59 onto the structures over top the water tanks;

Step 5 is to install a main deck as shown in FIGS. 60-62 on the support structures;

Step 6 is to install the main deck stairs as shown in FIG. 63;

Step 7 is to install a rod rack system as shown in FIGS. 64-69. In another embodiment the rod rack system inclusive of a rod support;

Step 8 is to install a generator set and power units as shown in FIGS. 70-72;

Step 9 is to install two fuel cells as shown in FIGS. 73-74;

Step 10 is to install a hydraulic power pack as shown in FIGS. 75-76;

Step 11 is to install a compact crane as shown in FIG. 77;

Step 12 is to install a dog house and cab as shown in FIG. 78;

Step 13 is to install the drill tower as shown in FIG. 79;

Step 14 is to install thrust cylinder sub assembly as shown in FIG. 80;

Step 15 is to install the drill head support and the drill head as shown in FIGS. 81-82;

Step 16 is to install rod spinning tower having a chuck a shown in FIG. 83;

Step 17 is to install a foot clamp and miscellaneous hydraulics as shown in FIG. 84;

Step 18 is to install the rod handling tower as shown in FIGS. 85-87;

Step 19 is to receive and install the cutting dryer and vac-unit as shown in FIG. 88;

Step 20 is to receive and install the water pump assembly as shown in FIG. 89;

Step 21 is to receive and install the progressive cavity pump as shown in FIG. 90;

Step 22 is to receive and install the water line heater and receive miscellaneous materials as shown in FIG. 91; and

Step 23 is to receive upper rod racks from one embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 92.

The rod rack system used under the present invention can consist of two embodiments. As such step 7 could be different and simply consist of two rock racks and a rod support without the need for step 23 providing the upper rod rack for the other embodiment of the rod rack system described under the present invention.

As shown in each Figure from 45-92 approximate weights are also indicated for each lift by a helicopter or other transport means through the air. The weight indicated is an approximate weight and is not to be considered as limiting.

A method of delivering and installing a remote core drilling platform comprising the following steps is also provided:

1—Installing a total of 8 base leveling structures and system on a surface;
2—Installing two central structures on the base leveling structures of step 1;
3—Installing two water tanks with structures next to the central structures of step 2;
4—Installing three support structures over the central structure and structure for water tanks;
5—Installing a main deck and main stair on support structure of step 4;
6—Installing a rod rack system;
7—Installing a generator set on a surface and power units on the main deck of step 5;
8—Installing two fuel cells on a surface in proximity to the main deck of step 5
9—Installing two hydraulic power packs on the main deck;
10—Install a compact crane on the main deck;
11—Installing a dog house and cab on the main deck;
12—Installing a drill tower next to the main deck;
13—Installing a thrust cylinder sub assembly within the drill tower;
14—Installing a drill head support and the drill head in the drill tower;
15—Installing a rod spinning system having a chuck within the drill tower;
16—Installing a foot clamp and miscellaneous hydraulics;
17—Installing a rod handling tower;
18—Installing a cutting dryer and vac-unit;
19—Installing a water pump assembly;
20—Installing a progressive cavity pump; and
21—Installing a water line heater.

A method of delivering and installing a remote core drilling platform comprising the following steps is also provided:

1—Installing a total a base leveling structures and system having a structure and a main deck;
2—Installing a rod rack system;
3—Installing a drill tower with a thrust cylinder sub assembly within the drill tower, a drill head support and a drill head in the drill tower;
4—Installing a rod spinning system having a chuck within the drill tower; and
5—Installing a rod handling tower;

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of assembling a core drilling platform is provided based on the following steps:

A method of installing a rig structure assembly comprising the following steps:

  • 1. Receive, Position and Install a First Base leveling system;
    • a. advance crew, utilizing drift lines, receives the load and preset in assigned position. Crew lead to receive, and ensure that the first base leveling system is in proper position, free and clear of any debris that may inhibit proper set up.
  • 2. Receive, Position and Install a Second Base leveling system further comprising the steps of:
    • a. advance crew, utilizing drift lines, receives the load and preset in assigned position. Crew lead to receive, and ensure that the second base leveling system is in proper position, free and clear of any debris that may inhibit proper set up;
    • b. Requires assembly via locking pin; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure proper assembly.
  • 3. Receive, Position and Install a Third Base leveling system further comprising the steps of:
    • a. advance crew, utilizing drift lines, receives the load and preset in assigned position. Crew lead to receive, and ensure that the third base leveling system is in proper position, free and clear of any debris that may inhibit proper set up;
    • b. Requires assembly via locking pin; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure proper assembly.
  • 4. Receive, Position and Install a Fourth Base leveling system further comprising the steps of:
    • a. advance crew, utilizing drift lines, receives the load and preset in assigned position. Crew lead to receive, and ensure that fourth base leveling system is in proper position, free and clear of any debris that may inhibit proper set up;
    • b. Requires assembly via locking pin; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure proper assembly.
  • 5. Receive, Position and Install a Fifth Base leveling system further comprising the steps of:
    • a. advance crew, utilizing drift lines, receives the load and preset in assigned position. Crew lead to receive, and ensure that fifth base leveling system is in proper position, free and clear of any debris that may inhibit proper set up;
    • b. Requires assembly via locking pin; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure proper assembly.
  • 6. Receive, Position and Install a Sixth Base leveling system further comprising the steps of:
    • a. advance crew, utilizing drift lines, receives the load and preset in assigned position. Crew lead to receive, and ensure that sixth base leveling system is in proper position, free and clear of any debris that may inhibit proper set up;
    • b. Requires assembly via locking pin; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure proper assembly.
  • 7. Receive, Position and Install a Seventh Base leveling system further comprising the steps of:
    • a. advance crew, utilizing drift lines, receives the load and preset in assigned position. Crew lead to receive, and ensure that seventh base leveling system is in proper position, free and clear of any debris that may inhibit proper set up;
    • b. Requires assembly via locking pin; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure proper assembly.
  • 8. Receive, Position and Install an Eight Base leveling system further comprising the steps of:
    • a. advance crew, utilizing drift lines, receives the load and preset in assigned position. Crew lead to receive, and ensure that base eight leveling system is in proper position, free and clear of any debris that may inhibit proper set up. This load also includes a mini console and gas generator for powering the jacks. At this point, the base leveling system is complete and its levelness must be ensured;
    • b. Requires assembly via locking pin;
    • c. Crew lead to ensure proper assembly;
    • d. Crew lead to ensure proper hook-up of jacks to mini-console; and
    • e. Crew lead responsible to have entire leveling system level using the leveling jacks.
  • 9. Receive, Position and Install a First Central structure further comprising the steps of:
    • a. advance crew, utilizing drift lines, receive load, crew lead to receive in front position in relation to the base. Crew second to receive in rear position in relation to the base. Guide load using drift lines into position “1” labeled on base; and
    • b. Crew lead to ensure that the first central structure is in proper position and secure.
  • 10. Receive, Position and Install a Second Central structure further comprising the steps of:
    • a. advance crew, utilizing drift lines, receive load, crew lead to receive in front position in relation to the base. Crew second to receive in rear position in relation to the base. Guide load using drift lines into position “2” labeled on base;
    • b. Requires bolted installation to the first central structure;
    • c. Crew lead to ensure that the second central structure is locked and secured to the first central structure to create a single central structure
  • 11. Receive, Position and Install a First Right hand storage further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift lines, receive load, crew lead to receive in front position in relation to the base. Crew second to receive in rear position in relation to the base. Guide load using drift lines into position “3” labeled on base;
    • b. Built-in tabs on storage unit are used to guide and position respective to central structure; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure the first right hand storage is locked and secured to the central structure.
  • 12. Receive, Position and Install a second Right hand storage further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift lines, receive load, crew lead to receive in front position in relation to the base. Crew second to receive in rear position in relation to the base. Guide load using drift lines into position “4” labeled on base;
    • b. Built-in tabs on storage unit are used to guide and position respective to central structure; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure that the second right hand storage is locked and secured to the first central structure.
  • 13. Receive, Position and install a first Left hand storage further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift lines, receive load, crew lead to receive in front position in relation to the base. Crew second to receive in rear position in relation to the base. Guide load using drift lines into position “5” labeled on base;
    • b. Built-in tabs on storage unit are used to guide and position respective to central structure; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure that the first left hand storage is locked and secured to central structure.
  • 14. Receive. Position and install a second Left hand storage further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift lines, receive load, crew lead to receive in front position in relation to the base. Crew second to receive in rear position in relation to the base. Guide load using drift lines into position “6” labeled on base;
    • b. Built-in tabs on storage unit are used to guide and position respective to central structure; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure the left hand storage (2) is locked and secured to central structure.
  • 15. Receive. Position and Install a Left hand mud tank further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift lines, receive load, crew lead to receive in front position in relation to the base. Crew second to receive in rear position in relation to the base. Guide load using drift lines into position “7” labeled in guiding base;
    • b. Built-in tabs on storage unit are used to guide and position respective to central structure; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure the left hand mud tank is locked and secured to the central structure.
  • 16. Receive. Position and Install a Right hand mud tank further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift lines, receive load, crew lead to receive in front position in relation to the base. Crew second to receive in rear position in relation to the base. Guide load using drift lines into position “8” labeled in guiding base;
    • b. Built-in tabs on storage unit are used to guide and position respective to central structure; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure the left hand mud tank is locked and secured to the central structure.
  • 17. Receive, Position and Install a Main right deck flooring further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift lines, receive load, crew lead to receive in front position in relation to the guiding base. Crew second to receive in rear position in relation to the guiding base. Guide load using drift lines into position;
    • b. Built-in tabs atop the storage unit and mud tank are used to guide and position the main deck flooring; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure the main right deck flooring is well positioned and secured to the platform.
  • 18. Receive, Position and Install a Main left deck flooring further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift lines, receive load, crew lead to receive in front position in relation to the guiding base. Crew second to receive in rear position in relation to the guiding base. Guide load using drift lines into position;
    • b. Built-in tabs atop the storage unit and mud tank are used to guide and position the main left deck flooring; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure the main deck flooring (right) is well positioned and secured to the platform.
  • 19. Receive, Position and Install a Side Deck flooring and support further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift lines, receive load, crew lead to receive in front position in relation to the guiding base. Crew second to receive in rear position in relation to the guiding base. Guide load using drift lines into position;
    • b. The supporting structure is to be assembled prior to the side deck load. Built-in tabs atop the storage unit and mud tank are used to guide and position the side deck; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure the side deck flooring and support is well positioned and secured to the platform.
  • 20. Receive, Position and Install a Side Deck platform stairs and supporting structure further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift lines, receive load, crew lead to receive the high end of the stairs in relation to the stairs. Crew second to receive the lower end of the stairs. Guide load using drift lines into position;
    • b. Tabs on the side deck structure guide and position the stair unit in place; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure the stair unit footing is level and evenly supported, well positioned and secure.
  • 21. Receive, Position and Install a Main deck platform stairs and supporting structure further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift lines, receive load, crew lead to receive the high end of the stairs in relation to the stairs. Crew second to receive the lower end of the stairs. Guide load using drift lines into position;
    • b. Tabs on the side deck structure guide and position the stair unit in place; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure the stair unit footing is level and evenly supported, well positioned and secure.
  • 22. Receive, Position and Install a first Left rod rack lower further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift lines, receive load, crew lead to receive the end closer to main structure. Crew second to receive end away from main platform. Guide load using drift lines into position “Left rod rack (1)” labeled on Base leveling system;
    • b. Tabs on Base leveling system guide and position the first left rod rack in place; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure that first left rod rack is well positioned and secured.
  • 23. Receive, Position and Install a second Left rod rack lower further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift lines, receive load, crew lead to receive the end closer to main structure. Crew second to receive end away from main platform. Guide load using drift lines into position “Left rod rack (2)” labeled on Base leveling system;
    • b. Tabs on Base leveling system and first left rod rack lower guide and position second left rod rack lower in place; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure that second left rod rack lower is well positioned and secured.
  • 24. Receive, Position and Install a first Right rod rack lower further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift lines, receive load, crew lead to receive the end closer to main structure. Crew second to receive end away from main platform. Guide load using drift lines into position “Right rod rack (1)” labeled on Base leveling system;
    • b. Tabs on Base leveling system guide and first position right rod rack lower in place; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure that first right rod rack lower is well positioned and secured.
  • 25. Receive, Position and Install a second Right rod rack lower further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift lines, receive load, crew lead to receive the end closer to main structure. Crew second to receive end away from main platform. Guide load using drift lines into position “Right rod rack (2)” labeled on Base leveling system;
    • b. Tabs on Base leveling system and first right rod rack lower guide and position second right rod rack lower in place; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure that second right rod rack lower is well positioned and secured.
  • 26. Receive, Position and Install a first Right rod rack upper further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift lines, receive load, crew lead to receive the end closer to main structure. Crew second to receive end away from main platform;
    • b. Tabs on first Right rod rack lower position right first rod rack upper in place; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure that first right rod rack upper is well positioned and secured.
  • 27. Receive. Position and Install a second Right rod rack upper further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift lines, receive load, crew lead to receive the end closer to main structure. Crew second to receive end away from main platform;
    • b. Tabs on first Right rod rack upper and first Right rod rack lower guide and position second right rod rack upper in place; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure that second Right rod rack upper is well positioned and secured.
  • 28. Receive. Position and Install a Genset further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew second, utilizing drift line receives load. Guide load using drift lines into area designated for Genset, off the main structure; and
    • b. Crew lead to ensure the Genset is well positioned, on adequate terrain and level.
  • 29. Receive. Position and Install a first Power Unit further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew second, utilizing drift line receives load. Guide load using drift lines into position “Power Unit (1)” labeled on Main deck;
    • b. Tabs on main deck guide and position first Power Unit in place; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure Power Unit (1) is well positioned.
  • 30. Receive. Position and Install a second Power Unit further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift line receive load, crew second to receive load. Guide load using drift lines into position “Power Unit (2)” labeled on main deck;
    • b. Tabs on main deck guide and position second Power Unit in place; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure Power Unit (2) is well positioned.
  • 31. Receive. Position and Install a first Fuel tank further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift line receive load, crew second to receive load. Guide load using drift lines into area designated “Fuel tank (1)” off the main structure; and
    • b. Crew lead to ensure that first Fuel Tank is well positioned, on adequate terrain and level.
  • 32. Receive. Position and Install a second Fuel tank further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift line receive load, crew second to receive load. Guide load using drift lines into area designated “Fuel tank (2)” off the main structure; and
    • b. Crew lead to ensure that second Fuel Tank is well positioned, on adequate terrain and level.
  • 33. Receive. Position and Install a first Hydraulic pump pack further comprising the steps of:
  • 34.
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift line receive load, crew second to receive load. Guide load using drift lines into position “Hydraulic pump pack (1)” labeled on main deck;
    • b. Crew lead to ensure that the first Hydraulic pump pack is well positioned;
    • c. Assembly of the pump pack to the first Power unit output shaft is necessary; and
    • d. Crew lead to ensure that first Hydraulic pump pack is properly assembled and secured.
  • 35. Receive. Position and Install a second Hydraulic pump pack further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift line receive load, crew second to receive load. Guide load using drift lines into position “Hydraulic pump pack (2)” labeled on main deck;
    • b. Crew lead to ensure that the second Hydraulic pump pack is well positioned;
    • c. Assembly of the pump pack to the second Power unit output shaft is necessary; and
    • d. Crew lead to ensure that second Hydraulic pump pack is properly assembled and secured.
  • 36. Receive. Position and Install a Compact crane further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift line receive load, crew second to receive load. Guide load using drift lines into position “Crane” labeled on main deck;
    • b. Tabs on main deck guide and position crane;
    • c. Bolt assembly is required to secure the Crane in place;
    • d. Crew lead to ensure the compact Crane is well positioned and secured; and
    • e. Crew lead to ensure the compact Crane is hooked up properly to hydraulic pump.
  • 37. Receive. Position and Install a Drill tower further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift line receive load, crew lead to receive on left side, crew second on right side. Guide load using drift lines into tower pivot “Crane” labeled on main deck;
    • b. The Drill tower is received horizontally;
    • c. Pin assembly is required to secure the pivot point; and
    • d. Crew lead to ensure tower is well positioned and secured.
  • 38. Receive. Position and Install Miscellaneous Hydraulics further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew second, utilizing drift line receives load off main deck;
    • b. The Miscellaneous hydraulics contains the Drill tower and handling tower rise cylinders and other essential hydraulic hoses and hardware; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure the Drill tower rise cylinder is properly installed and secured and hydraulic lines connected.
  • 39. Receive. Position and Install a Thrust cylinders sub assembly further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift line receive load, crew lead to receive on left side, crew second on right side. Guide load using drift lines into Drill tower. Tabs in Drill tower will guide and position the Thrust cylinders sub assembly;
    • b. The thrust cylinders sub assembly requires a spring pin assembly connection along the carriage guide rails; and
    • c. Crew lead to ensure the Thrust cylinders sub assembly is well positioned and secured.
  • 40. Receive. Position and Install a Drill Head further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Advance Crew, utilizing drift line receive load, crew lead on left of tower, crew second on right. Guide load using drift lines into Drill Head cradle, in drill tower;
    • b. The drill head requires bolt assembly to the cradle;
    • c. Crew lead to ensure the Drill Head is secure and well positioned; and
    • d. Crew lead to ensure the Drill Head's hydraulic hoses are connected and secured.
  • 41. Receive, Position and Install a Foot clamp
  • 42. Receive, Position and Install a first Handling tower which includes bottom portion with winch;
  • 43. Receive, Position and Install a second Handling tower top portion further comprising the steps of:
    • a. Crew lead to ensure handling tower's hydraulics is properly connected; and
    • b. Crew lead to ensure rod racks hydraulics is properly connected.
  • 44. Receive, Position and Install a Shaker
  • 45. Raise the Drill tower
  • 46. Receive, Position and Install a Centrifuge,
  • 47. Receive, Position and Install a Cutting dryer and Vac-Unit,
  • 48. Receive, Position and Install a Progressive cavity pump,
  • 49. Receive, Position and Install a water line heater, cold box & miscellaneous,
  • 50. Receive, Position and Install a Jet pump & Trash pump
  • 51. Receive, Position and Install a Mud pump further comprising the step of:
    • a. Connect entire water based mud system.

Receive Water for drilling mud.—1.5 m3 (load 1)

Receive Water for drilling mud.—1.5 m3 (load 2)

Receive Water for drilling mud.—1.5 m3 (load 3)

Receive Water for drilling mud.—1.5 m3 (load 4)

Receive Water for drilling mud.—1.5 m3 (load 5)

Receive Water for drilling mud.—1.5 m3 (load 6)

Receive initial drill rods for 11¾″ casing drilling. (5 rods in 1 lift)

    • a. Receive drill rods into right rod rack. Assuming 6″ rods 6 m long.

Receive 11¾″ conductor casings. (5 casings in 1 lift)

    • a. Crew second to guide load to the designated area between left rod rack and main structure. 5 casings required at 4.2 m length each. (520 lbs each)
      In another aspect of the present invention a method for a Conductor casing installation is described comprising the following steps:

Drill Conductor Casing Hole

    • Mud system set-up
    • Dig side ditch
      • a. Dig small side ditch connecting to bore hole location.
      • b. Crew lead to ensure ditch is adequate.
        • Install sump-pump
      • a. Install sump pump to collect mud in ditch and redirect to shaker.
      • b. Crew lead to ensure sump pump and all other mud systems are adequately installed for operation.
    • Load conductor casing boring rod (1)
      • Transfer rod to drill tower
      • a. Initial well drill rod (1) is loaded onto handling tower from rod rack.
      • b. Crew second manually triggers drill rig emergency stop button on far side of rod rack, for physical interaction with handling tower.
      • c. Crew second manually installs water swivel with hose to the far end of the rod
      • d. Crew second un-triggers e-stop when cleared from the tower.
      • e. Handling tower clamps activated to secure rod.
      • f. Handling tower rises upright.
      • g. Handling tower clamps are extended to bring rod aligned with head
      • h. Handling tower translation cylinder lowers to engage rod with Drill head wiper. Stop.
      • i. Raise drill head to fully engage rod a few feet.
      • j. Drill head jaws close and take hold of rod.
      • k. Handling tower clamps open and retract into handling tower. (Rod is now held by the head.)
      • l. Handling tower translation cylinder returns to neutral position.
      • m. Drill head lowers rod into foot clamp.
      • n. Foot clamp jaws take hold.
      • o. Drill head jaws are released.
        • Install drill bit manually
      • p. Manually thread an adequate drill bit for boring hole to accommodate an 11¾″ casing. Use pipe wrench and compact crane as necessary.
        • Drill
      • a. Drill head is raised to maximum height.
      • b. Drill head takes jaws take hold of rod.
      • c. Foot clamp is released.
      • d. Drill head spindle is activated to required RPM.
      • e. Water pump activated to required GPM.
      • f. Mud treatment system activated.
      • g. Drill rod is lowered to full stroke.
      • h. Drill head rotation is stopped.
      • i. Foot clamp activated.
      • j. Drill head jaws released.
      • k. Drill head moves to highest position.
      • l. Drill head jaws are activated.
      • m. Foot clamp released.
      • n. Drill head spindle is activated as per required RPM.
      • o. Drill head lowered to full stroke.
      • p. Drill head stops rotation.
      • q. Foot clamp activated.
      • r. Handling tower lowered.
      • At this point, drill bit is 1 m deep, with 1 rod active
    • Load conductor casing boring rod (2) to drill tower
      • Transfer rod to drill tower
      • a. Conductor casing boring rod (2) is loaded onto tower by right rod rack.
      • b. Crew third opens access door to drill tower, automatically triggering an e-stop.
      • c. Crew third manually removes water swivel from initial well rod (1) using a pipe wrench.
      • d. Crew second manually triggers e-stop button on far side of rod rack, for physical interaction with handling tower.
      • e. Crew second, using gaffe poll recuperates the water swivel for installation on initial well rod (2).
      • f. Crew second manually installs water swivel with hose to the far end of the rod
      • g. Crew second un-triggers e-stop when cleared from the tower.
      • h. Crew third, closes access door to drill tower.
      • i. Handling tower clamps activated to secure rod.
      • j. Handling tower rises upright.
      • k. Handling tower clamps activated to secure rod.
      • l. Handling tower raised
        • Make threads
      • a. Handling tower clamps are extended to bring rod aligned with active drill rod threads.
      • b. Handling tower translation cylinder lowers to engage rod with active drill rod threads.
      • c. Once both rod threads are in contact, the Rod spinner clamping cylinder is activated.
      • d. The rod handling tower clamps are now slightly released to relieve friction between clamps and rod, but not opened.
      • e. Rod spinner motor is activated to engage the threads. The threads engage considerably. (Torque 400 ft-lbs approx.)
      • f. Rod spinner motor is stopped.
      • g. Rod spinner clamp is released
      • h. Drill head jaws are released.
      • i. Drill head rises just above the rod threaded joint.
      • j. Drill head jaws activated.
      • k. Drill head spindle applies thread making torque as per requirement.
      • l. Drill head jaws released.
        • Drill
      • a. Drill head is moved to highest position.
      • b. Drill head jaws activated.
      • c. Foot clamp released.
      • d. Drill head spindle is activated to required RPM.
      • e. Water pump activated to required GPM.
      • f. Mud treatment system activated.
      • g. Drill head lowered to full stroke.
      • h. Drill head spindle is stopped.
      • i. Foot clamp activated.
      • j. Drill head jaws released.
      • k. Drill head moved to highest position.
      • l. Drill head jaws activated.
      • m. Foot clamp released.
      • n. Drill head spindle activated to required RPM.
      • o. Drill head lowered to full stroke.
      • p. Drill head spindle stopped.
      • q. Foot clamp activated.
      • r. Handling tower lowered.
      • At this point, drill bit is 7 m deep, with 2 rods active
    • Load conductor casing boring rod (3)
      • Transfer rod to drill tower
      • a. Initial well drill rod (3) is loaded onto tower by right rod rack.
      • b. Crew third opens access door to drill tower, automatically triggering an e-stop.
      • c. Crew third manually removes water swivel from initial well rod (2) using a pipe wrench.
      • d. Crew second manually triggers e-stop button on far side of rod rack, for physical interaction with handling tower.
      • e. Crew second, using gaffe poll recuperates the water swivel for installation on initial well rod (3).
      • f. Crew second manually installs water swivel with hose to the far end of the rod
      • g. Crew second un-triggers e-stop when cleared from the tower.
      • h. Crew third, closes access door to drill tower.
      • i. Handling tower clamps activated to secure rod.
      • j. Handling tower raised
        • Make threads
      • a. Handling tower clamps are extended to bring rod aligned with active drill rod threads.
      • b. Handling tower translation cylinder lowers to engage rod with active drill rod threads.
      • c. Once both rod threads are in contact, the Rod spinner clamping cylinder is activated.
      • d. The rod handling tower clamps are now slightly released to relieve friction between clamps and rod, but not opened.
      • e. Rod spinner motor is activated to engage the threads. The threads engage considerably. (Torque 400 ft-lbs approx.)
      • f. Rod spinner motor is stopped.
      • g. Rod spinner clamp is released
      • h. Drill head jaws are released.
      • i. Drill head rises just above the rod threaded joint.
      • j. Drill head jaws activated.
      • k. Drill head spindle applies thread making torque as per requirement.
      • l. Drill head jaws released.
        • Drill
      • a. Drill head is moved to highest position.
      • b. Drill head jaws activated.
      • c. Foot clamp released.
      • d. Drill head spindle is activated to required RPM.
      • e. Water pump activated to required GPM.
      • f. Mud treatment system activated.
      • g. Drill head lowered to full stroke.
      • h. Drill head spindle is stopped.
      • i. Foot clamp activated.
      • j. Drill head jaws released.
      • k. Drill head moved to highest position.
      • l. Drill head jaws activated.
      • m. Foot clamp released.
      • n. Drill head spindle activated to required RPM.
      • o. Drill head lowered to full stroke.
      • p. Drill head spindle stopped.
      • q. Foot clamp activated.
      • r. Handling tower lowered.
      • At this point, drill bit is 13 m deep, with 3 rods active
    • Load conductor casing boring rod (4)
      • Transfer rod to drill tower
      • a. Initial well drill rod (4) is loaded onto tower by right rod rack.
      • b. Crew third opens access door to drill tower, automatically triggering an e-stop.
      • c. Crew third manually removes water swivel from initial well rod (3) using a pipe wrench.
      • d. Crew second manually triggers e-stop button on far side of rod rack, for physical interaction with handling tower.
      • e. Crew second, using gaffe poll recuperates the water swivel for installation on initial well rod (4).
      • f. Crew second manually installs water swivel with hose to the far end of the rod
      • g. Crew second un-triggers e-stop when cleared from the tower.
      • h. Crew third, closes access door to drill tower.
      • i. Handling tower clamps activated to secure rod.
      • j. Handling tower raised
        • Make threads
      • a. Handling tower clamps are extended to bring rod aligned with active drill rod threads.
      • b. Handling tower translation cylinder lowers to engage rod with active drill rod threads.
      • c. Once both rod threads are in contact, the Rod spinner clamping cylinder is activated.
      • d. The rod handling tower clamps are now slightly released to relieve friction between clamps and rod, but not opened.
      • e. Rod spinner motor is activated to engage the threads. The threads engage considerably. (Torque 400 ft-lbs approx.)
      • f. Rod spinner motor is stopped.
      • g. Rod spinner clamp is released
      • h. Drill head jaws are released.
      • i. Drill head rises just above the rod threaded joint.
      • j. Drill head jaws activated.
      • k. Drill head spindle applies thread making torque as per requirement.
      • l. Drill head jaws released.
        • Drill
      • a. Drill head is moved to highest position.
      • b. Drill head jaws activated.
      • c. Foot clamp released.
      • d. Drill head spindle is activated to required RPM.
      • e. Water pump activated to required GPM.
      • f. Mud treatment system activated.
      • g. Drill head lowered to full stroke.
      • h. Drill head spindle is stopped.
      • i. Foot clamp activated.
      • j. Drill head jaws released.
      • k. Drill head moved to highest position.
      • l. Drill head jaws activated.
      • m. Foot clamp released.
      • n. Drill head spindle activated to required RPM.
      • o. Drill head lowered to full stroke.
      • p. Drill head spindle stopped.
      • q. Foot clamp activated.
      • r. Handling tower lowered.
      • At this point, drill bit is 19 m deep, with 4 rods active
    • Load conductor casing boring rod (5)
      • Transfer rod to drill tower
      • a. Initial well drill rod (5) is loaded onto tower by right rod rack.
      • b. Crew third opens access door to drill tower, automatically triggering an e-stop.
      • c. Crew third manually removes water swivel from initial well rod (4) using a pipe wrench.
      • d. Crew second manually triggers e-stop button on far side of rod rack, for physical interaction with handling tower.
      • e. Crew second, using gaffe poll recuperates the water swivel for installation on initial well rod (5).
      • f. Crew second manually installs water swivel with hose to the far end of the rod
      • g. Crew second un-triggers e-stop when cleared from the tower.
      • h. Crew third, closes access door to drill tower.
      • i. Handling tower clamps activated to secure rod.
      • j. Handling tower raised
        • Make threads
      • a. Handling tower clamps are extended to bring rod aligned with active drill rod threads.
      • b. Handling tower translation cylinder lowers to engage rod with active drill rod threads.
      • c. Once both rod threads are in contact, the Rod spinner clamping cylinder is activated.
      • d. The rod handling tower clamps are now slightly released to relieve friction between clamps and rod, but not opened.
      • e. Rod spinner motor is activated to engage the threads. The threads engage considerably. (Torque 400 ft-lbs approx.)
      • f. Rod spinner motor is stopped.
      • g. Rod spinner clamp is released
      • h. Drill head jaws are released.
      • i. Drill head rises just above the rod threaded joint.
      • j. Drill head jaws activated.
      • k. Drill head spindle applies thread making torque as per requirement.
      • l. Drill head jaws released.
        • Drill
      • a. Drill head is moved to highest position.
      • b. Drill head jaws activated.
      • c. Foot clamp released.
      • d. Drill head spindle is activated to required RPM.
      • e. Water pump activated to required GPM.
      • f. Mud treatment system activated.
      • g. Drill head lowered to full stroke.
      • h. Drill head spindle is stopped.
      • i. Foot clamp activated.
      • j. Drill head jaws released.
      • k. Drill head moved to highest position.
      • l. Drill head jaws activated.
      • m. Foot clamp released.
      • n. Drill head spindle activated to required RPM.
      • o. Drill head lowered to full stroke.
      • At this point, the drill bit is 25 m deep, with 5 rods active.

Trip out conductor casing rods

    • Trip out conductor casing boring rod (5)
      • Pull out rod
      • a. Drill head moved to highest position, pulling rod upwards.
      • b. Drill head spindle stopped.
      • c. Foot clamp activated.
      • d. Crew to manually remove dirt, mud from around bore hole.
      • e. Drill head jaw released.
      • f. Drill head lowered full stroke.
      • g. Drill head jaw activated.
      • h. Foot clamp released.
      • i. Drill head spindle activated to required RPM
      • j. Drill head moved to highest position, pulling rod upwards.
      • k. Drill head spindle stopped.
      • l. Foot clamp activated.
        • Break threads
      • a. Drill head jaw released.
      • b. Drill head lowered just above the threaded joint.
      • c. Drill head jaws activated.
      • d. Drill head spindle activated to break threads.
      • e. Drill head spindle stopped.
      • f. Handling tower clamps extended.
      • g. Handling tower clamps partially closed to hover around the pipe.
      • h. Rod spinner clamp activated.
      • i. Drill head jaws released.
      • j. Drill head lowered to base position.
      • k. Rod spinner motor is activated to unthread rod.
      • l. Rod spinner motor is stopped.
        • Transfer rod to rod rack
      • a. Handling tower clamps are fully clamped to hold rod firmly.
      • b. Rod spinner clamp is released.
      • c. Handling tower translation cylinder is activated to raise rod away from mating rod.
      • d. Handling tower clamps are retracted to bring rod against rod cradle.
      • e. Handling tower is lowered.
      • f. Crew to manually remove dirt, mud from around bore hole.
      • g. Handling tower clamps are released and fully retracted.
      • h. Crew second, triggers e-stop on right rod rack far end for physical interaction with handling tower.
      • i. Crew second removes water swivel.
      • j. Crew second secures water swivel on outside of drill tower in dedicated temporary storage area, for remainder of rod removal sequence.
      • k. Crew second un-triggers e-stop when clear of rod rack and tower.
      • l. Rod rack scooping arm actuators activated to transfer Initial well drill rod (5) from tower to right rod rack.
      • m. Handling tower is raised.
      • At this point, the conductor casing drill bit is 19 M deep with 4 rods active.
    • Trip out conductor casing boring rod (4)
      • Pull out rod
      • a. Drill head jaws activated.
      • b. Foot clamp released.
      • c. Drill head spindle activated to required RPM.
      • d. Drill head to max height.
      • e. Drill head spindle stopped.
      • f. Foot clamp activated.
      • g. Drill head jaws released.
      • h. Drill head to base position.
      • i. Drill head jaws activated.
      • j. Foot clamp released.
      • k. Drill head spindle activated to required RPM.
      • l. Drill head to max height.
      • m. Drill head spindle stopped.
      • n. Foot clamp activated.
        • Break threads
      • a. Drill head jaws released.
      • b. Drill head lowered just above the thread joint.
      • c. Drill head jaws activated.
      • d. Drill head spindle activated to break threads.
      • e. Drill head spindle stopped.
      • f. Handling tower clamps extended.
      • g. Handling tower clamps partially closed to hover around the pipe.
      • h. Rod spinner clamp activated.
      • i. Drill head jaws released.
      • j. Drill head lowered to base position.
      • k. Rod spinner motor is activated to unthread rod.
      • l. Rod spinner motor is stopped.
        • Transfer rod to rod rack
      • a. Handling tower clamps are fully clamped to hold rod firmly.
      • b. Rod spinner clamp is released.
      • c. Handling tower translation cylinder is activated to raise rod away from mating rod.
      • d. Handling tower clamps are retracted to bring rod against rod cradle.
      • e. Handling tower is lowered.
      • f. Crew to manually remove dirt, mud from around bore hole.
      • g. Handling tower clamps are released and fully retracted.
      • h. Rod rack scooping arm actuators activated to transfer Initial well drill rod (4) from tower to right rod rack.
      • i. Handling tower is raised.
      • At this point, the conductor casing drill bit is 13 M deep with 3 rods active.
    • Trip out conductor casing boring rod (3)
      • Pull out rod
      • a. Drill head jaws activated.
      • b. Foot clamp released.
      • c. Drill head spindle activated to required RPM.
      • d. Drill head to max height.
      • e. Drill head spindle stopped.
      • f. Foot clamp activated.
      • g. Drill head jaws released.
      • h. Drill head to base position.
      • i. Drill head jaws activated.
      • j. Foot clamp released.
      • k. Drill head spindle activated to required RPM.
      • l. Drill head to max height.
      • m. Drill head spindle stopped.
      • n. Foot clamp activated.
        • Break threads
      • a. Drill head jaws released.
      • b. Drill head lowered just above the thread joint.
      • c. Drill head jaws activated.
      • d. Drill head spindle activated to break threads.
      • e. Drill head spindle stopped.
      • f. Handling tower clamps extended.
      • g. Handling tower clamps partially closed to hover around the pipe.
      • h. Rod spinner clamp activated.
      • i. Drill head jaws released.
      • j. Drill head lowered to base position.
      • k. Rod spinner motor is activated to unthread rod.
      • l. Rod spinner motor is stopped.
        • Transfer rod to rod rack
      • a. Handling tower clamps are fully clamped to hold rod firmly.
      • b. Rod spinner clamp is released.
      • c. Handling tower translation cylinder is activated to raise rod away from mating rod.
      • d. Handling tower clamps are retracted to bring rod against rod cradle.
      • e. Handling tower is lowered.
      • f. Crew to manually remove dirt, mud from around bore hole.
      • g. Handling tower clamps are released and fully retracted.
      • h. Rod rack scooping arm actuators activated to transfer Initial well drill rod (3) from tower to right rod rack.
      • i. Handling tower is raised.
      • At this point, the conductor casing drill bit is 7 m deep with 2 rods active.
    • Trip out conductor casing boring rod (2)
      • Pull out rod
      • a. Drill head jaws activated.
      • b. Foot clamp released.
      • c. Drill head spindle activated to required RPM.
      • d. Drill head to max height.
      • e. Drill head spindle stopped.
      • f. Foot clamp activated.
      • g. Drill head jaws released.
      • h. Drill head to base position.
      • i. Drill head jaws activated.
      • j. Foot clamp released.
      • k. Drill head spindle activated to required RPM.
      • l. Drill head to max height.
      • m. Drill head spindle stopped.
      • n. Foot clamp activated.
        • Break threads
      • a. Drill head jaws released.
      • b. Drill head lowered just above the thread joint.
      • c. Drill head jaws activated.
      • d. Drill head spindle activated to break threads.
      • e. Drill head spindle stopped.
      • f. Handling tower clamps extended.
      • g. Handling tower clamps partially closed to hover around the pipe.
      • h. Rod spinner clamp activated.
      • i. Drill head jaws released.
      • j. Drill head lowered to base position.
      • k. Rod spinner motor is activated to unthread rod.
      • l. Rod spinner motor is stopped.
        • Transfer rod to rod rack
      • a. Handling tower clamps are fully clamped to hold rod firmly.
      • b. Rod spinner clamp is released.
      • c. Handling tower translation cylinder is activated to raise rod away from mating rod.
      • d. Handling tower clamps are retracted to bring rod against rod cradle.
      • e. Handling tower is lowered.
      • f. Crew to manually remove dirt, mud from around bore hole.
      • g. Handling tower clamps are released and fully retracted.
      • h. Rod rack scooping arm actuators activated to transfer Initial well drill rod (2) from tower to right rod rack.
      • i. Handling tower is raised.
      • At this point, the conductor casing drill bit is 1 m deep with 1 rods active.
    • Trip out conductor casing boring rod (1)
      • Pull out rod half way
      • a. Drill head jaws activated.
      • b. Foot clamp released.
      • c. Drill head spindle activated to required RPM.
      • d. Drill head to max height.
      • e. Drill head spindle stopped.
      • f. Foot clamp activated.
      • g. Drill head jaws released.
      • h. Drill head to base position.
      • i. Drill head jaws activated.
      • j. Handling tower lowered.
        • Remove drill bit manually
      • a. Crew to manually remove the drill bit from the rod.
      • b. Use pipe wrench and compact crane as necessary.
        • Complete pull-out
      • a. Handling tower is raised.
      • b. Foot clamp released.
      • c. Drill head to max height.
      • d. Rod spinner clamp activated.
      • e. Drill head jaws released.
      • f. Drill head lowered just below lower Handling tower clamp (keep Drill head wiper engaged.
        • Transfer rod to rod rack
      • a. Handling tower clamps extended.
      • b. Handling tower clamps activated to firmly hold the rod.
      • c. Rod spinner clamp released.
      • d. Drill head to base position.
      • e. Handling tower translation cylinder activated to raise rod away from head.
      • f. Handling tower clamps are retracted to bring rod against rod cradle.
      • g. Handling tower lowered.
      • h. Handling tower clamps are released and fully retracted.
      • i. Right Rod rack scooping arm actuator activated to transfer Initial well drill rod (1) from tower to right rod rack.
      • At this point, drill bit and rods are removed from the drill tower.

Assemble conductor casing

    • Insert Conductor casing (1)
      • Remove foot clamp and central structure cross member
      • a. Drill head to max height.
      • b. Crew to remove bolts from foot clamp fixture and central structure cross member.
      • c. Using compact crane, crew to remove the foot clamp and supporting fixture.
        • Use compact crane to bring casing section into hole
      • a. Crew to manually secure conductor casing (1) to compact crane.
      • b. Crew to maneuver the conductor casing into the bore hole. A welded lip at the end of the casing prevents it from falling in.
      • c. Unhook conductor casing (1) from crane.
    • Insert Conductor casing (2)
      • Use compact crane to bring casing (2) aligned with casing (1)
      • a. Crew to secure conductor casing (2) to crane.
      • b. Crew to maneuver conductor casing (2) to mate with artesian casing (1).
        • Weld casings
      • a. Crew to weld conductor casing (1) and 2 together.
      • b. Crew lead to ensure weld is complete and without defects.
        • Gouge flange
      • a. While conductor casing assembly is supported by compact crane, crew to gouge the lip off of conductor casing (1)
      • b. Crew lead to ensure proper safety precautions are taken in supporting the casing assembly.
        • Lower assembly into hole
      • a. Crew to lower casing assembly until resting on welded lip at end conductor casing (2).
      • b. Unhook conductor casing assembly from crane.
    • Insert Conductor casing (3)
      • Use compact crane to bring casing (3) aligned with casing (2)
      • a. Crew to secure conductor casing (3) to crane.
      • b. Crew to maneuver conductor casing (3) to mate with artesian casing assembly.
        • Weld casings
      • a. Crew to weld artesian casing assembly and conductor casing (3) together.
      • b. Crew lead to ensure weld is complete and without defects.
        • Gouge flange
      • a. While conductor casing assembly is supported by compact crane, crew to gouge the lip off conductor casing (2)
      • b. Crew lead to ensure proper safety precautions are taken in supporting the casing assembly.
        • Lower assembly into hole
      • a. Crew to lower casing assembly until resting on welded lip at end of conductor casing (3).
      • b. Unhook conductor casing assembly from crane.
    • Insert Conductor casing (4)
      • Use compact crane to bring casing (4) aligned with casing (3)
      • a. Crew to secure conductor casing (4) to crane.
      • b. Crew to maneuver conductor casing (4) to mate with artesian casing assembly.
        • Weld casings
      • a. Crew to weld conductor casing assembly and artesian casing (4) together.
      • b. Crew lead to ensure weld is complete and without defects.
        • Gouge flange
      • a. While conductor casing assembly is supported by compact crane, crew to gouge the lip off of conductor casing (3)
      • b. Crew lead to ensure proper safety precautions are taken in supporting the casing assembly.
        • Lower assembly into hole
      • a. Crew to lower casing assembly until resting on welded lip at end of conductor casing (4).
      • b. Unhook conductor casing assembly from crane.
    • Insert Conductor casing (5)
      • Use compact crane to bring casing (5) aligned with casing (4)
      • a. Crew to secure conductor casing (5) to crane.
      • b. Crew to maneuver conductor casing (5) to mate with conductor casing assembly.
        • Weld casings
      • a. Crew to weld conductor casing assembly and conductor casing (5) together.
      • b. Crew lead to ensure weld is complete and without defects.
        • Gouge flange
      • a. While conductor casing assembly is supported by compact crane, crew to gouge the lip off of conductor casing (4)
      • b. Crew lead to ensure proper safety precautions are taken in supporting the casing assembly.
        • Lower assembly into hole and cut at 18″ above ground.
      • a. Crew to lower casing assembly until resting on welded lip at end of conductor casing (5).
      • b. Centralize casing to ensure proper cement migration.
      • c. Cut casing at 18″ above ground.
        • Re-install foot clamp and cross members
      • a. Re-Install Foot clamp and cross members on central structure.
      • b. Crew lead to ensure foot clamp and cross members are properly installed and secure.

Pressurized cementing

    • Cement prep
      • Mix cement
      • a. Cement type shall be on recommendation from the client.
      • b. Crew lead to ensure following proper mixing recipe and manipulation of cement as per product recommendations.
      • c. Crew lead to ensure proper volume of cement is prepared, as per calculations in regards to annulus volume. Use 125% of annulus volume rule.
        • Pour cement
      • a. Crew to pour calculated volume of cement through inner diameter of casing.
      • b. Crew lead to ensure proper amount of cement is poured.
        • Install cement wiper plug
      • a. Crew to top up casing with water.
      • b. Crew to place cement wiper plug on casing opening.
    • Load rod (1)
      • Transfer rod to drill tower
      • a. Rod is loaded onto handling tower by rod rack.
      • b. Handling tower clamps activate to take hold of rod.
      • c. Drill head to base position.
      • d. Handling tower rises upright.
      • e. Handling tower clamps are extended to align with drill head.
      • f. Handling tower translation cylinder is activated to engage rod with drill head wiper.
      • g. Rod spinner clamp is activated.
      • h. Drill head rises to fully engage rod.
      • i. Handling tower clamps release rod.
      • j. Handling tower clamp fully retract.
      • k. Drill head rises a few feet to allow rod protrusion for hand off to foot clamp.
      • l. Drill head jaws activated.
      • m. Rod spinner clamp released.
      • n. Drill head lowered to engage rod into foot clamp.
      • o. Foot clamp activated.
      • p. Drill head jaws released.
      • q. Drill head to max height.
      • r. Drill head jaws activated.
        • Push plug into conductor casing
      • a. Drill head lowered cautiously with indication from crew second. (The rod is to mate with the cement wiper plug and push the plug into the conductor casing.)
      • b. Drill head cautiously lowered to base position.
      • c. Foot clamp activated.
      • d. Drill head jaws released.
      • e. Drill head to max height.
      • f. Drill head jaws activated.
      • g. Foot clamp released.
      • h. Drill head lowered to base position.
      • i. Foot clamp activated.
      • j. Drill head jaws released.
      • k. Handling tower is lowered.
    • Load rod (2)
      • Transfer rod to drill tower
      • a. Rod (2) is loaded onto tower by right rod rack.
      • b. Handling tower clamps activated to secure rod.
      • c. Handling tower raised
        • Make threads
      • a. Handling tower clamps are extended to bring rod aligned with active drill rod threads.
      • b. Handling tower translation cylinder lowers to engage rod with active drill rod threads.
      • c. Once both rod threads are in contact, the Rod spinner clamping cylinder is activated.
      • d. The rod handling tower clamps are now slightly released to relieve friction between clamps and rod, but not opened.
      • e. Rod spinner motor is activated to engage the threads. (Torque 400 ft-lbs approx.)
      • f. Rod spinner motor is stopped.
      • g. Rod spinner clamp is released
      • h. Drill head rises just above the rod threaded joint.
      • i. Drill head jaws activated.
      • j. Drill head spindle applies thread making torque as per requirement.
      • k. Drill head jaws released.
      • Push plug into conductor casing until full ring of cement appears around conductor casing at surface.
      • a. Drill head to max height.
      • b. Drill head jaws activated.
      • c. Foot clamp released.
      • d. Drill head lowered to full stroke or until full ring is evident.
      • e. Foot clamp activated.
      • f. Drill head jaws released.
      • g. Drill head moved to max height.
      • h. Drill head jaws activated.
      • i. Foot clamp released.
      • j. Drill head lowered until full ring is evident.
    • Trip out rod (2)
      • Pull out rod
      • a. Drill head to max height.
      • b. Foot clamp activated.
      • c. Drill head jaw released.
      • d. Drill head to base position. (if rod is fully extracted then go to break threads)
      • e. Drill head jaw activated.
      • f. Foot clamp released.
      • g. Drill head rise to bring rod joint 42″ over the foot clamp
      • h. Foot clamp activated.
        • Break threads
      • a. Drill head jaws released.
      • b. Drill head lowered just above the threads.
      • c. Drill head jaws activated.
      • d. Drill head spindle activated to break the threads.
      • e. Rod spinner clamp activated.
      • f. Handling tower clamps extended
      • g. Handling tower clamps closed to hover around rod.
      • h. Drill head jaws released
      • i. Drill head lowered below threaded joint.
      • j. Rod spinner motor activated to complete un-threading of the rods.
        • Transfer rod to rod rack
      • a. Handling tower clamps closed firmly to hold the rod.
      • b. Handling tower translation cylinder activated to raise rod away from mating rod.
      • c. Handling tower clamps retract to bring rod against cradle.
      • d. Handling tower lowered.
      • e. Right Rod rack scooping arm actuator activated to transfer rod (2) from tower to right rod rack.
      • f. Handling tower is raised.
    • Trip out rod (1)
      • Pull out rod
      • a. Drill head jaws activated.
      • b. Foot clamp released.
      • c. Drill Head to max height.
      • d. Foot clamp activated.
      • e. Drill head jaw released.
      • f. Drill head to base position
      • g. Drill head jaw activated.
    • Complete conductor casing installation and BOP installation
      • Wait 4 hours for cement to solidify.
      • a. Ensure casing is not moved for at least 4 hours. If surface cement samples have not set after 4 hours allow for additional time for cement to set before drilling out.
      • b. Maintain conductor casing full of water/mud ensuring adequate pressure on plug to avoid regression of cement.
      • Weld bolt flange at end of conductor casing.
        • a. Crew to weld 12 hole flange at end of casing flange for BOP mounting.
        • b. Crew lead to ensure the weld is complete and free of defects.
      • Install the BOP (Blow out Preventor)
        • a. Crew to install the BOP device.
        • b. Crew lead to ensure the BOP is well positioned and bolted per applicable torques.
        • c. Crew lead to ensure the BOP hydraulic connections are secured and that BOP is operational.
          Surface casing installation

Receive drill rods and surface casings.

    • Receive drill rods for surface casing drilling
      • Receive 5.5″ diameter drill rods (load 1 - - - 6 rods)
        • a. Crew utilizing drift line receive load. Crew second to be positioned at far end of rock rack. Crew lead to be positioned at near end of rod rack. Guide load onto left rod rack.
        • b. Crew lead to ensure a visual inspection of the rods for damage.
        • c. Crew lead to ensure thread protectors are in place.
      • Receive 5.5″ diameter drill rods (load 2 - - - 6 rods)
        • a. Crew utilizing drift line receive load. Crew second to be positioned at far end of rock rack. Crew lead to be positioned at near end of rod rack. Guide load onto left rod rack.
        • b. Crew lead to ensure a visual inspection of the rods for damage.
        • c. Crew lead to ensure thread protectors are in place.
      • Receive 5.5″ diameter drill rods (load 3 - - - 6 rods)
        • a. Crew utilizing drift line receive load. Crew second to be positioned at far end of rock rack. Crew lead to be positioned at near end of rod rack. Guide load onto left rod rack.
        • b. Crew lead to ensure a visual inspection of the rods for damage.
        • c. Crew lead to ensure thread protectors are in place.
      • Receive 5.5″ diameter drill rods (load 4 - - - 6 rods)
        • a. Crew utilizing drift line receive load. Crew second to be positioned at far end of rock rack. Crew lead to be positioned at near end of rod rack. Guide load onto left rod rack.
        • b. Crew lead to ensure a visual inspection of the rods for damage.
        • c. Crew lead to ensure thread protectors are in place.
      • Receive 5.5″ diameter drill rods (load 5 - - - 6 rods)
        • a. Crew utilizing drift line receive load. Crew second to be positioned at far end of rock rack. Crew lead to be positioned at near end of rod rack. Guide load onto left rod rack.
        • b. Crew lead to ensure a visual inspection of the rods for damage.
        • c. Crew lead to ensure thread protectors are in place.
      • Receive 5.5″ diameter drill rods (load 6 - - - 6 rods)
        • a. Crew utilizing drift line receive load. Crew second to be positioned at far end of rock rack. Crew lead to be positioned at near end of rod rack. Guide load onto left rod rack.
        • b. Crew lead to ensure a visual inspection of the rods for damage.
        • c. Crew lead to ensure thread protectors are in place.
      • At this point the right rod rack is at full rod holding capacity. (42 rods)
    • Receive surface casings.
      • Receive 7″ diameter surface casings (load 1 - - - 2 rods)
        • a. Crew utilizing drift line receive load. Crew second to be positioned at far end of rock rack. Crew lead to be positioned at near end of rod rack. Guide load onto left rod rack.
        • b. Crew lead to ensure a visual inspection of the casings for damage.
        • c. Crew lead to ensure thread protectors are in place.
      • Receive 7″ diameter surface casings (load 2 - - - 2 rods)
        • a. Crew utilizing drift line receive load. Crew second to be positioned at far end of rock rack. Crew lead to be positioned at near end of rod rack. Guide load onto left rod rack.
        • b. Crew lead to ensure a visual inspection of the casings for damage.
        • c. Crew lead to ensure thread protectors are in place.
      • Receive 7″ diameter surface casings (load 3 - - - 2 rods)
        • a. Crew utilizing drift line receive load. Crew second to be positioned at far end of rock rack. Crew lead to be positioned at near end of rod rack. Guide load onto left rod rack.
        • b. Crew lead to ensure a visual inspection of the casings for damage.
        • c. Crew lead to ensure thread protectors are in place.
      • Receive 7″ diameter surface casings (load 4 - - - 2 rods)
        • a. Crew utilizing drift line receive load. Crew second to be positioned at far end of rock rack. Crew lead to be positioned at near end of rod rack. Guide load onto left rod rack.
        • b. Crew lead to ensure a visual inspection of the casings for damage.
        • c. Crew lead to ensure thread protectors are in place.
      • Receive 7″ diameter surface casings (load 5 - - - 2 rods)
        • a. Crew utilizing drift line receive load. Crew second to be positioned at far end of rock rack. Crew lead to be positioned at near end of rod rack. Guide load onto left rod rack.
        • b. Crew lead to ensure a visual inspection of the casings for damage.
        • c. Crew lead to ensure thread protectors are in place.
      • Receive 7″ diameter surface casings (load 6 - - - 2 rods)
        • a. Crew utilizing drift line receive load. Crew second to be positioned at far end of rock rack. Crew lead to be positioned at near end of rod rack. Guide load onto left rod rack.
        • b. Crew lead to ensure a visual inspection of the casings for damage.
        • c. Crew lead to ensure thread protectors are in place.
      • Receive 7″ diameter surface casings (load 7 - - - 2 rods)
        • a. Crew utilizing drift line receive load. Crew second to be positioned at far end of rock rack. Crew lead to be positioned at near end of rod rack. Guide load onto left rod rack.
        • b. Crew lead to ensure a visual inspection of the casings for damage.
        • c. Crew lead to ensure thread protectors are in place.
    • At this point, left rod rack is loaded with 14 surface casings (7″ dia, 13 m long)

Drill surface casing hole

    • Load surface casing rod (1)
      • Transfer rod to drill tower
        • a. Rod is loaded onto handling tower from rod rack.
        • b. Handling tower clamps activated to secure rod.
        • c. Handling tower rises upright.
        • d. Handling tower clamps are extended to bring rod aligned with head
        • e. Handling tower translation cylinder lowers to engage rod with Drill head wiper.
        • f. Raise drill head to fully engage rod into chuck.
        • g. Rod spinner clamp activated.
        • h. Handling tower clamps open and retract into handling tower. (Rod is now held by the rod spinner.)
        • i. Handling tower translation cylinder returns to neutral position.
        • j. Drill head rises to have rod protrude 18″ below Drill head. This is required for hand off to foot clamp.
        • k. Drill head jaws activated.
        • l. Drill head lowered to insert rod in foot clamp.
        • m. Foot clamp activated.
        • n. Drill head jaws are released.
        • o. Drill head to max height
        • p. Drill head jaws activated
        • q. Foot clamp released.
        • r. Drill head lowered half stroke.
      • Install drill bit manually
        • a. Crew to activate e-stop, or interaction with drill rod.
        • b. Manually thread an adequate drill bit for boring hole to accommodate a 7″ casing. Use pipe wrench and compact crane as necessary.
        • c. Crew lead to ensure drill bit is adequately installed.
      • Drill
        • a. Drill head to base position.
        • b. Foot clamp activated.
        • c. Drill jaws released.
        • d. Drill head to max height of rod
        • e. Drill head jaws activated.
        • f. Foot clamp is released.
        • g. Drill rod is lowered to full stroke.
        • h. Foot clamp activated.
        • i. Handling tower lowered.
      • At this point, drill bit is 1 m deep, in conductor casing.
    • Load surface casing rod (2)
      • Transfer rod to drill tower
        • a. Rod is loaded onto handling tower from rod rack.
        • b. Crew second manually triggers e-stop button on far side of right rod rack, for physical interaction with handling tower.
        • c. Crew second, using gaffe poll recuperates the water swivel for installation on surface casing boring rod (2).
        • d. Crew second manually installs water swivel with hose to the far end of the rod
        • e. Crew second un-triggers e-stop when cleared from the tower.
        • f. Handling tower clamps activated to secure rod.
        • g. Handling tower rises upright.
        • h. Handling tower clamps activated to secure rod.
        • i. Handling tower raised
      • Make threads
        • a. Handling tower clamps are extended to bring rod aligned with active drill rod threads.
        • b. Handling tower translation cylinder lowers to engage rod with active drill rod threads.
        • c. Once both rod threads are in contact, the Rod spinner clamping cylinder is activated.
        • d. The rod handling tower clamps are now slightly released to relieve friction between clamps and rod, but not opened.
        • e. Rod spinner motor is activated to engage the threads. The threads engage considerably. (Torque 400 ft-lbs approx.)
        • f. Rod spinner motor is stopped.
        • g. Rod spinner clamp is released
        • h. Drill head jaws are released.
        • i. Drill head rises just above the rod threaded joint.
        • j. Drill head jaws activated.
        • k. Drill head spindle applies thread making torque as per requirement.
        • l. Drill head jaws released.
      • Drill
        • a. Drill head is moved to highest position.
        • b. Drill head jaws activated.
        • c. Foot clamp released.
        • d. Drill head spindle is activated to required RPM.
        • e. Mud treatment system activated.
        • f. Mud pump activated to required GPM.
        • g. Drill head lowered to full stroke.
        • h. Mud pump shut off
        • i. Drill head spindle is stopped.
        • j. Foot clamp activated.
        • k. Drill head jaws released.
        • l. Drill head moved to highest position.
        • m. Drill head jaws activated.
        • n. Foot clamp released.
        • o. Drill head spindle activated to required RPM.
        • p. Mud pump activated to required GPM.
        • q. Drill head lowered to full stroke.
        • r. Mud pump off.
        • s. Mud treatment system off.
        • t. Drill head spindle stopped.
        • u. Foot clamp activated.
        • v. Handling tower lowered.
      • At this point, drill bit is 7 m deep, 2 rods active.
    • Load surface casing rod (3)
      • Transfer rod to drill tower
        • a. Rod is loaded onto handling tower from rod rack.
        • b. Crew third opens access door to drill tower, automatically triggering an e-stop.
        • c. Crew third manually removes water swivel from rod using a pipe wrench.
        • d. Crew second manually triggers e-stop button on far side of rod rack, for physical interaction with handling tower.
        • e. Crew second, using gaffe poll recuperates the water swivel for installation on rod.
        • f. Crew second manually installs water swivel with hose to the far end of the rod
        • g. Crew second un-triggers e-stop when cleared from the tower.
        • h. Crew third, closes access door to drill tower.
        • i. Handling tower clamps activated to secure rod.
        • j. Handling tower rises upright.
        • k. Handling tower clamps activated to secure rod.
        • l. Handling tower raised
      • Make threads
        • a. Handling tower clamps are extended to bring rod aligned with active drill rod threads.
        • b. Handling tower translation cylinder lowered to engage rod with active drill rod threads.
        • c. Once both rod threads are in contact, the Rod spinner clamping cylinder is activated.
        • d. The rod handling tower clamps are now slightly released to relieve friction between clamps and rod, but not opened.
        • e. Rod spinner motor is activated to engage the threads. The threads engage considerably. (Torque 400 ft-lbs approx.)
        • f. Rod spinner motor is stopped.
        • g. Rod spinner clamp is released
        • h. Drill head jaws are released.
        • i. Drill head rises just above the rod thread joint.
        • j. Drill head jaws activated.
        • k. Drill head spindle applies thread making torque as per requirement.
        • l. Drill head jaws released.
      • Drill
        • a. Drill head is moved to highest position.
        • b. Drill head jaws activated.
        • c. Foot clamp released.
        • d. Drill head spindle is activated to required RPM.
        • e. Mud treatment system activated.
        • f. Mud pump activated to required GPM.
        • g. Drill head lowered to full stroke.
        • h. Mud pump shut off
        • i. Drill head spindle is stopped.
        • j. Foot clamp activated.
        • k. Drill head jaws released.
        • l. Drill head moved to highest position.
        • m. Drill head jaws activated.
        • n. Foot clamp released.
        • o. Drill head spindle activated to required RPM.
        • p. Mud pump activated to required GPM.
        • q. Drill head lowered to full stroke.
        • r. Mud pump off.
        • s. Mud treatment system off.
        • t. Drill head spindle stopped.
        • u. Foot clamp activated.
        • v. Handling tower lowered.
      • At this point, drill bit is 13 m deep, 3 rods active.
        • . . .
        • . . .
    • Load surface casing rod (30)
      • Transfer rod to drill tower
        • a. Rod is loaded onto handling tower from rod rack.
        • b. Crew third opens access door to drill tower, automatically triggering an e-stop.
        • c. Crew third manually removes water swivel from rod using a pipe wrench.
        • d. Crew second manually triggers e-stop button on far side of rod rack, for physical interaction with handling tower.
        • e. Crew second, using gaffe poll recuperates the water swivel for installation on rod.
        • f. Crew second manually installs water swivel with hose to the far end of the rod
        • g. Crew second un-triggers e-stop when cleared from the tower.
        • h. Crew third, closes access door to drill tower.
        • i. Handling tower clamps activated to secure rod.
        • j. Handling tower rises upright.
        • k. Handling tower clamps activated to secure rod.
        • l. Handling tower raised
      • Make threads
        • a. Handling tower clamps are extended to bring rod aligned with active drill rod threads.
        • b. Handling tower translation cylinder lowered to engage rod with active drill rod threads.
        • c. Once both rod threads are in contact, the Rod spinner clamping cylinder is activated.
        • d. The rod handling tower clamps are now slightly released to relieve friction between clamps and rod, but not opened.
        • e. Rod spinner motor is activated to engage the threads. The threads engage considerably. (Torque 400 ft-lbs approx.)
        • f. Rod spinner motor is stopped.
        • g. Rod spinner clamp is released
        • h. Drill head jaws are released.
        • i. Drill head rises just above the rod thread joint.
        • j. Drill head jaws activated.
        • k. Drill head spindle applies thread making torque as per requirement.
        • l. Drill head jaws released.
      • Drill
        • a. Drill head is moved to highest position.
        • b. Drill head jaws activated.
        • c. Foot clamp released.
        • d. Drill head spindle is activated to required RPM.
        • e. Mud treatment system activated.
        • f. Mud pump activated to required GPM.
        • g. Drill head lowered to full stroke.
        • h. Mud pump shut off
        • i. Drill head spindle is stopped.
        • j. Foot clamp activated.
        • k. Drill head jaws released.
        • l. Drill head moved to highest position.
        • m. Drill head jaws activated.
        • n. Foot clamp released.
        • o. Drill head spindle activated to required RPM.
        • p. Mud pump activated to required GPM.
        • q. Drill head lowered to full stroke.
        • r. Mud pump off.
        • s. Mud treatment system off.
        • t. Drill head spindle stopped.
      • At this point, drill bit is 176 m deep, 30 rods active.

Trip out surface casing drill rods

    • Trip out surface casing drill rod (30)
      • Pull out rod
        • a. Drill head moved to highest position, pulling rod upwards.
        • b. Foot clamp activated.
        • c. Drill head jaw released.
        • d. Drill head to base position
        • e. Drill head jaw activated.
        • f. Foot clamp released.
        • g. Drill head to max height pulling rod upwards
        • h. Foot clamp activated.
      • Break threads
        • a. Drill head jaw released.
        • b. Drill head lowered just above the threaded joint.
        • c. Drill head jaws activated.
        • d. Drill head spindle activated to break threads.
        • e. Drill head spindle stopped.
        • f. Handling tower clamps extended.
        • g. Handling tower clamps partially closed to hover around the rod.
        • h. Rod spinner clamp activated.
        • i. Drill head jaws released.
        • j. Drill head lowered to base position.
        • k. Rod spinner motor is activated to unthread rod.
        • l. Rod spinner motor is stopped.
      • Transfer rod to rod rack
        • a. Handling tower clamps are fully clamped to hold rod firmly.
        • b. Rod spinner clamp is released.
        • c. Handling tower translation cylinder is activated to raise rod away from mating rod.
        • d. Handling tower clamps are retracted to bring rod against rod cradle.
        • e. Handling tower is lowered.
        • f. Handling tower clamps are released and fully retracted.
        • g. Crew second, triggers e-stop on right rod rack far end for physical interaction with handling tower.
        • h. Crew second removes water swivel.
        • i. Crew second secures water swivel on outside of drill tower in dedicated temporary storage area, for remainder of rod removal sequence.
        • j. Crew second un-triggers e-stop when clear of rod rack and tower.
        • k. Rod rack scooping arm actuators activated to transfer rod from tower to right rod rack.
        • l. Handling tower is raised.
      • At this point, drill bit is 170 m deep, 29 rods active.
    • Trip out surface casing drill rod (29)
      • Pull out rod
        • a. Drill head jaws activated.
        • b. Foot clamp released.
        • c. Drill head to max height
        • d. Foot clamp activated.
        • e. Drill head jaw released.
        • f. Drill head to base position
        • g. Drill head jaw activated.
        • h. Foot clamp released.
        • i. Drill head to max height
        • j. Foot clamp activated.
      • Break threads
        • a. Drill head jaw released.
        • b. Drill head lowered just above the threaded joint.
        • c. Drill head jaws activated.
        • d. Drill head spindle activated to break threads.
        • e. Drill head spindle stopped.
        • f. Handling tower clamps extended.
        • g. Handling tower clamps partially closed to hover around the rod.
        • h. Rod spinner clamp activated.
        • i. Drill head jaws released.
        • j. Drill head lowered to base position.
        • k. Rod spinner motor is activated to unthread rod.
        • l. Rod spinner motor is stopped.
      • Transfer rod to rod rack
        • a. Handling tower clamps are fully clamped to hold rod firmly.
        • b. Rod spinner clamp is released.
        • c. Handling tower translation cylinder is activated to raise rod away from mating rod.
        • d. Handling tower clamps are retracted to bring rod against rod cradle.
        • e. Handling tower is lowered.
        • f. Handling tower clamps are released and fully retracted.
        • g. Rod rack scooping arm actuators activated to transfer rod from tower to right rod rack.
        • h. Handling tower is raised.
      • At this point, drill bit is 164 m deep, 28 rods active.
      • . . .
      • . . .
    • Trip out surface casing drill rod (2)
      • Pull out rod
        • a. Drill head jaws activated.
        • b. Foot clamp released.
        • c. Drill head to max height
        • d. Foot clamp activated.
        • e. Drill head jaw released.
        • f. Drill head to base position
        • g. Drill head jaw activated.
        • h. Foot clamp released.
        • i. Drill head to max height
        • j. Foot clamp activated.
      • Break threads
        • a. Drill head jaw released.
        • b. Drill head lowered just above the threaded joint.
        • c. Drill head jaws activated.
        • d. Drill head spindle activated to break threads.
        • e. Drill head spindle stopped.
        • f. Handling tower clamps extended.
        • g. Handling tower clamps partially closed to hover around the rod.
        • h. Rod spinner clamp activated.
        • i. Drill head jaws released.
        • j. Drill head lowered to base position.
        • k. Rod spinner motor is activated to unthread rod.
        • l. Rod spinner motor is stopped.
      • Transfer rod to rod rack
        • a. Handling tower clamps are fully clamped to hold rod firmly.
        • b. Rod spinner clamp is released.
        • c. Handling tower translation cylinder is activated to raise rod away from mating rod.
        • d. Handling tower clamps are retracted to bring rod against rod cradle.
        • e. Handling tower is lowered.
        • f. Handling tower clamps are released and fully retracted.
        • g. Rod rack scooping arm actuators activated to transfer rod from tower to right rod rack.
        • h. Handling tower is raised.
      • At this point, drill bit is 1 m deep, 1 rods active.
    • Trip out surface casing drill rod (1)
      • Pull out rod
        • a. Drill head jaws activated.
        • b. Foot clamp released.
        • c. Drill head to max height
        • d. Foot clamp activated.
        • e. Drill head jaws released
        • f. Drill head to base position.
        • g. Drill head jaws activated.
        • h. Handling towered lowered.
      • Remove drill bit manually
        • a. Crew to manually remove the drill bit from the rod.
        • b. Use pipe wrench and compact crane as necessary.
      • Complete pull-out
        • a. Handling tower is raised.
        • b. Foot clamp released.
        • c. Drill head to max height.
        • d. Rod spinner clamp activated.
        • e. Drill head jaws released.
        • f. Drill head lowered just below lower Handling tower clamp (keep Drill head wiper engaged.
      • Transfer rod to rod rack
        • a. Handling tower clamps extended.
        • b. Handling tower clamps activated to firmly hold the rod.
        • c. Rod spinner clamp released.
        • d. Drill head to base position.
        • e. Handling tower translation cylinder activated to raise rod away from head.
        • f. Handling tower clamps are retracted to bring rod against rod cradle.
        • g. Handling tower lowered.
        • h. Handling tower clamps are released and fully retracted.
        • i. Right Rod rack scooping arm actuator activated to transfer Initial well drill rod (1) from tower to right rod rack.
      • At this point, all drill rods have been returned to rod rack

Insert surface casing

    • Remove BOP
      • Crew remove BOP flange bolts.
      • Crew to remove hydraulic and mud connections to BOP.
      • Using Compact crane, crew to remove BOP from Conductor flange.
    • Insert surface casing (1)
      • Load drill tower
      • Manually install casing shoe
        • a. Lower tower
        • b. Apply e-stop
        • c. Manually install shoe using torque wrench
        • d. Cancel e-stop
      • Lower casing 2 m.
      • Manually install stabilizer and adapter coupling
        • a. Lower tower
        • b. Apply e-stop
        • c. Install appropriate stabilizer for hole size 2 m behind shoe bit with a stop collar.
        • d. Cancel e-stop
      • Lower casing
      • 8 m
    • Insert surface casing (2)
      • Load drill tower
      • Make threads
      • Lower casing
      • 21 m
    • Insert surface casing (3)
      • Load drill tower
      • Make threads
      • Lower casing
      • 34 m
    • Insert surface casing (4)
      • Load drill tower
      • Make threads
      • Lower casing
      • Manually install casing stabilizer/centralizer
        • a. Lower tower
        • b. Apply e-stop
        • c. Install appropriate stabilizer for hole size 2 m behind shoe bit with a stop collar.
        • d. Cancel e-stop
      • 47 m
    • Insert surface casing (5)
      • Load drill tower
      • Make threads
      • Lower casing
      • 60 m
    • Insert surface casing (6)
      • Load drill tower
      • Make threads
      • Lower casing
      • 73 m
    • Insert surface casing (7)
      • Load drill tower
      • Make threads
      • Lower casing
      • Manually install casing stabilizer/centralizer
        • a. Lower tower
        • b. Apply e-stop
        • c. Install appropriate stabilizer for hole size 2 m behind shoe bit with a stop collar.
        • d. Cancel e-stop
      • 86 m
    • Insert surface casing (8)
      • Load drill tower
      • Make threads
      • Lower casing
      • 99 m
    • Insert surface casing (9)
      • Load drill tower
      • Make threads
      • Lower casing
      • 112 m
    • Insert surface casing (10)
      • Load drill tower
      • Make threads
      • Lower casing
      • Manually install casing stabilizer/centralizer
        • a. Lower tower
        • b. Apply e-stop
        • c. Install appropriate stabilizer with stop collar
        • d. Cancel e-stop
      • 125 m
    • Insert surface casing (11)
      • Load drill tower
      • Make threads
      • Lower casing
      • 138 m
    • Insert surface casing (12)
      • Load drill tower
      • Make threads
      • Lower casing
      • 151 m
    • Insert surface casing (13)
      • Load drill tower
      • Make threads
      • Lower casing
      • Manually install casing stabilizer/centralizer
        • a. Lower tower
        • b. Apply e-stop
        • c. Install appropriate stabilizer with stop collar
        • d. Cancel e-stop
      • 164 m
    • Insert surface casing (14)
      • Load drill tower
      • Install appropriate stabilizer
      • Make threads
      • Lower casing
      • 177 m

Cement surface casing

    • Cement preparation
      • Follow proper cement mixing procedures
      • Cement type shall be as per clients' specifications
      • Volume calculation
      • Plan a minimum of 125% volume of casing annulus.
    • Casing preparation
      • Flange prep
      • i. Cut casing at required height.
      • ii. Weld on BOP flange.
      • iii. Install cement side port.
      • iv. Attach water swivel adapter to BOP flange.
        • Cement injection
      • v. Flush casing with calculated volume of dyed water.
      • vi. Insert bump plug in casing (above cement side port).
      • vii. Pump cement at rate that is not greater than circulation rate of conditioning mud with casing on bottom.
      • viii. Pump until cement is displaced throughout annular cavity of casing and cement is visible at surface.
      • ix. Pump water/mud through casing to push bump plug to shoe bit. Careful not to over displace.
      • x. Excess cement flowing from annulus is to be pumped away or redirected to pooling ditch for future removal.
      • xi. Take a surface sample of cement.
      • xii. Wait on cement. Do not move casing for a minimum of four hours. If surface cement samples have not set, additional time may be required.
      • xiii. Cover casing to prevent debris.
        • Install BOP
      • xiv. Clean pumps, tools and fittings etc.
      • xv. Using compact crane crew to install bop on surface casing.
      • xvi. Crew lead to ensure proper hydraulic and mud connections.
        Main hole drilling operations

Drill main hole up to coring depth

    • Receive and install left rod rack upper portion.
      • Receive left rod rack upper portion (lift 1)
      • Receive left rod rack upper portion (lift 2)
    • Receive drill rods
      • Receive 5.5″ diameter drill rods (load 5 - - - 6 rods)
        • a. Crew utilizing drift line receive load. Crew second to be positioned at far end of rock rack. Crew lead to be positioned at near end of rod rack. Guide load onto left rod rack.
        • b. Crew lead to ensure a visual inspection of the rods for damage.
        • c. Crew lead to ensure thread protectors are in place.
    • Load drill rod (1)
      • Transfer rod to drill tower
        • a. Rod is loaded onto handling tower from rod rack.
        • b. Handling tower clamps activated to secure rod.
        • c. Handling tower rises upright.
        • d. Handling tower clamps are extended to bring rod aligned with head
        • e. Handling tower translation cylinder lowers to engage rod with Drill head wiper.
        • f. Raise drill head to fully engage rod into chuck.
        • g. Rod spinner clamp activated.
        • h. Handling tower clamps open and retract into handling tower. (Rod is now held by the rod spinner.)
        • i. Handling tower translation cylinder returns to neutral position.
        • j. Drill head rises to have rod protrude 18″ below Drill head. This is required for hand off to foot clamp.
        • k. Drill head jaws activated.
        • l. Drill head lowered to insert rod in foot clamp.
        • m. Foot clamp activated.
        • n. Drill head jaws are released.
        • o. Drill head to max height
        • p. Drill head jaws activated
        • q. Foot clamp released.
        • r. Drill head lowered half stroke.
      • Install drill bit manually
        • a. Crew to activate e-stop for interaction with drill rod.
        • b. Manually thread an adequate drill bit for boring of main hole.
        • c. Crew lead to ensure proper bit is used and is adequately installed.
      • Lower rod into hole
        • a. Drill head to base position.
        • b. Foot clamp activated.
        • c. Drill jaws released.
        • d. Drill head to max height of rod
        • e. Drill head jaws activated.
        • f. Foot clamp is released.
        • g. Drill rod is lowered to full stroke.
        • h. Foot clamp activated.
        • i. Handling tower lowered.
      • 1 m
    • Load drill rod (2)
      • Transfer rod to drill tower
        • a. Rod is loaded onto handling tower from rod rack.
        • b. Handling tower clamps activated to secure rod.
        • c. Handling tower rises upright.
        • d. Handling tower clamps activated to secure rod.
        • e. Handling tower raised
      • Make threads
        • a. Handling tower clamps are extended to bring rod aligned with active drill rod threads.
        • b. Handling tower translation cylinder lowers to engage rod with active drill rod threads.
        • c. Once both rod threads are in contact, the Rod spinner clamping cylinder is activated.
        • d. The rod handling tower clamps are now slightly released to relieve friction between clamps and rod, but not opened.
        • e. Rod spinner motor is activated to engage the threads. The threads engage considerably. (Torque 400 ft-lbs approx.)
        • f. Rod spinner motor is stopped.
        • g. Rod spinner clamp is released
        • h. Drill head jaws are released.
        • i. Drill head rises just above the rod threaded joint.
        • j. Drill head jaws activated.
        • k. Drill head spindle applies thread making torque as per requirement.
        • l. Drill head jaws released.
      • Lower rod into hole
        • a. Drill head is moved to highest position.
        • b. Drill head jaws activated.
        • c. Foot clamp released.
        • d. Drill head lowered to full stroke.
        • e. Foot clamp activated.
        • f. Drill head jaws released.
        • g. Drill head moved to highest position.
        • h. Drill head jaws activated.
        • i. Foot clamp released.
        • j. Drill head lowered to full stroke.
        • k. Foot clamp activated.
        • l. Handling tower lowered.
      • 7 m
      • . . .
      • . . .
    • Load drill rod (28) - - - start drilling
      • Transfer rod to drill tower
        • a. Rod is loaded onto handling tower from rod rack.
        • b. Crew second manually triggers e-stop button on far side of right rod rack, for physical interaction with handling tower.
        • c. Crew second, using gaffe poll recuperates the water swivel for installation on surface casing boring rod (2).
        • d. Crew second manually installs water swivel with hose to the far end of the rod
        • e. Crew second un-triggers e-stop when cleared from the tower.
        • f. Handling tower clamps activated to secure rod.
        • g. Handling tower rises upright.
        • h. Handling tower clamps activated to secure rod.
        • i. Handling tower raised
      • Make threads
        • a. Handling tower clamps are extended to bring rod aligned with active drill rod threads.
        • b. Handling tower translation cylinder lowers to engage rod with active drill rod threads.
        • c. Once both rod threads are in contact, the Rod spinner clamping cylinder is activated.
        • d. The rod handling tower clamps are now slightly released to relieve friction between clamps and rod, but not opened.
        • e. Rod spinner motor is activated to engage the threads. The threads engage considerably. (Torque 400 ft-lbs approx.)
        • f. Rod spinner motor is stopped.
        • g. Rod spinner clamp is released
        • h. Drill head jaws are released.
        • i. Drill head rises just above the rod threaded joint.
        • j. Drill head jaws activated.
        • k. Drill head spindle applies thread making torque as per requirement.
        • l. Drill head jaws released.
      • Drill
        • Notes:
          • i. Drill out plug and float the shoe using low RPM and low bit weight until the bit is below the shoe.
          • ii. Use maximum available flow rate and small amounts of detergent to break down mud rings.
          • iii. Utilize maximum available flow rate and small amounts of detergents as required to break mud rings.
          • iv. Monitor mud properties and follow my program recommendations.
          • v. If gravel, rocks, boulders are encountered increased my density.
          • vi. Ensure minimum 75-85/min annular velocity of drill fluid.
          • vii. Monitor deviations. Ensure well does not deviate more than 2.0°. If deviations are greater than 2.0° contact well site supervisor immediately.
          • viii. Do not drill ahead until core interval is confirmed with geologist.
        • a. Drill head is moved to highest position.
        • b. Drill head jaws activated.
        • c. Foot clamp released.
        • d. Drill head spindle is activated to required RPM.
        • e. Mud treatment system activated.
        • f. Mud pump activated to required GPM.
        • g. Drill head lowered to full stroke.
        • h. Mud pud shut off
        • i. Drill head spindle is stopped.
        • j. Foot clamp activated.
        • k. Drill head jaws released.
        • l. Drill head moved to highest position.
        • m. Drill head jaws activated.
        • n. Foot clamp released.
        • o. Drill head spindle activated to required RPM.
        • p. Mud pump activated to required GPM.
        • q. Drill head lowered to full stroke.
        • r. Mud pump off.
        • s. Mud treatment system off.
        • t. Drill head spindle stopped.
        • u. Foot clamp activated.
        • v. Handling tower lowered.
      • 163 m
    • Load drill rod (29)
      • Transfer rod to drill tower
        • a. Rod is loaded onto handling tower from rod rack.
        • b. Crew third opens access door to drill tower, automatically triggering an e-stop.
        • c. Crew third manually removes water swivel from rod using a pipe wrench.
        • d. Crew second manually triggers e-stop button on far side of rod rack, for physical interaction with handling tower.
        • e. Crew second, using gaffe poll recuperates the water swivel for installation on rod.
        • f. Crew second manually installs water swivel with hose to the far end of the rod
        • g. Crew second un-triggers e-stop when cleared from the tower.
        • h. Crew third, closes access door to drill tower.
        • i. Handling tower clamps activated to secure rod.
        • j. Handling tower rises upright.
        • k. Handling tower clamps activated to secure rod.
        • l. Handling tower raised
      • Make threads
        • a. Handling tower clamps are extended to bring rod aligned with active drill rod threads.
        • b. Handling tower translation cylinder lowered to engage rod with active drill rod threads.
        • c. Once both rod threads are in contact, the Rod spinner clamping cylinder is activated.
        • d. The rod handling tower clamps are now slightly released to relieve friction between clamps and rod, but not opened.
        • e. Rod spinner motor is activated to engage the threads. The threads engage considerably. (Torque 400 ft-lbs approx.)
        • f. Rod spinner motor is stopped.
        • g. Rod spinner clamp is released
        • h. Drill head jaws are released.
        • i. Drill head rises just above the rod thread joint.
        • j. Drill head jaws activated.
        • k. Drill head spindle applies thread making torque as per requirement.
        • l. Drill head jaws released.
      • Drill
        • a. Drill head is moved to highest position.
        • b. Drill head jaws activated.
        • c. Foot clamp released.
        • d. Drill head spindle is activated to required RPM.
        • e. Mud treatment system activated.
        • f. Mud pump activated to required GPM.
        • g. Drill head lowered to full stroke.
        • h. Mud pump shut off
        • i. Drill head spindle is stopped.
        • j. Foot clamp activated.
        • k. Drill head jaws released.
        • l. Drill head moved to highest position.
        • m. Drill head jaws activated.
        • n. Foot clamp released.
        • o. Drill head spindle activated to required RPM.
        • p. Mud pump activated to required GPM.
        • q. Drill head lowered to full stroke.
        • r. Mud pump off.
        • s. Mud treatment system off.
        • t. Drill head spindle stopped.
        • u. Foot clamp activated.
        • v. Handling tower lowered.
      • 169 m
    • Load drill rod (52)
      • Transfer rod to drill tower
      • Make threads
      • Drill
      • 319 m
    • Load drill rod (53)
      • Transfer rod to drill tower
      • Make threads
      • Drill
      • 325 m
    • Coring depth reached . . . hypothetically!
    • Trip out drill rod (53)
      • Pull out rod
      • Break thread
      • Transfer to rod rack
    • Trip out drill rod (52)
      • Pull out rod
      • Break thread
      • Transfer to rod rack
      • . . .
      • . . .
    • Trip out drill rod (2)
      • Pull out rod
      • Break thread
      • Transfer to rod rack
    • Trip out drill rod (1)
      • Pull out rod
      • Remove drill bit
      • Transfer to rod rack

Coring

    • Install wire line support module on handling tower
    • Load coring assembly tools onto handling tower (use compact crane)
    • Load drill rod (1)
    • Load drill rod (2)
      • . . .
      • . . .
    • Load drill rods to current depth
    • Retrieve inner drill bit with wireline
    • Drop core barrel down the hole
      • Manually load core barrel onto handling tower
      • Align core barrel with hole using handling tower clamps
      • Drop core barrel down the hole
      • Wait and listen for core barrel engagement on landing ring
    • Drill core sample
      • Feed rate
      • Mud pump flow rate
      • RPM
      • Stop
    • Retrieve core barrel and sample.
      • Crew to open drill tower access door
      • Crew to lower overshot with wireline down the hole
      • Hoist core barrel and sample to surface
      • Lower core barrel and sample on handling tower
      • Manually remove core barrel and sample from tower
      • Core barrel and sample to be cut and marked by geologist
      • Store core barrel and sample in cold box
    • Repeat coring as per geologist recommendation

Logging

Normally, at the end of the coring, when the limestone is reached, a logging tool is lowered to analyze the ground in situ. This logging tool is comprised of an array of various sensors relayed to a data acquisition device on the surface. Typically the area of interest for study is situated just above or within the limestone layer. It is thus necessary to drill into or below the limestone to give the logging tool access to the area of interest. The logging is in sections and once assembled can be up to 25 M long. Hence, the hole must be drilled deeper than the point of interest to provide access for the logging tools. To avoid premature wear of the interchangeable coring assembly tools, the limestone is drilled with a standard bit.

    • Trip out all drill rods to remove core assembly.
    • Load rods (1) with standard bit.
    • Load rod (2).
      • . . .
      • . . .
    • Load rods to drill a total depth sufficient for logging tools.
    • Trip out rod (#)
      • . . .
      • . . .
    • Trip out rod (1)
    • Manually load logging tool onto handling tower
    • Use handling tower clamps to hold and align logging tool with hole
    • Lower logging tool using third party wireline
    • Specialist to make measurements at prescribed depths
    • Retrieve logging tool
    • Lower handling tower
    • Manually unload logging tool from handling tower

At this point all drilling operations are complete. The well is to be prepared for abandonment and the rig to be dismantled and transported to next drill location.

Claims

1. A drilling tower comprising:

a. a central structure having a main tower;
b. a rod handling tower for retrieving a rod from a rod rack system and positioning the rod within the main tower for drilling a core in the ground; and
c. displacement means allowing for the rod handling tower to be displaced from the central structure to the rod rack system; wherein the rod handling tower can remove or add rods during the operation of the drilling tower.

2. A rod rack system for storing rods comprising:

a. a structural frame to support one or more rods;
b. one or more control wheels for transferring a rod from the structural frame to a rod handling tower to the structural frame;
c. retrieval arms positioned underneath the one or more control wheels for transferring a rod from the rod handling tower to the structural frame; and
d. one or more rod displacement controls to move one or more rods from one end of the structural frame to the one or more control wheels.

3. A chuck system comprising:

a. a housing engaged to a gear box;
b. a cylindrical bowl operatively connected to the housing by biasing means;
c. at least two cartridges with a sloping inner surface attached to the cylindrical bowl;
d. at least two jaws with a sloping outer surface operatively engaged with the at least two cartridges by means of a plurality of securing members to manipulate a drill rod;
e. an actuator sleeve fastened to the cylindrical bowl by means of connecting rods;
f. a piston operatively coupled to the actuator sleeve by means of a bearing to provide vertical movement to the actuator sleeve; wherein the vertical movement of the piston engenders a corresponding horizontal movement from the jaws to manipulate the drill rod.

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

Patent History
Publication number: 20150368993
Type: Application
Filed: May 26, 2015
Publication Date: Dec 24, 2015
Inventors: Ian Richard Fournier (Calgary), Matthew Taws (Dieppe), Jacques Picard (Dieppe)
Application Number: 14/721,972
Classifications
International Classification: E21B 19/15 (20060101); E21B 19/10 (20060101);