Dual rotary elevating geotechnical drill
AssigneeBenthic USA LLC
InventorRobert Elliot
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus is configured for undersea use, such as for penetrating a seabed for forming a borehole therein, including with optional data acquisition and logging capabilities. A first or base module (12) of the apparatus is adapted for engaging the seabed. A first elevator (16) provides longitudinal movement of a second or upper module (14) relative to the base module (12) along a drilling axis. The relative movement of the upper and base modules may be used in the course of independently moving first (18) and second (20) rotary units along the drilling axis to cause a drill rod (R) and a drill casing (C) to penetrate the seabed such that the collapse of the borehole is avoided.
Claims26
An apparatus for penetrating a seabed, comprising:
- a drill assembly comprising an upper module including an upper rotary unit associated with a drilling axis and a lower rotary unit associated with the same drilling axis, the upper and lower rotary units being independently movable along the drilling axis, a base module adapted for engaging the seabed, and a first elevator for moving the upper module relative to the base module along the drilling axis.
A method for penetrating a seabed, comprising:
- providing an upper module adapted for being raised and lowered relative to a base module;
- inserting a first drill rod through a first drill casing to penetrate the seabed;
- and
- while holding the first drill rod stationary, lowering the upper module relative to the base module to cause the first drill casing to penetrate the seabed.
An apparatus for penetrating a seabed, comprising:
- an upper drill module including first and second rotary units and first and second clamps, all associated with a drilling axis;
- a base module adapted for engaging the seabed, the base module including a third clamp associated with the same drilling axis;
- and
- a first elevator for moving the upper drill module relative to the base module along the drilling axis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.