Apparatus and Method for Measuring Drilling Parameters of a Down-the-Hole Drilling Operation for Mineral Exploration

Abstract

Apparatus (100) for measuring drilling parameters of a down-the-hole drilling operation for mineral exploration includes a module 10.1 mounted in-line with a drill string (110) and proximate to a drill bit (120). The drill string (110) is rotated and progressed down the hole. The module (10) has sensors for sensing conditions. The apparatus (100) measures drilling parameters based on the sensed conditions. The measured data is logged in the module (10) and then transmitted to a computer for a drilling operator's use. The drilling operator monitors progress and optimises performance of the drilling operation based on the measured data. Measurement of drilling parameters based on sensed data proximate to the drill bit enables accurate determination of actual WOB, torque and RPM fluctuations, axial vibration, radial vibration, temperature, RPM. A second module 10.2 is mounted in-line with the same drill string (110) but away from the drill bit (120). The second module 10.2 measures the same drilling parameters as the module 10.1 proximate to the drill bit (120). The driller is provided with the data recorded by the second module 10.2 to judge the performance of the drilling operation. Comparing drilling parameters based on sensed data proximate to the drill bit and distal to the drill bit enables accurate determination of vertical drag/resistance of the drill string (110) within the hole, rotational resistance of the drill string (110), degree of wind-up of the drill string (110) and presence of stick-slip conditions at lower end of the drill string (110).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.