Wireline system for multiple direct push tool usage
AssigneeApplied Research Associates, Inc.
InventorsWesley L. Bratton, Stephen P. Farrington, James D. Shinn, II, Darren C. Nolet
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A tool latching and retrieval system allows the deployment and retrieval of a variety of direct push subsurface characterization tools through an embedded rod string during a single penetration without requiring withdrawal of the string from the ground. This enables the in situ interchange of different tools, as well as the rapid retrieval of soil core samples from multiple depths during a single direct push penetration. The system includes specialized rods that make up the rod string, a tool housing which is integral to the rod string, a lock assembly, and several tools which mate to the lock assembly.
Claims25
A method of conducting multiple characterizations of soil through a single bore hole, said method comprising:
- embedding a rod string into the earth to form a single bore hole, by pushing the rod string directly into the earth by direct push technology,
- conducting a first soil characterization with a first probe, measurement or sampler module disposed at a leading end of the rod string,
- retrieving the first probe, measurement or sampler module from the bore hole, leaving an opening at the leading end of the rod string, and
- lowering a second probe, measurement or sampler module into the bore hole, to conduct a second soil characterization.
A wireline system for multiple direct push tool usage, said wireline system comprises:
- a rod string comprising a plurality of hollow rods interconnectable to form a single bore hole therethrough when imbedded into the earth, and
- a probe module for passage through the bore hole, said probe module including a locking mechanism for locking the probe module at a leading end of the rod string in a deployment position with the probe module extending beyond the leading end of the rod string, said locking mechanism being connected to a wireline for lowering of the probe module through the bore hole for characterizing soil and retrieving the probe module from the bore hole after soil characterization, with the rod string embedded in the earth.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.