WO2020234635A1

WO2020234635A1 - Integrated drilling and reaming tool

Info

Publication number: WO2020234635A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/060159
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gordon Robert HOGAN; Ockert BRITS
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-05-21
Filing date: 2019-11-26
Publication date: 2020-11-26
Anticipated expiration: 2021-11-21
Also published as: ZA202004366B

Abstract

An integrated drilling and reaming tool for extracting geological core samples for mining exploration is provided. The tool comprises a drilling component for drilling through rock, the drilling component comprising a tubular body having a drill bit at a front, distal end of the body, with a rear, proximal end of the body being connectable to a drill string of a drilling machine; and a reaming member that is secured or securable around the body of the drilling component. At a high level, the present invention eliminates the need for a reaming shell, of the type described above, by providing a drilling component having its own reaming member. In an embodiment, the reaming member comprises an annulus body or ring that is removably secured around the circumference of the body of the drilling component, so as to rotate in unison with the drilling component in use.

Description

INTEGRATED DRILLING AND REAMING TOOL

FIELD OF INVENTION

THIS invention relates to a drilling and reaming tool, and in particular to an integrated drilling and reaming tool for, in one application, extracting geological core samples for mining exploration.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Figures 1 and 2 show a typical drilling and reaming arrangement 10 for extracting geological core samples, the arrangement 10 comprising a drilling tool component 12 and a reaming tool component 14. Significantly, these are two separate components that need to be threaded together, end to end, to define the assembled arrangement shown in Figure 2, ready for use.

The drilling tool component 12 comprises a tubular support steel body 16 having a slotted drill bit or crown 18 at a front, distal end of the body 16, and an externally threaded portion 20 at a rear, proximal end of the body 16. The drill bit 18 typically comprises synthetic diamonds 22, or any other suitable hard material (such as tungsten carbide), embedded in a metallic matrix at the very front end of the drill bit 18.

The reaming tool component 14 itself comprises a tubular steel reaming shell 24. The proximal end of the reaming shell 24 has a corresponding internally threaded portion 26 to mate with the threaded portion 20 of the drilling tool component 12, to define the end to end, assembled arrangement shown in Figure 2. The distal end of the reaming shell 24 has an externally threaded portion 28, to enable the reaming tool component 14, and thus the assembled arrangement shown in Figure 2, to be connected to a drill string (not shown) of a drilling machine. The reaming shell 24 includes a ring fitted with a plurality of diamond cutters 30 (or any other suitable hard material, such as tungsten carbide) around its circumference, the purpose of which will be described in more detail further below.

In use, the drilling tool component 12 is used to cut samples of rock, which geologists can then, typically, but not exclusively, analyse for mineral content and/or structural information. When the drill string is rotated, the diamonds/hard material 22 on the front end of the drill bit 18 cut a circular hole having a suitable and/or required diameter. As the drill string advances into the rock, this advancing results in a cylinder of rock being formed, called a geological core, which is the material that is then extracted and analysed.

Significantly, the sole function of the reaming tool component 14 is to maintain the precise diameter of the drilled hole, so that the drilled hole has parallel sides and never tapers; this is generally achieved by the diamond/hard material cutters 30 on the reaming shell 24. If the drilled hole tapers even if only slightly, it would not be possible to put a new drilling tool component 12 into an existing hole.

The two-component arrangement 10 of the prior art has a number of shortcomings, as follows:

- the reaming shell 24 is relatively expensive to manufacture, and apart from keeping the side wall of drilled hole parallel, it does not add much value to the process as such;

- the various threaded portions (in particular, threaded portions 20, 26), to ultimately define the end to end arrangement, involves significant machining, which again adds to the overall cost of the arrangement 10; and

- the arrangement 10 can generally only be used once, which also adds to the overall cost of the core extraction process.

It is accordingly the aim of the present invention to provide a more efficient, and cost- effective drilling and reaming arrangement, by essentially replacing the need for a reaming shell of the type described above. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an integrated drilling and reaming tool, the tool comprising: a drilling component comprising a tubular body having a drill bit at a front, distal end of the body, with a rear, proximal end of the body being connectable to a drill string of a drilling machine; and a reaming member that is secured or securable around the body of the drilling component.

Thus, at a high level, the present invention eliminates the need for a reaming shell, of the type described above, by providing a drilling component having its own reaming member.

In one application, the tool may be used to extract geological core samples for mining exploration, with the drilling component being arranged to drill through rock.

In an embodiment, the reaming member comprises an annulus body or ring that is removably secured around the circumference of the body of the drilling component, so as to rotate in unison with the drilling component in use.

In an embodiment, the reaming member comprises cutting members arranged on the reaming member. In one version, the cutting members comprise a plurality of circumferentially spaced, elongate rib formations with cutting elements, such as synthetic diamonds or any other suitable hard material, embedded therein. In another version, the cutting members comprise a plurality of pads or buttons arranged around the reaming member, typically also embedded with cutting elements therein.

In an embodiment, a securing arrangement is provided to removably secure the reaming member to the circumference of the body of the drilling component, to ensure that the reaming member rotates in unison with the drilling component in use, yet allows the reaming member to be moved along the length of the body of the drilling component.

In one version, the securing arrangement comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced first openings on the body of the drilling component and a plurality of corresponding circumferentially spaced second openings on the reaming member, which can register with the corresponding first openings on the body of the drilling component. The second opening typically takes the form of a recess. The securing arrangement further comprises a lock element (such as a grub screw), so that once the reaming member is fitted in place around the body of the drilling component, and the first and second openings are aligned, the lock element can be secured through the first and second openings.

In an embodiment, a front end of the drill bit comprises cutting elements, such as synthetic diamonds, or any other suitable hard material, embedded in a metallic matrix. Significantly, however, the drill bit is removably securable to the body of the drilling component, thus allowing the body of the drilling component to be re-tipped with another drill bit, as and when needed. In this regard, in one version, a proximal end of the drill bit comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots, which are arranged to receive a corresponding plurality of circumferentially spaced pins or lugs protruding from the distal end of the body of the drilling component.

In an embodiment, the rear, proximal end of the body of the drilling component has an externally threaded portion, to enable the drilling component to be connected to the drill string of the drilling machine.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a kit comprising: a drilling component comprising a tubular body having a drill bit at a front, distal end of the body, with a rear, proximal end of the body being connectable to a drill string of a drilling machine; and a reaming member that can be slid around the body of the drilling component. In one application, the tool may be used to extract geological core samples for mining exploration, with the drilling component being arranged to drill through rock.

In an embodiment, the reaming member comprises cutting members arranged on the reaming member. In one version, the cutting members comprise a plurality of circumferentially spaced, elongate rib formations with cutting elements, such as synthetic diamonds, or any other suitable hard material, embedded therein. In another version, the cutting members comprise a plurality of pads or buttons arranged around the reaming member, typically also with cutting elements embedded therein.

As indicated above, in one version, the securing arrangement comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced first openings on the body of the drilling component and a plurality of corresponding circumferentially spaced second openings on the reaming member, which can register with the corresponding first openings on the body of the drilling component. The kit accordingly further comprises a lock element (such as a grub screw), so that once the reaming member is fitted in place around the body of the drilling component, and the first and second openings are aligned, the lock element can be secured through the first and second openings to ensure that the reaming member rotates in unison with the drilling component in use, yet allows the reaming member to be moved along the length of the body of the drilling component.

In one version, the kit includes the drill bit already fitted to the front, distal end of the body. However, in another version, the drill bit is removably securable to the body of the drilling component, thus allowing the body of the drilling component to be re tipped with another drill bit, as and when needed. As such, in this latter version, the kit includes the drill bit as a separate component, which can then fitted to the front, distal end of the body of the drilling component, prior to use. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a drilling component, the drilling component comprising a tubular body having a front, distal end to which a drill bit is either secured or securable, and a rear, proximal end that is connectable to a drill string of a drilling machine.

In an embodiment, the body of the drilling component is arranged to accommodate a reaming member, with the reaming member being secured or securable around the body of the drilling component.

In one application, the drilling component may be used to extract geological core samples for mining exploration, with the drilling component being arranged to drill through rock.

In an embodiment, the body of the drilling component defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced first openings, which form part of a securing arrangement to removably secure the reaming member to the circumference of the body of the drilling component, the securing arrangement ensuring that the reaming member rotates in unison with the drilling component in use, yet allows the reaming member to be moved along the length of the body of the drilling component.

Typically, the securing arrangement further comprises a plurality of corresponding circumferentially spaced second openings on the reaming member, which can register with the corresponding first openings on the body of the drilling component. As indicated above, the securing arrangement further comprises a lock element (such as a grub screw), so that once the reaming member is fitted in place around the body of the drilling component, and the first and second openings are aligned, the lock element can be secured through the first and second openings. Clearly, other securing arrangements may be used, to ensure that the reaming member rotates in unison with the drilling component in use, yet allows the reaming member to be moved along the length of the body of the drilling component, including a system of splines.

In an embodiment, a front end of the drill bit comprises cutting elements, such as synthetic diamonds, or any other suitable hard material, embedded in a metallic matrix. Significantly, however, the drill bit is either secured to the body of the drilling component or removably securable to the body of the drilling component. Regarding the latter configuration, the body of the drilling component can thus be re-tipped with another drill bit, as and when needed. In this regard, in one version, the distal end of the body of the drilling component comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced protruding pins or lugs, which are arranged to engage a corresponding plurality of circumferentially spaced slots defined on a proximal end of the drill bit.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a reaming member for a drilling component, the drilling component comprising a tubular body having a drill bit at a front, distal end of the body, with a rear, proximal end of the body being connectable to a drill string of a drilling machine, wherein the reaming member is secured or securable around the body of the drilling component.

In an embodiment, the reaming member comprises an annulus body or ring that can be removably secured around the circumference of the body of the drilling component, so as to rotate in unison with the drilling component in use. In an embodiment, the reaming member comprises cutting members arranged on the reaming member. In one version, the cutting members comprise a plurality of circumferentially spaced, elongate rib formations with cutting elements, such as synthetic diamonds, or any other suitable hard material, embedded therein. In another version, the cutting members comprise a plurality of pads or buttons arranged around the reaming member, typically also with cutting elements embedded therein.

In an embodiment, the reaming member defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced second openings on the reaming member, which form part of a securing arrangement to removably secure the reaming member to the circumference of the body of the drilling component, the securing arrangement ensuring that the reaming member rotates in unison with the drilling component in use, yet allows the reaming member to be moved along the length of the body of the drilling component.

Typically, the securing arrangement further comprises a plurality of corresponding circumferentially spaced first openings on the body of the drilling component, which can register with the corresponding second openings of the reaming member. The second opening typically takes the form of a recess.

As indicated above, the securing arrangement further comprises a lock element (such as a grub screw), so that once the reaming member is fitted in place around the body of the drilling component, and the first and second openings are aligned, the lock element can be secured through the first and second openings.

Clearly, other securing arrangements may be used, to ensure that the reaming member rotates in unison with the drilling component in use, yet allows the reaming member to be moved along the length of the body of the drilling component, including a system of splines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The objects of this invention and the manner of obtaining them, will become more apparent, and the invention itself will be better understood, by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a typical drilling and reaming arrangement for extracting geological core samples;

Figure 2 shows an assembled perspective view of the arrangement shown in

Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of an integrated drilling and reaming tool for extracting geological core samples, in accordance with the invention;

Figure 4 shows an assembled perspective view of the tool shown in Figure 3;

and

Figure 5 shows a side view of the assembled tool shown in Figure 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognise that many changes can be made to the embodiment described, while still attaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be attained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilising other features. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognise that modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances, and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not a limitation thereof.

Figures 3 to 5 of the drawings show an integrated drilling and reaming tool 50 for, in one application, extracting geological core samples for mining exploration, according to the invention. Other applications include drilling through the liner of a blast furnace, or any other application where a round cylindrical hole is required, but for clarity, the invention will be described with reference to the extraction of geological core samples.

The tool 50 comprises a rotatable drilling component 52 for drilling through rock, the drilling component 52 comprising a tubular steel support body 54 having a drill bit 56 at a front, distal end 58 of the body 54. A rear, proximal end 60 of the body 54 is directly connectable to a drill string of a drilling machine, as will be described in more detail further below.

The tool 50 further comprises a reaming member 62 that is secured or securable around the body 54 of the drilling component. The reaming member 62 may be located anywhere between the front, distal end 58 and the rear, proximal end 60 of the body 54, but is typically located substantially midway along the length of the body 54, as shown in Figure 5.

The purpose of the drilling component 52, in one application, is substantially as described above, namely to cut samples of rock, which geologists can then analyse for mineral content and/or structural information. When the drill string is rotated, the drilling component 52 cuts a circular hole; as the drill string advances into the rock, a cylindrical geological core is formed, which can then be extracted and analysed. Similarly, the primary function of the reaming member 62 is to maintain the precise diameter of the drilled hole. Thus, at a high level, the present invention eliminates the need for a reaming shell 24, of the type described above, by providing a drilling component that has its own reaming member. As a result, the present invention provides a single tool, in the form of an integrated drilling and reaming tool 50, as opposed to the two-component arrangement 10 of the prior art.

The reaming member 62 takes the form of a relatively flat, annulus body or ring that is removably secured around the outer circumference of the body 54 of the drilling component 52, as best shown in Figure 5. The reaming member 62 is thus arranged to rotate in unison with the drilling component 52, in use. In the illustrated embodiment, the reaming member 62 is tipped (i.e. plated or deposited) with cutting members 64 in the form of circumferentially spaced, elongate rib formations with cutting elements, such as synthetic diamonds, or any other suitable hard material, embedded therein. The reaming member 62 itself is typically made of metal, in particular a metal alloy such as steel.

In another version, the cutting members 64 comprise a plurality of pads or buttons arranged around the reaming member 62, typically also embedded with cutting elements therein.

A securing arrangement is provided to removably secure the reaming member 62 to the outer circumference of the body 54 of the drilling component 52, to ensure that the reaming member 62 rotates in unison with the drilling component 52 in use, yet allows the reaming member 62 to be moved along the length of the body of the drilling component 52.

In one version, the securing arrangement comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced first openings 66 on the body 54 of the drilling component 52 and a plurality of corresponding circumferentially spaced second openings or cut outs 68 on an end wall 70 of the reaming member 62, which can register with the corresponding first openings 66 on the body 54 of the drilling component 52. The second opening 68 typically takes the form of a recess.

The securing arrangement further comprises a lock element (such as a grub screw), which is not shown but is well known in the art. In use, once the reaming member 62 is fitted in place around the body 54 of the drilling component 52, and the first and second openings 66, 68 are aligned, the lock element can be secured through the first and second openings 66, 68 to ensure that the reaming member 62 rotates in unison with the drilling component 52 in use, yet allows the reaming member 62 to be moved along the length of the body 54 of the drilling component 52. This ultimately enables the reaming member 62 to be removed from the body 54 of the drilling component 52, for replacement or maintenance, as required.

Clearly, other securing arrangements may be used, to ensure that the reaming member 62 rotates in unison with the drilling component 52 in use, yet allows the reaming member 62 to be moved along the length of the body of the drilling component 52, including a system of splines.

In an embodiment, a front end 71 of the drill bit 56 comprises cutting elements, such as synthetic diamonds 72, or any other suitable hard material, embedded in a metallic matrix. Significantly, however, in one version, the drill bit 56 is removably securable, typically by being brazed, to the body 54 of the drilling component 52. This allows the body 54 of the drilling component 52 to be re-tipped with another drill bit 56, as and when needed. In this regard, in one version, a rear, proximal end 74 of the drill bit 56 comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots or cut outs 76, which are arranged to receive a corresponding plurality of circumferentially spaced pins or lugs 78 protruding from the distal end 58 of the body 54 of the drilling component 52.

In an embodiment, the rear, proximal end 60 of the body 54 of the drilling component 52 has an externally threaded portion 80. This enables the drilling component 52 (and thus the integrated drilling and reaming tool 50 itself) to be directly connected to the drill string of the drilling machine.

Typically, the lower end of the body 54 of the drilling component 52 is machined so as to define a stepped recess 82. The stepped recess defines an unthreaded portion 84, to accommodate the reaming member 62, and the externally threaded portion 80.

The stepped recess 82 accordingly defines a contact face 86, as best shown in Figure 3, against which the end wall 70 of the reaming member 62 can abut, as best shown in Figure 4 and 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of circumferentially spaced first openings 66 on the body 54 of the drilling component 52 is located on the unthreaded portion 84, adjacent the contact face 86.

Once assembled, as best shown in Figure 5, the cutting members 64 of the reaming member 62 protrude slightly from the body 54 of the drilling component 52, to enable the reaming member 62 to perform its function, as described above. Advantageously, when compared to the prior art two-part arrangement 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the integrated drilling and reaming tool 50 of the present invention does away with the threads on either side of the shell 24 and reduces the related material costs by reducing the shell 24 to a reaming member 62, in the form of a ring which is mechanically held in place behind the drill bit 56. This represents a significant cost saving. In addition, the reaming shell 24 is bulky and heavy to carry into the restricted areas where the core drilling has to take place.

Furthermore, the reaming member 62 can be easily fitted in a user’s pocket and can be re-tipped with diamond/hard material cutters several times, as compared to the prior art shell 24 which could not be re-tipped with diamond/hard material cutters and could only be used once and had to be stored in a tool box. Another benefit of the replaceable reaming ring is that it can be removed and replaced on site by hand.

Claims

1. An integrated drilling and reaming tool comprising: a drilling component comprising a tubular body having a drill bit at a front, distal end of the body, with a rear, proximal end of the body being connectable to a drill string of a drilling machine; and a reaming member that is secured or securable around the body of the drilling component.

2. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the reaming member comprises an annulus body or ring that is removably secured around the circumference of the body of the drilling component, so as to rotate in unison with the drilling component in use.

3. The tool of claim 2, wherein the reaming member comprises cutting members arranged on the reaming member, with cutting elements embedded therein.

4. The tool of claim 2, wherein a securing arrangement is provided to removably secure the reaming member to the circumference of the body of the drilling component, to ensure that the reaming member rotates in unison with the drilling component in use, yet allows the reaming member to be moved along the length of the body of the drilling component.

5. The tool of claim 4, wherein the securing arrangement comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced first openings on the body of the drilling component and a plurality of corresponding circumferentially spaced second openings on the reaming member, which can register with the corresponding first openings on the body of the drilling component, with the securing arrangement further comprising a lock element, so that once the reaming member is fitted in place around the body of the drilling component, and the first and second openings are aligned, the lock element can be secured through the first and second openings.

6. The tool of claim 1 , wherein a front end of the drill bit comprises cutting elements embedded in a metallic matrix, with the drill bit being removably securable to the body of the drilling component, to allow the body of the drilling component to be re-tipped with another drill bit, as and when needed.

7. The tool of claim 6, wherein a proximal end of the drill bit comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots, which are arranged to receive a corresponding plurality of circumferentially spaced pins or lugs protruding from the distal end of the body of the drilling component.

8. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the rear, proximal end of the body of the drilling component has an externally threaded portion, to enable the drilling component to be connected to the drill string of the drilling machine.

9. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the tool is used to extract geological core samples for mining exploration, with the drilling component being arranged to drill through rock.

10. A drilling component comprising a tubular body having a front, distal end to which a drill bit is either secured or securable, and a rear, proximal end that is connectable to a drill string of a drilling machine, wherein the body of the drilling component accommodates a reaming member, with the reaming member being secured or securable around the body of the drilling component.

1 1. The drilling component of claim 10, wherein the reaming member comprises an annulus body or ring that is removably secured around the circumference of the body of the drilling component, so as to rotate in unison with the drilling component in use.

12. The drilling component of claim 1 1 , wherein the body of the drilling component defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced first openings, which form part of a securing arrangement to removably secure the reaming member to the circumference of the body of the drilling component, the securing arrangement ensuring that the reaming member rotates in unison with the drilling component in use, yet allows the reaming member to be moved along the length of the body of the drilling component.

13. The drilling component of claim 12, wherein the securing arrangement comprises a plurality of corresponding circumferentially spaced second openings on the reaming member, which can register with the corresponding first openings on the body of the drilling component, the securing arrangement further comprising a lock element, so that once the reaming member is fitted in place around the body of the drilling component, and the first and second openings are aligned, the lock element can be secured through the first and second openings.

14. The drilling component of claim 13, wherein a front end of the drill bit comprises cutting elements embedded in a metallic matrix, with the drill bit being secured to the body of the drilling component.

15. The drilling component of claim 13, wherein a front end of the drill bit comprises cutting elements embedded in a metallic matrix, with the drill bit being removably securable to the body of the drilling component, so that the body of the drilling component can be re-tipped with another drill bit, as and when needed.

16. The drilling component of claim 13, wherein the distal end of the body of the drilling component comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced protruding pins or lugs, which are arranged to engage a corresponding plurality of circumferentially spaced slots defined on a proximal end of the drill bit, and the rear, proximal end of the body of the drilling component has an externally threaded portion, to enable the drilling component to be connected to the drill string of the drilling machine.

17. A reaming member for a drilling component, the drilling component comprising a tubular body having a drill bit at a front, distal end of the body, with a rear, proximal end of the body being connectable to a drill string of a drilling machine, wherein the reaming member is secured or securable around the body of the drilling component.

18. The reaming member of claim 17, wherein the reaming member comprises an annulus body or ring that can be removably secured around the circumference of the body of the drilling component, so as to rotate in unison with the drilling component in use, with the reaming member comprising cutting members arranged on the reaming member, with cutting elements embedded therein.

19. The reaming member of claim 17, wherein the reaming member defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced second openings on the reaming member, which form part of a securing arrangement to removably secure the reaming member to the circumference of the body of the drilling component, the securing arrangement further comprising a plurality of corresponding circumferentially spaced first openings on the body of the drilling component, which can register with the corresponding second openings of the reaming member.

20. The reaming member of claim 19, wherein the securing arrangement further comprises a lock element so that once the reaming member is fitted in place around the body of the drilling component, and the first and second openings are aligned, the lock element can be secured through the first and second openings to ensure that the reaming member rotates in unison with the drilling component in use, yet allows the reaming member to be moved along the length of the body of the drilling component.