公开(公告)号：US09777567B2

公开(公告)日：2017-10-03

申请号：US15158456

申请日：2016-05-18

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： Guenter W. Brune ,  Albert W. Chau ,  Rudolf Zeller ,  John E. Mercer

IPC: G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/00 ,  E21B44/02 ,  G01V3/15 ,  E21B47/022 ,  E21B7/04

CPC classification number: E21B44/02 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B47/02216 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  G01V3/15

Abstract: A steering tool is movable by a drill string to form an underground bore along an intended path. A sensing arrangement of the steering tool detects its pitch and yaw orientations at a series of spaced apart positions along the bore, each position is characterized by a measured extension of the drill string. The steering tool further includes a receiver. At least one marker is positioned proximate to the intended path, for transmitting a rotating dipole field to expose a portion of the intended path to the field for reception by the receiver. The detected pitch orientation, the detected yaw orientation and the measured extension of the drill string are used in conjunction with magnetic information from the receiver to locate the steering tool. The steering tool may automatically use the magnetic information when it is available. A customized overall position determination accuracy can be provided along the intended path.

公开(公告)号：US09360579B1

公开(公告)日：2016-06-07

申请号：US15004783

申请日：2016-01-22

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： Guenter W. Brune ,  Albert W. Chau ,  Rudolf Zeller ,  John E. Mercer

IPC: G01V3/08 ,  E21B7/04 ,  G01V3/15

CPC classification number: E21B44/02 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B47/02216 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  G01V3/15

Abstract: A steering tool is movable by a drill string to form an underground bore along an intended path. A sensing arrangement of the steering tool detects its pitch and yaw orientations at a series of spaced apart positions along the bore, each position is characterized by a measured extension of the drill string. The steering tool further includes a receiver. At least one marker is positioned proximate to the intended path, for transmitting a rotating dipole field to expose a portion of the intended path to the field for reception by the receiver. The detected pitch orientation, the detected yaw orientation and the measured extension of the drill string are used in conjunction with magnetic information from the receiver to locate the steering tool. The steering tool may automatically use the magnetic information when it is available. A customized overall position determination accuracy can be provided along the intended path.

公开(公告)号：US09133703B2

公开(公告)日：2015-09-15

申请号：US14163374

申请日：2014-01-24

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Guenter W. Brune ,  Albert W. Chau ,  Rudolf Zeller ,  John E. Mercer

IPC: G01V3/15 ,  E21B7/06 ,  E21B44/02 ,  E21B47/022 ,  E21B7/04

CPC classification number: E21B44/02 ,  E21B7/04 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21B47/02216 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  G01V3/15

Abstract: A steering tool is movable by a drill string to form an underground bore along an intended path. A sensing arrangement of the steering tool detects its pitch and yaw orientations at a series of spaced apart positions along the bore, each position is characterized by a measured extension of the drill string. The steering tool further includes a receiver. At least one marker is positioned proximate to the intended path, for transmitting a rotating dipole field to expose a portion of the intended path to the field for reception by the receiver. The detected pitch orientation, the detected yaw orientation and the measured extension of the drill string are used in conjunction with magnetic information from the receiver to locate the steering tool. The steering tool may automatically use the magnetic information when it is available. A customized overall position determination accuracy can be provided along the intended path.

Abstract translation: 转向工具可通过钻柱移动，以形成沿预定路径的地下孔。 转向工具的感测装置在沿着孔的一系列间隔位置处检测其俯仰和偏转方向，每个位置的特征在于测量的钻柱的延伸部。 转向工具还包括接收器。 至少一个标记位于预期路径附近，用于传送旋转偶极场以暴露到场的预期路径的一部分以供接收机接收。 结合来自接收器的磁信息来定位检测到的俯仰方向，检测到的偏航方向和测量的钻柱的延伸部分以定位转向工具。 转向工具可以自动使用磁信息。 可以沿着预期路径提供定制的总体位置确定精度。

公开(公告)号：US09035656B2

公开(公告)日：2015-05-19

申请号：US14179314

申请日：2014-02-12

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Rudolf Zeller ,  Guenter W. Brune ,  Albert W. Chau ,  John E. Mercer

IPC: G01V3/08 ,  G01R33/00 ,  G01R33/02 ,  E21B47/022

CPC classification number: G01D5/2006 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/081 ,  G01V3/38

Abstract: A device rotates at least one static magnetic field about an axis, producing a rotating magnetic dipole field, and is movable in relation to the surface of the ground. The field is periodically sensed using a receiver to produce a receiver output responsive to the field. A positional relationship between the receiver and the device is monitored using the output. In one aspect, changing the positional relationship, by moving the device nearer to a boring tool which supports the receiver, causes an increase in accuracy of depth determination. In another aspect, determination of an actual overhead position of the boring tool, and its application, are described. Use of a plurality of measurements over at least one-half revolution of each magnet is disclosed. Establishing a surface radial direction toward a boring tool and resolution of multi-valued parameters is described. Calibration techniques, as well as a three transmitter configuration are also described.

公开(公告)号：US20140159730A1

公开(公告)日：2014-06-12

申请号：US14179314

申请日：2014-02-12

Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.

Inventor： Rudolf Zeller ,  Guenter W. Brune ,  Albert W. Chau ,  John E. Mercer

IPC: G01V3/08

CPC classification number: G01D5/2006 ,  E21B47/02224 ,  G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/081 ,  G01V3/38

Abstract: A device rotates at least one static magnetic field about an axis, producing a rotating magnetic dipole field, and is movable in relation to the surface of the ground. The field is periodically sensed using a receiver to produce a receiver output responsive to the field. A positional relationship between the receiver and the device is monitored using the output. In one aspect, changing the positional relationship, by moving the device nearer to a boring tool which supports the receiver, causes an increase in accuracy of depth determination. In another aspect, determination of an actual overhead position of the boring tool, and its application, are described. Use of a plurality of measurements over at least one-half revolution of each magnet is disclosed. Establishing a surface radial direction toward a boring tool and resolution of multi-valued parameters is described. Calibration techniques, as well as a three transmitter configuration are also described.

Abstract translation: 设备围绕轴旋转至少一个静态磁场，产生旋转的磁偶极场，并且可相对于地面移动。 使用接收器周期性地感测该场以响应于场产生接收机输出。 使用输出监视接收机和设备之间的位置关系。 一方面，通过使设备更靠近支撑接收器的钻孔工具来改变位置关系，导致深度确定的精度的提高。 在另一方面，描述了钻孔工具的实际开销位置的确定及其应用。 公开了在每个磁体的至少半圈上使用多个测量。 描述了朝向钻孔工具的表面径向方向和多值参数的分辨率。 还描述了校准技术以及三个发射机配置。

公开(公告)号：US20140131103A1

公开(公告)日：2014-05-15

申请号：US14158676

申请日：2014-01-17

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： Guenter W. Brune ,  Peter H. Hambling ,  John E. Mercer ,  Lloyd A. Moore ,  Shiu S. Ng ,  Rudolf Zeller

IPC: E21B47/022

CPC classification number: E21B47/02224 ,  B82Y25/00 ,  E21B7/046 ,  G01R33/093 ,  G01V3/081 ,  G01V3/165 ,  G01V3/38 ,  H01Q1/04 ,  H01Q1/36 ,  H01Q1/38 ,  H01Q7/00 ,  H01Q21/205 ,  H01Q21/28 ,  H01Q21/29

Abstract: Specific apparatus and associated methods are described for use in establishing the positions of locating field detectors and for path mapping within a region for the purpose of tracking and/or guiding the movement of an underground boring tool. In one aspect, an improvement is provided forming part of an arrangement for tracking the position and/or guiding the boring tool using an electromagnetic locating signal which is transmitted from the boring tool as the boring tool moves through the ground. At least two detectors are located at fixed positions within the region, each being operable in a transmit mode and in a receive mode such that each one of the detectors in the transmit mode is able to transmit a relative locating signal to the other detector for use in determining the relative position of one detector in relation to the other and such that both detectors receive the electromagnetic locating signal in the receive mode for use in determining the position of the boring tool within the region. Provisions are also described for extending drilling range by using additional detectors by moving a limited number of detectors. In another aspect, a system is provided including at least two above ground detectors for sensing the locating signal. The detectors are located at initial positions in the region. Electromagnetic data is generated by the detectors with the boring tool at multiple positions to generate electromagnetic data which is used to identify the positions of the detectors. A selected flux pathline steering technique is introduced.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于建立定位场检测器的位置和用于跟踪和/或引导地下钻孔工具的运动的区域内的路径映射的具体设备和相关方法。 在一个方面，提供了一种改进，其形成用于跟踪钻孔工具的位置和/或引导钻孔工具的一部分，该电磁定位信号是在钻孔工具移动通过地面时从钻孔工具传递的。 至少两个检测器位于区域内的固定位置，每个检测器可以在发射模式和接收模式下操作，使得发射模式中的每个检测器能够将相对定位信号传输到另一检测器以供使用 在确定一个检测器相对于另一检测器的相对位置时，两个检测器接收接收模式中的电磁定位信号，以用于确定钻孔工具在该区域内的位置。 还描述了通过移动有限数量的检测器通过使用附加检测器来延长钻孔范围的规定。 在另一方面，提供一种系统，其包括用于感测定位信号的至少两个上述地面探测器。 探测器位于该区域的初始位置。 电磁数据由具有钻孔工具的检测器在多个位置产生，以产生用于识别检测器的位置的电磁数据。 引入了选择的通量线路转向技术。

公开(公告)号：US08668030B2

公开(公告)日：2014-03-11

申请号：US13765544

申请日：2013-02-12

Applicant: Merlin Technology Inc.

Inventor： Guenter W. Brune ,  Peter H. Hambling ,  John E. Mercer ,  Lloyd A. Moore ,  Shiu S. Ng ,  Rudolf Zeller

IPC: E21B47/02

CPC classification number: E21B47/02224 ,  B82Y25/00 ,  E21B7/046 ,  G01R33/093 ,  G01V3/081 ,  G01V3/165 ,  G01V3/38 ,  H01Q1/04 ,  H01Q1/36 ,  H01Q1/38 ,  H01Q7/00 ,  H01Q21/205 ,  H01Q21/28 ,  H01Q21/29

Abstract: Specific apparatus and associated methods are described for use in establishing the positions of locating field detectors and for path mapping within a region for the purpose of tracking and/or guiding the movement of an underground boring tool. In one aspect, an improvement is provided forming part of an arrangement for tracking the position and/or guiding the boring tool using an electromagnetic locating signal which is transmitted from the boring tool as the boring tool moves through the ground. At least two detectors are located at fixed positions within the region, each being operable in a transmit mode and in a receive mode such that each one of the detectors in the transmit mode is able to transmit a relative locating signal to the other detector for use in determining the relative position of one detector in relation to the other and such that both detectors receive the electromagnetic locating signal in the receive mode for use in determining the position of the boring tool within the region. Provisions are also described for extending drilling range by using additional detectors by moving a limited number of detectors. In another aspect, a system is provided including at least two above ground detectors for sensing the locating signal. The detectors are located at initial positions in the region. Electromagnetic data is generated by the detectors with the boring tool at multiple positions to generate electromagnetic data which is used to identify the positions of the detectors. A selected flux pathline steering technique is introduced.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于建立定位场检测器的位置和用于跟踪和/或引导地下钻孔工具的运动的区域内的路径映射的具体设备和相关方法。 在一个方面，提供了一种改进，其形成用于跟踪钻孔工具的位置和/或引导钻孔工具的一部分，该电磁定位信号是在钻孔工具移动通过地面时从钻孔工具传递的。 至少两个检测器位于区域内的固定位置，每个检测器可以在发射模式和接收模式下操作，使得发射模式中的每个检测器能够将相对定位信号传输到另一检测器以供使用 在确定一个检测器相对于另一检测器的相对位置时，两个检测器接收接收模式中的电磁定位信号，以用于确定钻孔工具在该区域内的位置。 还描述了通过移动有限数量的检测器通过使用附加检测器来延长钻孔范围的规定。 在另一方面，提供一种系统，其包括用于感测定位信号的至少两个上述地面探测器。 探测器位于该区域的初始位置。 电磁数据由具有钻孔工具的检测器在多个位置产生，以产生用于识别检测器的位置的电磁数据。 引入了选择的通量线路转向技术。