Method and system for helicopter portable drilling

Abstract

There is provided a system for helicopter portable drilling comprising: a drill frame, a drill mast affixed a first end of the drill frame, a drill operatively coupled to the drill mast and operable using one of compressed air, pressurized hydraulic fluid and both compressed air and pressurized hydraulic fluid and a unified power source for providing compressed air and pressurized hydraulic fluid coupled to the drill, the total operating weight of the system being approximately 3000 pounds for allowing a single-pick move by a helicopter. A method of seismic line drilling comprising the steps of placing a first single-pick drilling system at a first location with a single pick, placing a second single-pick drilling system at a second location with a single pick, when finished drilling, moving the first single-pick drilling system to a third location with a single pick, when finished drilling, moving the second single-pick drilling system to a fourth location with a single pick.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to methods and systems for drilling and is particularly concerned with a helicopter portable drilling.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Referring to FIG. 1 there is illustrated a known tracked drilling rig. The rig consists of a tracked vehicle 10 fitted with a drill 12, a hydraulic system 14 for operating the drill and a compressor 16 for providing pressurized air for cleaning the hole being drilled. The tracked vehicle 10 is used on road accessible land, which has terrain that allows unrestricted movement of such vehicles.[0003]For areas that are inaccessible or where environmental impact is of concern, it is also known to use helicopter portable drilling systems. These drills are referred to as heli-portable drills. The method of using them is called heli-drilling The earliest examples of heli-portable drills included three components: a drill, a compressor and a supplies basket, which must be separated due to weight limita...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

There are a number of dangers present with helicopter assisted drilling.

The pilot and driller are both at risk when the drill is being picked or dropped.

It is called this because if the helicopter has a mechanical failure, the height and altitude are not conducive to a safe landing, even on level ground.

Typically not only is the ground uneven, but there are trees further endangering the pilot.

For the driller on the ground, it is equally dangerous, as they are working underneath a heavily loaded helicopter.

Steep terrain, loose rocks and trees are also a hazard.

When placing drills and compressors in steep terrain, the helicopter may have to spend extra time to ensure the unit is secure.

Images