Application of seismic sensors on measurement while drilling for real-time rock property detection. Issue 1 (1st January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khanal, M; Shen, B; Duan, Y; Luo, X
• Is Part Of: IOP conference series. Volume 1124:Issue 1(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01-01
• Subjects: Earth sciences -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Congresses; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; 550.5
• DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/1124/1/012096
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-1307

Abstract

Abstract: Rock type and geological structures are often characterized with geotechnical and geological data gathered from boreholes that are drilled considerable distances apart. Such characterization may not identify localized variations associated with rock mass. The continual acquisition of rock data while drilling on a local scale has a potential to provide confidence in detecting rock types and interpreting rock properties, and depending on the application, may inform downstream operations. Drill returned parameters, such as, rotary speed, penetration rate, sound, torque, vibration, can provide insights into rock geotechnical properties. In the past, most of the researches in this area are limited to the use of conventional drill parameters such as penetration rate, rotary speed, torque and weight on bit. Noisy signals from drilling operations often pose a major challenge from using these conventional parameters to reliably interpret rock properties. To overcome this issue, in addition to the conventional drill parameters, the feasibility and application of seismic sensors on identifying relative rock properties have been explored in the current research. The interaction between the drill bit and rock mass being drilled generates seismic signals, which vary with different rock conditions and drilling operations. These seismic signals can be interpreted to detect rock types, rock properties, rock-ore interfaces and geological structures on a local scale. Laboratory experiments with a rotary drilling machine on synthesized rock samples with and without interfaces have been conducted. Preliminary laboratory results show clear seismic signatures when drilling through the rocks with various strengths and interfaces. The results obtained using the conventional drill parameters and seismic data have also been compared in this paper.