Standard for In-Seam Drilling Equipment

The aim of this project was to define a common electrical and mechanical specification for the manufacture and deployment of sensor equipment that may be used behind the motor in inseam drilling. The goal was to facilitate the testing and use of new sondes. The need for Intrinsically Safe (IS) testing and certification is the most significant delay in the use of new equipment.

The diverse requirements of various sensing systems has complicated the task of finding common ground for specifications. Attempting to force the use of a standard sonde carrier would cause restrictions that may preclude some sensors from being used. There are too many issues of special requirements to be able to recommend the development of a universal carrier that will cater for the current research efforts. The design of a reliable method of data transmission out of hole, and perhaps the development of a non metallic drill rod would be of immediate benefit. Although a solution to a standard sonde has not be realised, there is work that can be done to reduce the time to initial testing period by addressing some known pertinent issues.

The final report, was unable to define standard mechanical and electrical specifications for inseam drilling data transfer, however it does comprehensively list and define all the relevant issues. Any group involved in in seam drilling would benefit from an examination of this report.