The Thrill to Drill
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Load more
Recommended publications
-
The Future of Continental Scientific Drilling U.S
THE FUTURE OF CONTINENTAL SCIENTIFIC DRILLING U.S. PERSPECTIVE Proceedings of a workshop | June 4-5, 2009 | Denver, Colorado DOSECC WORKSHOP PUBLICATION 1 Front Cover: Basalts and rhyolites of the Snake River Plain at Twin Falls, Idaho. Project Hotspot will explore the interaction of the Yellowstone hotspot with the continental crust by sampling the volcanic rocks underlying the plain. Two 1.5 km holes will penetrate both the surficial basalt and the underlying rhyolite caldera-fill and outflow depos- its. A separate drill hole will explore the paleoclimate record in Pliocene Lake Idaho in the western Snake River Plain. In addition to the understanding of continent-mantle interaction that develops and the paleoclimate data collected, the project will study water-rock interaction, gases emanating from the deeper curst, and the geomicro- biology of the rocks of the plain. Once scientific objectives and set, budgets are developed, and funding is granted, successful implementation of projects requires careful planning, professional on-site staff, appropriate equip- ment, effective logistics, and accurate accounting. Photo by Tony Walton The authors gratefully acknowledge support of the National Science Foundation (NSF EAR 0923056 to The University of Kansas) and DOSECC, Inc. of Salt Lake City, Utah. Anthony W. Walton, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas Kenneth G. Miller, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J. Christian Koeberl, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria John Shervais, Utah State University, Logan, Utah Steve Colman, University of Minnesota, Duluth, Duluth, Minnesota edited by Cathy Evans. Stephen Hickman, US Geological Survey, Menlo Park, California covers and design by mitch favrow. Will Clyde, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire document layout by Pam Lerow and Paula Courtney. -
Geotechnical Investigation Across a Failed Hill Slope in Uttarakhand – a Case Study
Indian Geotechnical Conference 2017 GeoNEst 14-16 December 2017, IIT Guwahati, India Geotechnical Investigation across a Failed Hill Slope in Uttarakhand – A Case Study Ravi Sundaram Sorabh Gupta Swapneel Kalra CengrsGeotechnica Pvt. Ltd., A-100 Sector 63, Noida, U.P. -201309 E-mail :[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Lalit Kumar Feedback Infra Private Limited, 15th Floor Tower 9B, DLF cyber city Phase-III, Gurgaon, Haryana-122002 E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT: A landslide triggered by a cloudburst in 2013 had blocked a major highway in Uttarakhand. The paper presents details of the geotechnical and geophysical investigations done to evaluate the failure and to develop remedial measures. Seismic refraction test has been effectively used to characterize the landslide and assess the extent of the loose disturbed zone. The probable causes of failure and remedial measures are discussed. Keywords: geotechnical investigation; seismic refraction test; slope failure; landslide assessment 1. Introduction 2.2 Site Conditions Fragility of terrain is often reflected in the form of The rock mass in the area has unfavorable dip towards disasters in the hilly state of Uttarakhand. Geotectonic the valley side. In a 100-150 m stretch, the gabion wall configuration of the rocks and the high relative relief on the down-hill side of the highway, showed extensive make the area inherently unstable and vulnerable to mass distress. The overburden of boulders and soil had slid movement. The hilly terrain is faced with the dilemma of down, probably due to buildup of water pressure behind maintaining balance between environmental protection the gabion wall during heavy rains. -
In-Process Characterization Plan for the Building 886 Closure Project
In-Process Characterization Plan KAISER. HILL COMPANY For the Building 886 .. Closure Project -. .. I RF'/RRIRS-99-349 Revision 0 .. RFlRM RS.99-349 Rocky Mountain RMRS Remediation Services, L.L.C. protecting the envimnrnent IN-PROCESS CHARACTERIZATION PLAN FOR THE BUILDING 886 CLOSURE PROJECT Rocky Mountain Remediation Services, L.L.C. October 1999 Revision 0 IN-PROCESS CHARACTERIZATION PLAN FOR THE BUILDING 886 CLOSURE PROJECT RFIRMRS-99-349 REVISION 0 October 1999 This in-Process Characterization Plan has been reviewed and approved by: - Date 4Y/& Date K6n Gillespie, HealtMnd Safety ’ Date r, RMRS Characterization Date IN-PROCESS CHA~4CTE2IZATION?LAN RFiRklRS-39-35 'W .I FOR THE a86 CLUSTER TOC. Page iii oi vi CLOSURE PROJECT Effective Date: lOiOliO9 IN-PROCESS CHARACTERIZATION PLAN FOR THE BUILDING 886 CLOSURE PROJECT TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 .o INTRODUCTION ....................................... ...................... ................. 1.1 Purpose ........................................................... 1.2Scope ........................................... .................................. 1 2.0 CLUSTER DESCRIPTION .................................. .......................... 2 2.1 Summary of Existing Data ............................. ........................ 2 2.1.1 Radiological................................ .......................... 2 2.1.2Non-Radiological ......................... .......................... 3 2.2 Known or Suspected Data Gaps ......... 2.2.1 Radiological............................... ......................... -
Deep Borehole Placement of Radioactive Wastes a Feasibility Study
DEEP BOREHOLE PLACEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE WASTES A FEASIBILITY STUDY Bernt S. Aadnøy & Maurice B. Dusseault Executive Summary Deep Borehole Placement (DBP) of modest amounts of high-level radioactive wastes from a research reactor is a viable option for Norway. The proposed approach is an array of large- diameter (600-750 mm) boreholes drilled at a slight inclination, 10° from vertical and outward from a central surface working site, to space 400-600 mm diameter waste canisters far apart to avoid any interactions such as significant thermal impacts on the rock mass. We believe a depth of 1 km, with waste canisters limited to the bottom 200-300 m, will provide adequate security and isolation indefinitely, provided the site is fully qualified and meets a set of geological and social criteria that will be more clearly defined during planning. The DBP design is flexible and modular: holes can be deeper, more or less widely spaced, at lesser inclinations, and so on. This modularity and flexibility allow the principles of Adaptive Management to be used throughout the site selection, development, and isolation process to achieve the desired goals. A DBP repository will be in a highly competent, low-porosity and low-permeability rock mass such as a granitoid body (crystalline rock), a dense non-reactive shale (chloritic or illitic), or a tight sandstone. The rock matrix should be close to impermeable, and the natural fractures and bedding planes tight and widely spaced. For boreholes, we recommend avoiding any substance of questionable long-term geochemical stability; hence, we recommend that surface casings (to 200 m) be reinforced polymer rather than steel, and that the casing is sustained in the rock mass with an agent other than standard cement. -
Microstructural Characterization of a Canadian Oil Sand
Microstructural characterization of a Canadian oil sand Doan1,3 D.H., Delage2 P., Nauroy1 J.F., Tang1 A.M., Youssef2 S. Doan D.H., Delage P., Nauroy J.F., Tang A.M., and Youssef S. 2012. Microstructural characterization of a Canadian oil sand. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 49 (10), 1212-1220, doi:10.1139/T2012-072. 1 IFP Energies nouvelles, 1-4 Av. du Bois Préau, F 92852 Rueil-Malmaison Cedex, France [email protected] 2 Ecole des Ponts ParisTech, Navier/ CERMES 6 et 8, av. Blaise Pascal, F 77455 Marne La Vallée cedex 2, France [email protected] 3 now in Fugro France [email protected] Abstract: The microstructure of oil sand samples extracted at a depth of 75 m from the estuarine Middle McMurray formation (Alberta, Canada) has been investigated by using high resolution 3D X-Ray microtomography (µCT) and Cryo Scanning Electron Microscopy (CryoSEM). µCT images evidenced some dense areas composed of highly angular grains surrounded by fluids that are separated by larger pores full of gas. 3D Image analysis provided in dense areas porosity values compatible with in-situ log data and macroscopic laboratory determinations, showing that they are representative of intact states. µCT hence provided some information on the morphology of the cracks and disturbance created by gas expansion. The CryoSEM technique, in which the sample is freeze fractured within the SEM chamber prior to observation, provided pictures in which the (frozen) bitumen clearly appears between the sand grains. No evidence of the existence of a thin connate water layer between grains and the bitumen, frequently mentioned in the literature, has been obtained. -
Guidelines for Sealing Geotechnical Exploratory Holes
Missouri University of Science and Technology Scholars' Mine International Conference on Case Histories in (1998) - Fourth International Conference on Geotechnical Engineering Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering 10 Mar 1998, 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm Guidelines for Sealing Geotechnical Exploratory Holes Cameran Mirza Strata Engineering Corporation, North York, Ontario, Canada Robert K. Barrett TerraTask (MSB Technologies), Grand Junction, Colorado Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/icchge Part of the Geotechnical Engineering Commons Recommended Citation Mirza, Cameran and Barrett, Robert K., "Guidelines for Sealing Geotechnical Exploratory Holes" (1998). International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering. 7. https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/icchge/4icchge/4icchge-session07/7 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License. This Article - Conference proceedings is brought to you for free and open access by Scholars' Mine. It has been accepted for inclusion in International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering by an authorized administrator of Scholars' Mine. This work is protected by U. S. Copyright Law. Unauthorized use including reproduction for redistribution requires the permission of the copyright holder. For more information, please contact [email protected]. 927 Proceedings: Fourth International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri, March 9-12, 1998. GUIDELINES FOR SEALING GEOTECHNICAL EXPLORATORY HOLES Cameran Mirza Robert K. Barrett Paper No. 7.27 Strata Engineering Corporation TerraTask (MSB Technologies) North York, ON Canada M2J 2Y9 Grand Junction CO USA 81503 ABSTRACT A three year research project was sponsored by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) in 1991 to detennine the best materials and methods for sealing small diameter geotechnical exploratory holes. -
High-Resolution Gamma Ray Attenuation Density Measurements on Mining Exploration Drill Cores, Including Cut Cores
The following document is a pre-print version of: Ross P-S, Bourke A (2017) High-resolution gamma ray attenuation density measurements on mining exploration drill cores, including cut cores. J. Apl. Geophys. 136:262-268 High-resolution gamma ray attenuation density measurements on mining exploration drill cores, including cut cores Ross, P.-S.*, Bourke, A. Institut national de la recherche scientifique, centre Eau Terre Environnement, 490, rue de la Couronne, Québec (QC), G1K 9A9, Canada * Corresponding author, [email protected] Abstract Physical property measurements are increasingly important in mining exploration. For density determinations on rocks, one method applicable on exploration drill cores relies on gamma ray attenuation. This non- destructive method is ideal because each measurement takes only ten seconds, making it suitable for high- resolution logging. However calibration has been problematic. In this paper we present new empirical, site- specific correction equations for whole NQ and BQ cores. The corrections force back the gamma densities to the “true” values established by the immersion method. For the NQ core caliber, the density range extends to high values (massive pyrite, ~5 g/cm 3) and the correction is thought to be very robust. We also present additional empirical correction factors for cut cores which take into account the missing material. These “cut core correction factors”, which are not site-specific, were established by making gamma density measurements on truncated aluminum cylinders of various residual thicknesses. Finally we show two examples of application for the Abitibi Greenstone Belt in Canada. The gamma ray attenuation measurement system is part of a multi-sensor core logger which also determines magnetic susceptibility, geochemistry and mineralogy on rock cores, and performs line-scan imaging. -
Manual Borehole Drilling As a Cost-Effective Solution for Drinking
water Review Manual Borehole Drilling as a Cost-Effective Solution for Drinking Water Access in Low-Income Contexts Pedro Martínez-Santos 1,* , Miguel Martín-Loeches 2, Silvia Díaz-Alcaide 1 and Kerstin Danert 3 1 Departamento de Geodinámica, Estratigrafía y Paleontología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain; [email protected] 2 Departamento de Geología, Geografía y Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Universitario, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain; [email protected] 3 Ask for Water GmbH, Zürcherstr 204F, 9014 St Gallen, Switzerland; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +34-659-969-338 Received: 7 June 2020; Accepted: 7 July 2020; Published: 13 July 2020 Abstract: Water access remains a challenge in rural areas of low-income countries. Manual drilling technologies have the potential to enhance water access by providing a low cost drinking water alternative for communities in low and middle income countries. This paper provides an overview of the main successes and challenges experienced by manual boreholes in the last two decades. A review of the existing methods is provided, discussing their advantages and disadvantages and comparing their potential against alternatives such as excavated wells and mechanized boreholes. Manual boreholes are found to be a competitive solution in relatively soft rocks, such as unconsolidated sediments and weathered materials, as well as and in hydrogeological settings characterized by moderately shallow water tables. Ensuring professional workmanship, the development of regulatory frameworks, protection against groundwater pollution and standards for quality assurance rank among the main challenges for the future. -
Reconnaissance Borehole Geophysical, Geological, And
Reconnaissance Borehole Geophysical, Geological, and Hydrological Data from the Proposed Hydrodynamic Compartments of the Culpeper Basin in Loudoun, Prince William, Culpeper, Orange, and Fairfax Counties, Virginia [Version 1.0] By Michael P. Ryan, Herbert A. Pierce, Carole D. Johnson, David M. Sutphin, David L. Daniels, Joseph P. Smoot, John K. Costain, Cahit Çoruh, and George E. Harlow Open–File Report 2006-1203 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Reconnaissance Borehole Geophysical, Geological, and Hydrological Data from the Proposed Hydrodynamic Compartments of the Culpeper Basin in Loudoun, Prince William, Culpeper, Orange, and Fairfax Counties, Virginia [Version 1.0] By Michael P. Ryan, Herbert A. Pierce, Carole D. Johnson, David M. Sutphin, David L. Daniels, Joseph P. Smoot, John K. Costain, Cahit Çoruh, and George E. Harlow Open-File Report 2006–1203 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Department of the Interior DIRK KEMPTHORNE, Secretary U.S. Geological Survey Mark D. Meyers, Director U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2007 For product and ordering information: World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS For more information on the USGS--the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment: World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report. -
Hyperspectral Imaging for the Characterization of Athabasca Oil Sands Core
Hyperspectral imaging for the characterization of Athabasca oil sands core by Michelle Alexandra Speta A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences University of Alberta © Michelle Alexandra Speta, 2016 Abstract The Athabasca oil sands of northeastern Alberta, Canada, are one of the largest accumulations of crude bitumen in the world. Drill core sampling is the principal method for investigating subsurface geology in the oil sands industry. Cores are logged to record sedimentological characteristics and sub-sampled for total bitumen content (TBC) determination. However, these processes are time- and labour-intensive, and in the case of TBC analysis, destructive to the core. Hyperspectral imaging is a remote sensing technique that combines reflectance spectroscopy with digital imaging. This study investigates the application of hyperspectral imaging for the characterization of Athabasca oil sands drill core with three specific objectives: 1) spectral determination of TBC in core samples, 2) visual enhancement of sedimentological features in oil-saturated sediments, and 3) automated classification of lithological units in core imagery. Two spectral models for the determination of TBC were tested on four suites of fresh core and one suite of dry core from different locations and depths in the Athabasca deposit. The models produce greyscale images that show the spatial distribution of oil saturation at a per-pixel scale (~1 mm). For all cores and both models, spectral TBC results were highly correlated with Dean- Stark data (R2 = 0.94-0.99). The margin of error in the spectral predictions for three of the fresh cores was comparable to that of Dean-Stark analysis (±1.5 wt %). -
Trench Blasting with DYNAMITE a TRADITION of INNOVATION
Trench Blasting with DYNAMITE A TRADITION OF INNOVATION Dyno Nobel’s roots reach back to every significant in- novation in explosives safety and technology. Today, Dyno Nobel supplies a full line of explosives products and blasting services to mines, quarries and contractors in nearly every part of the world. DYNAMITE PRODUCT OF CHOICE FOR TRENCH BLASTING One explosive product has survived the test of time to become a true classic in the industry. DYNAMITE! The dynamite products manufactured today by Dyno Nobel are similar to Alfred Nobel’s original 1860s invention yet, in selected applications, they outperform any other commercial explosives on the market. The high energy, reliability and easy loading characteristics of dynamite make it the product of choice for difficult and demand- ing trench blasting jobs. Look to Unigel®, Dynomax Pro® and Unimax® to make trench blasting as effective and efficient as it can be. DISCLAIMER The information set forth herein is provided for informational purposes only. No representation or warranty is made or intended by DYNO NOBEL INC. or its affiliates as to the applicability of any procedures to any par- ticular situation or circumstance or as to the completeness or accuracy of any information contained herein. User assumes sole responsibility for all results and consequences. ® Cover photo depicts a trench blast using Primacord detonating cord, MS ® Connectors and Unimax dynamite. SAFE BLASTING REMINDERS Blasting safety is our first priority. Review these remind- ers frequently and make safety your first priority, too. • Dynamite products will provide higher energy value than alternate products used for trenching due to their superior energy, velocity and weight strength. -
1994: Effects of Coring on Petrophysical Measurements
EFFECTS OF CORING ON PETROPHYSICAL MEASUREMENTS. Rune M. Holt, IKU Petroleum Research and NTH Norwegian Institute of Technology, Trondheim, Norway ABSTRACT When a core sample is taken fiom great depth to the surface, it may be permanently altered by several mechanisms. This Paper focusses on possible effects of stress release on petrophysical measurables, such as porosity, permeability, acoustic velocities and compaction behaviour. The results are obtained through an experimental study, where synthetic rocks are formed under simulated in situ stress conditions, so that stress release effects can be studied in a systematic way. INTRODUCTION Core measurements provide important input data to petroleum reservoir evaluations. Uncertainties in reserve estimates and predicted production profiles may originate from uncertianties in core data. In addition to measurement errors, such uncertainty may be a result of core damage (see e.g. Santarelli and Dusseault, 199 1). By core damage we mean permanent alteration of core material so that the material is no longer representative of the rock in situ. It is important to distinguish here between core alteration, which can be repaired by reinstalling the in situ conditions, and permanent core damage. A general advice would be to perform any core measurement as close to in situ (stress, pore pressure, temperature, fluid saturation) conditions as possible. In the case of a damaged core, this does however not warrant a correct result. The focus of this Paper will be on unrepairable core damage, and where the damage is caused by a mechanical failure of the rock. We shall look briefly into mechanisms that may cause such damage, how permanent core damage may affect various petrophysical parameters, and how one may correct for or reduce such core damage.