Abstract

A coring bit (5) suitable for use in coring apparatus (100). The coring bit (5) comprising a main body (40) and a cutting head (45) at one end (41) of the main body (40). The cutting head (45) comprising a generally cylindrical side wall (46) and an annular peripheral rim (22) remote from the main body (40). The rim (22) having an outer annular surface (48) providing for a cutting surface (49), the annular surface being generally continuous or uninterrupted.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 10/02 - Core bits
• E21B 10/60 - Drill bits characterised by conduits or nozzles for drilling fluids
• E21B 25/06 - Apparatus for obtaining or removing undisturbed cores, e.g. core barrels or core extractors the core receiver having a flexible liner or inflatable retaining means
• E21B 25/10 - Formed core retaining or severing means
• E21B 25/18 - Apparatus for obtaining or removing undisturbed cores, e.g. core barrels or core extractors the core receiver being specially adapted for operation under water

Abstract

A device, tool assembly and/or method for more accurately measuring or simulating geotechnical pipe-soil interaction on or in the seabed. The pipeline simulation device or tool assembly can be deployed in association with a seabed rig, such as a remotely operated seabed drilling rig. The pipeline simulation device includes a tool able to be at least partially inserted into a seabed, and a shaft attached to the tool and able to effect movement of the tool relative to the seabed. Preferably, the shaft is able to be held by a seabed rig and the seabed rig is able to effect movement of the tool relative to the seabed, simulating in situ geotechnical pipe-soil interaction on or in undisturbed seabed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/24 - Earth materials
• G01N 19/00 - Investigating materials by mechanical methods
• E02D 1/00 - Investigation of foundation soil in situ
• F17D 5/02 - Preventing, monitoring, or locating loss

Abstract

A standpipe assembly for remote installation of in situ seabed monitoring, sensing or measuring devices. The standpipe assembly including, a plurality of individual sections (1) coupled together, a lower rod adaptor (3) attached to or integrated with a measuring device (4), and an upper rod adaptor (5) adapted to separately couple to an auxiliary tubular extension (13), a closure cap (6) and an instrument package (7). The measuring device (4) can communicate with the instrument package (7). Also disclosed is a method of installing the standpipe assembly, including connecting individual sections 1 to a downward thrusting apparatus, and connecting the auxiliary tubular extension (13) associated with the upper rod adaptor (5) to the same part of the downward thrusting apparatus, and then removing the auxiliary tubular extension (13) to connect an upper section or end (8) of the upper rod adaptor (5) to the instrument package (7).

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 47/01 - Devices for supporting measuring instruments on drill bits, pipes, rods or wirelinesProtecting measuring instruments in boreholes against heat, shock, pressure or the like
• E21B 49/02 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells by mechanically taking samples of the soil

Abstract

A probe assembly (1) suitable for use with apparatus for use in the investigation and/or analysis of an underwater floor of a body of water such as, for example, a seabed. The apparatus includes a depth penetration device (10), and an underwater floor testing tool (11, 12). The probe assembly (1) includes a first coupling for operatively connecting the probe to the depth penetration device (10) and a second coupling for operatively connecting the probe assembly (1) to the underwater floor testing tool (11, 12). The probe assembly (1) further includes a signal processing module (5) for processing information from the tool, a data transmission module (2) for the transmission of data from the signal processing module (5), a power source (3) for operating the data transmission module (2) and the signal processing module (5) and a switch module (4) for selectively connecting from the power source (3) to the data transmission module (2) and signal processing module (5).

IPC Classes  ?

• G01V 1/38 - SeismologySeismic or acoustic prospecting or detecting specially adapted for water-covered areas

Abstract

A probe assembly (1) suitable for use with apparatus for use in the investigation and/or analysis of an underwater floor of a body of water such as, for example, a seabed. The apparatus includes a depth penetration device (10), and an underwater floor testing tool (11, 12). The probe assembly (1) includes a first coupling for operative Iy connecting the probe to the depth penetration device (10) and a second coupling for operatively connecting the probe assembly (1) to the underwater floor testing tool (11, 12). The probe assembly (1) further includes a signal processing module (5) for processing information from the tool, a data transmission module (2) for the transmission of data from the signal processing module (5), a power source (3) for operating the data transmission module (2) and the signal processing module (5) and a switch module (4) for selectively connecting from the power source (3) to the data transmission module (2) and signal processing module (5).

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 49/02 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells by mechanically taking samples of the soil
• G01N 3/40 - Investigating hardness or rebound hardness
• G01N 33/24 - Earth materials

Abstract

A ball penetrometer probe for in situ measurement of soft soil properties, particularly in the seabed, comprises a spherical body and slender shaft assembly, and either individually or in combination, an anti-friction sleeve enclosing the shaft and/or a peripheral porous ring on the spherical body with connecting internal passages through the shaft assembly, the shaft being adapted to attach to an electronic transducer module. The ball penetrometer is deployed to penetrate the soil bed, to continuously measure the soil bearing forces resisting penetration and withdrawal of the ball, to optionally measure the pore water pressure of the soil in contact with the ball and to transmit the measurement data from the probe to a remote operating station, either by wireless means such as an acoustic transducer or via a wired electrical connection.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 3/00 - Investigating strength properties of solid materials by application of mechanical stress