System for acoustic navigation of boreholes
US10914168B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 15, 2018 |
| Grant date | Feb 9, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/10
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Methods for generating boreholes used for generating geothermal energy or other purposes include forming the borehole by accelerating a projectile into contact with geologic material. Interaction between the projectile and the geologic material generates an acoustic signal, such as vibrations within the formation, that is detected using acoustic sensors along a drilling conduit, at the surface, or within a separate borehole. Characteristics of the geologic material, such as hardness, porosity, or the presence of fractures, may be determined based on characteristics of the acoustic signal. The direction in which the borehole is extended may be modified based on the characteristics of the geologic material, such as to create a borehole that intersects one or more fractures for generation of geothermal energy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.