Consol Energy Coal Seam Degasification Drilling Insruments

Two different types of systemsAcoustic System (CEA)Hardwire System (CE1)

Acoustic System (CEA)This system has been phased out of useCEA system is the original drilling system that was designed back in the 70sThe basic components of the drilling instrumentControl and Communication package Orientation SensorGamma SensorBattery Pack The form of communication that this instrument uses is acoustic signalingUses a hammer solenoid to pulse and data bit stream back the drill stringThere is a listener that picks up the acoustic pluses and turns it back into an electric signal that the Read Out Box can interpretThis system is more rugged but is slower and is susceptible to external noise interference

Example of the operation of the CEA system

Hardwire System (CE1)CE1 system was designed in house and uses new technology The basic components of the drilling instrumentControl and Communication package Orientation SensorBattery Pack The form of communication that this instrument uses is electrical FSK signalThere is a built in conductor in the drill rods that the electrical signal travelsThis form of communication is faster and is not affected by external noise interferenceThough this system is faster it does require more care and maintenance

Example of the operation of the CE1 system

What both systems can doProvide Orientation InformationRoll, Pitch, AzimuthProvide the Proximity to roof and floorGamma Sensor detects the natural radiation of the shale formationProvide Horizontal & Vertical DeviationThe Read Out Box takes the pitch and azimuth along with the footage that is provided by the driller to calculate the deviations

Hardwire System CE1 VS. CE1.1

Instrument improvementsIncluded gamma sensor to assist with the drilling processSwitched housing materials to improve accuracy, reliability, and longevityRedesigned pipe to instrument adapter to increase water flow and structural integrityMade the electronics tray one piece improving reliability and serviceabilityMade several improvements in the electronics design and programing to make it more dependable and accurate

Hardwire System Improvements

Water Swivel ImprovementsDesigned a completely new water swivel and signal cableWith this design we have reduced costs and increased water flow and productionThis new design includes a magnetic connection between the cable and swivel preventing a potential hazard to drillers and damage to equipmentThe in-house design also reduces down timeHardwire System Improvements

Read Out Box ImprovementsRedesign of the Interface board has made it more reliable and easier to serviceSeveral improvements in the program have made it more user friendly and less likely for problemsExternal battery/power supply will reduce cost and down time (pending MSHA approval)

Hardwire System Improvements