Borehole deviation measurement system debuts

By |  November 3, 2020
Carlson Scan is a free operating software that runs on an Android device or Windows-powered tablet. Photo: Carlson Software

Carlson Scan is a free operating software that runs on an Android device or Windows-powered tablet. Photo: Carlson Software

Carlson Software launched a brand-new borehole deviation measurement system.

The Boretrak2 is a simple-to-use, gyro-based system for measuring the deviation of boreholes drilled in underground mines, surface operations, open-pit mines or quarries, Carlson Software says. The software was developed as a successor to the Rodded and Cabled Boretrak systems, which have a 35-year product history.

According to Carlson Software, the new unit features capabilities of both units and includes a miniature inertial measurement unit (IMU) containing a triaxial accelerometer, magnetometer and gyro. Prior to deployment, the Boretrak2 is calibrated against a known orientation on a supplied mount – establishing a starting reference azimuth for the gyro. The gyro provides the Boretrak2 with an accurate, live heading that is tracked as the probe is deployed into the borehole. It is not reliant on a magnetic compass or physical rod alignment for orientation, the company says.

Other features

Additionally, a single operator can deploy the unit using a variety of methods. For downhole deployment, the Boretrak2 can be lowered using a wireline. Uphole and horizontal deployments can be completed using a semi-rigid pushrod system, spooled out from a cable reel.

The probe is deployed into a hole at fixed intervals. At each stop, a measurement is recorded in Carlson Scan.

Carlson Scan is a free operating software that runs on an Android device or Windows-powered tablet, Carlson Software adds. Carlson Scan is used to set up projects and design holes, import hole coordinates, and import third-party data to form a background to newly collected data. Carlson Scan is connected to the Boretrak2 by a Bluetooth connection from the operating device, allowing for setup and calibration of the unit.

Data recorded by the Boretrak2 is displayed in real-time in an optional 3D graphical mode, 2D schematic mode or in tabular formats. Reports can be quickly generated in the field, featuring data on each hole with tabular data outlining each reading during deployment. Data can be transferred onto a desktop or laptop version of Carlson Scan for further analysis, the company adds.

Survey data from the Boretrak2 can be exported to other Carlson software packages such as Carlson BlastOPS using the DRL format or exported as a DXF or CSV to be used with other third-party CAD and blast design software.

“The Carlson Boretrak2 is the next generation of borehole deviation technology,” says Brad Husack, support and special projects engineer at Carlson Software. “It is the culmination of over 35-plus years of bore tracking manufacturing and field experience. With the new ability to deploy in every direction and the new intuitive and easy-to-use Android/Windows-based software, Carlson Scan, surface and subsurface operations will benefit greatly.”

The Boretrak2 probe is made of stainless steel and has a waterproof rating of IP68, allowing it to be deployed in extreme and rugged environments, Carlson Software says. Its 40-mm diameter makes it deployable even in small boreholes.

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Kevin Yanik

About the Author:

Kevin Yanik is editor-in-chief of Pit & Quarry. He can be reached at 216-706-3724 or kyanik@northcoastmedia.net.

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