Boring tool control using remote locator
A drilling system performs underground boring using a drill rig and a boring tool which is configured for moving through the ground under control of the drill rig to form an underground bore. A monitoring arrangement, forming part of the system, includes a detection arrangement at the drill rig for monitoring at least one operational parameter to produce a data signal relating to at least one of a utility to be installed in the underground bore, the drill rig and the boring tool. A portable device forms another of the system for receiving the data signal relating to the operational parameter for use by the portable device. A communication arrangement, for example using telemetry, transfers the data signal from the drill rig to the portable device. The operational parameter may be monitored for the purpose of preventing equipment failure.
1. In a drilling system for performing underground boring including a drill rig and a boring tool which is configured for moving through the ground under control of the drill rig to form an underground bore said boring tool including locating signal transmitter which transmits a locating signal for locating an underground position of the boring tool, a monitoring arrangement comprising:
a detection arrangement at said drill rig for monitoring at least one operations parameter to produce a data signal relating to at least one of a utility to be installed in the underground bore, the drill rig and the boring tool;
a portable device configured for movement by an operator and for receiving the data signal relating to the operational parameter for use by the portable device and said portable device including a locating section for receiving the locating signal, transmitted directly from the boring tool, for use in identifying the underground position of the boring tool; and
a communication arrangement for transferring the data signal from the drill rig to the portable device.
2. The monitoring arrangement of claim 1 including a display arrangement, forming part of the portable device, for producing a display based on said data signal.
3. In a drilling system for performing underground boring including a drill rig and a boring tool which is configured for moving through the ground under control of the drill rig to form an underground bore and said boring tool includes a locating signal transmitter which transmits a locating signal for locating an underground position of the boring tool, a method comprising:
monitoring at least one operational parameter using a detection arrangement at said drill rig to produce a data signal relating to at least one of a utility to be installed in the underground bore, the drill rig and the boring tool;
transferring the data signal, relating to the operational parameter, to a portable device for use by the portable device; and
configuring the portable device for movement by an operator and for receiving the locating signal directly from said locating signal transmitter in the boring tool for use in identifying the underground position of the boring tool.
4. The method of claim 3 including a display arrangement, forming part of the portable device, for producing a display based on said data signal.
5. In a drilling system for performing underground boring including a drill rig and a boring tool which is configured for moving through the ground under control of the drill rig to form an underground bore and said boring tool includes a locating signal transmitter which transmits a locating signal for locating an underground position of the boring tool, a monitoring arrangement comprising:
a detection arrangement for monitoring at least one operational parameter which is at least measurable at the drill rig to produce a data signal relating to at least one of a utility to be installed in the underground bore, the drill rig and the boring tool;
a portable device configured for movement by an operator thereof and for receiving the data signal relating to the operational parameter for use by the portable device and which includes a locating section for receiving the locating signal, directly from the boring tool, for use in identifying the underground position of the boring tool; and
a communication arrangement for transferring the data signal from the detection arrangement to the portable device.
6. The monitoring arrangement of claim 5 including a display arrangement, forming part of the portable device, for producing a display based on said data signal.
7. In a drilling system for performing underground boring including a drill rig and a boring tool which is configured for moving through the ground under control of the drill rig to form an underground bore and said boring tool includes a locating signal transmitter which transmits a locating signal for locating an underground position of the boring tool, a method comprising:
monitoring at least one operational parameter which is at least measurable at said drill rig to produce a data signal relating to at least one of a utility to be installed in the underground bore, the drill rig and the boring tool;
transferring the data signal, relating to the operational parameter, to a portable device, for use by the portable device; and
configuring the portable device for movement by an operator thereof and for receiving the locating signal, directly from the locating signal transmitter, for use in identifying the underground position of the boring tool.
8. The method of claim 7 including using a display arrangement, forming part of the portable device, for producing a display base on said data signal.