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The Drilling for Geology 2008 conference will be held in Brisbane on October 8-10 and will explore drilling related issues including drilling methods, logistics, sampling, logging, geophysics and research and development.
The Australian Institute of Geoscientists is hosting the conference and has organised keynote speakers and technical presentations from respected industry, supplier, consultant and research organisations.
A prime focus of the conference centres on the rising cost of drilling. Presentations will address this issue from a number of viewpoints, including maximising geological information that can be gained from drilling, better drilling logistics and liaison with contractors, improved quality assurance/quality control, and short-term and long-term priorities for new research and development.
One approach to maximising the value of drilling is through acquisition of quantitative geophysical data for lithology, chemistry, geotechnical and rock quality parameters. While the coal industry is a leader in the use of borehole geophysics, a lot more geological information can be gained from geophysics.
Dr Peter Hatherly, professor of mining geophysics at the University of Sydney, will present a paper reviewing new opportunities for downhole geophysics and drill monitoring technology.
Matthew Spotkaeff from Schlumberger Oilfields Australia will present a paper giving an overview of geophysical logging tools available in the oil and gas industry.
Scott Thompson from CoalBed Concepts will look at the future for directional drilling and sensing in the coal seam methane industry.
Joe Cucuzza, research director at AMIRA International, will deliver a keynote speech on the research priorities for drilling and the mechanisms employed by AMIRA to drive innovation in the drilling industry.
Dr Luiz Franca from CSIRO will report on the progress of research into a new drilling technique – Resonance Hammer Drilling – that has the potential to improve drilling efficiency.
The third day of the conference is devoted to professional development with six half-day and full-day workshops on offer.
