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The technology is known as AutoSonde, and provides geophysical logging information similar to the kind recorded by wireline logging, but with significant cost, inconvenience and risk reductions.
It is lowered inside drill rods to the bottom of holes and geophysically logs the hole as the rods are being removed from it, removing the need for a separate wireline logging crew or extra rig time and reducing the risk of hole collapse.
The tool can be used alongside a survey tool to allow for result recovery at the same time as the routine hole orientation is performed.
Logging results are then delivered to the explorer as soon as the hole is completed.
The technology was developed by researchers at Globaltech Corporation and Curtin University as part of the DET CRC – a collaborative effort between researchers and end users which aim to deliver significant benefits to the industry.
The group was established in 2010 is part funded by the federal government, with the South Australian government, industry participants and research providers also financially contributing.
The AutoSonde is its first commercialised product.
DET CRC chief executive Richard Hills said the agreement with Boart was a significant milestone for the group.
“The AutoSonde agreement is the first of our three key pillar technologies to be commercialised, with the other two key pillar technologies, the coiled tubing drill rig and the Lab-at-Rig top of hole sensing, in development and showing enormous potential,” he said.
“DET CRC has had a long and strong association with Boart Longyear and the commercialisation of the AutoSonde will build on Boart Longyear’s market-leading capacity to deliver a comprehensive package of drilling services and products, including downhole sensing.”
The commercialisation agreement is for a total count gamma sensor, which measures gamma radiation to characterise different types of rock and alterations related to mineral deposits.
Additional sensors such as magnetic susceptibility, induction and spectral gamma are still in development and to be offered separately.
Boart estimates the tool will be commercially available in late 2015.
Shares in Boart opened at A17c.
