Percussion drilling apparatus and method (with channels)

Abstract

A drill rod comprises a body comprising one or more fluid supply channels, a fluid return channel and one or more compartments.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A drill rod comprising a body comprising one or more fluid supply channels, a fluid return channel and one or more compartments, wherein the body comprises a manifold connecting the plurality of supply channels, and wherein the manifold is adapted for coupling with another drill rod having multiple annuluses. 
     
     
         22 . A drill rod according to  claim 21 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the one or more compartments is greater that a cross-sectional area of the one or more fluid supply channels. 
     
     
         23 . A drill rod according to  claim 21 , wherein a cross-sectional profile of the one or more compartments is different to a cross-sectional profile of the one or more fluid supply channels. 
     
     
         24 . A drill rod according to  claim 21 , wherein at least one of the one or more compartments comprises an opening in the radial direction of the body for access to the compartment. 
     
     
         25 . A drill rod according to  claim 21 , wherein the body is adapted for coupling with a fluid supply of another drill rod having multiple annuluses. 
     
     
         26 . A drill rod according to  claim 21 , wherein the body comprises a casing. 
     
     
         27 . A drill rod according to  claim 26 , wherein the casing encloses the one or more compartments. 
     
     
         28 . A drill rod according to  claim 26 , wherein the casing is adapted for coupling with another drill rod having multiple annuluses. 
     
     
         29 . A drill rod according to  claim 21 , wherein the one or more compartments extend longitudinally along a portion of the body. 
     
     
         30 . A drill rod according to  claim 21 , wherein the one or more compartments is separated into one or more sub-compartments. 
     
     
         31 . A drill rod according to  claim 30 , wherein the sub-compartments are arranged to be longitudinal with respect to a length of the drill rod. 
     
     
         32 . A drill rod according to  claim 21 , wherein the body comprises one or more additional smaller compartments. 
     
     
         33 . A drill rod according to  claim 32 , wherein the one or more smaller compartments form a channel extending circumferentially from a lower end of a first compartment to an upper end of a second compartment located on an opposite side of the body to the first compartment. 
     
     
         34 . A drill rod according to  claim 33 , wherein the channel is recessed into the body and provides a conduit for securing cabling to communicate between multiple measuring instruments between compartments located at different radial positions on the body. 
     
     
         35 . A drill rod according to  claim 21 , wherein the supply channels are configured to supply pressurised air. 
     
     
         36 . A drill rod according to  claim 21 , wherein the return channel is configured to receive air laden with cuttings. 
     
     
         37 . A method of percussion drilling comprising transferring fluid from a first end of a drill rod to a second end of the drill rod via a plurality of fluid supply channels and transferring returning fluid from the second end to the first end via a return channel, wherein the fluid flow to supply channels is separated into the supply channels via a first manifold at the first end, and the fluid flow from supply channels is joined via a second manifold at the second end. 
     
     
         38 . A drill string comprising a drill rod, wherein the drill rod comprises a body comprising one or more fluid supply channels, a fluid return channel and one or more compartments, wherein the body comprises a manifold connecting the plurality of supply channels, and wherein the manifold is adapted for coupling with another drill rod having multiple annuluses. 
     
     
         39 . A drill rod comprising a first end, a second end, a plurality of fluid supply channels and a return channel, wherein the first end comprises a first manifold configured to separate fluid flow into the plurality of fluid supply channels, and wherein the second end comprises a second manifold configured to join the fluid flow from the plurality of supply channels. 
     
     
         40 . A method of percussion drilling comprising a drill rod comprising a body, the body comprising a manifold connecting a plurality of fluid supply channels, a fluid return channel and one or more compartments, the method comprising; coupling the manifold to another drill rod having multiple annuluses, directing fluid from the fluid supply channels of the drill rod, through the manifold, to the multiple annuluses of other drill rod.