TECHNICAL

REPORT 94-19

Deep drilling KLX 02

Drilling and documentation of
a 1700 m deep borehole at
Laxemar, Sweden

O Andersson

VBBVIAK AB, Malmö

August 1994

SVENSK KÄRNBRÄNSLEHANTERING AB
SWEDISH NUCLEAR FUEL AND WASTE MANAGEMENT CO
BOX 5864 S-102 40 STOCKHOLM
TEL. 08-665 28 00 TELEX 13108 SKB
TELEFAX 08-661 57 19
DEEP DRILLING KLX 02

DRILLING AND DOCUMENTATION OF A 1700 M

DEEP BOREHOLE AT LAXEMAR, SWEDEN

O Andersson

VBB VIAK AB, Malmö

August 1994

This report concerns a study which was conducted for SKB. The conclusions
and viewpoints presented in the report are those of the author(s) and do not
necessarily coincide with those of the client

Information on SKB technical reports from 1977-1978 (TR 121), 1979

(TR 79-28), 1980 (TR 80-26), 1981 (TR 81-17), 1982 (TR 82-28), 1983
(TR 83-77), 1984 (TR 85-01), 1985 (TR 85-20), 1986 (TR 86-31), 1987
(TR 87-33), 1988 (TR 88-32), 1989 (TR 89-40), 1990 (TR 90-46), 1991
(TR 91-64) and 1992 (TR 92-46) is available through SKB.
DEEP DRILLING KLX 02

Drilling and documentation of a 1700 m

deep borehole at Laxemar, Sweden

O Andersson
VBB MAK AB, Malmö

August 1994

Keywords: Core drilling, wireline system, DTH predrilling, prepa-

rations, organization, set up, equipment, air-lift support, fluid control,
drilling parameters, air-lift pumptests, hole completion, core
inspection, drilling statistics, technical evaluation
ABSTRACT

In this report the preparation and execution of the deep core drilling
KLX 02 is described.

The hole was drilled with the wireline method, NQ dimension ( 0

76 mm), to a final depth of 1700.5 m.

Prior to core drilling a 0 215 mm pilothole was predrilled to 200 m

with controlled hammerdrilling (DTH). In this hole casing and air-lift
equipment was installed with the aim to support the circulation of
drilling fluid.

During core drilling there was a measurement of major drilling

parameters and drilling fluid in and out of hole. As a fluid tracer
uranine was used.

Each 300 m of core drilling air-lift pumptests were performed. After

completion a flow-meter log was run to finalize the project phase.

It can be concluded that both the predrilling and core drilling

methods used proved to be successful. No severe technical problems
occurred. However, potential risks have been pointed at in the
report.

The air-lift system functioned only partly and has to be modified for
further use. Also the technique for monitoring of drilling parameters
needs improvement as does the method for air-lift pumptests with
packer.

The organisation model for planning and realization functioned

satisfactory and can be recommended for similar future projects.
SAMMANDRAG

I denna rapport beskrivs förberedelser och genomförande av den

djupa kärnborrningen KLX 02.

Borrningen utfördes med wire-line-metoden, dimension NQ ( 0

76 mm) till ett djup av 1700.5 m.

Innan kärnborrningen gjordes en förborrning 0 215 mm till 200 m

djup med styrd hammarborrning (DTH). I detta hål installerades
foderrör och mammutpumputrustning med avsikten att underlätta
cirkulationen av spolvatten.

Under kärnborrningen mättes de viktigaste borrningsparametrarna

samt spolvattenflödena in i och ut ur hålet. Som spårämne användes
uranin.

Var 300 :e meter utfördes pumptester med mammutpumpning. En

mätning med flödeslog avslutade projektetappen.

Borrningstekniskt visade sig både förborrnings- och kärnborrnings-

metoden vara framgångsrik. Inga svårartade problem uppstod. Vissa
potentiella risker har dock påtalats i rapporten.

Den kontinuerliga mammutpumpningen fungerade endast delvis och

måste modifieras inför framtida användning. Även tekniken för
insamling av borrningsparametrar behöver förbättras, liksom
pumptesttekniken med luft och manschett.

Organisationsmodellen som använts för planering och genomförande

har fungerat tillfredsställande och kan rekommenderas för liknande
framtida projekt.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMARY iii

1. INTRODUCTION 1

2. ACTIVITY PLAN 2

3. ORGANIZATION 4

4. PREPARATIONS 6
4.1 Drilling site 6
4.2 Power supply 6
4.3 Water supply wells 6
4.4 Flushing water system 8

5. PREDRILLING PERFORMANCE 10
5.1 Equipment and method 10
5.2 Drilling progress 12
5.3 Tests during drilling 13
5.4 Evaluation 14

6. CORE DRILLING PERFORMANCE 15

6.1 Rig set up and technical data 15
6.2 Drilling method 17
6.3 Support casing and air-lift
system installation 18
6.4 Drilling progress 21
6.5 Inclination measurements 22
6.6 Drilling parameters and flush-
ing water control 24
6.7 Core handling and first in-
spection 27

7. CORE DRILLING EVALUATION 28

7.1 Drilling efficiency 28
7.2 Consumption of bits and
shells 30
7.3 Core length statistics 31
7.4 Core recovery 33
7.5 Air-lift efficiency 33
7.6 Flushing water monitoring 35
7.7 The usage of drilling para-
meters 36
8. HYDROTESTS 37
8.1 Method and performance 37
8.2 Method evaluation 39
8.3 Flow meter logging 39

9. HOLE COMPLETION 41

10 GENERAL CONCLUSIONS 43

REFERENCES 45

APPENDIX A 46
Results of core logging
 Ill

SUMMARY

The object of the deep core drilling KLX02 was to demonstrate a

feasible drilling technique for investigations at depth down to 1500 m.

Due to earlier failures with the conventional method the Wire Line
System was chosen and a rig with drillers experienced in WL coring
was contracted. The hole was drilled from 200.8 m to a total depth
of 1700.5 m with standard NQ dimension ( 0 75.7 mm).

The time needed was roughly 900 hours for core drilling and tests
during drilling. This was approximately 200 hours less than scheduled.
The average rate was just under 2 m/h, core-trips and time for
shutdowns included. The average bit life was roughly 70 m and 22
bits were used. The number of core trips was 302, giving an average
core length of 5 m. The core recovery was close to 100 % (0.6 m
loss).

To minimize contamination by drilling fluid entering the rock the

hole was air-lift pumped. This was performed by using a 200 m deep
predrilled hole, 0 215 mm, in which the air-lift equipment and core
drilling casing were installed.

Predrilling was successfully carried out in two steps using the DTH-
method modified for straight hole drilling.

During core drilling inclination and drilling parameters were

recorded. Furthermore, the amount of flushing water entering and
leaving the hole were recorded.

At certain levels short pumping tests were performed using a packer

and air-lilt technique.

Finally the hole was completed to allow further investigations.

From a technical drilling point of view the WL system proved to be

very successful. However, at certain levels high torque became a
potential risk due to unsatisfactory hole cleaning and the fact that no
lubricating fluid additive was allowed to be used.

For future similar projects it is recommended that the air-lift system

should be modified to avoid sedimentation of cuttings in the pre-
drilled hole.

The collection of drilling data parameters did not function perfectly.

For future applications technical and operative improvements are
needed.
 IV

The system for recording the flow rate out of hole partly failed due
to sedimentation of cuttings and system defects. However, the system
can be put into working order by simple modifications.

Four out of five planned air-lift pumping tests were performed in an

acceptable way. However, the system used with an unprotected
packer to be sunk down the hole proved to be risky. In future
projects the standard WL-packer system is recommended.

Finally, the procedure concerning planning and the operative

organization used through the project proved to function satisfacto-
rily. The same approach is recommended in future similar projects.
However, due to the high speed of data flow during drilling, the field
personnel should be reinforced to a level that ensures a continuous
high standard of data collection.

SELECTED DRILLING DATA

GENERAL TECHNICAL

Name of hole: KLX 02 Predrilling rig

Tamrock D10K
Location: Laxemar, Oskarshamn
Municipality, Sweden Predrilling dimension:
DTH 0215 mm
Position: X 66768.59
Y 49224.23 Predrilling depth
Z +18.31m 201m
Inclination/Deviation: Core drilling rig:
85°N20°E/+l° Longyear Hydro 55

Operator: Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Core drilling dimension:

Waste Management, Stockholm, WL NQ (075.7 mm)
Sweden
Cored interval:
Main drilling contractor: 20I-1700.5m
Suomen Malmi OY, Espoo, Finland
Core recoverey
Subcontractor predrilling: 99.9 %
Sven Andersson AB, Uppsala,
Core drilling rate:
Sweden
1.84m/h
Predrilling operation date:
Average core length
6-12 October 1992
5.0m
Subcontractor core drilling
Number of runs
Longyear Inc., Canada 302 times
Core drilling spudding date:
Diamond bits used
15 October 1992 22 pcs
Completion date:
Average bit life
3 December 1992
68 m
1. INTRODUCTION

The deep drilling project at Laxemar. KLX 02. is the second attempt
to investigate deep rock properties, hydrochemical conditions and
hydraulics at the border zone to the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory
(HRL) (see overview map. Fig. 1.1).

The first trial was carried out in 1990. when it was planned to deepen
KLX 01 from 703 m to 1500 m. However, this attempt was discon-
tinued at the depth of 1078 m due to severe technical problems and,
finally, an overdrawn budget (1).

Figure 1.1 Location of Äspö and the deep boreholes KLX 01

and KLX 02 at Laxemar
Based on the experience from KLX 01. one of the main objectives
was to demonstrate a drilling technique feasible to safely reach the
target depth of 1500 m and still permit different forms of field tests
both during and after drilling.

In order to fulfil this goal the project was planned and carried out
according to a comprehensive QA (Quality Assurance) programme.
This consists of a manual for planning purposes (2) and detailed
activity programmes and manuals for the performance (3).

The grand project was split into two stages, drilling and scientific
investigations. This report describes only the activities and results
carried out within stage 1. mainly drilling and documentation during
drilling.

2. ACTIVITY PLAN

Prior to drilling and in the stage of negotiation with the drilling

contractor an activity plan was elaborated. The final revised version
is shown in Figure 2.1.

The plan was used as guidance for site geologists and the drilling
contractor and covers all topics involved in site preparation, drilling
and measurement while drilling (MWD). It also points out items in
project management.

The overall time schedule was preset, based on expectations

concerning time needed for different issues and the general goal to
have all drilling activities finished prior to Christmas 1992.

In order to achieve the narrow time goal, the schedule was made as
short as possible between site preparation, predrilling and core
drilling. Normally the time gap between these steps should be
considerably longer to have a safe operation. However, in this case
the advantages of a tight schedule were considered to outweigh
technical and financial risks.

The conceptual time needed for the main items, core drilling and
MWD, was estimated at 1600 hours based on the following assump-
tions
rigging up 75 hours
core drilling 1000 hours
deviation control 25 hours
pumping tests etc. 250 hours
shutdowns for repairs etc. 250 hours
1600 hours
 DEEP DRILLING KLX 02 - ACTIVITY PLAN PHASE 1 (1992-09-29)
TIME (NUMBER OF WEEK 1992)
TI ACTIVITIES 09-21 0 9 28 10-05 10 12 10 19 10 ?6 11-02 11-09 11-16 1123 11-30 1207 12 14 12-21

t3 38 , 3 9 , 4 0 , 4 1 , 4 2 , 4 3 , 4 4 , 4 5 . 4 6 , 4 7 , 4 8 , 4 9 50 51 52

1 SITE PREPARATION
- Ground and roads
- Electricity
- Water supply/disposal
- SKB equipment
- Working shed
>
O - Environmental items
- Positioning
2(0 200 50. 10CK
2 DRILLING

"2. - Water supply wells

- DTH predrilling
- Core drilling

3. MEASUREMENTS W.D
o.
- Samples of cuttings
3' - Drrilling parameters
BY GEC P R I N T 6 I

X!00 X800 X110C ) 1400 (X)15OO

- Air-lift pumptests XX (
- Submersable pumptests XX < BY£ SPARAT RECOR )ER
•o - Hydraulic pressure anulus BY GEO R I N T E H
- Flush water flowrate in/out
,3 - Samples of flush water / FACH i IFW MIX
n - Formation water samples xx:c xxx x X
- Deviation control x::: x < x i x x• u x :t x ) X < X ( X < X
•EACH AF PROX 51 M
•
4 MANAGEMENT
BY SITE GEOLOC 1ST
- Drilling control
BY SITE G E O I O C J I S T
- Environmental control
- Technical meetings with contractor x1 x2 x3 x4 x5 x6
- Project meetings
x2 x3 X5 XÖ xY x8
3. ORGANIZATION

The project organization was established by following international

practice wiiiin the drilling branch.

As ope - jr, SKB formed an operative project group with the

followir. composition and brief responsibilities.

Project manager (purchase and quality assurance)

Drilling supervisor (drilling progress and evaluation)
MWD supervisor (measurement progress and evaluation)
Site geologist (measurement performance and evaluation)
Technical assistant (performance data collection and quality
assurance)

During the preparatory stage there was also a site preparation

supervisor, who was also responsible for working out contracts with
landowners and local authorities.

The main contractor, SMOY, formed the following operational

organization.

Project manager (general responsibility)

Site foreman (drilling supervision)
Assistant site foremen (drilling supervision)
Toolpusher (first main driller)
Assisting tool pusher (second main driller)
Helpers (drillers' assistants)

During operation a few representatives of each group had scheduled

meetings to continuously deal with technical and administrative
questions. These meetings were field each fortnight prior to regular
SKB project group meetings.

Tht operative organization is illustrated in Figure 3.1.

The day-to-day communication and documentation was kept by the

contractor handing over daily reports to SKB. These are to be found
in "Technical documents" (5).

Minor technical problems were solved directly at the drilling site by

the SKB authority entrusted to the site geologist.

Major concerns or deviations from the programme were first

discussed n the SKB project group before measures were taken.
SKB
ORGANISATION PROJECT MANAGER
Lars O Ericsson (SKB)

X
MWD SUPERVISOR DRILLING SUPERVISOR SITE SUPERVISOR
Karl-Erik Alme'n (SKB) Olof Andersson (VBBVIAK) Olle Zellman (SKB)

SKB SUBCONTRACTORS
TECHNICAL ASSISTENT SITE GEOLOGIST
— AND THIRD PART
Kent Lindblad (T. Geophys.) Göran Nilsson (JAA AB) SERVICES

REGULAR PROJECT GROUP

MEETINGS
1 REGULAR MEETINGS
OPERATOR/CONTRACTOR

SMOY
ORGANISATION

PROJECT MANAGER SITE FORMAN

Esko With (SMOY) Matti Alaverronen (SMOY)
Tanuo Rautio (SMOY)

TOOLPUSHER (DRILLER)
Garry Ross (LONG YEAR)

Greg Scott (LONG YEAR)

SUBCONTRACTOR SUBCONTRACTOR SUBCONTRACTOR

PREDRILLING <s*en COREDRILLING (L0N3VEAR)
Andersson AS)
D P RECORDER (ENVi)

Figure 3.1 Operative project organisation

Notes from SKB project group meetings and meetings with the
contractor have been filed in 'Administrative documents' (4),
together with daily shift reports.

4. PREPARATIONS

4.1 Drilling site

The drilling site was prepared according to programme (3).

A surface area of approximately 500 nr was cleared of trees and

bushes. The topsoil was then excavated and finally the surface was
levelled with coarse gravel and on top of that a sand layer was
placed.

An access road was built to connect the drilling site with the existing
road. The latter was finally widened for storage of stand-by equip-
ment, parking, etc.

4.2 Power supply

Electricity was mainly used for lighting and for driving a compressor.

A temporary electric cable was drawn from a nearby transformer

initially 230 V, 60 A. Due to overloading the electric power was later
increased to 3 x 50 A.

4.3 Water supply wells

Three water supply wells were drilled according to the programme

(3). They were located at VLF-anomalies at a distance of approxi-
mately 200-250 m from the drilling site (see map Figure 4.1).

The wells were drilled by Sven Andersson AB using a Tamrock D10

rig-
Through the overburden and a few metres into the rock, ODEX
W140 equipment was used. The casing 0 168 mm was then sealed
with cement.

The open hole drilling was done with a down-the-hole hammer with
the dimension 0 140 mm.

During drilling, samples of cuttings were taken and the rate of

penetration was measured in minutes per drill pipe (min/3 m).
Figure 4.1 Location of the water supply wells HLX 10-12.
Dotted lines are VLF-anomalies
 8

Well capacity was estimated in steps by air-lift pumping through drill

pipes. At the final capacity test water samples were taken and
analysed in the field.

The main well data are shown in Table 4.1. More detailed data have
been field in 'Technical Documents' (5) and the drillers logs are
shown in a raw data report (8).

Based on the results HLX 10 was chosen to be the main supply well
and HLX 12 to be a reserve well.

Table 4.1 Main data, water supply wells

Well Final depth Inclination Estimated pH, hardness

number (m) capacity (°dH), iron (ing/I)
(m3/h) and chloride (mg/1)

HLX 10 85 70° S10°E 10-15 8.0/3/2.9/23

HLX 11 70 85° S5°W 0.1-0.2 No analyses made

HLX 12 31 70° N5°E 3-5 8.0/6/0.4/23

4.4 Flushing water system

The system for supply and disposal of flushing water was constructed
according to programme (3).

A submersible 4" pump, designed for 6 m3/h was installed in HLX

10 and a back-up pump in HLX 12.

From HLX 10 a 2" Teclan tube was laid to the drilling site entering
at a set of 3x5 m3 containers. A flow meter and a stop valve were
installed on the tube.

The system for flushing water disposal from KLX 02 was constructed
to allow continuous measurement of the return water.

A standpipe above the hole, but beneath the rig floor, was installed
and en top of that a flat rubber packer was placed for sealing against
the drill rods.

Initially a tube was drawn from the standpipe to a set of two 5 m3

containers. On the tube a flow meter was installed for continuous
recording of flow rates and the accumulated flow.
The two containers were linked together by an overflow hose. The
first container served as a trapper for cuttings and the second one as
reservoir for disposal.

In the second container a disposal pump set was connected to a 0 2"

tube. The tube was placed along a road slightly downhill of the
drilling site and ended in a smaller excavated ditch at a distance of
approximately 200 m.

From here, the return water entered a natural ditch with its outlet in
the Baltic Sea some 2 km away from the drilling site.

Due to clogging problems with the flow meter and leakages at the
standpipe. the disposal system was modified after some weeks of
drilling.

Leakage water was collected using a rubber canvas around the

standpipe. The water then flowed to an excavated sand trap sealed
off with a plastic cover and from there to the disposal containers.

The latter flushing water system is illustrated diagrammatically in

Figure 4.2.

4 4 WATER
SUPPLY
WELLS

Figure 4.2 Overview of the flushing water system

 10
5. PREDRILLING PERFORMANCE

5.1 Equipment and method

The aim was to drill approximately 200 m to provide space for the in-
stallation of air-lift pumping equipment and a double supporting
casing for the core drilling. The air-lift pumping system, principally
shown in figure 5.1, was introduced during the pre-investigation of
the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory project and proved to be very
successful (6).

Comp-essed air

Drilling water
and drill cuttings

'-/,'' Temporary casing

\-, perforated at the bottom

''01'v' Pumping during

;-'-;;•;•;* drilling
f-j? prevents
'•••':'£ penetration of drilling water
^ i V ; . . and drill cuttings in fractures

1000 m

Figure 5.1 Principle of telescope-type drilling technique with air-

lift pumping for retrieval of drilling water and cut-
tings (6)
 11

For the drilling a Tamrock DIOK was used and an Atlas Copco 20
bar 20 mVmin compressor.

The lifting capacity of the rig was 60 kN and the torque 45 Nm.

The drilling was performed in two steps. First a 0 165 mm pilot hole
was drilled and then this was reamed to 0 215 mm.

In both cases the drilling was performed with a 5" down-the-hole-

hammer (the DTH-method) and with 4Vi"standard rods.

To have a straight 85° pilot hole, several sets of stabilizers were used
especially at lower parts of the drill string. For the same reason the
string had a low centre of gravity as a result of using a heavy rod on
top of the hammer. Further, the load on the bit was kept low as was
the working pressure on the hammer.

The bit used for the pilot hole was a standard hammer bit with insen
buttons and a flat curved surface.

Only air was used for flushing and the removal of cuttings.

The reaming to 215 mm was performed using a reamer bit on top of

a 0 165 mm pilot bit - the latter for steering.

To achieve proper removal of cuttings foam was added to the com-

pressed air.

Prior to reaming a conductor casing was set by drilling a 2.5 m deep

0 305 mm hole into the bedrock. The casing 0 254 o.d. was then set
and fixed using standard cement. The top of the casing was then used
as fix point for further drilling.
 12
5.2 Drilling progress

The equipment was brought to drill site and rigged up on one day (5
Oct. '92).

The drilling work was started on 6 Oct. 1992 and progressed

according to the description shown in Figure 5.2.

1 Rigged up 7 SKB performed pumptest #3

2 Drilled 0165 DTH to 76 m 8 Drilled 012" DTH to 2,5 m, set
3 SKB performed pumptest#1 cng and injected cement
4 Drilled 0 165 DTH to 142 m 9 Reamed 0 215 DTH to 94 m
5 SKB performed pumptest #2 10 Continued reaming to 164 m
6 Drilled 0 165 DTH to 200,2 m 11 Continued reaming to 200 m
12 Demobilization

a.
LU
O

150 —

12;
5
200-

20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180

TIME (HOURS)

Figure 5.2 Predrilling progress in overview

The pilot hole was drilled to approx 201 m. Then the inclination was
measured and since the results showed a deviation less than 1° the
decision was taken to continue according to programme.

The reaming landed 0.2 m above the pilot hole depth as planned.

The predrilling part of the programme ended on 12 October 1992.

The rig was released and demobilization was finished on 13 Oct.
1992.
 13
5.3 Tests during drilling

During the pilot hole drilling samples of cuttings were taken each 3
m and the rate of penetration was measured manually each 0.2 m.

The cuttings have later been analysed referring to rock type. The
result is given in Appendix A.

The rate of penetration is given in figure 5.3. The graph points at

relatively higher penetration rates at several levels of which the most
pronounced one is situated at a depth of roughly 165 m.

20 40 60 80 100 120
Depth (m)

Figure 5.3 The rate of penetration as seconds per 0.2 m mea-

sured while drilling the 0165 mm pilot hole

Furthermore three pumping tests with a submersible pump were

made at the depths 76, 142 and 200.2 m.

A planned pumping test after reaming was cancelled due to lack of

time. However, this test was carried out after completion of the hole.

Plots of the pumping tests are given in "Technical documents" (5).

Key data is shown in Table 5.1.
 14

Table 5.1 Summary of data from pumping tests during predril-

ling.

Depth Hours of Flow rate end Draw-down Specific **)

(m) pumping of test end of test capacity
(m3/h) (m) (nvVh • m)

76 1.6 2.4 22 0.11

142 7.7 6.9 60 0.11
200.2 8.0 9.0 70 0.16
2O0.2"1 42.0 8.0 80 0.14

*' performed after core drilling

"] after 1 hour of pumping

As can bee seen from the table there is an increase in the specific
capacity at 200 m. However, in the second test, performed after the
drilling, the capacity decreased slightly.

5.4 Evaluation

The most critical point in the predrilling operation was the possibility
of not having a straight pilot hole.

The contracted demand was set to a maximum of 1° deviation from

the starting angle (85°) and, from experience, this is known to be
difficult to achieve. However, the drilling method used, with
stabilizers, adapted drilling parameters, a slightly oversized rig and
skilful drillers, proved to be very successful.

A second concern was the probability of hitting highly permeable

fracture zones making it impossible to continue DTH drilling without
cement injection or sealing with a casing.

However, the flow never peaked to a critical level but it was high
enough to reduce some of the air-lift draw-down effect (see also in
Section 7.5). That problem was recognized at an early stage and a
seal-off casing was discussed but not employed.

There were two reasons for not casing off the hole. No properly sized
casing was on site and with the core drilling rig already on site it
would have delayed the programme and considerably increased the
cost. The other reason was that even if a casing were to be installed,
the space between the core drilling support casing and the sealing
casing would be critically limited for safe installation of the air-lift
equipment.
 15

Inclination measurements, sampling of cuttings, rate of penetration

measurements were all performed according to programme without
any remarkable deviations or problems.

The rate of penetration (Figure 5.3) indicates several weaker zones.

The most pronounced one is located at approximately 165-170 m and
represents most probably a fracture zone.

From the general slope of the ROP-curve there are strong indications
that water entrance to the hole takes place at the levels of 40, 167,
and at 185-190 m. The slow rate of penetration at the end of drilling
indicates that the level 185-190 m has a high influence on the
capacity growth shown in Table 5.1.

The decrease of capacity shown in the second pumping test covering

the whole section might be the result of cuttings entering the
fractures during core drilling. Such conditions existed when drilling
the section approx. 300-1100 m (see further in Secii^** 6.3).

6. CORE DRILLING PERFORMANCE

6.1 Rig set up and technical data

The rig and side equipment used were shipped from Canada to
Gothenburg and then transported by truck to the drilling site.

The rig was a skid mounted, hydraulically driven Longyear Hydro 55,
constructed for wire-line core drilling.

The skids were put on a cross-timber construction, leaving the rig

floor approx 0.7 m above the ground.

The mast was 18 m high. It was attached to the drill aggregate by

sliding bolts and raised to the drilling angle. It was then leaned back
on two supporting legs. At the level 12 m above rig-floor the mast
had a derrick platform. From here to the top swivel head there was
a rod slipper board. Figure 6.1 gives an idea of rig size and drillsite
arrangements.

The prime motor was a Caterpillar 33O6T, turbo-charged diesel, with

a rated power of 250 hp (149 kw).

There were two hydraulic systems, one for power delivery to the
spindle and main hoist, the other for driving the retraction system,
ch'ick and feed cylinders. The hydraulic systems were rated for 20.7
and 8.3 MPa respectively.
 16

Figure 6.1 The wire-line rig at place showing the rig-floor

shelter, the mast and the supporting legs. Notice the
man on the derrick platform. Photo K-E Almén.

The main hoist with a 0 19 mm cable had a rated pulling strength

of approx 120 kN.

The wire-line hoist had a 0 4.8 mm 3800 m long cable. The

maximum pulling strength was some 15 kN and the adjustable line
speed maximum was approx. 240 m/min. It had a manually operated
band brake.

The swivel head had two gripping cylinders 101 mm i.d.The spindle
i.d. was 98.4 mm and the feed length 1067 mm. The maximum rated
thrust was set to 100 kN and the lifting capacity for the swivel head
110 kN.

The transmission system had mechanical spur gears with five

different speeds. All gears were reversible.

The rated rotation speed and maximum bit torque each gear is given
in Table 6.1.
 17

Table 6.1 Rotation interval area and maximum bit torque at 20

MPa thrust using different gears.

Gear Rotation area (rpm) Max torque (Nm)

1 20 - 230 3900

2 45 - 470 1900

3 75 - 720 1250

4 95 - 960 950

5 130 -1250 700

The hydro chuck was self adjustable to handle all rods and casings
from 54 to 121 mm o.d. The lifting capacity was in the order of 200
kN under a non-rotating load.

All lifting facilities taken together under non-rotating conditions gave

the rig a total lifting capacity of approx. 330 kN and a thrust capacity
of approx 100 kN.

6.2 Drilling method

For coring, the wire-line (WL) system was used. The main feature of
this system is the reduction in rod pulling. When the core barrel is
filled, an inner tube containing the core is detached from the core
barrel assembly. The tube and the core are then pulled to the surface
by a wire dropped down the line of drill rods. A latch or 'overshot
assembly' which snaps onto the top of the inner tube is used for this
purpose. The inner tube is then rapidly hoisted to surface inside the
drill rod string.

After the core is removed, the inner tube is dropped down into the
outer core barrel and drilling is started again. To save time a double
set of inner tubes are normally used.

The drill rods are normally pulled only when it is time to change the
diamond bit. The main hoist is then used for lifting the rods and the
hydro chuck for holding and breaking the rods.

The length of each broken string section was in the KLX 02 case 12
m. and the strings were placed standing from the rig floor up to the
derrick platform.
 18

Normally grease is put on the rods to reduce the friction from rhe
wall of the borehole, or a lubricating additive to the flushing water.
In this case, due to a risk of contamination grease was not allowed
and only pure water was used as the flushing media.

The dimension wa* a standard NQ which means 0 69.9/60.3 mm

drill rods and 0 75.7/47.6 diamond core bit. The rods were in
lengths of 3.0m and had standard flush-coupled thread-joints with 3
threads per inch. The weight was approx 8 kg/m.

A standard double tube core barrel was used, six metres long,
threaded over half its length, and with a reaming shell slightly above
the bit. At some occasions die lower 3 m part of core barrel had thin
special designed flow channels to reduce the flow resistance in the
interspace between the wall and barrel.

The bits used were diamond impregnated ones with straight wall and
flat curving surface.

For back-up reasons rods, barrels and bits for BQ drilling were on
site. In case of severe drilling problems, the concept was to use the
NQ rods as casing and continue drilling with BQ equipment to full
depth.

Flushing water was marked with a tracer (Uranine) in a set of 2x5 m3

mud tanks. The tracer concentration was 100^g/l water. The flushing
pump used was a 535 FMX Triplex pump rated for 130 1/min at 1
MPa and 60 1/min at 5 MPa.

To decrease the bottom hole pressure an air-lift pumping system was

installed prior to core drilling (see further next chapter).

6.3 Support casing and air-lift system installation

On recommendations from the contractor a double supporting casing

was installed in the predrilled hole.

The inner casing was a standard NW flush coupled rube of string 0

88.9/76.2 mm. This was drilled down approx 1 m with a HQ core bit
0 96.0/63.5 mm, then pulled again for bit removal. It was then put
back, perforated with 0 10 mm holes on the lower 9 m. The distance
between the holes was approx 100 mm.
 19

The outer casing HW 0 114.3/101.6 mm was also perforated over

the lower 9 m. One set of centralizers were welded onto the casing
surface each 15 m. giving the casing an effective diameter of 210 mm.

The casing string was then set directly on the bottom of the reamed
predrilled hole.

Along with the outer casing five plastic tubes were set. fixed with
tape. Two of the tubes 0 22 mm ended 90 m below the surface, two
others, 0 22 and 0 28 mm. at 160 m and the fifth tube. 0 28 mm,
at 190 m. The first four were for air-lift purposes and the fifth one
for draw-down monitoring. All of them were designed for 20 MPa
internal pressure. The system in overview is shown in Figure 6.2.

To start with an electrically driven compressor designed for 12 MPa

and 2 m3/min was attached to the uppermost tubes. Later a diesel 20
MPa, 20 mVmin compressor was used, linked to the tubes at 160 m
and on some occasions to the tube at 190 m.

For monitoring the hydraulic head in the hole, a 10 MPa pressure

transducer was placed in the lowermost rube. Pressure data was then
recorded by a logger with one reading each 5 minutes.
 20

VIEW A-A

(ir tuba g 2B

Figure 6.2 The support casing and the air-lift system design
 21
6.4 Drilling progress

The progress of core drilling was recorded on daily drilling reports

(5). For visualization, the actual depth as a function of time (working
hours) were continuously plotted on a graph also showing main
events during drilling. An overview of progress is shown in Figure 6.3.

(?) Date spudded (92.10.15)

200
(2) Set NW and HW Support Casing

(3) StartofNQ Core Drilling (92.10.17)

(4) Rod trip to change bit

(T) Rod trip for Air-lift Pump Test

(J) Decision to extend TD to 1700 m

(?) Landed at TD 1700,5 m (92.11.29)

( 8) Withdraw casing, hole completion

(£) Released rig (92.12.03)

1600

1800
200 400 600 800 1000
RIG TIME (HOURS)

Figure 6.3 Overview of the core drilling progress

 IT

Starting from the hour of spudding the effective drilling time needed
to reach 1700 m was approximately 825 hours. Approximately 25
working hours were spent setting casing and installing air-lift equip-
ment. Roughly 65 hours of work was used for completion of the hole
and 95 rig rental hours for air-lift pumping tests.

Initially, some minor drilling problems occurred and bit changes were
frequent. However, quite soon the drilling rate progressed to an
almost straight line which was maintained all the way down.

For repairs only seven shutdown hours were used, split into the
following items:

swivel 1h
hydraulic hose 3h
broken rod 1.5h
broken cable 1.5h

Another shutdown for seven hours occurred due to insufficient

electric power supply resulting in a loss of flushing water.

At 250 m there was a considerable loss of flushing water into the

hole probably due to open rock fractures. Further down the return
water continued at a much lower rate than normal and this caused
hole-cleaning problems on several occasions. The flow pressure and
the rotation torque increased to almost critical limits and at the level
of approx. 900 m a decision was taken to change the compressor to
a bigger size.

The new compressor (20 bar/20 nrVmin) was attached to the two
lowermost air-lift tubes and from the level 1050 m it was run at full
capacity. In this way the cleaning effect was greatly increased and the
rest of the drilling could be performed without further circulation
problems.

6.5 Inclination measurements

From 200 to 500 m inclination was measured using an inclinometer

at about each 50 m and from 500 to 1700 m it was measured using
the acid method at about each 100 metres.

As can be seen in table 6.2 the inclinometer measurements show an

almost straight dip very close to the initial at 85°. The deviation is
roughly ±1°, or at the level of the instrument's accuracy.
 23

Table 6.2 Results of inclination measurements during drilling.

From 590 m the acid method was used.

Depth Incl. Depth Incl. Depth Incl.

0 85,5 210 85.3 420 84,3
10 85.2 220 85.4 430 84,2
20 85,2 230 85,6 440 84,2
30 85,5 240 85.4 450 84,0
40 85,3 250 85,3 460 84,2
50 85.2 260 85,1 470 84.0
60 85,3 270 85,4 480 84,0
70 85,2 280 85,3 490 84,0
80 85,3 290 85.5 500 84,0
90 85,2 300 85,3 590 85
100 85,2 310 85,1 750 85
110 85,1 320 85,1 950 85
120 85,2 330 85,3 975 84
130 85,2 340 85,1 1100 84
140 85.2 350 85,1 1200 85
150 85,2 360 84,6 1302 85
160 85,3 370 84,6 1400 85
170 85,0 380 84,5 1500 84
180 85,3 390 84,7 1600 84
190 85,2 400 84,5 1700 83
200 85,3 410 84,4

The acid method is a manual measurement of an etched line inside

a glass tube. The acid used was 48 % hydrofluoric acid. The tube was
lowered inside the drill rods and left there for approximately 20
minutes for etching. Then the angle of the line was measured using
a protractor. The method gives a rough but safe measurement with
an accuracy of ± 3°. The result indicates a continuous straight hole
to full depth.
 24

6.6 Drilling parameters and flushing water control

Drilling parameters with respect to

Rate of penetration (ROP)

Weight on bit (WOB)

Rate of rotation (RPM)

and flushing water with respect to

Entering pressure (FWP)

Flow rate into hole (FRI) and

Flow rate return (FRR)

were continuously monitored by means of a recorder, called

Geoprinter.

As a sensor for ROP a spring-muted wire was attached to the swivel-

head giving rate and depth values.

For WOB recording two pressure sensors were placed one at each
side of the swivel feed cylinder. In this way the differential pressure
was registered. For reduction of the drill string weight, the driller had
to correct manually each core trip by zero initial adjustment prior to
drilling.

For RPM monitoring an optical sensor read each turn the rods made
as a function of time.

FWP was recorded from a pressure transducer placed on the tube

between the mud pump and the swivel. At the same spot the flushing
water flow rate (FRI) was measured by a magnetic flow meter while
flushing water return (FRR) was measured by the same type of flow
meter on the disposal line (see Figure 4.1 above).

Rotation torque was not automatically measured since the trans-

mission system was mechanical. However, the torque could be
visually checked en a meter by the driller.

Data was collected and memorized in the recorder with six inlet
channels and a storage capacity of approximately 50 m of drilling.
 25

The stored data were collected once a day together with a printout.
The data was then processed using notes from the drilling contractor.
This version was then plotted on graphs for a preliminary evaluation
(7).

Several monitoring problems occurred. The most important ones

were

1. Actual depth and therefore also ROP was not accurately

measured due to rod-slipping against the gripping cylinders.
However, levels for slipping were registered and some
corrections have been made in the data processing stage.

2. Since the main wire hoist was used to hold the drill string at
levels below approx. 600 m (to keep the load on the bit
smaller than the holding capacity of the swivel), the data on
thrust (WOB) from this level and downwards are not
accurate.

3. On some occasions the driller failed to print the actual depth

or printed wrong depths. In some cases he also forgot to zero
for thrust.

4. Due to a mechanical damage on a cable RPM values down

to approximately 900 m are not accurate.

5. Due to clogging in the flow meter and later also a mechani-

cal failure the return water FRR was not properly registered
at levels above about 1200 m. However, manually performed
measurements give accurate values on the daily flow rates.

The data coverage is in the order of 90%. Another approx. 10% is of

unreliable quality due to the slipping problem, missreadings and
problems with editing. Still some 80% of the hole length is covered
by data that might be used for further evaluations.

To give a rough understanding of the drilling and flow parameters as

a function of depth, the graphs were used for calculating mean values
each hundred metres of drilling. The results are shown in Table 6.3.
 26

Table 6.3 Rough mean values of drilling and fluid parameters

as a function of depth

Depth ROP WOB RPM FWP FRI FRR"

(m) (m/min) (kN) (r/min) (MPa) (1/min) (1/min)

200-300 (500f 30 50 30
300-400 0.125 35 (400) 40 45 10
400-500 0.15 30 (500) 40 50 10
500-500 0.15 30 (450) 40 50 10
_ 3!
600-700 0.15 (500) 45 45 10
700-800 0.15 - (450) 50 40 10
800-900 0.20 - (400) 55 45 <10
900-1000 0.175 - 500 60 45 <10
1000-1100 0.175 - 500 50 50 140
1100-1200 0.15 - 500 50 50 140
1200-1300 0.125 - 400 55 50 140
1300-1400 0.15 - 400 55 50 140
1400-1500 0.175 - 350 60 50 140
1500-1600 0.20 - 400 60 60 140
1600-1700 0.175 - 350 65 55 140

1) Corrected according to manually measured values

2) Uncertain values
3) Not applicable below 600 m
4) No true values due to slipping

As a comment to the table, the rate of penetration (ROP) indicates

the hardness of the rock. However, the true drillability is not
reflected since the load on the bit (WOB) was not registered
properly.

Further, it is quite visible that the flushing water pressure (FWP)

increased step-by-step with depth due to a continuously growing flow
resistance. However, what are not visible in the mean values are
several high pressure peaks, especially from the 850-1050 m section.
These peaks are connected to levels with low return water flow and
hence bad removal of cuttings. The effect of more compressor power
from 1050 m (see further section 6.4) greatly improved the flowrate
out of hole (FRR) from less than 10 to 140 1/min.
 27

Finally, since no torque was measured, the speed of rotation (RPM)

might be looked upon as a torque indicator. In this respect low
values indicate high torque and vice versa. Hence, in upper levels
with still low rod friction against the walls, high torque (low RPM)
will indicate friction due to bad hole cleaning. Since good cleaning
was achieved from approx. 1050 m and downwards high torque below
this level is more connected to an increased rod friction (vibration at
some levels) and to some extent high bit-load when harder rocks
were encountered.

In the raw data report (8), some drilling parameter graphs have been
selected for more detailed analyses.

6.7 Core handling and first inspection

After each core-trip, the 6 m barrel was laid out and split into halves.
Each half was then carried into the rig shelter and traditionally
emptied by letting the core slide directly into a core box.

In fractured rocks core pieces were puzzled together to give the best
fit. This was performed by the driller.

The core boxes were marked and carried to a temporary container

at the drilling site. After inspection and first geological classification
by the site geologist the boxes were transported to a central core
store.

The result of the first core inspection is to be found in reference (8)

and a shematic description of the main geological features is given
in table 6.4.

Recently the cores have been detailed examined by the use of a

computerized system named Petro Core, see further reference (6).
The result is presented in Appendix A.
 28
Tabel 6.4 Main geological features based on the preliminary
core inspection

Depth (m) MAIN GEOLOGICAL FEATURES

0-200 Predrilled hole by DTH hammer. Cuttings indicate
diorite at top. From approx 70 m granite. Several
fissures or fracture zones

200-470 Mainly granite, light red-light grey. Medium grained.

Greenstone beds at 350-380 m. Single smaller fracture
zones
470-500 Mainly granodiorite, grey a. d medium grained. Several
intrusions or beds of greenstone. Rare in fissures and
fractures
800-1120 Mainly granite, redgrey-red and medium grained.
Repeated occurrence of greenstone. Frequently
tectonized and fractured
1120-1450 Mainly granite or granodiorite, light grey-grey. Medium
grained. One bed of greenstone (1370-1405). Extreamly
rare in fissures and fractures
1450-1560 Mainly granodiorite, light grey-grey. Medium grained.
Extreamly rare in fissures and fractures
1560-1700 Mainly granodiorite as above. Singel beds of granite.
Partly commonly fractured and tectonized

7. CORE DRILLING EVALUATION

7.1 Drilling efficiency

The core drilling efficiency is normally measured as a rate of

penetration (m/h), trips and shut-downs for repairs included.

As such, the efficiency reflects several parameters. The most impor-

tant ones are

Hole depth
Rock properties
Standard of equipment
Skill of drillers
Weather conditions

In this case the equipment was of excellent standard as was the skill
of the drillers. Combined with reasonable weather conditions the
efficiency turned out to be considerably higher than expected. The
mean value landed at 1.84 m/h compared with the expected 1.3.
 29

According to the drillers an optimal value would be in the order of

2.2 if grease or mud was allowed to be used and if the initial
knowledge of how to control the drilling parameters to the rock
properties had been available.

As can be seen in the graph (Figure 7.1) the first hundred metres of
drilling involved the lowest efficiency, reflecting an initial learning
process. Further down the efficiency varied between 1.6and 2.2,with
lower values indicating hard rock properties.

3.0
2.8
2.6
2.4 Average=1 84 [ Ti/hl

ii iii1I1
"Z 2 2
U 1 \ i I I

1 , 2.0
§< 1 8
LM _

i 1.6
I-
en 1 2
i i.o
Q 0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600
201.26 Borehole length interval [m] 1700.5

Figure 7.1 Drilling efficiency as a function of depth

One would expect a much more pronounced general decrease of

efficiency as the hole got deeper due to higher torque and more time
for core removal. However, a statistical analysis of time consumption
between each core-trip indicates an almost equal time lap no matter
what depth (see Figure 7.2).
 30

»uu-

800-

700-

CfiH-
DUU

| 500-
01 •4-

= 400- -•- H
-•-
•+• -•-
-•-
300-
•+• .

200- *1"i ft*"

100-

0-
200 600 1000 1400 1800
Borehole length [m]

Figure 7.2 Time between core-trips as a function of depth

Still, the speed difference between shallow and deeper depths can be
noticed on the minimum values showing some 40-50 minutes in the
upper part of the hole and 80-90 minutes at the deepest positions.

The scattered dots above the approximately 250-minute level are

round-trips with the drill rods to change the bit or to perform
pumping tests.

7.2 Consumption of bits and shells

According to the daily reports a total of 22 diamond bits were used.

Of these 18 were fully worn out. Further, three sets of reaming shells
were used.

Except for one experimental bit, standard diamond impregnated ones

for hard rock were used during the whole operation. To start with
the average duration of each bit was low, 20-30 m but due to
improvements in adjusting the drilling parameters to the existing rock
property, the length of life was increased considerably to reach 80-
100 m in the lower half of the hole.

The average length of life turned out to be approx. 70 m (see Figure

7.3).
 31

The longest section drilled with one and the same bit was 135 m at
the leve? 618-753 m.

average=68 m (n=22)

5-

4-
c

I I I
III
II
20 40
I I I
60 80 100
Length [m]

Figure 7.3 Frequency of bit duration (metres per bit)

7.3 Core length statistics

The deepening of KLX 01 by means of conventional coring as

background information, the expected mean core length was set at
approx. 4 m. It was also expected that during drilling several zones
were bound to be penetrated with a 3 m core barrel.

The actual results were that the 6 m barrel was used all the way and
the mean core length finished at 5 m.

The frequencies of core lengths for the whole section and split into
300 m intervals are shown in Figure 7.4.

The graphs show quite clearly that most of the core trips were
performed with a full or nearly full barrel.

However, the section 800-1100 m is an exception showing a mean

value of less than 4 m. By way of explanation this level represented
the most fractured one.
 32

KLX02. 201 2 6 - 1700 50 m KLX 02. 201 26 - 501 6 m

2O0i

0 1 2 3 4 S 6

KLX 02. 800 1 • 1101 5 m

50-

40

c 30
1
1
1
30

|
1
£ 20

••
Z 20

10-
0 ! I n- 10

n- >
1
•••
i

2
mm •
3
•

KLX 02, 1101 6- 1399 0 m KLX 02, 13991 - 1700 5 m

50-

1
10

n ••K wm
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4
Core length each run [m] Core length each run [m|

Figure 7.4 Frequencies of core lengths, total and split into

300 m intervals
 33

7.4 Core recovery

The core recovery was close to optimal since only 0.6 m was
classified as losses.

The piece of core was lost at the level 275 m. It was caused by a left
core, three metres long, that was not fully recored and recovered.

The result was in general better than expected considering the depth
and rock properties. The successful recovery (99.96%) might be
explained by the WL method in combination with proper equipment
and skilful drillers.

7.5 Air-lift efficiency

In theory the continuous air-lift in the predrilled hole would decrease

the hydraulic pressure in the borehole and therefore reduce the
entrance of drilling fluid and cuttings to the rock (see Figure 7.5).

DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE

i With no airlift

With airlift and working

level at 75m

_600

_SOO

_LOOO

Figure 7.5 Schematic illustration of the hydraulic differential

pressure in the borehole during drilling with and
without air-lift pumping
 34

The main reasons for using the air-lift system was to minimize the
contamination of the formation water and to avoid clogging of
fractures by entrance of fine grained cuttings.

From a technical drilling point of view the air-lift system would help
to circulate the drilling fluid and in that sense also be of assistance
in keeping the hole clean from cuttings. On the other hand the
hazard would be a potential risk of having insufficient pressure
during core-trips or other stand-by situations leading to unstable hole
conditions.

To start with the system worked as planned. However, at the level of

approx. 250 m there was a considerable loss of circulation that
reduced the flow-rate from the air-lifting system. The low portion of
return water then continued till the point a new compressor was used
for pumping at a lower level (approx 1050 m). The intervening space
was then cleared of sedimented cuttings and the flow rate recovered
to the initial one. The beneficial effect of this event is clearly shown
in Figure 7.6 where the concentration of the tracer in the return
water is plotted (see also return flowrates in table 6.3).

The plot shows an initial dilution of the return water by a factor of

2-3. From approx. 350 m the dilution decreased and at 500 m it is
practically none. This means that much less formation water from the
upper part of the hole was produced indicating clogged conditions.
This state continued until the new compressor was set in at 1050 m.
The dilution then started to grow and ended at a factor of 3-4.

800-

1 60OH

I 400-
o
I
I
§ 200-
o
o

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800

Borehole length [m]

Figure 7.6 Concentration of the tracer in the return flushing

water
 35

The clogging process is not fully understood. However, it is obvious

that due to a 45 times larger flow-area in the predrilled 0 215 hole
than in the 0 76 hole the conditions for sedimentation of cuttings
were provided. One way or another cuttings seem gradually to have
settled in the space between the outer casing and the wall in the
predrilled hole. Finally the filling reached the level for the outlet of
air (160 m). Hence, the water-producing fractures at 167 and 185 m
were cut off. At this stage all return fluid probably flowed in the
space between the inner and outer casing and/or in the space
between the rods and inner casing. Under such circumstances there
was less pressure reduction from the air-lift system in the hole. As
can be seen from flow measurements (see Table 6.3 above) only 15-
25% of the fluid returned while the rest entered the rock.

It was proved that sedimentation of cuttings can be prevented by

using more air. However, this means a big compressor at high rates.
It is probably a better choice to reconstruct the casing-air-lift system.
One way would be to use the interspace between the two casings as
a channel for air and return fluid.

7.6 Flushing water monitoring

To keep a track on how much water is entering the hole and how
much is coming back, the volumes of water in and out were moni-
tored (see further Sections 4.4 and 6.6).

The aim was to continuously log the volumes and to have them
accumulated as a function of time and hole depth. By using a tracer
(see Section 4.4) added to the input flushing water, it is also possible
to calculate the portion of flushing water coming out of hole again.
The rest of the water out of hole would be formation water extracted
by the air-lift pumping.

It was early recognized that the flow meter for logging the return
volume did not function. Instead the flow was measured manually at
the disposal containers.

The reasons for the failed monitored flow-rate were several:

no pre-sedimentation of cuttings to start with, resulting in

clogging in the flow-line

down-the-hill conditions for the flow line resulting in unfilled

tubing
 36

very low flow rates due to the bad support from the air-lift
system (300-1050 m)

mechanical fault within the flow meter (200-approx. 900 m).

To avoid problems with unfilled tubing and impact of cuttings the

system needs improvements. Principally that can be achieved by a
modification of the svstem according to Figure 7.7.

RIG FLOOR

U - BEND WITH SEDIMENTATION ROD, CASING

A FLOW METER TANK AND STANDPIPER

Figure 7.7 Suggested modification of system for monitoring of

return flushing water

7.7 The usage of drilling parameters

Drilling parameters have in theory at least two practical applications:

+ a continuous recording of different forces used in the process

of drilling (technical optimization)

+ a continuous mapping of certain mechanical properties of the

rocks penetrated (geological documentation).

If not properly measured, the use of the data for evaluation of

drilling technique or geological features are very limited.

In this case several monitoring disturbances occurred due to mecha-

nical failures (see Section 6.6).
 37

Furthermore, the torque was not measured at all and the lack of this
parameter makes it impossible to understand and evaluate the
detailed features of hole cleaning.

The rate of penetration is often used as a value of drillability.

However, to create a drillability index corrections have to be made
for thrust, speed of rotation, torque and some other less important
parameters. In this case some data are missing and others are less
reliable. Any attempt to use them for detailed indexation and
evaluation does not therefore seem feasible.

For future applications most of the sensors or their attachment to the

rig have to be changed or reconstructed. The most important issues
are to consider

a new place/system for rate measurements

a way to measure torque on mechanically geared rigs

a more accurate thrust measurement also taking into account

mechanical holding forces

a procedure for analysing the reliability of the parameters on-

line.

8. HYDROTESTS

8.1 Method and performance

According to the programme air-lift pumping tests were planned for

each approx. 300 m.

The objects of the tests were partly to have a rough estimate of the
capacity of each section and partly to take 'undisturbed' samples of
the formation water.

However, due to costs involved for the rig in the stand-by position,
it was stated that the flow rate had to be reasonable to continue a
test. The criterion used was a maximum of 20 pumping hours within
which time the turnover of water in the section had to be doubled.

Prior to testing the drill rods were retrieved and the core barrel
dismantled. The drill string was then used to sink an inflatable
packer down to the top of the test section.
 38

The packer was first hydraulically inflated and then mechanically

opened for flow entrance.

The attachment to the wall was tested by gentle pulling and the
hydraulic connection with the test section by means of a pressure
drop when the valve was opened.

An air-tube. 0 22 mm, was set inside the drill string at the level of
100 m together with a 0 15 mm tube for monitoring the static head.
The latter tube ended at 125 m.

For air-lifting an 11 bar compressor was used rated for an air-flow of

more than 2 m3/min.

Drawdown and recovery of the static head were recorded manually

using an electric probe.

The flow rate was measured visually by letting the mixture of air and
water into a closed tank. The tank size was 1 m3 and it was gradua-
ted with 100-1 markers.

In all four tests were carried out. A fifth one (section 200-500 m)
failed due to problems with the packer.

Main data from the four tests are shown in Table 8.1.The drawdown
and recovery plots are to be found in the file for technical documents
(5). The pumping tests have recently been hydraulically evaluated (9).

Table 8.1 Main data from air-lift pump tests

Tested level Flow rate Draw-down Remarks

(m.b.rl.) end of test (m)
(1/min)
508-800 <300 45 Interrupted after 1 h due to
low flow rate
798-1101 950 50 Duration 9.5 h
1097-1429 <100 60 Pumped over weekend for
22 h
1427-1700 900 50 Duration 10 h

The reason for interrupting the pumping test 508-800 m was that the
criteria for chemical sampling could not be fulfilled within a
reasonable amount of pumping hours.
 39

8.2 Method evaluation

The critical part in the performance of the test is to run an unpro-

tected packer at the front of the drill string. In all, seven attempts
were made to run the packers but only four were successful. In one
of the failed attempts the size of the packer was incorrect. In the two
other runs the packer was damaged on its way down.

The experiences stated above clearly indicates a need for a more

reliable method. One such method would be to use a packer specially
designed for wire line coring (NQWL Packer Type II). With this
system the packer is run inside the rods and then expended just
beneath. This ensures that no damage occurs when running the
packer. The system is also faster since the speed of running and
pulling the rods can be higher.

Despite the method, experience also shows that duplicates of certain

key equipment should be kept at or close to the drilling site.

8.3 Flow meter logging

Also included in the drilling programme was a flow-log to be run at

an early stage of the past-completion programme. The goal with this
log was to have a first hint on where the major permeable zones are
and to relate this information to events that occurred during drilling.

The log was run after approximately 2 weeks of test and clearance
pumping and was performed by ABEM Geo Science. For further
information concerning the test and clearance pumping, see reference
(9).

The plot of the log (Figure 8.1) indicates three pronounced inflows
of water accompanied by sharp changes in conductivity and tempera-
ture in the upper part of the hole. These levels are approx 215, 250
and 320 m.

The most dramatic one, at the level 250 m, corresponds quite well
with observed fractures and with a sudden loss of circulation during
drilling. This loss of fluid most certainly staned the sedimentation of
cuttings in the predrilled hole (see also Section 7.4).
 40

FLOW RATE ( l/min )

0.0 25 .0 50.0 75.0 100.0
' 1 i I i i i 1 i i i i i i : i

TEMPERATURE ( C)
10.0 15. 0 20.0 35.0 30.0 35.0
1 • 1 ! i . i ' i i i 1 i i i ! ' ( i

FLUID RESISTIVITY ( ohmm )

0.1 1
i 1 '• i i i 1 : 1 i1 i 1

200.0

1000.0 -

1400.0

1800.0

DEPTH ( m )

Figure 8.1 Result of the flow meter log

 41

It is also obvious that the zone approx 700-1100 contains several

water-producing fractures, but none of them very sharp. However, the
conductivity and, to some extent, the temperature indicates single
open water-producing fractures at several levels i.e. 800. 860. 1090
and 1110 m.

The probe reached the bottom at 1649 m. This indicates that the
hole - at that time - had been filled with approx 50 m of sediments
after completion.

9. HOLE COMPLETION

The completion of the operation was performed according to a

special programme (8).

The objective was to ensure that a clean and safely accessible hole
was left for further tests.

A special issue was to seal off the predrilled hole from the cored
hole. This was finally done by running a 8" casing directly placed on
the shoulder of the 0 215 reamed hole (see Figure 9.1).

It must be noted that the final choice of casing, o.d. 193.7 mm, did
not allow any sealing by clay pellets as planned. For this reason
hydraulic leakage can occur beneath the casing. Such leakage can
also be transmitted to the cored hole either through the space
between the casing and the transmission cone or along the welded
pan of the cone entering at the level 202.95 m.

To avoid such possible leakage it is essential to cut off any potential

passage of flow between the holes by a proper method.

Since the sealing system has also to be retrievable, cement cannot be

used. Soft materials like rubber (also the swelling type) or leather
might therefore be a better alternative.
 42

OVERVIEW BOREHOLE PROFILE. KLXO2 1992-12-17

0 00 m

O.«O

Cosing 0 250, grouted

B 304 3.00 m

e 193 7 « 54

DETAIL OF FUNNEL

B 215 200.80 rr,

\
0 165 20100 m

\w«1din9 »trinq

NW 0 92 202.95m

0 84 K 3.5

NO 0 757 1700.50 m

Figure 9.1 Hole configuration after completion

 43

10. GENERAL CONCLUSIONS

The experience gained from the execution of planning, drilling and

documentation can be stated in the following general conclusions.

* The procedure concerning planning the drilling proved to be

efficient and the same or a similar model can be used for
future deep drilling projects.

* The operative organization tested during drilling also proved

to function, but was never faced by severe problems. How-
ever, for future projects it is essential that the number of site
personal be slightly increased.

* The method used for predrilling proved to be successful and

can be recommenced in future projects.

* The wire-line method, performed by highly experienced

drillers and a slightly oversized rig, proved to be effective,
especially compared to the conventionally drilled KLX 01.
The method is therefore recommended for future deep
drilling projects.

* At certain levels critical torque was built up due to high

friction between the wall and rods. This has been evaluated
to be a function of bad cleaning and/or loss of circulating
fluid.

* The air-lift method used to ease the circulation of fluid partly

failed to function. It is recommended that the system be
improved in order to avoid sedimentation of cuttings.

* The collection of drilling parameters did not function as

expected. For future applications improvements are needed.
Furthermore it is essential that the torque be measured.

* The measuring system for return water (flow out of the hole)
did not function as expected and must be improved by
development of a new flow system.

* Most of the hydraulic tests were carried out as planned.

However, the method could be improved by using special
packers adapted to wire-line rods.
 44

For a safer sealing between the casing of the predrilled and

the core drilled holes at the stage of completion a new
sealing-off method should be considered.

Due to several circumstances, the time gap between pre-

drilling and core drilling had to be kept short. In future
projects it is essential to increase the time in order to permit
accurate planning and performance of the test programme.
 45
REFERENCES

(1) Julin, C , 1991. The borehole KLX 01 at Laxemar. Geolo-

gical, hydrogeological and groundwater chemistry data in
section 702-1078 m. SKB PR 25-91-07.

(2) Andersson, O. (Editor), 1994. Deep drilling KLX 02 -

Stage 1. Project handbook. SKB AR 94-34 (in Swedish).

(3) Andersson, O. (Editor), 1994. Deep drilling KLX 02 -

Stage 1. Project programme and description of methods.
SKB AR 94-35 (in Swedish)

(4) SKB 1993. The deep drilling KLX 02 - Stage 1.

Administrative documents. SKB internal file compiled
1993-03-05.

(5) SKB 1994. The deep drilling KLX 02 - Stage 1. Technical

documents. SKB AR 94-16.

(6) Almén, K-E., Zellman, O., 1991. Äspö Hard Rock Labora-
tory. Field Investigation methodology and instruments
used in the preinvestigation phase, 1986-1990. SKB TR
91-21.

(7) Petro Bloc AB, 1993. Deep drilling KLX 02 - Stage 1. MWD
- Primary data - Drilling parameters. SKB AR 93-30 (in
Swedish)

(8) Andersson, O., 1994. Deep drilling KLX 02 - Stage 1.

Selected technical raw data. SKB AR 94-36 (in Swedish)

(9) Follin, S , 1994. Deep drilling KLX 02 - Stage 1. Evaluation

of the hydraulic testing of KLX 02. SKB AR 94-21.
 46 APPENDIX A (7)

DEEP DRILLING KLX 02

Results of core logging

Al. Legend

A2. Interval 0-300 m

A3. Interval 300-900 m

A4. Interval 600-900 m

A5. Interval 900-1200 m

A6. Interval 1200-1500 m

A7. Interval 1500-1700 m

 HOLE : LGD
original contains GEOLOGIST: STR
color illustrations
DATE : 940315

SCALE 1:100 0

ROCK TYPE
RQD
NAME
10 0

75 HI FINE-GRAINED GRANITE

ASPO DIORITE
50
^ H | GEENSTONE
25
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0 HI NYLON I TE
50 I H I BRECCIA
JOINTS D /fc PTH (m m GABBRO
40
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20 \
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CRUSH NATURAL
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NATURAL
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SECTI0N1
 HOLE : KLX02
GEOLOGIST: JS S R I S H W
DATE : 940315
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DATE : 93 0 8 1 3
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I
SECTION
 HOLE : KLX02
GEOLOGIST: J S SR I
DAT? : 9 3 0 813
SCALE 1 : 10 00

I! T

r H
13 50 1400 145 0 15 00
DEPTH (m

,h -'H.
,—,..r
140 0 14 5 0 15 0 0
DEPTH ( ra)

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I
13 5 0 14 00 1450 150 0
DEPTH (n)

SECTION 2
 RQ D
100
J]
75 -

50

2b

1500 155 0 16 0 0 16 5 0

JO I N T S /M DEPTH (m)
40 T

3 O i

2 O --

10

0 ~1
15 0 0 155 0 16 0 0 16 50

DEPTH (ID

SEALED
F I L L •1
ALTERATION
TYPE
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VEIN
ROCK TYPE k
- K . '
NAME

150 0 15 50 16 0 0 1650

DEPTH (n

SECTION 1
 HOLE : KLX02
GEOLOGIST: JS&RI
DATE : 930813
SCALE 1 : 10 0 0

ROCK TYPE
NAME
X
___j ASPO DIORITE
|^| GEENSTONE
IB FINE-GRAINED GRANITE
H i l l SMALAND GRANITE

ALTERATION
1650 1700 TYPE

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CHLORITISIZED
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165 0 170 0 SKIN

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i
i
i

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;
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SECT\ON 2
List of SKB reports
Annual Reports
1977-78 1986
TR121 TR 86-31
KBS Technical Reports 1-120 SKB Annual Report 1986
Summaries Including Summaries of Technical Reports Issued
Stockholm, May 1979 during 1986
Stockholm, May 1987
1979
TR 79-28 1987
The KBS Annual Report 1979 TR 87-33
KBS Technical Reports 79-01 - 79-27 SKB Annual Report 1987
Summaries Including Summaries of Technical Reports Issued
Stockholm, March 1980 during 1987
Stockholm, May 1988
1980
TR 80-26
The KBS Annual Report 1980 1988
KBS Technical Reports 80-01 - 80-25
TR 88-32
Summaries
SKB Annual Report 1988
Including Summaries of Technical Reports Issued
Stockholm, March 1981
during 1988
Stockhoim, May 1989
1981
TR 81-17
The KBS Annual Report 1981 1989
KBS Technical Reports 81-01 - 81-16 TR 89-40
Summaries SKB Annual Report 1989
Stockholm, April 1982 Including Summaries of Technical Reports issued
during 1989
Stockholm. May 1990
1982
TR 82-28
The KBS Annual Report 1982 1990
KBS Technical Reports 82-01 - 82-27
Summaries
TR 90-46
Stockholm, July 1983 SKB Annual Report 1990
Including Summaries of Technical Reports Issued
during 1990
1983 Stockholm, May 1991
TR 83-77
The KBS Annual Report 1983
KBS Technical Reports 83-01 - 83-76 1991
Summaries TR 91-64
Stockholm, June 1984 SKB Annual Report 1991
Including Summaries of Technical Reports Issued
1984 during 1991
TR 85-01 Stockholm, April 1992
Annual Research and Development
Report 1984 1992
Including Summaries of Technical Repor+s Issued TR 92-46
during 1984. (Technical Reports 84-01 -84-19)
Stockholm, June 1985
SKB Annual Report 1992
Including Summaries of Technical Reports Issued
during 1992
1985 Stockholm, May 1993
TR 85-20
Annual Research and Development
Report 1985
Including Summaries of Technical Reports Issued
during 1985. (Technical Reporis 85-01 -85-19)
Stockholm, May 1986
Technical Reports TR 94-07
List of SKB Technical Reports 1994 INTRAVAL Working Group 2 summary
report on Phase 2 analysis of the
TR 94-01 Finnsjön test case
Anaerobic oxidation of carbon steel in Peter Andersson (ed.)1, Anders Winberg (ed.)2
1
granitic groundwaters: A review of the 2
GEOSIGMA, Uppsala, Sweden
relevant literature Conterra, Göteborg, Sweden
N Platts, D J Blackwood, C C Naish January 1994
AEA Technology, UK
February 1994 TR 94-08
The structure of conceptual models
TR 94-02 with application to the Äspö HRL
Time evolution of dissolved oxygen and Project
redox conditions in a HLW repository Olle Olsson', Göran Bäckblom2,
Paul Wersin, Kastriot Spahiu, Jordi Bruno Gunnar Gustafson3, Ingvar Rhen4,
MBT Technologia Ambiental, Cerdanyola, Spain Roy Stanfors6, Peter Wikberg2
February 1994 1 Conterra AB
2 SKB
TR 94-03 3 CTH
Reassessment of seismic reflection 4 VBB/VIAK
data from the Finnsjön study site and 5 RS Consulting
prospectives for future surveys May 1994
Calin Cosma1, Christopher Juhlin2, Olle Olsson3
1
Vibrometric Oy, Helsinki, Finland TR 94-09
2
Section for Solid Earth Physics, Department of Tectonic framework of the Hanö Bay
Geophysics, Uppsala University, Sweden area, southern Baltic Sea
3
Conterra AB, Uppsala, Sweden Kjell O Wannäs, Tom Floden
February 1994 Institutionen för geologi och geokemi,
Stockholms universitet
TR 94-04 June 1994
Final report of the AECL/SKB Cigar
Lake Analog Study TR 94-10
Jan Cramer (ed.)\ John Smellie (ed.) 2 Project Caesium-An ion exchange model
' AECL, Canada for the prediction of distribution
2
Conterra AB, Uppsala, Sweden coefficients of caesium in bentonite
May 1994 Hans Wanner1, Yngve Albinsson2, Erich Wieland'
1
MBT Umwelttechnik AG, Zurich, Switzerland
2
TR 94-05 Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg,
Tectonic regimes in the Baltic Shield Sweden
during the last 1200 Ma - A review June 1994
Sven Åke Larsson 12 , Eva-Lena Tullborg2
1
Department of Geology, Chalmers University of TR 94-11
Technology/Göteborg University Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory
2
Terralogica AB Annual Report 1993
November 1993 SKB
June 1994
TR 94-06
First workshop on design and con- TR 94-12
struction of deep repositories - Research on corrosion aspects of the
Theme: Excavation through water- Advanced Cold Process Canister
conducting major fracture zones D J Blackwood, A R Hoch, C C Naish, A Ranee,
Såstaholm Sweden, March 30-31 1993 S M Sharland
Göran Bäckblom (ed.), Christer Svemar (ed.) AEA Technology, Harwell Laboratory, UK
Swedish Nuclear Fuel & Waste Management Co, January 1994
SKB
January 1994
TR94-13
Assessment study of the stresses
induced by corrosion in the Advanced
Cold Process Canister
A R Hoch. S M Sharland
Chemical Studies Department, Radwaste Disposal
Division, AEA Decommissioning and Radwaste,
Harwell Laboratory, UK
October 1993

TR 94-14
Performance of the SKB Copper/Steel
Canister
Hans Widen1, Patrik Sellin2
1
Kemakta Konsult AB
2
Svensk Kärnbränslehantering AB
September 1994

TR 94-15
Modelling of nitric acid production in the
Advanced Cold Process Canister due to
irradiation of moist air
J Henshaw
AEA Technology, Decommissioning & Waste
Management/Reactor Services, Harwell, UK
January 1994

TR94-16
Kinetic and thermodynamic studies of
uranium minerals. Assessment of the
long-term evolution of spent nuclear fuel
Ignasi Casas1, Jordi Bruno2, Ester Cera1, Robert J
Finch2, Rodney C Ewing2
1
MBT Technologia Ambiental, Cerdanyola, Spain
2
Departement of Earth and Planetary Sciences,
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM,
USA
October 1994

TR 94-17
Summary report of the experiences from
TVO's site investigations
Antti Öhberg1, Pauli Saksa2, Henry Ahokas1, Paula
Ruotsalainen2, Margit Snellman3
1
Saanio & Riekkola Consulting Engineers,
Helsinki Finland
2
Fintact Ky, Helsinki, Finland
3
Imatran Voima Oy, Helsinki, Finland
May 1994

TR94-18
AECL strategy for surface-based
investigations of potential disposal
sites and the development of a
geosphere model for a site
S H Whitaker, A Brown, C C Davison,
M Gascoyne, G S Lodha, D R Stevenson,
G A Thome, D Tomsons
AECL Research, Whiteshell Laboratories,
Pinawa, Manitoba, Canada
May 1994