The systems and techniques described herein may allow for optimized boring through a variety of geologies. A plurality of different boring techniques may be utilized for boring through a geological formation, in order to suit the characteristics of various portions of the geological formation. The systems and techniques described herein includes determining geological features and adjusting operation of boring based on the geological features. In certain such embodiments, boring systems may include a bore head that includes a plurality of boring elements. Such boring elements may be contact and/or non-contact boring elements.

Spherical projectiles may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth.

Methods for generating boreholes used for generating geothermal energy or other purposes include forming the borehole by accelerating a projectile into contact with geologic material. Interaction between the projectile and the geologic material generates an acoustic signal, such as vibrations within the formation, that is detected using acoustic sensors along a drilling conduit, at the surface, or within a separate borehole. Characteristics of the geologic material, such as hardness, porosity, or the presence of fractures, may be determined based on characteristics of the acoustic signal. The direction in which the borehole is extended may be modified based on the characteristics of the geologic material, such as to create a borehole that intersects one or more fractures for generation of geothermal energy.

A ram accelerator device may utilize rails arranged within a guide tube that may be emplaced downhole. The rails may serve to direct a hypervelocity projectile along the length of the guide tube. The rails may carry utilities or provide other services to operate the system. For example, electrical wiring for power, control signaling, and so forth, may be placed within the rails. In another example, gasses may be delivered by the rails.

A ram accelerator device may utilize rails arranged within a guide tube that may be emplaced downhole. The rails may serve to direct a hypervelocity projectile along the length of the guide tube. The rails may carry utilities or provide other services to operate the system. For example, electrical wiring for power, control signaling, and so forth, may be placed within the rails. In another example, gasses may be delivered by the rails.

A particle drilling method includes steps of: (a) injecting particles, namely injecting slurry and the particles into a well through an injection device; (b) recovering the particles, specifically including steps of: enabling a mixture of particles, rock debris and slurry returned from the well to directly flow into a magnetic separator (10) by a pipeline through a rotational control head at a drill floor; sending separated particles into a storage tank by the magnetic separator (10); and sending a mixture of rock debris and slurry into a slurry tank (11); and (c) injecting the particles in the storage tank into the well through the injection device for drilling again, so as to form a drilling circulation. The above method effectively solves a problem of many slurry leakage points in prior arts and greatly reduces an environmental pollution risk.

A particle drilling method includes steps of: (a) injecting particles, namely injecting slurry and the particles into a well through an injection device; (b) recovering the particles, specifically including steps of: enabling a mixture of particles, rock debris and slurry returned from the well to directly flow into a magnetic separator (10) by a pipeline through a rotational control head at a drill floor; sending separated particles into a storage tank by the magnetic separator (10); and sending a mixture of rock debris and slurry into a slurry tank (11); and (c) injecting the particles in the storage tank into the well through the injection device for drilling again, so as to form a drilling circulation. The above method effectively solves a problem of many slurry leakage points in prior arts and greatly reduces an environmental pollution risk.

A drill string comprises a mechanical drill bit and a ram accelerator with a launch tube proximate to the mechanical drill bit. A projectile accelerated by the ram accelerator exits the mechanical drill bit through an orifice and impacts a geologic formation. The impact weakens a portion of the formation, enabling the drill bit to penetrate the weakened portion more easily. An endcap may be used to prevent outside material from entering the ram accelerator. The projectile may pass through or otherwise displace the endcap during operation. The launch tube may be positioned at an angle relative to the drill bit such that projectiles impact and weaken the formation on a particular side. Contact between the drill bit and the formation may direct the drill bit toward the weakened side, enabling the ram accelerator to be used to steer the drill bit.

A hole in geologic material, such as a wellbore, may be extended by impacting the working face of the hole with high velocity projectiles. A tube may be placed within the hole, and the lower end of the tube may be sealed to prevent ingress of material from the hole into the tube. A projectile may be accelerated through the tube, such as by igniting a combustible gas mixture to impart a force to the projectile. The impact of the projectile may extend the hole. In some cases, accelerated projectiles may be used in conjunction with a drill bit to drill a wellbore or other type of hole.