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.

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.

A boring assembly extends along a main axis and comprises a boring head comprising at least one first nozzle and at least one second nozzle The or each second nozzle is different from the or each first nozzle. The boring assembly includes a first delivery device configured to deliver a jet of abrasive-free water at a pressure comprised between 2000 bar and 4000 bar to the at least one first nozzle. The boring assembly includes a second delivery device configured to deliver a jet containing at least one abrasive material at a pressure comprised between 2000 bar and 6000 bar to the at least one second nozzle.

A boring assembly extends along a main axis and comprises a boring head comprising at least one first nozzle and at least one second nozzle The or each second nozzle is different from the or each first nozzle. The boring assembly includes a first delivery device configured to deliver a jet of abrasive-free water at a pressure comprised between 2000 bar and 4000 bar to the at least one first nozzle. The boring assembly includes a second delivery device configured to deliver a jet containing at least one abrasive material at a pressure comprised between 2000 bar and 6000 bar to the at least one second nozzle.

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 boring assembly extends along a main axis and comprises a boring head comprising at least one first nozzle; at least one second nozzle, the or each second nozzle being different from the or each first nozzle; a first delivery device configured to deliver a jet of abrasive-free water at a pressure comprised between 2000 bar and 4000 bar to the at least one first nozzle; and a second delivery device configured to deliver a jet containing at least one abrasive material at a pressure comprised between 2000 bar and 6000 bar to the at least one second nozzle.

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 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.

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.