The DeviDrill is a steerable wireline core barrel. The design of the N-size tool was introduced in 2001. Today it is successfully applied in various projects all over the world, from geotechnical investigations to the mining industry.
The DeviDrill reduces the cost of exploration drilling programs by hitting targets quicker and more accurately than with traditional core drilling methods. By making multiple branches from a mother-hole it dramatically reduces both the time spent and the cost, and, in addition, you get the geological information from wherever you want. No time is lost on moving the drill rig, drilling through the overburden, and drilling further down to where you almost were with your previous hole.
Time and money saver
Clients have reported time and cost savings of up to 80 percent in projects where the DeviDrill was used. A satisfied geologist stated: “Devico forced the hole down in inclination, and the 1000 meter deep hole switched from total failure to great success.”
The DeviDrill uses a normal drill string and is fully compatible with the NQ wireline system. There is no need for additional water pumps, drill strings, or survey instruments. Devico’s survey tools are a fully integrated part of the tool, as they stay on board and measure while drilling.
Coring during steering provides a complete record of the geology. It leaves nothing in the hole - except a bend. The curvature or dogleg can be adjusted from completely straight to more than 20 deg/30 meters. However, the recommended curvature from the drill rod manufacturer is 9 deg/30 meters, as any greater deviations will result in extensive wear on the drill rods.
How it works
The principle behind the tool is a drive shaft running through a bushing offset from the centre line of the tool. Expanding pads operated by a differential pressure is keeping the DeviDrill in a fixed toolface while drilling in a curve. The inner assembly carries an inner tube collecting the core, a muleshole system, and an instrument barrel with the survey tool recording inclination and tool orientation. Data is stored inside the tool and downloaded wirelessly to a PDA after each run.
There is no need to trip drill rods in and out of the hole during directional coring, surveying and orientation, as this is all wireline operated.
The DeviDrill has been proved to work well in both igneous and sedimentary rocks. Over time, Devico has gained much experience in how the DeviDrill behaves under different conditions, and possesses valuable information about directional planning and drilling.
Total weight
Total length
Core length
Core length
Bit diameter
Reamer diameter
Tool body diameter
87 kg/192 lbs
5400 mm/17.7 ft
3000 mm/9.8 ft
31.5 mm/1.240”
75.4 mm/2.969”
75.6 mm/2.976”
72.0 mm/2.835”
Devico Surveying Products
