Atlas Copco Geotechnical Engineering Products

Operating instructions

Terracore geotechnical core drilling tools

- S Geobor wireline core barrel

S Geobor wireline core barrel

Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1. Product description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.1 Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.2 Method 1-7 description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.3 Technical data - wireline core barrel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.4 Technical data - rods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.5 Technical data - drill bits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2. Operating instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.1 Basic setting of the core barrel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2 Drilling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.2.1 Recommended drilling parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.3 Catching and lifting the inner core barrel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.4 Installing inner core barrel (water filled hole). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.5 Installing inner tube assembly (dry hole) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.5.1 Using Dry-Hole device as overshot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.6 Overload protections - optional safety device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.7 Pilot coring 4" (101 mm) hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2010 Atlas Copco Craelius AB | No. 6991 1721 01 | 2010-06-22

S Geobor wireline core barrel

Introduction

These instructions are intended for operators of the Atlas Copco equipment. The aim of the
instructions is to provide you with knowledge of how to use the equipment in an efficient
and safe way. These instructions also give you advice and tell you how to perform regular
maintenance on the equipment. It does not replace thorough training of operator, it is a
complement. For further information concerning service measures, please contact your
nearest Atlas Copco representative.
Always read these instructions carefully and make sure that you understand all of them
before starting for the first time.
The owner of the equipment is granted the permission to take copies of this publication
solely for internal use. It is recommended, however, to order additional copies from Atlas
Copco representative in order to benefit from the latest revision. Atlas Copco Craelius AB
reserves the right to make changes in its products in order to improve design or performance
characteristics without notice. The information in this publication is assumed to be accurate at
the time of publication, but is subject to changes in order to remedy detected deficiencies or
to follow changes in the product.
Any user of this publication is requested to inform Atlas Copco Craelius AB about deficiencies
found, particularly in matters concerning product safety.

2010 Atlas Copco Craelius AB | No. 6991 1721 01 | 2010-06-22

S Geobor wireline core barrel

1 Product description

diameter of 150 mm. The pilot cuts a core diameter of

102 mm.

1.1 Description

Method

3: Coring in very soft and loose formations,

extremely sensitive to flushing.

The Atlas Copco S Geobor wireline core barrel with

standard diameter 146 mm was designed for core
sampling from hard, to extremely soft and clayey
formations, using a wide range of drilling methods. It is
available in usable lengths of 1,500 m and 3,000 m.

This carbide bit is built in two steps. However the pilot

ID allows the core lifter case to protrude about 25mm
in front of the bit, as a plunger sleeve, in order to keep
the flushing fluid away from the core samples. The
reamer cuts a hole of 150 mm, the pilot together with
the special protruding core lifter case return a core
sample with diameter 102 mm.

In general, the S Geobor system is extremely versatile.

As a triple core barrel, i.e. a double core barrel with a
plastic liner, it can cope with most coring tasks. Water,
fluid mud or air can be used as the flushing medium.
S Geobor can be adapted to almost all soil and rock
situations using different types and shapes of drill bit.
Coring is optimised by changing the core lifter (withor without catch springs), core lifter cases, inner tube
assemblies, bits with varying design, etc.
The plastic liner filled with the core sample, can be
used for protection during transport or storage.
The S Geobor drilling system is an original Atlas Copco
design and offers a number of advantages such as:
zzstable core barrel head with reliable triple latching

1
2
3

1
2
3

1
2
3

Method 1
Method 2
1. Core lifter
2. Core lifter case
3. Core bit
Fig 1.2.1. Method 1-3

Method 3

zzfull flexibility in core sampling method 1-5 standard

coring, pilot coring, Shelby tube sampling or non
coring.

Method

4: Coring in soft varying formations (Mazier

method) (Available on request)

zzsafety installation and recovering of inner tube

assembly. The optional Dry hole device guarantee
the inner tube will be inserted and released only
when latched, working in liquid filled- or dry hole.

For coring in very soft, loose formations with varying

layers.The spring-loaded inner tube assembly is
extended to run in front of the bit, but is retractable for
optimized adaption to the hardness of the ground and
to protect the core lifter case from destruction. For this
method, a carbide bit OD/ID 146/109 is used. The core
diameter is 102 mm.

1.2 Method 1-7 description

The S Geobor wire line core barrel can be used in
many ways, e.g.:
Method

1: Coring in hard to medium-hard

formations

The inner tube with the core lifter case protrude about
60 mm ahead of the bit. The assembly will retract at
around 600 kg total pressure, to the bit front, which
means that position of the core lifter case is constantly
adjusted to the hardness of the rock. This will minimize
the exposure of the sample to the flushing.

Drill bit with surface set- or impregnated diamonds,

PCD, Corborit or carbide inserts. The cutting diameter
of 146 (150)mm gives a core diameter of 102 mm.
The drill bits normally have flushing holes through the
bit front (face discharge FD), but can also have water
channels over the bit front (channel flush CF, ECF).
Method

2: Coring in soft to very soft formations

Here, the carbide bit is build divided in two
steps,(reamer and pilot). The pilot step cuts the core
and the reamer step keep the hole gauge. The flushing
fluid comes out between the two steps, thus avoiding
flushing out the core. The reamer keep the hole
4

Core lifter case

Fig 1.2.2. Method 4
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S Geobor wireline core barrel

Method

5: Shelby tube sampling. Used for taking

samples from very soft and fine cohesion ground
(clay etc.)
The inner tube assembly will be replaced with a non
rotating Shelby tube assembly. Samples are collect
in front of the bit by pressing the sampler down in
the ground as far as the sample tube lebth allow
(762/914mm).
The Shelby tube tube return a core sample with
diameter 95mm: - Bit size OD/ID 146/102 mm.
Note! With this method, there is no rotation, only
pressure.

1. Sampler
Fig 1.2.3. Method 5: Non core drilling method

Method

6: Non core drilling method

If core drilling will be alternated with non coring the
inner tube assamble is replaced with a non coring inner
tube assembly. The non coring assemble is designed
for 3 7/8" (98,4mm) non coring bit with 2 3/8 API REG
pin connection.
The outer tube assemble should be equipped with
standard S Geobor bit size (OD/ID 146/102mm).
The S Geobor a strong and unique three latching
system, allow 7 ton trust load.
Pilot coring optional alternative with method 6
Pilot coring is used for strain measurements in a 4
(102mm) hole.

1. Non coring bit

Fig 1.2.4. Method 6: Non coring method

The non coring bit will be replaced with a core barrel

(101T2, 101T6 or 101T6S) and a crossover adapter.
Pilot coring will return a core sample with smaller
diameter from the section where the 4(102mm) hole is
required.
Method

7: Packer for water loss (Lugeon) test and/

or fluid collection. (Available on request)

Fig 1.2.5. Packer Method

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S Geobor wireline core barrel

1.3 Technical data - wireline

core barrel
Diameter and core diameter
Part

Diameter (mm)
OD

ID

Outer tube

139.7

128.0

Inner tube

117.0

111.0

PVC liner

110.0

105.6

Core

102

Rods are available in 3 lengths as standard:

Available rods
Length (mm)

Part number

Weight per rod

assembly (kg)

500

8393 0528 00

12

1500

8393 0528 20

35

3000

8393 0528-30

70

Rods described (Monobloc) are made in one piece.

They are cold-drawn and heat-treated.
Threads are conical with 3TPI. Surface treated by
phosphating.

Length and core length

Part

Length
(mm)

Core length
(mm)

Core barrel x 1500 mm

2600

1500

Core barrel x 3000 mm

4100

3000

Weights
Part

Weight (kg)

Core barrel x 1500 mm

101

Core barrel x 3000 mm

136

Inner tube unit x 1500 mm

46

Inner tube unit x 3000 mm

58

Outer tube unit x 1500 mm

55

Outer tube unit x 3000 mm

78

Core barrel head complete

25

Overshot (catcher)

11

Dry hole device

15

Overload protection complete

1.4 Technical data - rods

The following information applies for S Geobor
Monobloc wire line core rods.

Technical data
Material quality

P-105

Yield strength (min.)

740 N/mm2

Tensile strength (min.)

880 N/mm2

Expansion after A 5% (min)

Recommended make up torque

13%
3 KNm

Maximum single torque

8.2 KNm

Maximum pull force

445 KN

Outer tube diameter

139.7 mm

Inner tube diameter

125.5 mm

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S Geobor wireline core barrel

1.5 Technical data - drill bits

Various types and designs of drill bit can be used for
the S Geobor core barrel, depending on which method
is used and in what formation drilling is to be carried
out. The most common types and application are
described here:

Method 1 (OD 146 mm, ID 102 mm)

Method 2 (OD 150 mm, ID 102 mm)

Type / Application

Part number

Type / Application

Part number

TCI-Tungsten Carbide Insert bit.

Two step bit (pilot and reamer).
Flushing holes (FD). For soft
formation.

8372 0941 10

TCI-Tungsten Carbide Insert bit.

Two step bit (pilot and reamer).For
very soft formation. With flushing
holes (FD).

8372 0902 10

CRB-Tungsten Carbide Chip bit.

Flushing holes (FD) For soft to
medium soft formation.

8372 0925 05

To be used with Core lifter case

3867 2876 00

DPX - Diapax bit with 12 x 13mm

PCD inserts. Flushing holes (FD).
For soft formation

3702 1901 17

DPX - Diapax bit with 8 x 13mm

PCD inserts Flushing channels
(CF) For soft formation.

3702 6391 00

TRX - Tripax bits with PCD inserts. For soft to

medium hard formations.
- 96 triangular inserts, With
flushing holes (FD)

3702 5085 00

- 60 cubic inserts. With flushing

channels (CF).

3702 6461 00

- 77 cubic inserts. Saw-tooth

profile. With flushing holes (FD).

3702 5066 00

SS Surface Set diamond bit. For soft to medium

hard formations.
- Tapered crown profile, 20/25
spc. With flushing holes (FD).

3702 1901 67

- Multi step profile, 20/25 spc.

With flushing holes (FD).

3702 1901 62

Method 3 (OD 150 mm, ID 110 mm)

Type / Application

Part number

TCI-Tungsten Carbide Insert bit.

Two step bit (pilot and reamer).For
very loose formation. With flushing
holes (FD).

8372 0941 40

To be used with Core lifter case

(protruding 25mm)

3867 2881 00

CBT TCI

CBT CRB CF

CBT TRX CF

CBT DPX FD

IMP - Impregnated diamond bit. For hard to very

hard formation. With flushing holes (FD).
- #4, 6mm impregnation. With
flushing holes (9FD). For soft to
medium soft, Abrasive, Highly
fractured formation.

3740 4007 61

- #4, 6mm impregnation. With

flushing channels (12CF). For
Medium soft to Hard, Abrasive,
Fractured formation.

3740 4007 63

- #6-8, 6mm impregnation. With

flushing channels (12CF). For
Medium hard to Hard, Abrasive +
mixed formation

3702 6978 00

#9, 10mm impregnation. With

flushing holes (12FD) For Hard
to Very hard, Slightly abrasive
formation

8370 2300 38

Reaming Shell SS Surface

diamond set

CBT SS CF

CBT IMP FD

3702 5922 00

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S Geobor wireline core barrel

2 Operating instructions
2.1 Basic setting of the core
barrel
Check that the three latches on the inner core barrel
are in the outer position and that they can be pressed
in if pressed lightly by hand and that they spring back
of their own accord into the initial position. Mount the
core lifter into the core lifter case.

This must be done from the thread side.

70.5 mm

Once the inner core barrel has been positioned in the

outer core barrel and the reaming shell and the drill
bit have been assembled, the distance between the
landing shoulder (7, 3702 1294 00) and the sleeve (9,
3702 1295 00) must be 70.5 mm.

This ensures the right basic setting for the distance

between the core lifter case and the drill bit.

10

If the distance is too less, the flushing fluid will flushing

out and disturb the core sample.

11
12

If the distance is too large, the inner core barrel might

jam and turn with the outer core barrel. The inner tube
core barrel might even not latch at all and be pushed
upward during drilling. The core sample might be lost
in the hole and destroyed.

13

Setting procedure

14

1. Place one wrench on the locking

nut (8, 3702 1293 00).
2. Place the other wrench on the
shaft (14, 3702 1292) .
3. Loosen the locking nut by easy hitting it with a
hammer.

16

4. Turn the core barrel head to the right = reducing

the distance

17
18

5. Turn the core barrel head to the left = increasing

the distance

19

6. After correctly setting the distance at 70.5 mm,

tighten the locking nut with the wrenches and
secure the setting.
1. Latch housing
7. Landing shoulder
8. Locking nut
9. sleeve
14. Shaft

20

Fig 2.1.1. Basic setting of the core barrel. (See also

Product Catalogue 6991 1715 01, pages 83-85).

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15

S Geobor wireline core barrel

2.2 Drilling

wire and pull, to check whether the overshot is locked

to the inner core barrel head.

When the core barrel and drilling equipment are

installed, the drilling will be performed in the same way
as a normal drilling process.

If the overshot is not locked, pull up the overshot

approx. one metre and let it drop. When the overshot
is locked to the inner core barrel, pull it up to the
surface. Once the inner core barrel and the overshot
is recovered from the hole, loosen the inner core
barrel from the overshot by pressing the latches
together. Remove the core sample from the inner tube.
Sometimes it is necessary to use a rubber hammer to
gently tap the inner tube to get the liner with core out.
Never use a steel hammer. Dented inner tubes cause
core blocks.

To achieve an optimum drilling result, the right bit

for the formation to be drilled must be selected, and
correct drilling parameters used.

2.2.1 Recommended drilling parameters

Bit type

RPM

TCI-Tungsten Carbide Insert bit

50 - 100

CRB - Tungsten Carbide Chip bit

80 - 150

DPX - Diapax (PCD) bit

50 - 100

TRX - Tripax sawtooth (PCD) bit

80 - 150

TRX - Tripax (PCD Geoset)

150 - 300

SS Surface Set diamond bit

200 - 400

IMP Impregnated diamond bit

300 - 500

Drilling parameter

Recommended value

Flushing volume

140-250 I/min
(water/mud flushing,
depending on formation and
bit type)

Air flushing

10-17 m3/min (air flushing

depending on formation and
bit type)

WOB (weight on bit)

Max 90 kN
(depending on formation, bit
type and method)

Core break force

With core diameter 102 mm

in e.g. undisturbed, fault-free
dolomite (laboratory data)
40-60 kN (experience has
however shown that these
values are lower in practice)

2.4 Installing inner core barrel (water filled hole)

If the inner tube is empty or a second empty inner
core barrel is used, check first the core lifter and the
core lifter case are not damaged or worn. Check the
correct distance between core lifter case and bit (see
2.1 Basic setting of the core barrel). Check that the
latches are free. The latches must always be in the
outer position and must not show any tendency to
"grab".
Insert the complete inner tube into the drill string and
let I sink by gravity down to the outer tube core barrel.
Once the inner core barrel has latched into the outer
tube core barrel, a vibration or unusual noise can be
heard. This shows that the inner core barrel is secured
in the working position. Do not confuse this noise with
the noise that can be heard when the inner core barrel
passes the joints in the drill string.

2.3 Catching and lifting the

inner core barrel
If the core barrel is full, or core block occur, drilling is
interrupted. Pull the drill rods up to break the core off.
When the top rod joint visible above the rod holder this
rod with water swivel (Kelly) have to be disconnected.
The rotation head is swung sideways (if rig design
allow) to clear the box end of the drill rods.
Check that the wire line wire is securely fixed to the
overshot and lower the overshot down into the drill
string. When the overshot has come to a stop, grip the

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S Geobor wireline core barrel

2.5 Installing inner tube

assembly - (dry hole)

1
2

Check the core barrel as described in 2.4.

If the hole contains little or no water, the inner tube
assembly cannot be installed in the same way as with
a water filled hole. The wire line hoist and optional
accessory Dry hole device have to be used.
Instruction to mount, load and install the Dry hole
device.
1. Disassemble (catch sleeve 12, P/N 3702 1238 00)
from the Overshot 3702 1249 80.

6
8

11

12

2. Attach the dry hole device (13, P/N 3702 1220

80 to the sleeve (11) in the overshot).
3. Loosen the nut (1) on the Dry hole device (P/N
3702 1221 00) by turning it to the left.

13

11

12

4. Place the complete assembly on to the loading

tool (11, P/N 3702 1229 00).

Overshot 3702 1249 80

5. Press Dry hole device as far down as possible,

until the three latches come out at the side.
6. Lock the Dry hole device at this loaded position
by turning the nut (1, P/N 3702 1221 00) to the
right.

7. Install and fix the complete Dry hole device on to

the head of the inner tube assembly.
8. Use the wire line hoist and insert the complete
Dry hole device and inner tube assembly into the
drill rod. Stop the installation just when the nut
(1, P/N 3702 1221 00) still available and visible
above the end of the top rod.
9. Loosen the nut by turning left until you hear a
snap from the released latches in the Dry hole
device. The inside of the rod will now prevent the
Dry hole device releasing from the inner tube.
WARNING, Risk for dropping the inner tube
assembly if Dry Hole device is too far up.
10. Continue to install the complete assembly with
the wire line hoist, until you reach the final
position in the core barrel outer tube.

8
9
10

7
11
Dry hole device 3702 1220 80

Fig 2.5.1. Installing inner tube assembly. (See also

Product Catalogue 6991 1715 01, pages 83, 85, 89
and 90).

11. When the inner tube is established in correct

position the dry hole device will automatically
release from the inner tube assembly, only in this
position.
Installing the inner tube assembly with the Dry
hole device will give you a guaranteed indication,
that the inner tube is in correct position.

2.5.1 Using Dry hole device as overshot

After attaching the Dry hole installation device as
described in 2.5, the Dry hole device does not need to
be removed. The Dry hole device is recommended to
be used as over shot to catch the inner tube once the
inner tube assembly should be retrieved.

10

1. Load the Dry hole device (repeat procedure 1-6

in section 2.5).
2. The loaded Dry hole device will be utilized as
overshot assembly.
3. On surface the Dry hole device can be released
from inner tube assembly by pressing in three
core barrel head latches. Recommended to use
latch ompression wire - Part No. 3702 1438 00).

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S Geobor wireline core barrel

2.6 Overload protection

optional safety device
The overload protection prevents the wire to brake, if
the inner tube assembly and overshot get stuck in the
rods.
Instruction to assemble the Overload protection.
1. Replace the coupling (10, 3702 1247 00) in
the overshot 3702 1249 80 with the complete
overload protection 3702 1250 80.
2. If Dry hole device used, install overload
protection as above (pos.1) and repeat
installation procedure (1-6 in section 1.5)
3. Adjustment of release pressure: Tighten or losen
the lock nut (20, 0291 1114 00) to get correct
release pressure. Recommended to test the
setting on surface

Overload protection
3702 1250 80

3
4

6
8

7
10
9

11
20
12
Overshot 3702 1249 80

Fig 2.6. Overload protection. (See also Product

Catalogue 6991 1715 01, page 89).

2.7 Pilot coring 4(101mm hole)

Brief description of procedure
With Method 6, either non coring bit or a core barrel
equipment can be used. With pilot core equipment, a
101T6/T2 core barrel is used in to be installed through
the 102 mm inner diameter in the S GEOBOR bit.
Application of a "measurement process" in a 4
(101mm) hole can be as follow:
1. S Geobor-S Method I used to drill 146 mm
diameter hole with 102 mm diameter core size.
2. A
strain measurement (dilation) is to be carried
out at desired depth.
3. The inner tube assembly is pulled out .
4. Rods with core barrel outer tube are lifted about
2 - 3.5m from bottom.
5. Non coring assembly is completed with an
adapter to 101 mm core barrel assembly.
6. Complete assembly in pos 5. installed with Dry
hole device and wire line hoist into the rods.
7. Drilling is carried out by rotating S Geobor rods.
8. 101T6 core barrel is pulled out after 1,5m (3m)
pilot coring distance.
9. Core recovered and measurement can be
carried out.
10. Replace the 101 mm core barrel and adapter
with a 3 7/8" non coring bit, to ream up the pilot
cored length to S (146mm) hole size.
11. S Geobor inner core barrel installed and further
full size coring can be carried out.
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Fig 2.7. Pilot coring.

(See also Product Catalogue

6991 1715 01, page 88).

11

6991 1721 01

Atlas Copco Geotechnical Drilling and Exploration

www.atlascopco.com

Mrsta, Sweden, August, 2010

Copyright 2010, Atlas Copco Craelius AB, Mrsta, Sweden. All rights reserved. Atlas Copco is committed to comply or exceed all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Photos in this publication may show situations which complies with such laws, rules and regulations in the country where the photo has been taken but not necessarily
in other parts of the world. In any case think safety first and always use proper ear, eye, head and other protection to minimize risk of personal injury. This publication, as
well as specifications and equipment, is subject to change without notice.