Concepts for Drilling and Excavating in and below the Ocean Bottom
Abstract
In support of planned development of construction systems for precise excavation and drilling in the deep ocean floor, a study of the potential problems which might be encountered has been made. Two Deep Ocean Technology (DOT) efforts are considered, and two major subsystems are described. The first subsystem is a seafloor excavator which can shape the ocean floor, prepare trenches and drill shallow foundation holes. To avoid the problems of man in undersea environment, this equipment will be unmanned, and remotely controlled by computer and/or numerical techniques. The primary work function will be similar to a conventional milling machine, with similar ability to bore shallow holes. The second subsystem is for penetration of ocean bottom rock with large holes, sealing off the cavity with a prepared steel structure, dewatering, and lateral tunneling at one-atmosphere pressure. Initial penetration will be by equipment similar to large mining or tunneling moles, recent technology in rock disintegration may allow use of a less massive machine with low thrust and torque.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0724677
Entities
People
- A. L. Scott
- E. J. Beck
- H. A. Gaberson
- P. J. Daly
- T. L. Culbertson
Organizations
- Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center