Developed by Globaltech and Curtin University, the technology is designed to provide low-cost geophysical logging information, compared to conventional wireline logging.
After drilling is completed, the AutoSonde should be lowered inside drill rods to the bottom of the hole, which is then geophysically logged while the rods are being pulled out.
The process is said to eliminate the need for a separate wireline logging crew or rig time as well as negates the risk of hole collapse during logging.
By combining the tool with a survey tool, geophysical data can be recovered simultaneously with routine hole orientation. Data can be accumulated while a hole is being drilled.
As the drill hole is completed, the recorded logging results are transferred to the explorer, DET CRC said.
DET CRC chief executive Richard Hillis said: The AutoSonde represents a step change in the quality and amount of data the minerals industry can now capture.
"DET CRC has had a long and strong association with Boart Longyear and the commercialisation of the AutoSonde will build on Boart Longyear’s market leading capacity to deliver a comprehensive package of drilling services and products, including downhole sensing."
The partnership with Boart Longyear is for a total count gamma sensor and additional sensors under development, including magnetic susceptibility, induction and spectral gamma will be offered separately for commercialization.
The gamma sensor is designed to gauge gamma radiation, which is used in mineral exploration to set apart various rock and alteration associated with mineral deposits.
DET CRC is working on other technologies, including the Coiled Tubing drill rig and Lab-at-Rig.
