In-shaft drilling apparatus for recovery of gas from subterranean formations

摘要

In shaft drilling apparatus for recovery of gas from subterranean formations includes a platform adapted for being suspended by a cable and rotated within a generally vertical shaft in the earth. Drilling and stabilizing apparatus are provided and disposed on the platform for drilling boreholes into the subterranean seams containing gas and rigidly supporting the platform within the generally vertical shaft during the drilling of the boreholes. A liquid-solids-gas separator is provided which is disposed on the platform and in an operative relationship with the drilling apparatus for separating solid cuttings and gas from the drilling efflux. Apparatus for enabling fresh air to be circulated to and from the platform is provided and includes a curtain wall disposed along the diameter of the generally vertical shaft. The platform is disposed on one side of the curtain wall during circulation of air to and from the platform.