Enhanced usability, speed and accuracy were central to the development of Reflex’s new operating and post survey processing software, which was released to customers in early June 2010.  The new software, known as GMIT 5, controls the advanced Reflex Gyro and High Temperature Gyro Smart instruments, and offers significant time and cost saving benefits to customers.

Reflex’s GMIT 5 software supersedes Reflex’s MeasureIT software, and was specifically developed to enhance usability; making Reflex’s advanced gyro survey instruments accessible to all customers.

This new version of software offers three dimensional displays. Operators can analyse post survey data in tabular and graphical formats, and view multiple borehole paths in 3D coordinates.

“Operators no longer need to switch between plan and section views. GMIT 5’s 3D capabilities allow users to quickly analyse the drill hole from any direction, and they can plot any of the available parameters immediately after the survey at the drill site”, said Kelvin Brown, Reflex’s Global Product Manager.

Mr Brown added that ease of navigation and GMIT 5’s faster data processing speed, also reduces down time involved with the survey process.

Another key feature of Reflex’s GMIT 5 software is its improved diagnostic function, which alerts operators to survey errors by providing an error number and a description of the error.  Customers know immediately if post survey data is accurate and no longer need to submit raw data for external analysis.

“GMIT 5’s intuitive graphical displays, improved navigation and diagnostic functions, allow gyro technology to be placed directly in the hands of drilling contractors, who are often under significant time constraints and may not be accustomed to gyro technology. This can be a point of differentiation for drilling contractors as it saves the resource companies money”, said Mr Brown.

“The improved processing power of GMIT5 also allows the Reflex Gyro to be easily used in a variety of drilling applications including underground conventional, horizontal and drop tool”.

GMIT 5 is Windows based software that is run on field computers and controls Reflex’s gyro survey instruments via Bluetooth.  The Reflex Gyro and High Temperature Gyro Smart utilise orthogonally mounted digital MEMS-gyros and mounted accelerometers that continuously sample and record data, obtaining over 7000 data samples per minute.

The software guides the operator through the survey process from survey set-up and tool connection, to pre-survey alignment, azimuth input, survey execution, post-survey alignment and downloading of raw data.

During the survey execution, the survey instruments are moved and paused from station to station.  The instruments’ gyros record the data needed for azimuth calculation, while accelerometers measure the data required for dip calculation.

At completion of the survey, the extensive record of gyro and accelerometer data is transferred to a field computer for processing.  Azimuth for each survey station is calculated based on the gyro data, and the angular rates are integrated according to time.  Reflex’s GMIT 5 software synchronises the timing of the station marks with the timing of the recorded gyro data to calculate the change of azimuth between survey stations.

In order to obtain an absolute value of the azimuth for each survey station, a starting azimuth needs to be entered into the software.  For inclined boreholes, a known collar azimuth value can be entered.  For near vertical boreholes, Reflex’s GMIT 5 software guides the operator through a procedure where the tool face of the gyro instruments are directed in a know azimuth direction using a sight (optical or GPS compass) that is attached to the instrument.   

Reflex’s GMIT 5 software can be fully integrated with the Reflex Azimuth Pointing System (APS), a GPS based compass that is capable of providing a true north azimuth coordinates in magnetic and non-magnetic environments.  The software displays the azimuth and dip for each survey station, the borehole coordinates, and a number of other parameters including: deviation from intended borehole path; gravity field; dog leg severity; and tool rotation.

The GMIT 5 software is wholly owned and developed by Reflex.  The Company has an active research and development department that continually strives to introduce leading survey and core orientation solutions that are highly accurate and robust, yet easy to use.

Reflex has a global support network with mobile technicians and service centres located in Australia, Canada, South Africa and Europe and offers on site training for all instruments and software.