The Uphole Brake is an integrated safety module built into the N size DiscovOre head assembly. It is engineered to automatically stop a free-falling inner tube assembly by deploying its braking elements against the inner surface of the core barrel or rod string whenever downward movement exceeds the speed of the overshot. This ensures immediate engagement and protection in the event of a pressure drop.

In addition, the system is designed for easy retraction after brake activation. By applying water pressure and pulling the wireline, the brake elements retract, allowing the operator to easily retrieve the inner tube at any point of the rod string.

What’s more, the Uphole Brake does not interfere with normal drilling operations. It remains disengaged during pump-in stage and any upward movement. Once the head assembly lands in the core barrel, the Uphole Brake becomes activated and ready to engage.

Benefits

• Protects drillers from freefall, or mislatch incidents by stopping the inner tube assembly before it can accelerate down the drill string.

• Prevents damage to rods, head assemblies, and overshot components caused by uncontrolled inner tube descents.

• No loss in productivity: the brakes automatically disengage during upward drilling; no additional steps required.

• Improves safety compliance for steep uphole applications where many drilling companies currently refuse to operate without a certified braking device.

Advantages

• Reliable disengagement thanks to Epiroc’s brake pad geometry and fluidretention design, reducing the risk of jamming or wireline breakage.

• Modular addon compatible with the DiscovOre N head assembly without redesigning existing tooling.

• Less complexity than competitor systems, which often struggle with brake release and cause wireline snapping.