U.S. patent application number 13/283863 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-03 for method and system for drilling using gas as a drilling fluid.
This patent application is currently assigned to ATLAS COPCO SECOROC LLC. Invention is credited to Jeffrey P. WHITE, Dale Richard Wolfer.
Application Number | 20120103692 13/283863 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45995411 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120103692 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WHITE; Jeffrey P. ; et
al. |
May 3, 2012 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DRILLING USING GAS AS A DRILLING FLUID
Abstract
A system and method of drilling. The method may generally
include providing a drilling system including a rotary motor
operable to rotationally drive a drill bit and providing a supply
of compressible drill fluid, the supply producing an operating
volumetric flow rate of fluid in a normal operating condition. The
rotary motor operates at a rotational operating speed under a first
volumetric flow rate of fluid, and the supply provides a volumetric
flow rate of fluid greater than the first volumetric flow rate of
fluid. The method further includes supplying the first volumetric
flow rate of fluid from the supply to the rotary motor, and
diverting a portion of fluid flow from the supply through a jet
sub.
Inventors: |
WHITE; Jeffrey P.; (Vinton,
VA) ; Wolfer; Dale Richard; (Salem, VA) |
Assignee: |
ATLAS COPCO SECOROC LLC
Grand Prairie
TX
|
Family ID: |
45995411 |
Appl. No.: |
13/283863 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61408441 |
Oct 29, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
175/57 ; 175/293;
175/73 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 4/14 20130101; E21B
6/00 20130101; E21B 7/04 20130101; E21B 21/103 20130101; E21B 21/16
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
175/57 ; 175/73;
175/293 |
International
Class: |
E21B 7/00 20060101
E21B007/00; E21B 6/00 20060101 E21B006/00; E21B 7/04 20060101
E21B007/04 |
Claims
1. A method of drilling, the method comprising: extending a drill
string into a well bore hole, the drill string comprising a distal
end arranged in the well bore; mounting a bottom of the hole
assembly at the distal end of the drill string, the bottom of the
hole assembly comprising a drill bit and a rotary motor operable to
rotationally drive the drill bit, the rotary motor operating at a
desired operational speed in response to a threshold flow rate of
compressible drill fluid; supplying a flow of compressible drill
fluid to the bottom of the hole assembly through the drill string,
the flow through the drill string being at a flow rate in excess of
the threshold flow rate; providing in the drill string at least one
jet sub; and providing a bypass flow by diverting with the jet sub
a portion of the flow of compressible drill fluid into the well
bore surrounding the drill string, such that the diverted portion
of the flow does not flow through the bottom of the hole assembly,
and such that the non-diverted portion of the flow is below the
threshold flow rate, the non-diverted portion of the flow operating
the rotary motor to drive the drill bit.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the drilling is
directional, and wherein the drill string has a vertical section, a
non-vertical section and a curved section connecting the vertical
section and the non-vertical section, the non-vertical section
defining the distal end of the drill string.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the bottom of the hole
assembly further comprises a hammer operable to impart percussive
force on the drill bit, and wherein the non-diverted portion of the
flow also operates the hammer to drive the drill bit.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the hammer comprises a
bypass, wherein the flow bypassing the hammer is restricted.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the compressible drill
fluid comprises at least one of air, nitrogen, natural gas, a mist
of at least one of air, nitrogen, or natural gas, or water.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein a flow rate of the
compressible drill fluid is varied depending upon the diameter of
the bore hole, rotational speed of the air motor.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of jet subs
are provided in the drilling string, wherein a bypass flow through
each jet sub varies.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of jet subs
are provided in the drilling string, wherein the bypass flow
through each jet sub is equal.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein each jet sub comprises
at least one orifice configured to direct eject flow in a direction
toward a top of the bore hole, wherein a diameter of holes in the
jet subs differs.
10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: removing
incompressible fluid from the drilling fluid.
11. A system for directional drilling, the system comprising: a
drill string configured to extend into a well bore, the drill
string comprising a distal end arranged in the well bore; a bottom
of the hole assembly mounted at the distal end of the drill string,
the bottom of the hole assembly including a drill bit and a rotary
motor operable to rotationally drive the drill bit, the rotary
motor operating at a desired operational speed in response to a
threshold flow rate of compressible drill fluid; a supply of
compressible drill fluid operable to supply compressible drill
fluid to the bottom of the hole assembly through the drill string,
the flow through the drill string being at a flow rate in excess of
the threshold flow rate; and at least one jet sub provided in the
drill string, a portion of the flow of compressible drill fluid
being diverted through the jet sub into the well bore surrounding
the drill string, such that the diverted portion of the flow does
not flow through the bottom of the hole assembly, and such that the
non-diverted portion of the flow is below the threshold flow rate,
the non-diverted portion of the flow operating the rotary motor and
the hammer to drive the drill bit.
12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the drill string
comprises a vertical section, a non-vertical section and a curved
section connecting the vertical section and the non-vertical
section.
13. The system according to claim 11, wherein the bottom of the
hole assembly further comprises a hammer operable to impart
percussive force on the drill bit.
14. The system according to claim 11, wherein the hammer comprises
a bypass, wherein the flow bypassing the hammer is restricted.
15. The system according to claim 11, wherein the compressible
drill fluid comprises at least one of air, nitrogen, natural gas, a
mist of at least one of air, nitrogen, or natural gas, or
water.
16. The method according to claim 11, wherein a flow rate of the
compressible drill fluid is varied depending upon the diameter of
the bore hole, rotational speed of the air motor.
17. The system according to claim 11, wherein the system comprises
a plurality of jet subs provided in the drilling string, wherein a
bypass flow through each jet sub varies.
18. The system according to claim 11, wherein the system comprises
a plurality of jet subs in the drilling string, wherein the bypass
flow through each jet sub is equal.
19. The system according to claim 11, wherein each jet sub
comprises at least one orifice configured to direct eject flow in a
direction toward a top of the bore hole, wherein a diameter of
holes in the jet subs differs.
20. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: an
incompressible fluid removing module configured to removing
incompressible fluid from the drilling fluid, wherein the
incompressible fluid removing module comprises a hydro cyclone or a
separator.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent
application 61/408,441 filed 29 Oct. 2010, the entire contents of
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a down-the-hole (DTH) drill
and, more particularly, a DTH drill for directional drilling.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In some aspects, the present system and method are related
to directional (e.g., horizontal, angled, non-vertical) drilling
and/or to continuous drilling (e.g., the drilling operation does
not need to be periodically ceased to allow drilling fluid (air) to
clear the bore hole). In some existing directional drilling
systems, incompressible drill fluid, such as thick mud with
polymers, is used to drive a rotary motor. With such a system,
cuttings are suspended in the incompressible drill fluid. However,
incompressible drill fluid tends to plug pores in the wall of the
bore hole such that hydrocarbons cannot drain into the well.
[0004] A compressible drill fluid (e.g., air) does not plug the
pores in the wall so that hydrocarbons are able to drain into the
well. Because air is compressible, the compressible drill fluid
does not suspend the cutting chips which can settle on the low side
of the bore hole due to gravity. In order to remove chips and
debris, jet subs may be located along the drill string to boost the
removal force of the compressible drill fluid.
[0005] A drilling system with a rotary air motor and down-the-hole
(DTH) air percussion drill may provide improved drilling. A DTH
(percussion) drill cannot operate on incompressible drill fluid
because of the expansion cycle of the hammer; air or another gas is
necessary for expansion cycle of the hammer. A DTH drill may
provide a rate of progress (ROP) that is about 2 to 3 times faster
than the ROP for most rotary drill operations using incompressible
mud drilling fluid.
SUMMARY
[0006] The disclosed system and method relate to earth drilling
operations, particularly "underbalanced" drilling, in which the
pressure of the drilling fluid, (e.g., a compressible fluid, such
as air or a "mist" of air (or nitrogen or natural gas) and water)
is lower than the pressure of fluid contained in the drilled
formation(s).
[0007] The ability to clear rock cuttings and formation fluid
affects drilling productivity, especially when using a rotary air
motor and down-the-hole (DTH) air percussion drill. Cuttings and
fluid must be effectively and continuously transported up the bore
hole (away from the drill face) to avoid increasing borehole (or
back) pressure. Back pressure reduces the power output of both
rotary motors and DTH drills, which reduces the ROP. This effect
may be particularly problematic in directional drilling
applications due to the tendency of the solid and liquid components
of the ejecta to separate from the air component and collect via
gravity on the low side of an angled (non-vertical) or horizontal
borehole. Current practice is to periodically cease drilling and
allow air to remove the debris from the borehole, which hampers
overall productivity of drilling operations.
[0008] In the present system and method of underbalanced drilling,
supplemental air is introduced into the ejecta stream to facilitate
removal of fluids and solids such that back pressure is reduced at
the drill face. This may reduce or eliminate the need to stop
drilling to clear debris from the borehole, to thereby improve the
productivity of the drill assembly.
[0009] While the present system and method is directed at
underbalanced drilling with DTH, this system and method may also be
employed with conventional air rotary drilling. This method may
also be applicable for other compressible motive drilling fluids,
such as nitrogen and natural gas, and may be compatible with
drilling foams. The illustrated jet subs are not necessarily
intended for use with incompressible drilling fluids, but the
system and method can be employed with suitable equipment.
[0010] In one independent embodiment, a method of directional
drilling is provided. The method may generally include providing a
drilling system including a rotary motor operable to rotationally
drive a drill bit and a hammer operable to impart percussive force
on the drill bit, providing a supply of compressible drill fluid,
the supply producing an operating volumetric flow rate of fluid in
a normal operating condition. The rotary motor operates at a
rotational operating speed under a first volumetric flow rate of
fluid, and the supply provides a volumetric flow rate of fluid
greater than the first volumetric flow rate of fluid. The method
further includes supplying the first volumetric flow rate of fluid
from the supply to the rotary motor, and diverting a portion of
fluid flow from the supply through a jet sub.
[0011] In another independent aspect, a method of down-the-drill
(DTH) percussive drilling is provided. The method may generally
include providing a drilling system including a rotary motor
operable to rotationally drive a drill bit and a hammer operable to
impart percussive force on the drill bit, providing a supply of
compressible drill fluid, the supply producing an operating
volumetric flow rate of fluid in a normal operating condition. The
rotary motor operates at a rotational operating speed under a first
volumetric flow rate of fluid. The method further includes
supplying the first volumetric flow rate of fluid from the supply
to the rotary motor, and diverting a portion of fluid flow from the
supply through a jet sub to facilitate removal of debris from the
bore hole.
[0012] Independent aspects of the invention will become apparent by
consideration of the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a directional drilling
system including a jet sub.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a vertical drilling
system including a jet sub.
[0015] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional side view of a jet sub.
[0016] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of the jet sub shown
in FIG. 3A and illustrating the seal member in the open
position
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of an alternative jet sub, such as a
stabilizer jet sub.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a portion of a hammer
mechanism.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a portion of an
alternative hammer mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Before any independent embodiments of the invention are
explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited in its application to the details of construction and
the arrangement of components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention
is capable of other independent embodiments and of being practiced
or of being carried out in various ways.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a drilling system 10 for earth drilling
operations, particularly "underbalanced" drilling, in which the
pressure of the drilling fluid is lower than the pressure of fluid
contained in the drilled formation(s). The drilling system 10
generally includes a drilling rig 14 connected to a drill string
including a series of pipes 18, typically in thirty foot (30')
sections, in a well bore or bore hole H. The illustrated system 10
is used for directional (e.g., horizontal, angled, non-vertical)
drilling and includes a vertical section 22, a non-vertical or
lateral section 26, and a curved section 30 connected between the
sections 22, 26. FIG. 2 illustrates a similar drilling system 10'
for vertical drilling operations including only a vertical section
22'.
[0022] A bottom hole assembly (BHA) 34 is connected to the remote
or bottom end 39 of the drill string. The BHA 34 generally includes
a sequence of devices at bottom such as a drill bit B, a hammer or
air hammer 100 (shown in greater detail in FIGS. 5 and 6) for
percussive driving of the drill bit B, a rotary motor or air motor
110 for rotational driving of the drill bit B, a collar, a
stabilizer, a measurement-while-drilling device, etc. One example
of a hammer and bit that may be utilized is described in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,085,284 to Fu, issued Feb. 4, 1992, the entire contents of
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0023] In the illustrated construction, the BHA 34 includes an air
motor, such as a Moyno.RTM. motor manufactured by Moyno, Inc.,
Springfield, Ohio. The air motor is generally tubular and includes
a rubber stator with lobes arranged in a helix and a metal rotor
with a helical vane. There is generally one less vane on the rotor
or lobe on the stator to facilitate a progressing cavity action in
the motor. As motive drilling fluid is supplied to the motor, the
rotor turns within the stator. The continuous seal line between the
helical vane on the rotor and the helical lobes on the stator keeps
the rotor moving steadily at a generally fixed rate proportional to
the flow rate of the drilling fluid. In the illustrated system, air
flows through the air motor, to the hammer and out of the system
(generally at or near the bottom of the bore hole H). U.S. Pat. No.
5,417,281, to Wood et al., issued May 23, 1995, the entire contents
of the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference,
illustrates an example of a motor that could be utilized. While
U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,281 illustrates a mud-operated motor, an air
motor has a similar construction. The motor may be connected
similarly to the motor connection in U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,281.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 includes in-line jet subs
38 spaced along the length of the drill string. One or more pipes
18 may be provided before each jet sub 38. One or more jet subs 38
may be provided between adjacent pipes 18 in the drill string. The
jet subs 38 may be an integral part of a down-the-hole (DTH) drill
or an accessory attached to the DTH. The jet sub 38 may be
constructed and manufactured in a manner similar to the device
described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,665,549 to Lyon, issued Feb. 23, 2010,
which is incorporated by reference in its entirety in this
application.
[0025] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a jet sub 38 in more detail. The
illustrated jet sub 38 includes a body 42 defining a central bore
46 and one or more radial passage 50 communicating between the
central bore 46 and the outer surface of the body 42. A threaded
portion 54 with an API thread connects to the adjacent component
(e.g., a pipe 18).
[0026] An annular orifice plate 58 is positioned on the body 42
proximate to and covering the radial passage(s) 50. The orifice
plate 58 is generally a ring and defines a number of discharge
ports or jet orifices 62 about the circumference. Each jet orifice
62 is angled to eject flow in a direction toward the upper end of
the bore hole H (e.g., in a direction away from the BHA 34). The
jet orifices 62 are arranged about the circumference of the orifice
plate 58 such that, in a directional drilling arrangement (see FIG.
1) and on the lateral section 26 and the curved section 30, a jet
orifice will be on the low side and the high side of the jet sub 38
during rotation of the pipes 18. The jet orifices 62 are sized for
the particular drilling application.
[0027] A check seal 66 is provided for each radial passage 50. In
the illustrated construction, the radial passages 50 are all at the
same axial position in the body 42, and the check seal 66 is in the
form of an O-ring extending about the circumference of the body 42
at the axial position of the radial passages. As a result, the
single O-ring check seal 66 covers all the radial passages 50 at
that axial position. The body 42 defines a recess or groove 70
receiving the check seal 66 in a closed position, in which the
check seal 66 resists flow through the radial passages 50. An
annular space 74 is formed between the outer surface of the body 42
and the inner surface of the orifice plate 58. A relief area or
recess 78 is provided in the orifice plate 58. The check seal 66 is
movable toward and into the recess 78 to an open position, in which
the radial passages 50 are uncovered such that fluid can flow from
the central bore 46, to the annular space 74 and out through the
jet orifices 62.
[0028] A retainer arrangement 82 is provided between the body 42
and the orifice plate 58 to axially retain the orifice plate 58 on
the body 42 at least during assembly. In the illustrated
construction, the retainer arrangement 82 includes an O-ring
between the body 42 and the orifice plate 58 providing a retaining
force to hold the orifice plate 58 on the body 42. The O-ring may
also provide a sealing arrangement between the body 42 and the
orifice plate 58. When the jet sub 38 is assembled with an adjacent
component (e.g., a drill pipe 18, the BHA 34), the orifice plate 58
is axially captured between a shoulder 86 on the body 42 and an
axial end surface 90 of the adjacent component.
[0029] The jet sub 38 shown in FIG. 3 is generally adapted for
installation at a desired distance above the DTH. FIG. 4
illustrates a stabilized version of a jet sub 38' which is normally
placed immediately above the bottom hole assembly (BHA) 34. In this
construction, the jet sub 38' also includes stabilizing ribs or
blades 94 which are engageable with the sides of the bore hole H to
generally stabilize, center, straighten, etc., the jet sub 38 and
adjacent component(s) (e.g., the BHA 34, a drill pipe 18). The
blades 94 are arranged in a "thread-like" manner about the body 42'
to provide 360.degree. support against the wall of the bore hole H
and to provide a passage for debris and chips. The blades 94 may
also transmit debris through the "thread" and auger the material
chips toward the top of the bore hole H.
[0030] Each jet sub 38, 38' is generally manufactured by forming
the body 42 and forming the radial passage(s) 50 with the desired
size, shape, etc. The check seal 66 is positioned on the body 42
(in the groove 70). The check seal 66 can prevent the introduction
of debris to the inside of the drill string when air flow stops.
The orifice plate 58 is then positioned over the check seal 66. The
retainer O-ring provides a frictional force to hold the orifice
plate 58 in position on the body 42. The assembled jet sub 38, 38'
may then be assembled to the adjacent components (e.g., drill pipe
18, BHA 34, etc.).
[0031] The drilling system 10 also includes a supply 98 of motive
fluid or drilling fluid. In the present system and method, the
drilling fluid is a compressible drilling fluid, such as air or a
"mist" of air (or nitrogen or natural gas) and water. The supply 98
generally includes one or more compressors (not shown) and is
operable under normal operating conditions to supply drilling fluid
at a volumetric flow rate. The flow rate of the supply 98 depends
on the conditions of the drilling operation/bore hole H. In an
example of a 61/4'' bit B/bore hole H, the supply 98 provides a
volumetric flow rate between 1200 cfm to 3510 cfm. The supply 98
has sufficient capacity of motive fluid for DTH and the jet subs
38.
[0032] The air motor of the BHA 34 is operated under normal
operating conditions at a rotational operating speed. The speed
depends on the size of the bit B, and, in the example of the 61/4''
bit B/bore hole H, the rotational speed of the air motor is
generally between 45 rpm to 55 rpm (e.g., 48 rpm). In order to
achieve this speed, the supply 98 supplies about 1100 cfm to the
air motor.
[0033] If the motor is operated at a higher speed (e.g., by an
increased fluid supply), the rotor may rotate too fast causing an
increase in friction/heat which could damage the motor (e.g., melt
rubber stator). In the illustrated construction, rather than
throttling down the supply 98 to supply fluid at this lower
volumetric flow rate (of only about 1100 cfm) to the air motor, the
fluid supply 98 is operated to supply its higher volumetric flow
rate (e.g., 1200 cfm to 3510 cfm), and the excess motive fluid
(bypass flow) is used with/diverted through the jet sub(s) 38.
Typically, the flow pressure is greater than a pressure needed to
operate the motor and hammer. The increased flow is bypassed
through the jet sub(s) to increase up hole (or bailing) velocity in
the borehole annulus to more reliably remove drilled solids and
fluid from the hole. According to one example, the flow pressure is
350 psi. Because the supply 98 has sufficient capacity of motive
fluid for DTH and the jet subs 38, additional booster compressors
(providing 700 psi to 1100 psi) are not required in the drilling
system 10, potentially resulting in equipment and fuel savings.
[0034] One or more jet subs may always be open whenever air is
flowing. Typical operating pressures range from 200 psi to 1000 psi
or higher, depending on downhole conditions. Most drilling is done
around 300 to 500 psi. The jet sub(s) may be adjusted for flow at
the expected pressures by changing the diameters of the holes 62.
The holes are often supplied as partially drilled, with a desired
diameter being drilled on site when a job is set up. As air is
bypassed through successive jet subs, the pressure will drop based
on the remaining flow in the drill string.
[0035] The bypass flow through each jet sub 38 may be between 300
cfm to 1100 cfm, depending on the number of jet subs 38 and the
flow rate of the supply 98. In some constructions, the bypass flow
may be equally divided between the jet subs 38. In other
constructions, the bypass flow may be higher for certain jet sub(s)
38 than others based on the requirements of the drilling system 10.
The bypass flow through the jet sub(s) 38 will usually be
selected/determined when the drill string is set up.
[0036] In the drilling system 10, the hammer, when activated, will
typically consume about 1100 cfm at 350 psi. The hammer flow is
discharged through the system 10 generally at or near the bottom of
the bore hole H. With the compressible drill fluid, this discharged
flow may not be sufficient to clean the bore hole H. The fluid
supply through the jet subs 38 compensates for reduced fluid flow
at the bottom of the bore hole H through the BHA 34 to facilitate
removal of debris from the bore hole H.
[0037] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an example of a hammer that may be
utilized. The hammer 100 includes a casing 104. The casing
surrounds the other elements of the hammer, which include a
cylinder 106. A piston 108 is arranged within the cylinder. The
upper half of FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrates the cylinder in a drilling
position while the lower half illustrates an off, bottom position.
The hammer also includes an air distributor 110.
[0038] When the hammer is inactivated, for example, when the bit B
is disengaged from the bottom of the bore hole H, the flow 103
bypasses the hammer. In this condition, there is an instantaneous
change in the fluid flow resulting in a significant drop in the
pressure (e.g., of about 250 psi (from 350 psi to 100 psi)) in the
system 10. This change can cause an instantaneous increase in the
rotational speed of the rotary air motor, potentially damaging the
motor. In order to limit the change in air pressure (e.g., of about
50 psi (from 350 psi to about 300 psi)) in the system 10, the
hammer bypass port or orifice 102 (see FIG. 6) is reduced in size
(when compared to the hammer bypass port 102A shown in FIG. 5) to
restrict the flow bypassing the hammer. This restriction
arrangement on the hammer bypass may improve operation and
durability of the air motor.
[0039] Incompressible liquid, such as water, is generally not
compatible with an air hammer. The drilling system 10 also includes
a hydro-cyclone or water separator (not shown) operable to remove
and expel incompressible liquid (e.g., water) from the compressible
drilling fluid (e.g., air) before the air goes through hammer of
the BHA 34. A suitable water separator for the drilling system 10
is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,957, attached the
entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0040] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the general arrangement of
the drilling system 10 applied to the directionally-drilled well
bore hole. In this arrangement, the jet subs 38 are placed in the
lateral section 26 and the curved section 30 of the bore hole H.
Conveniently, the jet sub 38 deployed nearest the bottom hole
assembly (BHA) 34 can be of the stabilized variety (jet sub 38') to
maintain the drill string centered in the bore hole H for drilling
accuracy. The stabilizer blades 94 are a type providing 360 degrees
of contact with the sides of the bore hole H, but any suitable
stabilizer configuration can be used.
[0041] In the illustrated drilling system 10, the jet subs 38, 38'
are placed at approximately equal intervals and in sufficient
number to prevent significant accumulation of drilled solids on the
lower wall of the lateral section 26 and/or curved section 30 of
the bore hole H. In certain situations, two or more jet subs 38 may
be deployed in close proximity to maximize removal of ejecta at
critical points in the trajectory of the bore hole H (e.g., where
debris is most prone to accumulating or where the shape and size of
the bore hole H causes excessive pressure drop). The size and/or
number of the discharge ports or jet orifices 62 may also be
increased to provide a greater flow. Similarly, where there is not
a need to maximize removal of ejecta, fewer jet subs, fewer
discharge ports or jet orifices, and/or discharge ports or jet
orifices having smaller diameters could be employed. The shape of
the discharge ports or jet orifices 62 could also be adjusted. The
jet sub orifice holes typically are sized for expected ranges of
bypass requirements for different basic sizes of drills. The
maximum bypassed flow may be controlled by the set of holes at the
base of the pin thread in the jet sub body. The minimum flow
bypassed and flow rates lower than the maximum may be controlled by
the size and number of holes drilled in the orifice plate. The
size, shape, number of discharge ports or jet orifices may be
adjusted such that air flow in excess of the flow needed to run the
motor and hammer may be diverted into the hole annulus for clearing
drilled solids and fluids.
[0042] According to one embodiment for drilling a 6.25'' hole, the
jet subs include six holes. The size of each hole is 0.19'' and the
bypass flow at 350 psi is 750 scfm. According to another embodiment
for drilling a 8.875'' hole, the jet subs include six holes. The
size of each hole is 0.31'' and the bypass flow at 350 psi is 1800
scfm. According to a third exemplary embodiment for drilling
12.25'' hole, the jet subs include eight holes. The size of each
hole is 0.44'' and the bypass flow at 350 psi is 4500 scfm.
[0043] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the general arrangement of
the drilling system 10' applied to a vertical well bore hole H'.
The jet subs 38, 38' are assembled into the drill string at
selected locations and intervals, determined by such factors as
hole depth, formation fluid intrusion zones, the amount of drilling
fluid (e.g., air) available to operate the DTH and bypass through
the jet subs 38, 38'. Generally, the jet subs 38, 38' will be
placed at approximately equal intervals in the drill string, and
the number of jet subs 38, 38' deployed is determined by the
condition of the well bore. Under testing in vertical bore, the
drilling system 10' with the DTH and the jet subs provides a 10%
improvement in drilling performance.
[0044] In the present method of underbalanced drilling,
supplemental air is introduced into the drill string and through
the jet subs 38, 38' into the ejecta stream to facilitate removal
of fluids and solids such that back pressure is reduced at the
drill face. This may reduce or eliminate the need to stop drilling
to clear debris from the borehole, to thereby improve the
productivity of the drill assembly 10, 10'.
[0045] While the present system and method are directed at
underbalanced drilling with DTH, the system and method may also be
employed with conventional air rotary drilling. Compressible motive
drilling fluids other than air, such as nitrogen, natural gas,
etc., and drilling foams may also be used.
[0046] Thus, the invention may generally provide, among other
things, a directional drilling system and method including a DTH
drill and jet subs through which excess compressible drill fluid
from the supply is diverted. The invention may also generally
provide, among other things, a directional drilling system and
method including a DTH drill and jet subs through which
compressible drill fluid from the supply is diverted to facilitate
removal of debris from the bore hall. Various independent features
and independent advantages of the invention are set forth in the
claims.
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