US20120103692A1 - Method and system for drilling using gas as a drilling fluid - Google Patents
Method and system for drilling using gas as a drilling fluid Download PDFInfo
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- US20120103692A1 US20120103692A1 US13/283,863 US201113283863A US2012103692A1 US 20120103692 A1 US20120103692 A1 US 20120103692A1 US 201113283863 A US201113283863 A US 201113283863A US 2012103692 A1 US2012103692 A1 US 2012103692A1
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- drill
- flow
- fluid
- drilling
- jet
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- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 88
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 83
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 36
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 16
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000003345 natural gas Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 8
- QJGQUHMNIGDVPM-UHFFFAOYSA-N nitrogen(.) Chemical compound [N] QJGQUHMNIGDVPM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000003595 mist Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 claims 4
- 239000008239 natural water Substances 0.000 claims 2
- ZZUFCTLCJUWOSV-UHFFFAOYSA-N furosemide Chemical compound C1=C(Cl)C(S(=O)(=O)N)=CC(C(O)=O)=C1NCC1=CC=CO1 ZZUFCTLCJUWOSV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 9
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 6
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009527 percussion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 2
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000153 supplemental effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000002250 progressing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B6/00—Drives for drilling with combined rotary and percussive action
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B21/00—Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor
- E21B21/10—Valve arrangements in drilling-fluid circulation systems
- E21B21/103—Down-hole by-pass valve arrangements, i.e. between the inside of the drill string and the annulus
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B21/00—Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor
- E21B21/16—Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor using gaseous fluids
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B4/00—Drives for drilling, used in the borehole
- E21B4/06—Down-hole impacting means, e.g. hammers
- E21B4/14—Fluid operated hammers
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
- E21B7/04—Directional drilling
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.
Description
- 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.
- The present invention relates to a down-the-hole (DTH) drill and, more particularly, a DTH drill for directional drilling.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Independent aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a directional drilling system including a jet sub. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a vertical drilling system including a jet sub. -
FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional side view of a jet sub. -
FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of the jet sub shown inFIG. 3A and illustrating the seal member in the open position -
FIG. 4 is a side view of an alternative jet sub, such as a stabilizer jet sub. -
FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a portion of a hammer mechanism. -
FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a portion of an alternative hammer mechanism. - 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.
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FIG. 1 illustrates adrilling 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). Thedrilling system 10 generally includes adrilling rig 14 connected to a drill string including a series ofpipes 18, typically in thirty foot (30′) sections, in a well bore or bore hole H. The illustratedsystem 10 is used for directional (e.g., horizontal, angled, non-vertical) drilling and includes avertical section 22, a non-vertical orlateral section 26, and acurved section 30 connected between thesections FIG. 2 illustrates asimilar drilling system 10′ for vertical drilling operations including only avertical section 22′. - 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 inFIGS. 5 and 6 ) for percussive driving of the drill bit B, a rotary motor orair 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. - In the illustrated construction, the BHA 34 includes an air motor, such as a Moyno® 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.
- As shown in
FIG. 1 , thesystem 10 includes in-line jet subs 38 spaced along the length of the drill string. One ormore pipes 18 may be provided before eachjet sub 38. One ormore jet subs 38 may be provided betweenadjacent pipes 18 in the drill string. Thejet subs 38 may be an integral part of a down-the-hole (DTH) drill or an accessory attached to the DTH. Thejet 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. -
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate ajet sub 38 in more detail. The illustratedjet sub 38 includes abody 42 defining acentral bore 46 and one or moreradial passage 50 communicating between thecentral bore 46 and the outer surface of thebody 42. A threadedportion 54 with an API thread connects to the adjacent component (e.g., a pipe 18). - An
annular orifice plate 58 is positioned on thebody 42 proximate to and covering the radial passage(s) 50. Theorifice plate 58 is generally a ring and defines a number of discharge ports orjet orifices 62 about the circumference. Eachjet 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 theorifice plate 58 such that, in a directional drilling arrangement (seeFIG. 1 ) and on thelateral section 26 and thecurved section 30, a jet orifice will be on the low side and the high side of thejet sub 38 during rotation of thepipes 18. The jet orifices 62 are sized for the particular drilling application. - A
check seal 66 is provided for eachradial passage 50. In the illustrated construction, theradial passages 50 are all at the same axial position in thebody 42, and thecheck seal 66 is in the form of an O-ring extending about the circumference of thebody 42 at the axial position of the radial passages. As a result, the single O-ring check seal 66 covers all theradial passages 50 at that axial position. Thebody 42 defines a recess or groove 70 receiving thecheck seal 66 in a closed position, in which thecheck seal 66 resists flow through theradial passages 50. Anannular space 74 is formed between the outer surface of thebody 42 and the inner surface of theorifice plate 58. A relief area orrecess 78 is provided in theorifice plate 58. Thecheck seal 66 is movable toward and into therecess 78 to an open position, in which theradial passages 50 are uncovered such that fluid can flow from thecentral bore 46, to theannular space 74 and out through thejet orifices 62. - A
retainer arrangement 82 is provided between thebody 42 and theorifice plate 58 to axially retain theorifice plate 58 on thebody 42 at least during assembly. In the illustrated construction, theretainer arrangement 82 includes an O-ring between thebody 42 and theorifice plate 58 providing a retaining force to hold theorifice plate 58 on thebody 42. The O-ring may also provide a sealing arrangement between thebody 42 and theorifice plate 58. When thejet sub 38 is assembled with an adjacent component (e.g., adrill pipe 18, the BHA 34), theorifice plate 58 is axially captured between ashoulder 86 on thebody 42 and anaxial end surface 90 of the adjacent component. - The
jet sub 38 shown inFIG. 3 is generally adapted for installation at a desired distance above the DTH.FIG. 4 illustrates a stabilized version of ajet sub 38′ which is normally placed immediately above the bottom hole assembly (BHA) 34. In this construction, thejet sub 38′ also includes stabilizing ribs orblades 94 which are engageable with the sides of the bore hole H to generally stabilize, center, straighten, etc., thejet sub 38 and adjacent component(s) (e.g., theBHA 34, a drill pipe 18). Theblades 94 are arranged in a “thread-like” manner about thebody 42′ to provide 360° support against the wall of the bore hole H and to provide a passage for debris and chips. Theblades 94 may also transmit debris through the “thread” and auger the material chips toward the top of the bore hole H. - Each
jet sub body 42 and forming the radial passage(s) 50 with the desired size, shape, etc. Thecheck seal 66 is positioned on the body 42 (in the groove 70). Thecheck seal 66 can prevent the introduction of debris to the inside of the drill string when air flow stops. Theorifice plate 58 is then positioned over thecheck seal 66. The retainer O-ring provides a frictional force to hold theorifice plate 58 in position on thebody 42. The assembledjet sub drill pipe 18,BHA 34, etc.). - The
drilling system 10 also includes asupply 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. Thesupply 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 thesupply 98 depends on the conditions of the drilling operation/bore hole H. In an example of a 6¼″ bit B/bore hole H, thesupply 98 provides a volumetric flow rate between 1200 cfm to 3510 cfm. Thesupply 98 has sufficient capacity of motive fluid for DTH and thejet subs 38. - 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 6¼″ 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, thesupply 98 supplies about 1100 cfm to the air motor. - 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, thefluid 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 thesupply 98 has sufficient capacity of motive fluid for DTH and thejet subs 38, additional booster compressors (providing 700 psi to 1100 psi) are not required in thedrilling system 10, potentially resulting in equipment and fuel savings. - 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. - The bypass flow through each
jet sub 38 may be between 300 cfm to 1100 cfm, depending on the number ofjet subs 38 and the flow rate of thesupply 98. In some constructions, the bypass flow may be equally divided between thejet subs 38. In other constructions, the bypass flow may be higher for certain jet sub(s) 38 than others based on the requirements of thedrilling system 10. The bypass flow through the jet sub(s) 38 will usually be selected/determined when the drill string is set up. - In the
drilling system 10, the hammer, when activated, will typically consume about 1100 cfm at 350 psi. The hammer flow is discharged through thesystem 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 thejet subs 38 compensates for reduced fluid flow at the bottom of the bore hole H through theBHA 34 to facilitate removal of debris from the bore hole H. -
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an example of a hammer that may be utilized. Thehammer 100 includes acasing 104. The casing surrounds the other elements of the hammer, which include acylinder 106. Apiston 108 is arranged within the cylinder. The upper half ofFIGS. 5 and 6 illustrates the cylinder in a drilling position while the lower half illustrates an off, bottom position. The hammer also includes anair distributor 110. - 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 thesystem 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 thesystem 10, the hammer bypass port or orifice 102 (seeFIG. 6 ) is reduced in size (when compared to thehammer bypass port 102A shown inFIG. 5 ) to restrict the flow bypassing the hammer. This restriction arrangement on the hammer bypass may improve operation and durability of the air motor. - 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 theBHA 34. A suitable water separator for thedrilling 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. -
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the general arrangement of thedrilling system 10 applied to the directionally-drilled well bore hole. In this arrangement, thejet subs 38 are placed in thelateral section 26 and thecurved section 30 of the bore hole H. Conveniently, thejet 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. Thestabilizer 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. - In the illustrated
drilling system 10, thejet subs lateral section 26 and/orcurved section 30 of the bore hole H. In certain situations, two ormore 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 orjet 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 orjet 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. - 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.
-
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the general arrangement of thedrilling system 10′ applied to a vertical well bore hole H′. Thejet subs jet subs jet subs jet subs drilling system 10′ with the DTH and the jet subs provides a 10% improvement in drilling performance. - In the present method of underbalanced drilling, supplemental air is introduced into the drill string and through the
jet subs drill assembly - 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.
- 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.
Claims (20)
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.
Priority Applications (1)
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US13/283,863 US20120103692A1 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2011-10-28 | Method and system for drilling using gas as a drilling fluid |
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US40844110P | 2010-10-29 | 2010-10-29 | |
US13/283,863 US20120103692A1 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2011-10-28 | Method and system for drilling using gas as a drilling fluid |
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US20120103692A1 true US20120103692A1 (en) | 2012-05-03 |
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US13/283,863 Abandoned US20120103692A1 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2011-10-28 | Method and system for drilling using gas as a drilling fluid |
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