CA1047024A - Method and apparatus for earth boring - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for earth boringInfo
- Publication number
- CA1047024A CA1047024A CA235,048A CA235048A CA1047024A CA 1047024 A CA1047024 A CA 1047024A CA 235048 A CA235048 A CA 235048A CA 1047024 A CA1047024 A CA 1047024A
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- Prior art keywords
- electrical power
- drilling string
- bore
- drilling
- electrical
- Prior art date
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Abstract
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EARTH BORING
Abstract of the Disclosure Method and apparatus for earth boring using a rotary drilling rig and drilling string for mounting a bottom hole electrical motor to rotate a drill bit to form the borehole. Electrical power from an electrical power source at the earth surface is communicated to the electric motor by conductor lines positioned in the bore of the drill string and having releasable supporting connectors to enable adding and removing of lengths of conductor lines as desired.
An electrical conductor swivel unit is mounted in the dril-ling string to enable rotation of the drilling string while operating the electric motor and an extendable electrical connector is provided in the kelly to compensate for varia-tion in conductor lengths while effecting electrical contact with the conductors.
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Abstract of the Disclosure Method and apparatus for earth boring using a rotary drilling rig and drilling string for mounting a bottom hole electrical motor to rotate a drill bit to form the borehole. Electrical power from an electrical power source at the earth surface is communicated to the electric motor by conductor lines positioned in the bore of the drill string and having releasable supporting connectors to enable adding and removing of lengths of conductor lines as desired.
An electrical conductor swivel unit is mounted in the dril-ling string to enable rotation of the drilling string while operating the electric motor and an extendable electrical connector is provided in the kelly to compensate for varia-tion in conductor lengths while effecting electrical contact with the conductors.
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Description
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Cross-Reference to Related Application None sackground of the Invention This invention relates broadly to the field of earth boring and more particularly to earth boring by a drill bit driven by a downhole electric motor supplied with electrical power from the surface.
The continuing search for supplies of oil and gas has recently resulted in the drilling of wells to greater depths than has been the previous practice. At these rela-tive greater depths, 10,000 feet or about 2 miles and below, the standard rotary drilling rigs have previously been limited in drilling capability, since the length of the tubular drilling string severely limited the rotational speeds at which the drilling bit was rotated. This was primarily due to risk of twisting off the drilling string in the borehole and the resulting loss of time to recover the drill bit and lower portion of the string or loss of the borehole itself. Below 15,000 feet, for example, drillers have been hesitant to rotate the drilling string at more than 35 r.p.m.
At such low drill bit rotational speeds, the long ;~;
life diamond drillin~ bits used at such depths to minimize the frequency of replacement have characteristicaliy had low formation penetration rates as such bits usually achieve maximum economic formation penetration when rotated at speeds in the range of 400-800 r.p.m.
Some prior art attempts to improve drilling opera-tions using downhole motors to rotate the drill bits at high speed include U. S. patents 2,531,120; 2,803,433 and ` ~
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1 3,007,53~. The latter patent employs an electrical swivel for rotating a transmission power cable with the drilling string, but the cable is carried eY~teriorly of the drill string where it is easily damaged by contact with the bore-hole walls. U.S. Patents 2,531,120 and 3,696,332 disclose drill pipe having electrical conductors formed integral therein which automatically connect electrically when the drill pipe is made up in the drilling string, but such numerous connections increase the electrical resistance and decrease the power 10 communicated to the drilling motor. U.S. Patent No. 3,280,923 attempts to avoid the problem of supplying power to the bit motor by employing a special nuclear reactor downhole to generate the electrical pow~r for the bit motor.
Three U.S. Patents, Nos. 3,285~629, 3,372,762 and 3,777,827 disclose electrical drilling systems employing flexible hose as the drilling fluid circulating pipe instead of the standard tubular drill pipe and the electrical con-nections are made at the same time as the 500 feet long sections of flex hose are connected. Such an arrangement has not been particularly suitable for use with the standar~
joints of drill pipe in deep drilling, since the additional time needed in making the large number of connections re~uired has been very costly.
U.S. Patent No. 3,378,811 disclosed an electrical connector system by which an electrical connector may pass downwardly through the bore of a plurality of previously connected drill pipes for establishing a downhole electrical connec'cion to avoid the necessity of using separate sections ~-of electrical cable for each section of drill pipe.
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Electrical connectors for use in an oil field environment have also been disclosed in U. S. patent Nos. 3,~57,681 and 3,753,206 while the electrical connector disclosed in patent No. 3,714,38~ was directed for use in submerged oil and gas production systems.
Additional patent disclosures directed to making an electrical connection in a hostile environment include ; ~.patent Nos. 3,398,392; 3,522,576; 3,596,231, 3,643,207; and 3,729,6g9.
Summary of the Invention This invention relates to a new and improved method and apparatus for earth boring using a standard rotary drilling stringland drilling rig for mounting an ~ ~ `
electrical motor to rotate a drilling bit mounted on the lower end of the drilling string to form the borehole.
Electrical power for the motor is supplied from the surface through a power conductor means installed in the bore of the drilling string and which is connected to the supply or source of electrical power by an electrical swivel unit to enable drill string rotation and a movable connector conduc-tor element to make electrical contact with the conductor means compensating for variations in length of the conductor means and the drilling string. The conductor means having mating plug means to enable lengthening of the power conduc-tor means as drill pipe is added to the drilling s ~ ng and for supporting a length of the conductor means in bore of the drilling string.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figs. lA, lB, and lC are side views, substantially in section, illustrating the earth boring apparatus of the 1~34~Z~
present invention operably positioned in a borehole with the views arranged in alphabetical sequence from top to bottom of the earth boring apparatus;
Figs. 2A and 2s are side views, in section, illus-trating in detail an electrical connector apparatus of the present invention operably positioned in the bore of the drilling string with the views arranged in alphabetical sequence from top to bottom of the connector apparatus;
Fig. 3 is a view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2B;
Figs. 4A and 4B are side views, ln section, and arranged in alphabetical sequence from top to bottom for illustrating in detail the movable connector provided to connect with the electrical conductors; ~-Fig. 5 is a view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4A;
Fig. 6 is a side view, partially in section, of the electrical swivel of the present invention;
Fig. 7 is a side view, in section, of another embodiment of an electrical connector apparatus of the present invention; and FigO 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 of a third embodiment of an electrical connector apparatus of the present invention. ;~
Description of the Preferred Embodiments . .
The earth boring apparatus of the present inven-tion, generally designated A, is schematically illustrated in Figs. lA, lB and lC with the rotary drill bit B (Fig. lC) mounted at the lower end of a drilling string well conduit C
which is supported by the travelling block hook H (Fig. 1~) in the usual manner of rotary drilling operations. The travelling block cooperates with the crown block (not illus-trated) rotatably mounted on the derrick (not illustrated) ~047~29L
to provide a pulley arrangement connected by a flexible cable (not illustrated) for lifting or lowering of the drilling string C and the drill bit B during drilling opera-tions as is well known in the art. The travelling block hook ~ engages and supports a swivel support bracket E which pivotally connects at its lower ends El and E2 with the ~ -drilling fluid swivel unit D in the usual and well known ~
manner. The drilling fluid swivel D is provided with inlet -connection I for enabling communication of drilling fluid from the mud pumps or other source of drilling fluid (not illustrated) ~or circulating drilling fluid downwardly through the drilling string C and outwardly through the plurality of ports P in the drill bit D in the usual manner.
A kelly K is connected in the drilling string C
and forms an integral portion thereof adjacent a rotary table R which engages the kelly in the well known manner for effecting rotation of the drilling string C. The kelly K is arranged for moving downwardly through the rotary table R as the rotating drill bit B moves deeper into the formation Z. ;
of course, a power swivel as well known to those skilled in the art may be employed to rotate the drilling string in place of the kelly K and rotary table R without departing from the present invention.
In the present invention, the drill bit B is rotated by a downhole electrical motor M (Fig. lC) mounted in the drill string C above the drill bit B,independently of the rotation of the drill string C by the rotary table R.
Detail disclosure of a downhole drill bit electric motor M
ii`~;~ may be found in United States Patents 3,285,629 and 3,372,762 and reference is hereby made to those disclosures for-æ~eor-p~ ~ - -d~-a more complete disclosure of the drilling ~;347~
motor M and the operating mechanical connection with the drill bit B to effect desired rotation thereof. Of course, the drill bit B may be connected with the electric motor M
in any number of suitable arrangements to form a unit with-out departing from the scope of the present invention. Con-trolled electrical power is selectively supplied from a source S (Fig. lA) located above the ground surface G
through an electrical connector system, generally designated X, and an electrical conductor system, generally designated Y which electrically connects with the electrical motor M.
Any source of electrical power S compatible with the elec-trical motor ~1 may be employed with the present in~ention, though in practice a portable internal combustion engine driven generator unit is preferably employed. In a typical application a three wire system supplying a maximum of 75 amps at 3000 volts is used to drive the frequency controlled electric motor M to rotate the drill bit B at rotational :~ :
speeds of 35 to 800 r.p.m. to achieve -the maximum efficient penetration of the formation Z with the drilling bit B.
As best illustrated in Fig. lA, the electrical connector system X includes an electrical swivel or slip joint unit U connected in the drilling string C between the drilling fluid swivel D and the kelly K. The connector system X further includes a movable connector means V dis-posed in the kelly for connecting with the electrical con-ductor system Y after the kelly K is made up in the drilling string C. The e~ctrical conductor system Y is disposed in a ~
bore F of the drilling string C and extends downwardly from ;
the connector system X to the electric motor M for trans-mitting the electrical power from the source S at the surface to the motor M.
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As illustrated in greater detail in Fig. 6, the electrical swivel unit U includes a tubular housing 10 forming a portion of and rotatable with the drilling string C. The housing 10 is preferably formed of a lower section 12 and an upper section 1~ having upper box thread 16 for connection with the downwardly extending pin threads 18 formed on the rotatable outlet nozzle I-2 of the fluid `~ swivel D. The lower section 12 is provided with pin threads ~hrQads ~2D for connecting with the drilling kelly box thrc~da~ in the usual manner. The section 12 and the upper section 14 are secured together by any suitable means, such as threaded engagement at 22.
The tubular housing 10 includes a longitudinally extending bore 24 formed therethrough for communicating the ~
outlet nozzle I-2 of the drilling fluid swivel D with a bore -J of the kelly K for forming a portion of the bore F of the drilling string C to enable circulation of drilling fluid downwardly through the drilling string C from the drilling fluid swivel unit D.
Concentrically mounted about an exterior surface 14a of the upper section 14 and secured therewith is a ;~
rotating electrical contact support member 26. Concentri-cally mounted e~teriorly of the support member 26 is an electrical contact housing casing 28 which is held against elr. ' -rotation with the member 26 by ~ upwardly extending sup-port rod 29 which is secured at its upper end to the travel-ling block (not illustrated). The housing 28 is preferably formed by spaced parallel annular rings 30 and 31 connected at their outer edges with a tubular member 32 spaced from the member 26 to form an enclosed or protected annular , ~7~Z~
chamber 33. A pair of outwardly extending collars 26a and -26b of the member 26 extends within the chamber 33 to sup-port the housing 28 on the member 26 and blocks relative longitudinal movement therebetween. Upper and lower radial bearings 34a and 34b are mounted on the annular plates 30 and 31, respectively, Eor enabling the circumferential rotational movement between the member 26 and the housing 28. Suitable packings 35a and 35b may be provided on the plates 30 and 31, respectively, to prevent undesired entry or leakage of moisture or other undesired fluid into the chamber 33 as i5 well known. The annular plate 30 is pro- ~ `
vided with an extension 30a which is secured to the support member 29 and which mounts an electrical plug 36. The plug 36 is connected through releasable engagement with a plug 37a of an electrical cable 37 connected with the source S of -~
electrical power in the usual manner.
Located in the chamber 33 and mounted with the rotating contact support member 26 is a member 40 formed of suitable electrical insulating material and mounting a plurality of spaced annular electrical contact rings 41a, 41b, 41c and 41d. Mounted with the fixed lower annular ring 31 is a brush support member 42 which carries in an elec-trically insulated manner a plurality of radially movable electric contact brush members 43a, 43b, 43c and 43d for electrically contacting annular rings 41a, 41b, 41c and 41d, respectively, in the well known manner. Suitable biasing means for urging the brushes 43a, 43b, 43c and 43d into electrical contact and holding them in such relation-ship may be provided, but are not illustrated. Leading from each of the brushes is an electrical conductor iine 44a, ~ ;
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44b, 44c and 44d which are preferably insulated as they ~ ;
extend through the sealed opening 31a of the lower annular plate 31 for connection with the plug 36 and the source S.
Preferably, but not necessarily, one of the annu-lar contact rings 41a, 41b, 41c or 41d is electrically connected to the drilling string C to serve as a neutral or ground electrical connection, as is well known in the art.
Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, three of the annular contact rings are electrically connected by insulated wires which extend downwardly from the rotating support member 26 and which are designated 46a, 46b and 46c and which termi- -nate in a releasable electrical connector plug 47.
The plug 47 releasably electrically connects with the plug 48 which extends through the walls of the lower housing section 12 on an outwardly extending collar 12a thereof. The collar 12a is also provided to protect cables 46a, 46b and 46c extending from the swivel unit U to the plug 47 from inadvertent snagging on obstructions in the derrick during drilling operations. The plug 48 is provided with threads at 48a for securing the plug 48 with the collar 12a and for effecting a fluid type seal therebetween to block leakage of fluid from the bore 24 of the housing 10 about the plug 48. A suitable electrical conductor line or means, such as flexible insulated cable 49 extends down-wardly from the plug 48 in the bore F of the drilling string C to the upper end of the movable connector means ~ (Fig.
lA).
As illustrated in greater detail in Fig. 4A, the individual illustrated insulated electric wires 49a and 49b extend downwardly within a connector housing 50 which is , "' ' ' ''~' ' ~
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secured in the bore J of the kelly K. The housing 50 is formed by a tubular means 51 having inner threads 51a adja-cent the upper end of the sleeve 51 and inner threads 51b adjacent the lower end of the tubular sleeve 51 (Fig. 4B).
An upper seal collar 52 is secured with the sleeve 51 by a threaded locking ring 53 which engages the threads 51a. The collar 52 carries an O-ring 54 for effecting a fluid type seal with the sleeve 51 to block leakage of fluid therebe-tween into the housing 50. The collar 52 provides a central opening 52a through which the wires 49a and 49b extend into the housing 50. After the wires 49a and 49b are properly connected in the housing, as will be set forth in greater detail hereinafter, the central opening 52a is preferably filled with a flowable castable material, such as any rigid insulating plastic material, which cools to cast in place 55 to form a fluid type seal for the central opening 52a.
Concentrically disposed adjacent the sleeve 51 and below the collar 52 is a body of electrical insulating material 56 mounting a plurality of downwardly extending electrical contact strips 57a, 57b and 57c and which is insertable into the tubular member 51 adjacent threads 51a. Each of the ~ -contact strips 57a, 57b and 57c are electrically connected with one of the wires of the line 49 extending into the -housing adjacent the upper ends of the contact strips 57a, 57b and 57c as illustrated with 49a and 49b.
The housing 50 mounts a connector member 60 which is longitudinally movable relative to the housing to and from a first or upper electrically disconnected position and a second or lower electrically connected position for effect-ing electrical contact with the electrical conductor system ,.
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Y in the bore F of the drilling string C below the kelly K.
The connector member 60 is concentrically mounted with the sleeve 51 and extends downwardly from the housing 50 through a central opening 61a of a lower locking ring 61 which engages threads 51b of the sleeve 51. The lower locking ring 61 carries an O-ring 66 for effecting a fluid tight annular sliding seal with the connector member 60 to block leakage of fluid therebetween as the connector member 60 is moved longitudinal. Preferably, the connector member 60 provides a central opening 60a having a body of rigid cast electrical insulating material 62 disposed therein through which a plurality of electrically conductive wires 63a, 63b and 63c extend. The upwardly extending insulation material 62 forms a portion of the connector member 60 and seals the central opening 60a against passage or leakage of fluid.
Referring now to Figs. 4A and 5 the electrically insulated portion 62 of the connector member 60 mounts a plurality of radially outwardly extending resilient electri~
cal contacts 64a, 64b and 64c which ride along the fixed contacts 57a, 57b and 57c, respectively for electrically ;
connecting therebetween while enabling longitudinal movement of the connector member 60 relative to the housing 50.
Suitable anti-rotation means (not illustrated) are provided with the connector means 60 to prevent relative circumferen-tial rotation with respect to the housing 50 in order that the contacts 64a, 64b and 64c remain in alignment for elec-trical contact with the strips 57a, 57b and 57c, respec-tively during such longitudinal movement of the connector member 60. The contacts 64a, 64b and 64c are preferably of the bow spring type which extend radially outwardly for ~347~Z~ :
riding along the strips 57a, 57b and 57c with the flexible contacts deforming sufficiently to maintain electrical contact with the strips. Each of the circum~erentially spaced bow spring contacts 64a, 64b and 64c are connected ~;
electrically to downwardly extending conductors 63a, 63b and 63c, respectively carried by the connector member 60.
The connector system X also includes means for effecting the desired longitudinal movement of the connector member 60. In the preferred embodiment, the connector member 60 forms a collar 60b (Fig. 4B) for providing an upwardly facing annular shoulder 60c and a downwardly facing annular shoulder 60d. An O-ring 64 is carried on the collar 60b for effecting an annular fluid type sliding seal with the tubular member 51 to block leakage of fluid between the collar 60b and the tubular member 51. The seal effected by the O-ring 64 and the O-ring 66 carried by the lower locking ring 61 define an annular expansible chamber 68 formed by the connector member 60 and the housing 50. FIuid pressure ~
in the expansible chamber 68 will urge on the downwardly ~-facing annular shoulder 60d for urging upward movement of the connector member 60 to the first or upper position within the kelly K for disconnecting from the electrical ;~
conductor system. The O-ring 64 and the O-ring 54 carried by upper sleeve 52 define a second or upper expansible chamber for urging downwardly on the upwardly facing annular shoulder 60c and the insulating material 62 to urge the connector member 60 to move downwardly to the lower or second position for connecting with the electrical conductor ;
system ~. Of course other means for effecting desired movement of the connection member 60, such as, but not ~ 7~2~ ~ :
limited to, springs or weights, will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Fluid pressure is communicated to and from the upper expansible chamber 69 as desired from exteriorly of the kelly K through a flow port means 70. As illustrated in Fig. 4R, the port means 70 includes a connector nipple 71 which is threadedly secured to the sleeve 51 in flow com-munication with a port 51c formed through the tubular member 51. The insulating material 56 is also provided with a port 56a in flow communication with the port 51c to permit ingress and egress of control fluid from the chamber 69.
The nipple 71 extends outwardly from the housing 50 for securing with the kelly X in flow communicating relationship with an opening Kl through the kelly K.
As illustrated schematically, a valve means 72 is employed to control communication of fluid pressure to and ;~
from the upper chamber 69. The schematically illustrated valve means 72 includes a spherical or ball member 73 which seats on an annular seating ring 74 to serve as a check valve for blocking flow of control fluid from the chamber 69. When the ball 73 is displaced from the seat 7~ flow may be either into or out of the chamber 69 as desired. A
suitable retainer means 75 is employed to maintain the ball 73 in proximity to the shoulder 74 when flow is into the chamber 69. When the source of control fluid pressure is made up in any well known desired manner to the o~ening Kl for introducing or removing control fluid pressure from the chamber 63, a mechanical extension on the connector nozzle displaces the ball 73 from seating engagement with shoulder 74 and insures spacing from the shoulder 74 as long as the ~7~2~
source of control fluid pressure is connected at Kl. Such valving systems are well known to those skilled in the art and many other systems for controlling the fluid pressure in the chamber 69 will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
The first or lower chamber 68 is also provided with a port means 76 and valve means 77 which are illus-trated and operated in the identical manner. It should be noted, however, that the connections must be made with both the openings Kl and K2 to prevent blockage of f]uid by the valve means 72 or 77 in the chambers 69 and 68, respec-tively, when the connector member 60 is being moved.
Mounted on the lower end of the movable connector member 60 is a female electrical connector plug means 80 ~-(Fig. lA) which engages an uppermost male conne~tor plug means 82 of -the electrical conductor system Y for establish-ing desired electrical contact therebetween. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the posi-tion of the male and female connector plugs may be reversed without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Bow springs 84 and 86 extend radially outwardly from the plug means 80 and 82, respectively, to serve as centralizers -~
for aligning the plugs 80 and 82 when moving the plug means 80 downwardly into electrical contact establishing engage-ment with the plug means 82. The upper plug means 82 of the electrical conductor system Y is supported in the bore F of the drilling string C against downward movement to ensure engagement with the plug means 80 for establishing electri-cal contact as will be set forth in greater detail hereinafter.
The electrical conductor system Y serves to trans-mit the electrical power from the plug 82 to the electrical , :~
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motor M through the bore F for effecting rotation of the drill bit B. As the length of the drilling string between the kelly K and the drill bit B is increased by adding joints of drilling pipe to the drilling string C as the drill bit B moves deeper into the formation Z in making the borehole W, the electrical conduit system Y must also pro-vide for increasing the length of the electrical conductor system Y in a manner to be set forth in greater detail hereinafter. The length of the electrical conductor system Y will of course be controlled by the length of the drilling string C and must be compatible therewith.
Referring now to Figs. 2A and 2s, there is illus-trated in greater detail a connector plug means, generally designated 100, of the electrical conductor system Y of the present invention. The electrical connector plug apparatus 100 preferably includes a lower male connector plug means ,~
102 which releasably electrically connects with an upper female connector plug means 104, but as previously mentioned the relative positions of the male and female connectors may be reversed.
The lower plug means 102 includes an upper tubular member 106 and a lower tubular section 108 secured together by suitable means such as threaded engagement at 107 to form the plug body. The upper tubular body 106 forms an upwardly facing annular landing shoulder 106a and having a threaded outer surface 106b located below the shoulder 106a for connection with a fishing tool to enable release of the lower plug means 102 when desired. Disposed in a central opening or bore 106c of the tubular member 106 is an up-wardly extending body of electrical insulating material 110.
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The insulating material 110 extends upwardly past the shoul-der 106a for forming the male connector carrying a plurality of three spaced annular electrical contacts 112a, 112b and 112c on its outer surface llOa. The spaced annular contacts 112a, 112b and 112c are electrically connected to the upper ends of the electrical conductors 114a, 114b and 114c which extend downwardly from the plug means 102 in a surrounding insulating jacket 115, and which will be referred to here-inafter as conductor 116.
The plug means 102 is releasably secured in the bore F of the drilling string C to support the downwardly extending connector 116. It will be understood that the insulation jacket 116 and conductors 114a, 114b and 114c may be flexible, such as a standard insulated cable, or it may be a substantially rigid jacket 116 without departing from the scope of the present invention. As best illustrated in Fig. 3, the insulation jacket 116 may be provided with an armored sheath 116a.
In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 2A and 2B, a drilling conduit joint or sub 120 is made up in the dril-ling string C using the lower pin threads 121 (Fig. 2B) to threadedly engage the box threads 122 for connecting the sub 120 in the drilling string in the desired location. The drilling sub 120 includes a central longitudinally extending flow passage defined by an inner surface 120a for enabling circulation of drilling fluid downwardly through the bore F
of the drilling string C in the usual manner. The sub 120 is provided with a plurality of longitudinal spaced annular recesses 120b, 120c and 120d in the bore F of the drilling string C. A plurality of movable doys 124 are pivotally ~047~
connected to the lower tubular body 108 by pivot pin 108a at a first end 124a and the other or free end of the dogs 124b are thus movable to and from a released position adjacent the insulation jacket 116 and a securing or radially ex-tended position where the free end portion 124b fits within one of the plurality of recesses 120b, 120c or 120d for securing the plug means 102 in the bore F of the drilling string C. In the locking positions the dogs 124 engage a downwardly facing annular shoulder surface 108b formed by the lower body member 108 to prevent a downward movement of the plug means 102. Upward movement of the body 108 will of course enable the free ends 124b of the dogs to move radi-ally inwardly from the recesses 120b, 120c or 120d to effect release of the plug means 102 from securing engagement with well conduit C. :~
The upper female connector plug means 104 includes a body 130 formed of electrical insulating material and having upwardly extending cavity 130a for receiving in a close fitting fluid excluding relationship the tapered male connector 110 carrying spaced annular contacts 112a, 112b and 112c. Disposed in the cavity 130a in corresponding spaced relationship are a plurality of electrical contact rings or members 132a, 132b and 132c which establish elec-trical contact with the annular contacts 112a, 112b, 112c, respectively, when the plug means 104 is connected with the plug means 102. Reference is specifically made to U. S.
Patent No. 3,378,811 for ineorpor~g-s~-Ee~e~ee~r~e~ a more complete disclosure of the desirable structure, fea-tures, characteristics, function and operation of the. elec-trical conductor assembly 100.
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The body 130 carries O-rings 134 and 135 or eEfecting spaced annular seals between the body 110 and the walls of the cavity 130a to block entry or leakage of dril-ling fluids into the cavity 130a when the plug means 102 and 104 are mated or engaged which could possibly interrupt the desired electrical contact. A port 136 is formed in the body 130 for enabling escape of drilling fluids from the ~ .:
cavity 130a as the plug means 102 and 104 move into elec-trical engagement.
The upper plug body 130 carries a plurality of electrical conduits 138a, 138b and 138c which are electri- : .
cally connected with the rings 132a, 132b and 132c, respec-tively, and which extend upwardly from the plug means 104 ~ .
for supplying electrical power to the spaced contacts 112a, 112b and 112c of the plug means 104 through the conductor designated 139 and which may be identical to downwardly -~
extending conductor 116. Suitable weights or sinker bars 140 may be mounted above the female plug body 130 to ensure : .
movement of the plug body 130 longitudinally down the bore F
of the drilling string C with sufficient force to fully engage the lower plug means 102. A plurality of radially extending bow springs partially illustrated at 142a and 142b, are carried by the plug body ].30 for aligning the cavity 130a with the upwardly extending portion 110 of the ::
lower plug means 102. The bow springs 142a and 142b resil-iently engage the drilling conduit C and the wall 120a to maintain the cavity 130a centered in the bore F as is well known in the art.
Also mounted with the plug 130 are a plurality of :~
downwardly extending flexible latch members 144 having -la-, ,: .
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inwardly projecting latching dogs 144a mounted on lower end.
The inwardly facing surfaces 144b of the latch dogs 144a engage lugs 106x of the tubular member 106 adjacent the shoulder 106a for latching or securing engagement therewith when the upper plug means 104 is in proper electrical con-tact establishing engagement with the lower plug means 102.
The dogs 144a prevent or block inadvertent disengagement of the desired electrical'`connection, but may be released by sufficient upward force exerted on the plug body 130 by the conductor 139 which flexes the arms 144 radially outwardly to free the dogs 144a sufficiently from the surface 106a to enable separation of the electrical connection.
Referring now to Figs. lB and lC, the connector plug means previously described in greater detail in Figs.
2A and 2B is illustrated as being located in Fig. lC. A
similar connector plug means having like reference charac-ters increased by a factor of 100 for referencing like parts is illustrated in Fig. lB with the conductor 139 extending downwardly from an upper plug conductor means 206 thereof and terminating at the connector plug means 130 for provid-ing a length of conductor 139 that may be lowered down the bore F of the drilling string C for connecting at its lower end with a mating connector plug means 102 at a downhole location in the drilling string C in the preferred embodi-ment. The preferred distance of the conductor 116 between the electric motor M and the releasably secured plug body 106 in the bore of the drilling string C is approximately 5000 feet. Also the preferred distance of the conductor 139 between the releasably secured conductor plug body 206 and the plug 130 is also 5000 feet. Of course, it will be ~ ` ~
1~7~;~4 readily apparent to those skilled in the art that from the present invention other lengths o~ conductor cable may be employed as desired.
As the drilling bit s moves deeper into the forma-tion Z, when forming the borehole W, additional joints of ~;
drilling pipe are added to the drilling string C immediately before the kelly ~ in order to ensure that the kelly is engaged by the rotary table R. Normally each added joint of drilling pipe is approximately 30 feet in length, but often two or even three joints of drilling pipe are added in the ~-drilling string C at any one time. The particular length of the added section of drilling pipe, whether 30 feet, 60 feet, 90 feet or another length, is not of critical signifi-cance as the electrical conductor system Y of the present invention provides means for electrically conducting in a desired manner through any number of added joints of any length.
An embodiment of the electrical connector appa- ~
ratus Y of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 7 ;
which is arranged to be connected or made up substantially simultaneous with the connection or makeup of the added joint 300 of drill pipe in the drilling string Cl. The additional joint of drill pipe 300 is provided with pin threads 301 at its lower end which threadedly engage the box threads 302 of the drilling string Cl for connecting the joint 300 in the drilling string C in the normal manner by rotating the joint 300 while the drill string Cl is secured from rotation to effe~t the threaded engagement. As such, the embodiment of Fig. 7 is particularly well suited for use with the joints to be added to lengthen the drilling string C.
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Releasably secured in the bore F of the drilling string C adjacent the box threads 302 is a connector plug means, generally designated 305, including a body 306 having a plurality of latch dogs 307 pivotally connected thereto adjacent connected ends 307a of the latch dogs 307. Each of the latch dogs 307 provide an end 307b which is movable to and from a free or released position to a radially outwardly extending locking position for engaging an annular recess 308 formed in the inner surface 309 of the well conduit Cl.
The plug body 306 forms a downwardly facing annular shoulder 306a which bears on the latch dogs 307b in the locking or securing position to releasably secure the plug body 306 in the bore Fl of the drilling string C adjacent the threads 302. Upward movement of the plug 306 will enable the free end 307b of the latch dogs 307 to move out of the recess 308 for releasing the plug 306 from the secured position and enabling movement of the plug means 305 through the bore Fl of the drilling string C. Extending upwardly from the plug body 306 is a male connector 310 carrying the spaced annular contact rings 312a, 312b and 312c in a similar manner to that of the embodiment described in Fig. 2A. Located on the male member 310 below the contact ring 312c and above the plug body 306 is a threaded surface 310a having the same thread pitch as that of the box and pin threads 301 and 302.
Releasably secured in the joint 300 to be added adjacent the threads 301 is a lower female connector plug means, generally designated 315 which is engaged in elec-trical contact with the lower plug means 305 when the joint 300 is connected in the drilling string Cl to form a portion thereof. The female plug rneans 315 includes a plug body 316 ~047V;~
having a central cavity 316a for receiving in close fitting relationship the tapered male connector 310. Disposed in the cavity 316a are the spaced annular contact rings 317a, 317b and 317c for effecting electrical contacts with the rings 312a, 312b and 312c, respectively, when the joint 300 is threadedly connected in the drilliny string Cl.
The lower plug means 315 is provided with a plu-rality of latch dogs 318 for releasably securing the lower plug means 315 in the joint 300 adjacent the pin threads 301 for making up with the plug means 305. The latch dogs 318 are pivotally connected to the upper plug means 315 in a manner similar to that of the connection of the plurality of latch dogs 307 with the lower plug means 305. Each of the latch dogs 318 have a free end 318b which are received and secured in an annular recess 319 formed in the inner surface ~ ;
300a of the joint 300. In the radially expanded locking position the dogs 318 engage an annular shoulder 316a formed by the plug body 316 to block downward movement of the lower plug means 315 relative to the recess 319 for releasably supporting the lower plug means 315 while enabling limited upward movement of the plug means 315 without releasing the latch dogs 318 from the recess 319.
Concentrically mounted about the body 316 and secured therewith adjacent the connection of the plurality of dogs 318 is a tubular sleeve 320 having a plurality of longitudinal slots 320a formed therein which extend down-wardly to enable radi.al expansion of the lower end 320b of the sleeve 320. The sleeve 320 has a threaded inner surface ;~
320c below the cavity 316a which is adapted to threadedly engage the threads 310a of the lower plug means 305 when the .~ .
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threads 301 are made up with the threads 302. The sleeve 320 will radially expand adjacent threads 320c to enable engagement of the threads 320c and 310a for securing the plug means 315 with the plug 305 when the joint 300 is made up in the drilling string C. The threads 310a are also adapted to be engaged by a fishing tool when desired for securing with the tool for enabling release of the lower plug means 306 by releasing latch dogs 307 when the fishing tool moves upwardly.
Extending upwardly from the conductor plug means 315 is electrical conductor line 322 which extends upwardly in the joint or joints to be added to an upper connector plug means (not illustrated) such as that disclosed in the lower half of Fig. 7. Thus, the drilling string C may be lengthened as desired by adding an additional joint or joints of drilling pipe without special tools or apparatus or additional operations to connect the electrical connector plugs 305 and 315. It should also be noted that the elec-trical conductor 322 may be either a flexible insulated cable or a rigid type insulating member carrying the elec-trical conductors.
Another embodiment of the electrical connector apparatus also adapted to be made up as a joint or joints of drilling pipe are added is illustrated in Fig. 8. In this embodiment, the pipe joint 400 to be added includes pin threads 401 which serve to releasably secure the joint 400 with the drilling string C2 and to releasably secure and align an upper connector plug means 415 carried by the joint 400 for electrical contact engagement with a lower plug means 405 as the joint 400 is made up in the drilling string 47~ 4 C2. The lowPr plug means 405 includes a plug body 406 having an upwardly projecting male connector 410 carrying the spaced annular electrical contact rings 412a, 412b and 412c in the manner previously set forth hereinabove.
The lower plug means or apparatus 405 includes a tubular bracket 425 which is secured with the drilling string C2 by a suitable means, such as, but not limited to, welding. The bracket 425 includes a plurality of two in-wardly projecting lugs or fingers 425a and 425b having threaded openings 426 and 427, respectively, formed there-through. Extending outwardly from the plug body 406 are projection or ears 430 and 431 having openings 430a and 431a, respectively, formed therethrough which align with the openings 426 and 427. The threaded openings 426 and 427 receive bolts 434 and 435, respectively, for securing the lugs 430 and 431 with the bracket 425. The bolts 435 and :
436 are provided with neckdown portions 434a and 435a in the ;~
opening 430a and 431a, respectively, to predetermine the forse at which the bolts 435 and 436 will shear to release the plug means 405 when an upward force is imparted to the plug body 406 by a fishing tool.
The upper plug means ~ ncludes a tubular bracket 440 having inwardly projecting ears or lugs 440a and 440b. ~;~
Outwardly projecting lugs or ears 442 and 443 mounted on the ;~
upper plug body 416 provide threaded openings 442a and 443a for receiving bolts 446 and 447, respectively. The bolts 446 and 447 are also provided with neckdown portions 446a and 447a for predetermining the shearing force required for release by an upward pull exerted on the plug 416 by a fishing tool pulling on the upper end of the upwardly ;. :
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1 extending conductor line ~22. By use of inwardly projecting fingers 425a, ~25b, ~40a and ~Ob drilling fluid is enabled to be circulated down the bore F to the drilling string C2 in the usual manner when the plug means 405 and ~15 are operably connected in the bore F2 of the drilling string C2.
Operation of the Present Invention The present invention is preferably employed when the borehole W is approximately 10,000 feet in depth or greater. At the borehole W depth it is desired to commence using the deep drilling method and apparatus of the present invention, the normal rotary drilling operations are terminated and the drilling string C removed from the hole. At the surface G, the drill bit B is connected to the electrical motor M. Also, various instrumentation subs may be connected in the drilling string C as desired. The electrical motor means M is provided with an upwardly extending male connector plug similar to that illustrated in Fig. 2A which is adapted to receive a female connector plug lowered down the bore F of the drilling string C. At this time, the electrical swivel unit U may be connected between the drilling fluid swivel D
and the kelly K'having the movable connector means V therein~
The drill bit B and motor M are then lowered down ...
the borehole W by adding the desired number of drill collars and standard drill pipe joints to a desired depth preferably of slightly less than 5,000 feet. When the drilling string is 2 to 8 feet short of the S,OOO foot distance above the electrical connector plug of the electrical motor, the sub 120 is connected in the drilling string C.
Cross-Reference to Related Application None sackground of the Invention This invention relates broadly to the field of earth boring and more particularly to earth boring by a drill bit driven by a downhole electric motor supplied with electrical power from the surface.
The continuing search for supplies of oil and gas has recently resulted in the drilling of wells to greater depths than has been the previous practice. At these rela-tive greater depths, 10,000 feet or about 2 miles and below, the standard rotary drilling rigs have previously been limited in drilling capability, since the length of the tubular drilling string severely limited the rotational speeds at which the drilling bit was rotated. This was primarily due to risk of twisting off the drilling string in the borehole and the resulting loss of time to recover the drill bit and lower portion of the string or loss of the borehole itself. Below 15,000 feet, for example, drillers have been hesitant to rotate the drilling string at more than 35 r.p.m.
At such low drill bit rotational speeds, the long ;~;
life diamond drillin~ bits used at such depths to minimize the frequency of replacement have characteristicaliy had low formation penetration rates as such bits usually achieve maximum economic formation penetration when rotated at speeds in the range of 400-800 r.p.m.
Some prior art attempts to improve drilling opera-tions using downhole motors to rotate the drill bits at high speed include U. S. patents 2,531,120; 2,803,433 and ` ~
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1 3,007,53~. The latter patent employs an electrical swivel for rotating a transmission power cable with the drilling string, but the cable is carried eY~teriorly of the drill string where it is easily damaged by contact with the bore-hole walls. U.S. Patents 2,531,120 and 3,696,332 disclose drill pipe having electrical conductors formed integral therein which automatically connect electrically when the drill pipe is made up in the drilling string, but such numerous connections increase the electrical resistance and decrease the power 10 communicated to the drilling motor. U.S. Patent No. 3,280,923 attempts to avoid the problem of supplying power to the bit motor by employing a special nuclear reactor downhole to generate the electrical pow~r for the bit motor.
Three U.S. Patents, Nos. 3,285~629, 3,372,762 and 3,777,827 disclose electrical drilling systems employing flexible hose as the drilling fluid circulating pipe instead of the standard tubular drill pipe and the electrical con-nections are made at the same time as the 500 feet long sections of flex hose are connected. Such an arrangement has not been particularly suitable for use with the standar~
joints of drill pipe in deep drilling, since the additional time needed in making the large number of connections re~uired has been very costly.
U.S. Patent No. 3,378,811 disclosed an electrical connector system by which an electrical connector may pass downwardly through the bore of a plurality of previously connected drill pipes for establishing a downhole electrical connec'cion to avoid the necessity of using separate sections ~-of electrical cable for each section of drill pipe.
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Electrical connectors for use in an oil field environment have also been disclosed in U. S. patent Nos. 3,~57,681 and 3,753,206 while the electrical connector disclosed in patent No. 3,714,38~ was directed for use in submerged oil and gas production systems.
Additional patent disclosures directed to making an electrical connection in a hostile environment include ; ~.patent Nos. 3,398,392; 3,522,576; 3,596,231, 3,643,207; and 3,729,6g9.
Summary of the Invention This invention relates to a new and improved method and apparatus for earth boring using a standard rotary drilling stringland drilling rig for mounting an ~ ~ `
electrical motor to rotate a drilling bit mounted on the lower end of the drilling string to form the borehole.
Electrical power for the motor is supplied from the surface through a power conductor means installed in the bore of the drilling string and which is connected to the supply or source of electrical power by an electrical swivel unit to enable drill string rotation and a movable connector conduc-tor element to make electrical contact with the conductor means compensating for variations in length of the conductor means and the drilling string. The conductor means having mating plug means to enable lengthening of the power conduc-tor means as drill pipe is added to the drilling s ~ ng and for supporting a length of the conductor means in bore of the drilling string.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figs. lA, lB, and lC are side views, substantially in section, illustrating the earth boring apparatus of the 1~34~Z~
present invention operably positioned in a borehole with the views arranged in alphabetical sequence from top to bottom of the earth boring apparatus;
Figs. 2A and 2s are side views, in section, illus-trating in detail an electrical connector apparatus of the present invention operably positioned in the bore of the drilling string with the views arranged in alphabetical sequence from top to bottom of the connector apparatus;
Fig. 3 is a view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2B;
Figs. 4A and 4B are side views, ln section, and arranged in alphabetical sequence from top to bottom for illustrating in detail the movable connector provided to connect with the electrical conductors; ~-Fig. 5 is a view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4A;
Fig. 6 is a side view, partially in section, of the electrical swivel of the present invention;
Fig. 7 is a side view, in section, of another embodiment of an electrical connector apparatus of the present invention; and FigO 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 of a third embodiment of an electrical connector apparatus of the present invention. ;~
Description of the Preferred Embodiments . .
The earth boring apparatus of the present inven-tion, generally designated A, is schematically illustrated in Figs. lA, lB and lC with the rotary drill bit B (Fig. lC) mounted at the lower end of a drilling string well conduit C
which is supported by the travelling block hook H (Fig. 1~) in the usual manner of rotary drilling operations. The travelling block cooperates with the crown block (not illus-trated) rotatably mounted on the derrick (not illustrated) ~047~29L
to provide a pulley arrangement connected by a flexible cable (not illustrated) for lifting or lowering of the drilling string C and the drill bit B during drilling opera-tions as is well known in the art. The travelling block hook ~ engages and supports a swivel support bracket E which pivotally connects at its lower ends El and E2 with the ~ -drilling fluid swivel unit D in the usual and well known ~
manner. The drilling fluid swivel D is provided with inlet -connection I for enabling communication of drilling fluid from the mud pumps or other source of drilling fluid (not illustrated) ~or circulating drilling fluid downwardly through the drilling string C and outwardly through the plurality of ports P in the drill bit D in the usual manner.
A kelly K is connected in the drilling string C
and forms an integral portion thereof adjacent a rotary table R which engages the kelly in the well known manner for effecting rotation of the drilling string C. The kelly K is arranged for moving downwardly through the rotary table R as the rotating drill bit B moves deeper into the formation Z. ;
of course, a power swivel as well known to those skilled in the art may be employed to rotate the drilling string in place of the kelly K and rotary table R without departing from the present invention.
In the present invention, the drill bit B is rotated by a downhole electrical motor M (Fig. lC) mounted in the drill string C above the drill bit B,independently of the rotation of the drill string C by the rotary table R.
Detail disclosure of a downhole drill bit electric motor M
ii`~;~ may be found in United States Patents 3,285,629 and 3,372,762 and reference is hereby made to those disclosures for-æ~eor-p~ ~ - -d~-a more complete disclosure of the drilling ~;347~
motor M and the operating mechanical connection with the drill bit B to effect desired rotation thereof. Of course, the drill bit B may be connected with the electric motor M
in any number of suitable arrangements to form a unit with-out departing from the scope of the present invention. Con-trolled electrical power is selectively supplied from a source S (Fig. lA) located above the ground surface G
through an electrical connector system, generally designated X, and an electrical conductor system, generally designated Y which electrically connects with the electrical motor M.
Any source of electrical power S compatible with the elec-trical motor ~1 may be employed with the present in~ention, though in practice a portable internal combustion engine driven generator unit is preferably employed. In a typical application a three wire system supplying a maximum of 75 amps at 3000 volts is used to drive the frequency controlled electric motor M to rotate the drill bit B at rotational :~ :
speeds of 35 to 800 r.p.m. to achieve -the maximum efficient penetration of the formation Z with the drilling bit B.
As best illustrated in Fig. lA, the electrical connector system X includes an electrical swivel or slip joint unit U connected in the drilling string C between the drilling fluid swivel D and the kelly K. The connector system X further includes a movable connector means V dis-posed in the kelly for connecting with the electrical con-ductor system Y after the kelly K is made up in the drilling string C. The e~ctrical conductor system Y is disposed in a ~
bore F of the drilling string C and extends downwardly from ;
the connector system X to the electric motor M for trans-mitting the electrical power from the source S at the surface to the motor M.
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As illustrated in greater detail in Fig. 6, the electrical swivel unit U includes a tubular housing 10 forming a portion of and rotatable with the drilling string C. The housing 10 is preferably formed of a lower section 12 and an upper section 1~ having upper box thread 16 for connection with the downwardly extending pin threads 18 formed on the rotatable outlet nozzle I-2 of the fluid `~ swivel D. The lower section 12 is provided with pin threads ~hrQads ~2D for connecting with the drilling kelly box thrc~da~ in the usual manner. The section 12 and the upper section 14 are secured together by any suitable means, such as threaded engagement at 22.
The tubular housing 10 includes a longitudinally extending bore 24 formed therethrough for communicating the ~
outlet nozzle I-2 of the drilling fluid swivel D with a bore -J of the kelly K for forming a portion of the bore F of the drilling string C to enable circulation of drilling fluid downwardly through the drilling string C from the drilling fluid swivel unit D.
Concentrically mounted about an exterior surface 14a of the upper section 14 and secured therewith is a ;~
rotating electrical contact support member 26. Concentri-cally mounted e~teriorly of the support member 26 is an electrical contact housing casing 28 which is held against elr. ' -rotation with the member 26 by ~ upwardly extending sup-port rod 29 which is secured at its upper end to the travel-ling block (not illustrated). The housing 28 is preferably formed by spaced parallel annular rings 30 and 31 connected at their outer edges with a tubular member 32 spaced from the member 26 to form an enclosed or protected annular , ~7~Z~
chamber 33. A pair of outwardly extending collars 26a and -26b of the member 26 extends within the chamber 33 to sup-port the housing 28 on the member 26 and blocks relative longitudinal movement therebetween. Upper and lower radial bearings 34a and 34b are mounted on the annular plates 30 and 31, respectively, Eor enabling the circumferential rotational movement between the member 26 and the housing 28. Suitable packings 35a and 35b may be provided on the plates 30 and 31, respectively, to prevent undesired entry or leakage of moisture or other undesired fluid into the chamber 33 as i5 well known. The annular plate 30 is pro- ~ `
vided with an extension 30a which is secured to the support member 29 and which mounts an electrical plug 36. The plug 36 is connected through releasable engagement with a plug 37a of an electrical cable 37 connected with the source S of -~
electrical power in the usual manner.
Located in the chamber 33 and mounted with the rotating contact support member 26 is a member 40 formed of suitable electrical insulating material and mounting a plurality of spaced annular electrical contact rings 41a, 41b, 41c and 41d. Mounted with the fixed lower annular ring 31 is a brush support member 42 which carries in an elec-trically insulated manner a plurality of radially movable electric contact brush members 43a, 43b, 43c and 43d for electrically contacting annular rings 41a, 41b, 41c and 41d, respectively, in the well known manner. Suitable biasing means for urging the brushes 43a, 43b, 43c and 43d into electrical contact and holding them in such relation-ship may be provided, but are not illustrated. Leading from each of the brushes is an electrical conductor iine 44a, ~ ;
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44b, 44c and 44d which are preferably insulated as they ~ ;
extend through the sealed opening 31a of the lower annular plate 31 for connection with the plug 36 and the source S.
Preferably, but not necessarily, one of the annu-lar contact rings 41a, 41b, 41c or 41d is electrically connected to the drilling string C to serve as a neutral or ground electrical connection, as is well known in the art.
Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, three of the annular contact rings are electrically connected by insulated wires which extend downwardly from the rotating support member 26 and which are designated 46a, 46b and 46c and which termi- -nate in a releasable electrical connector plug 47.
The plug 47 releasably electrically connects with the plug 48 which extends through the walls of the lower housing section 12 on an outwardly extending collar 12a thereof. The collar 12a is also provided to protect cables 46a, 46b and 46c extending from the swivel unit U to the plug 47 from inadvertent snagging on obstructions in the derrick during drilling operations. The plug 48 is provided with threads at 48a for securing the plug 48 with the collar 12a and for effecting a fluid type seal therebetween to block leakage of fluid from the bore 24 of the housing 10 about the plug 48. A suitable electrical conductor line or means, such as flexible insulated cable 49 extends down-wardly from the plug 48 in the bore F of the drilling string C to the upper end of the movable connector means ~ (Fig.
lA).
As illustrated in greater detail in Fig. 4A, the individual illustrated insulated electric wires 49a and 49b extend downwardly within a connector housing 50 which is , "' ' ' ''~' ' ~
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secured in the bore J of the kelly K. The housing 50 is formed by a tubular means 51 having inner threads 51a adja-cent the upper end of the sleeve 51 and inner threads 51b adjacent the lower end of the tubular sleeve 51 (Fig. 4B).
An upper seal collar 52 is secured with the sleeve 51 by a threaded locking ring 53 which engages the threads 51a. The collar 52 carries an O-ring 54 for effecting a fluid type seal with the sleeve 51 to block leakage of fluid therebe-tween into the housing 50. The collar 52 provides a central opening 52a through which the wires 49a and 49b extend into the housing 50. After the wires 49a and 49b are properly connected in the housing, as will be set forth in greater detail hereinafter, the central opening 52a is preferably filled with a flowable castable material, such as any rigid insulating plastic material, which cools to cast in place 55 to form a fluid type seal for the central opening 52a.
Concentrically disposed adjacent the sleeve 51 and below the collar 52 is a body of electrical insulating material 56 mounting a plurality of downwardly extending electrical contact strips 57a, 57b and 57c and which is insertable into the tubular member 51 adjacent threads 51a. Each of the ~ -contact strips 57a, 57b and 57c are electrically connected with one of the wires of the line 49 extending into the -housing adjacent the upper ends of the contact strips 57a, 57b and 57c as illustrated with 49a and 49b.
The housing 50 mounts a connector member 60 which is longitudinally movable relative to the housing to and from a first or upper electrically disconnected position and a second or lower electrically connected position for effect-ing electrical contact with the electrical conductor system ,.
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Y in the bore F of the drilling string C below the kelly K.
The connector member 60 is concentrically mounted with the sleeve 51 and extends downwardly from the housing 50 through a central opening 61a of a lower locking ring 61 which engages threads 51b of the sleeve 51. The lower locking ring 61 carries an O-ring 66 for effecting a fluid tight annular sliding seal with the connector member 60 to block leakage of fluid therebetween as the connector member 60 is moved longitudinal. Preferably, the connector member 60 provides a central opening 60a having a body of rigid cast electrical insulating material 62 disposed therein through which a plurality of electrically conductive wires 63a, 63b and 63c extend. The upwardly extending insulation material 62 forms a portion of the connector member 60 and seals the central opening 60a against passage or leakage of fluid.
Referring now to Figs. 4A and 5 the electrically insulated portion 62 of the connector member 60 mounts a plurality of radially outwardly extending resilient electri~
cal contacts 64a, 64b and 64c which ride along the fixed contacts 57a, 57b and 57c, respectively for electrically ;
connecting therebetween while enabling longitudinal movement of the connector member 60 relative to the housing 50.
Suitable anti-rotation means (not illustrated) are provided with the connector means 60 to prevent relative circumferen-tial rotation with respect to the housing 50 in order that the contacts 64a, 64b and 64c remain in alignment for elec-trical contact with the strips 57a, 57b and 57c, respec-tively during such longitudinal movement of the connector member 60. The contacts 64a, 64b and 64c are preferably of the bow spring type which extend radially outwardly for ~347~Z~ :
riding along the strips 57a, 57b and 57c with the flexible contacts deforming sufficiently to maintain electrical contact with the strips. Each of the circum~erentially spaced bow spring contacts 64a, 64b and 64c are connected ~;
electrically to downwardly extending conductors 63a, 63b and 63c, respectively carried by the connector member 60.
The connector system X also includes means for effecting the desired longitudinal movement of the connector member 60. In the preferred embodiment, the connector member 60 forms a collar 60b (Fig. 4B) for providing an upwardly facing annular shoulder 60c and a downwardly facing annular shoulder 60d. An O-ring 64 is carried on the collar 60b for effecting an annular fluid type sliding seal with the tubular member 51 to block leakage of fluid between the collar 60b and the tubular member 51. The seal effected by the O-ring 64 and the O-ring 66 carried by the lower locking ring 61 define an annular expansible chamber 68 formed by the connector member 60 and the housing 50. FIuid pressure ~
in the expansible chamber 68 will urge on the downwardly ~-facing annular shoulder 60d for urging upward movement of the connector member 60 to the first or upper position within the kelly K for disconnecting from the electrical ;~
conductor system. The O-ring 64 and the O-ring 54 carried by upper sleeve 52 define a second or upper expansible chamber for urging downwardly on the upwardly facing annular shoulder 60c and the insulating material 62 to urge the connector member 60 to move downwardly to the lower or second position for connecting with the electrical conductor ;
system ~. Of course other means for effecting desired movement of the connection member 60, such as, but not ~ 7~2~ ~ :
limited to, springs or weights, will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Fluid pressure is communicated to and from the upper expansible chamber 69 as desired from exteriorly of the kelly K through a flow port means 70. As illustrated in Fig. 4R, the port means 70 includes a connector nipple 71 which is threadedly secured to the sleeve 51 in flow com-munication with a port 51c formed through the tubular member 51. The insulating material 56 is also provided with a port 56a in flow communication with the port 51c to permit ingress and egress of control fluid from the chamber 69.
The nipple 71 extends outwardly from the housing 50 for securing with the kelly X in flow communicating relationship with an opening Kl through the kelly K.
As illustrated schematically, a valve means 72 is employed to control communication of fluid pressure to and ;~
from the upper chamber 69. The schematically illustrated valve means 72 includes a spherical or ball member 73 which seats on an annular seating ring 74 to serve as a check valve for blocking flow of control fluid from the chamber 69. When the ball 73 is displaced from the seat 7~ flow may be either into or out of the chamber 69 as desired. A
suitable retainer means 75 is employed to maintain the ball 73 in proximity to the shoulder 74 when flow is into the chamber 69. When the source of control fluid pressure is made up in any well known desired manner to the o~ening Kl for introducing or removing control fluid pressure from the chamber 63, a mechanical extension on the connector nozzle displaces the ball 73 from seating engagement with shoulder 74 and insures spacing from the shoulder 74 as long as the ~7~2~
source of control fluid pressure is connected at Kl. Such valving systems are well known to those skilled in the art and many other systems for controlling the fluid pressure in the chamber 69 will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
The first or lower chamber 68 is also provided with a port means 76 and valve means 77 which are illus-trated and operated in the identical manner. It should be noted, however, that the connections must be made with both the openings Kl and K2 to prevent blockage of f]uid by the valve means 72 or 77 in the chambers 69 and 68, respec-tively, when the connector member 60 is being moved.
Mounted on the lower end of the movable connector member 60 is a female electrical connector plug means 80 ~-(Fig. lA) which engages an uppermost male conne~tor plug means 82 of -the electrical conductor system Y for establish-ing desired electrical contact therebetween. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the posi-tion of the male and female connector plugs may be reversed without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Bow springs 84 and 86 extend radially outwardly from the plug means 80 and 82, respectively, to serve as centralizers -~
for aligning the plugs 80 and 82 when moving the plug means 80 downwardly into electrical contact establishing engage-ment with the plug means 82. The upper plug means 82 of the electrical conductor system Y is supported in the bore F of the drilling string C against downward movement to ensure engagement with the plug means 80 for establishing electri-cal contact as will be set forth in greater detail hereinafter.
The electrical conductor system Y serves to trans-mit the electrical power from the plug 82 to the electrical , :~
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motor M through the bore F for effecting rotation of the drill bit B. As the length of the drilling string between the kelly K and the drill bit B is increased by adding joints of drilling pipe to the drilling string C as the drill bit B moves deeper into the formation Z in making the borehole W, the electrical conduit system Y must also pro-vide for increasing the length of the electrical conductor system Y in a manner to be set forth in greater detail hereinafter. The length of the electrical conductor system Y will of course be controlled by the length of the drilling string C and must be compatible therewith.
Referring now to Figs. 2A and 2s, there is illus-trated in greater detail a connector plug means, generally designated 100, of the electrical conductor system Y of the present invention. The electrical connector plug apparatus 100 preferably includes a lower male connector plug means ,~
102 which releasably electrically connects with an upper female connector plug means 104, but as previously mentioned the relative positions of the male and female connectors may be reversed.
The lower plug means 102 includes an upper tubular member 106 and a lower tubular section 108 secured together by suitable means such as threaded engagement at 107 to form the plug body. The upper tubular body 106 forms an upwardly facing annular landing shoulder 106a and having a threaded outer surface 106b located below the shoulder 106a for connection with a fishing tool to enable release of the lower plug means 102 when desired. Disposed in a central opening or bore 106c of the tubular member 106 is an up-wardly extending body of electrical insulating material 110.
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The insulating material 110 extends upwardly past the shoul-der 106a for forming the male connector carrying a plurality of three spaced annular electrical contacts 112a, 112b and 112c on its outer surface llOa. The spaced annular contacts 112a, 112b and 112c are electrically connected to the upper ends of the electrical conductors 114a, 114b and 114c which extend downwardly from the plug means 102 in a surrounding insulating jacket 115, and which will be referred to here-inafter as conductor 116.
The plug means 102 is releasably secured in the bore F of the drilling string C to support the downwardly extending connector 116. It will be understood that the insulation jacket 116 and conductors 114a, 114b and 114c may be flexible, such as a standard insulated cable, or it may be a substantially rigid jacket 116 without departing from the scope of the present invention. As best illustrated in Fig. 3, the insulation jacket 116 may be provided with an armored sheath 116a.
In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 2A and 2B, a drilling conduit joint or sub 120 is made up in the dril-ling string C using the lower pin threads 121 (Fig. 2B) to threadedly engage the box threads 122 for connecting the sub 120 in the drilling string in the desired location. The drilling sub 120 includes a central longitudinally extending flow passage defined by an inner surface 120a for enabling circulation of drilling fluid downwardly through the bore F
of the drilling string C in the usual manner. The sub 120 is provided with a plurality of longitudinal spaced annular recesses 120b, 120c and 120d in the bore F of the drilling string C. A plurality of movable doys 124 are pivotally ~047~
connected to the lower tubular body 108 by pivot pin 108a at a first end 124a and the other or free end of the dogs 124b are thus movable to and from a released position adjacent the insulation jacket 116 and a securing or radially ex-tended position where the free end portion 124b fits within one of the plurality of recesses 120b, 120c or 120d for securing the plug means 102 in the bore F of the drilling string C. In the locking positions the dogs 124 engage a downwardly facing annular shoulder surface 108b formed by the lower body member 108 to prevent a downward movement of the plug means 102. Upward movement of the body 108 will of course enable the free ends 124b of the dogs to move radi-ally inwardly from the recesses 120b, 120c or 120d to effect release of the plug means 102 from securing engagement with well conduit C. :~
The upper female connector plug means 104 includes a body 130 formed of electrical insulating material and having upwardly extending cavity 130a for receiving in a close fitting fluid excluding relationship the tapered male connector 110 carrying spaced annular contacts 112a, 112b and 112c. Disposed in the cavity 130a in corresponding spaced relationship are a plurality of electrical contact rings or members 132a, 132b and 132c which establish elec-trical contact with the annular contacts 112a, 112b, 112c, respectively, when the plug means 104 is connected with the plug means 102. Reference is specifically made to U. S.
Patent No. 3,378,811 for ineorpor~g-s~-Ee~e~ee~r~e~ a more complete disclosure of the desirable structure, fea-tures, characteristics, function and operation of the. elec-trical conductor assembly 100.
.
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The body 130 carries O-rings 134 and 135 or eEfecting spaced annular seals between the body 110 and the walls of the cavity 130a to block entry or leakage of dril-ling fluids into the cavity 130a when the plug means 102 and 104 are mated or engaged which could possibly interrupt the desired electrical contact. A port 136 is formed in the body 130 for enabling escape of drilling fluids from the ~ .:
cavity 130a as the plug means 102 and 104 move into elec-trical engagement.
The upper plug body 130 carries a plurality of electrical conduits 138a, 138b and 138c which are electri- : .
cally connected with the rings 132a, 132b and 132c, respec-tively, and which extend upwardly from the plug means 104 ~ .
for supplying electrical power to the spaced contacts 112a, 112b and 112c of the plug means 104 through the conductor designated 139 and which may be identical to downwardly -~
extending conductor 116. Suitable weights or sinker bars 140 may be mounted above the female plug body 130 to ensure : .
movement of the plug body 130 longitudinally down the bore F
of the drilling string C with sufficient force to fully engage the lower plug means 102. A plurality of radially extending bow springs partially illustrated at 142a and 142b, are carried by the plug body ].30 for aligning the cavity 130a with the upwardly extending portion 110 of the ::
lower plug means 102. The bow springs 142a and 142b resil-iently engage the drilling conduit C and the wall 120a to maintain the cavity 130a centered in the bore F as is well known in the art.
Also mounted with the plug 130 are a plurality of :~
downwardly extending flexible latch members 144 having -la-, ,: .
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inwardly projecting latching dogs 144a mounted on lower end.
The inwardly facing surfaces 144b of the latch dogs 144a engage lugs 106x of the tubular member 106 adjacent the shoulder 106a for latching or securing engagement therewith when the upper plug means 104 is in proper electrical con-tact establishing engagement with the lower plug means 102.
The dogs 144a prevent or block inadvertent disengagement of the desired electrical'`connection, but may be released by sufficient upward force exerted on the plug body 130 by the conductor 139 which flexes the arms 144 radially outwardly to free the dogs 144a sufficiently from the surface 106a to enable separation of the electrical connection.
Referring now to Figs. lB and lC, the connector plug means previously described in greater detail in Figs.
2A and 2B is illustrated as being located in Fig. lC. A
similar connector plug means having like reference charac-ters increased by a factor of 100 for referencing like parts is illustrated in Fig. lB with the conductor 139 extending downwardly from an upper plug conductor means 206 thereof and terminating at the connector plug means 130 for provid-ing a length of conductor 139 that may be lowered down the bore F of the drilling string C for connecting at its lower end with a mating connector plug means 102 at a downhole location in the drilling string C in the preferred embodi-ment. The preferred distance of the conductor 116 between the electric motor M and the releasably secured plug body 106 in the bore of the drilling string C is approximately 5000 feet. Also the preferred distance of the conductor 139 between the releasably secured conductor plug body 206 and the plug 130 is also 5000 feet. Of course, it will be ~ ` ~
1~7~;~4 readily apparent to those skilled in the art that from the present invention other lengths o~ conductor cable may be employed as desired.
As the drilling bit s moves deeper into the forma-tion Z, when forming the borehole W, additional joints of ~;
drilling pipe are added to the drilling string C immediately before the kelly ~ in order to ensure that the kelly is engaged by the rotary table R. Normally each added joint of drilling pipe is approximately 30 feet in length, but often two or even three joints of drilling pipe are added in the ~-drilling string C at any one time. The particular length of the added section of drilling pipe, whether 30 feet, 60 feet, 90 feet or another length, is not of critical signifi-cance as the electrical conductor system Y of the present invention provides means for electrically conducting in a desired manner through any number of added joints of any length.
An embodiment of the electrical connector appa- ~
ratus Y of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 7 ;
which is arranged to be connected or made up substantially simultaneous with the connection or makeup of the added joint 300 of drill pipe in the drilling string Cl. The additional joint of drill pipe 300 is provided with pin threads 301 at its lower end which threadedly engage the box threads 302 of the drilling string Cl for connecting the joint 300 in the drilling string C in the normal manner by rotating the joint 300 while the drill string Cl is secured from rotation to effe~t the threaded engagement. As such, the embodiment of Fig. 7 is particularly well suited for use with the joints to be added to lengthen the drilling string C.
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Releasably secured in the bore F of the drilling string C adjacent the box threads 302 is a connector plug means, generally designated 305, including a body 306 having a plurality of latch dogs 307 pivotally connected thereto adjacent connected ends 307a of the latch dogs 307. Each of the latch dogs 307 provide an end 307b which is movable to and from a free or released position to a radially outwardly extending locking position for engaging an annular recess 308 formed in the inner surface 309 of the well conduit Cl.
The plug body 306 forms a downwardly facing annular shoulder 306a which bears on the latch dogs 307b in the locking or securing position to releasably secure the plug body 306 in the bore Fl of the drilling string C adjacent the threads 302. Upward movement of the plug 306 will enable the free end 307b of the latch dogs 307 to move out of the recess 308 for releasing the plug 306 from the secured position and enabling movement of the plug means 305 through the bore Fl of the drilling string C. Extending upwardly from the plug body 306 is a male connector 310 carrying the spaced annular contact rings 312a, 312b and 312c in a similar manner to that of the embodiment described in Fig. 2A. Located on the male member 310 below the contact ring 312c and above the plug body 306 is a threaded surface 310a having the same thread pitch as that of the box and pin threads 301 and 302.
Releasably secured in the joint 300 to be added adjacent the threads 301 is a lower female connector plug means, generally designated 315 which is engaged in elec-trical contact with the lower plug means 305 when the joint 300 is connected in the drilling string Cl to form a portion thereof. The female plug rneans 315 includes a plug body 316 ~047V;~
having a central cavity 316a for receiving in close fitting relationship the tapered male connector 310. Disposed in the cavity 316a are the spaced annular contact rings 317a, 317b and 317c for effecting electrical contacts with the rings 312a, 312b and 312c, respectively, when the joint 300 is threadedly connected in the drilliny string Cl.
The lower plug means 315 is provided with a plu-rality of latch dogs 318 for releasably securing the lower plug means 315 in the joint 300 adjacent the pin threads 301 for making up with the plug means 305. The latch dogs 318 are pivotally connected to the upper plug means 315 in a manner similar to that of the connection of the plurality of latch dogs 307 with the lower plug means 305. Each of the latch dogs 318 have a free end 318b which are received and secured in an annular recess 319 formed in the inner surface ~ ;
300a of the joint 300. In the radially expanded locking position the dogs 318 engage an annular shoulder 316a formed by the plug body 316 to block downward movement of the lower plug means 315 relative to the recess 319 for releasably supporting the lower plug means 315 while enabling limited upward movement of the plug means 315 without releasing the latch dogs 318 from the recess 319.
Concentrically mounted about the body 316 and secured therewith adjacent the connection of the plurality of dogs 318 is a tubular sleeve 320 having a plurality of longitudinal slots 320a formed therein which extend down-wardly to enable radi.al expansion of the lower end 320b of the sleeve 320. The sleeve 320 has a threaded inner surface ;~
320c below the cavity 316a which is adapted to threadedly engage the threads 310a of the lower plug means 305 when the .~ .
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threads 301 are made up with the threads 302. The sleeve 320 will radially expand adjacent threads 320c to enable engagement of the threads 320c and 310a for securing the plug means 315 with the plug 305 when the joint 300 is made up in the drilling string C. The threads 310a are also adapted to be engaged by a fishing tool when desired for securing with the tool for enabling release of the lower plug means 306 by releasing latch dogs 307 when the fishing tool moves upwardly.
Extending upwardly from the conductor plug means 315 is electrical conductor line 322 which extends upwardly in the joint or joints to be added to an upper connector plug means (not illustrated) such as that disclosed in the lower half of Fig. 7. Thus, the drilling string C may be lengthened as desired by adding an additional joint or joints of drilling pipe without special tools or apparatus or additional operations to connect the electrical connector plugs 305 and 315. It should also be noted that the elec-trical conductor 322 may be either a flexible insulated cable or a rigid type insulating member carrying the elec-trical conductors.
Another embodiment of the electrical connector apparatus also adapted to be made up as a joint or joints of drilling pipe are added is illustrated in Fig. 8. In this embodiment, the pipe joint 400 to be added includes pin threads 401 which serve to releasably secure the joint 400 with the drilling string C2 and to releasably secure and align an upper connector plug means 415 carried by the joint 400 for electrical contact engagement with a lower plug means 405 as the joint 400 is made up in the drilling string 47~ 4 C2. The lowPr plug means 405 includes a plug body 406 having an upwardly projecting male connector 410 carrying the spaced annular electrical contact rings 412a, 412b and 412c in the manner previously set forth hereinabove.
The lower plug means or apparatus 405 includes a tubular bracket 425 which is secured with the drilling string C2 by a suitable means, such as, but not limited to, welding. The bracket 425 includes a plurality of two in-wardly projecting lugs or fingers 425a and 425b having threaded openings 426 and 427, respectively, formed there-through. Extending outwardly from the plug body 406 are projection or ears 430 and 431 having openings 430a and 431a, respectively, formed therethrough which align with the openings 426 and 427. The threaded openings 426 and 427 receive bolts 434 and 435, respectively, for securing the lugs 430 and 431 with the bracket 425. The bolts 435 and :
436 are provided with neckdown portions 434a and 435a in the ;~
opening 430a and 431a, respectively, to predetermine the forse at which the bolts 435 and 436 will shear to release the plug means 405 when an upward force is imparted to the plug body 406 by a fishing tool.
The upper plug means ~ ncludes a tubular bracket 440 having inwardly projecting ears or lugs 440a and 440b. ~;~
Outwardly projecting lugs or ears 442 and 443 mounted on the ;~
upper plug body 416 provide threaded openings 442a and 443a for receiving bolts 446 and 447, respectively. The bolts 446 and 447 are also provided with neckdown portions 446a and 447a for predetermining the shearing force required for release by an upward pull exerted on the plug 416 by a fishing tool pulling on the upper end of the upwardly ;. :
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1 extending conductor line ~22. By use of inwardly projecting fingers 425a, ~25b, ~40a and ~Ob drilling fluid is enabled to be circulated down the bore F to the drilling string C2 in the usual manner when the plug means 405 and ~15 are operably connected in the bore F2 of the drilling string C2.
Operation of the Present Invention The present invention is preferably employed when the borehole W is approximately 10,000 feet in depth or greater. At the borehole W depth it is desired to commence using the deep drilling method and apparatus of the present invention, the normal rotary drilling operations are terminated and the drilling string C removed from the hole. At the surface G, the drill bit B is connected to the electrical motor M. Also, various instrumentation subs may be connected in the drilling string C as desired. The electrical motor means M is provided with an upwardly extending male connector plug similar to that illustrated in Fig. 2A which is adapted to receive a female connector plug lowered down the bore F of the drilling string C. At this time, the electrical swivel unit U may be connected between the drilling fluid swivel D
and the kelly K'having the movable connector means V therein~
The drill bit B and motor M are then lowered down ...
the borehole W by adding the desired number of drill collars and standard drill pipe joints to a desired depth preferably of slightly less than 5,000 feet. When the drilling string is 2 to 8 feet short of the S,OOO foot distance above the electrical connector plug of the electrical motor, the sub 120 is connected in the drilling string C.
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A 5,000 foot length of flexible cable 116 having a lower connector plug, such as illustrated in Fig. 2A, is then lowered down the bore F of the drilling string C for effecting electrical connec~ion with the upwardly extending male plug electrically connected to the motor means ~.
After checking electrical continuity of the elec-trical cable 116 to the motor means M, the latch dogs 124 ;
are set in the appropriate recess 120c for releasably sup-porting the conductor 116 in the bore F of the casing C.
The flexible cable 116 should be supported in such a manner that the cable is provided with sufficient slack to ensure a ~:~
proper electrical connection, but sufficiently tight to prevent the cable 116 from coiling at any point in the bore F to block the flow of drilling fluid down the bore F of the well conduit C. !After securing the lower connector plug body means 106 in the sub 120, additional joints of drill pipe are added to the drilling string C above the sub 120. When the ~ ~
length of the drill string C above the lower plug body means ~ ~ -106 is 2 to 8 feet short of the preferred length of 5,000 .
feet, a second sub 220 which is substantially identical to ~:~
the sub 120 is connected in the drilling string C to form a portion thereof. A second 5,000 feet length of flexible cable 139 is then lowered down the bore of the drilling :
string in order that the lower female connector plug means ;
104 of that cable 139 will engage and electrically connect with ~he male connector plug means 102 secured in the sub 120.
As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, additional lengths of flexible cable may be installed in the .
~' . ' , ~047a~
drilling string using the subs in the releasable connector plugs for securing in the subs. It will also be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that any desirable cable length may be employed, but preferably increments of 5,000 feet and 1,000 feet are employed. After effecting the lower connection of each added cable length, electrical continuity to the motor means M is checked prior to releasably securing the upper plug means of a cable in the appropriate sub.
After continuity from the plug 206 to the motor M
is confirmed, the kelly K may be connected to the upper end of the sub 220. Control fluid pressure is then supplied to chamber 69 while exhausting annular chamber 68 for moving the female connector plug 80 downwardly to engage the plug 202 for effecting electrical continuity between the source S
of controlled electrical power and the motor means M.
Elect~lr~cal power may then be supplied to the motor means M
in a controlled manner for rotating the drill bit B to conduct drilling operations. During such drilling opera- ;
tions, drilling fluid is normally circulated down the bore F
of the drilling string C and out through the ports B of the drill bit B as is well known in the art. In addition, the -rotary table R may be employed to rotate the drilling string C while the motor means is rotating the drill bit B to prevent sticking of the drilling string C in the borehole W.
As the drill bit B moves deeper into the formation Z, additional joints of drill pipe must be added to maintain the drill bit B at the bottom of the borehole W. As illus-trated in Figs. lA and lB a number of substantially rigid and self supporting connector elements 90 and 91 having compatible connector rings may be lowered down the bore of the added joints after they are connected in the drilling string for electrically conducting between the plug 80 and the plug body 206.
Alternately, the added joints of drilling pipe may have releasably secured therein electrical conductors in the manner illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8. In these embodiments the electrical conductor is made up with the plug means 202 ;
when the additional joints are added to the sub 220. Obvi- :
ously this electrical connection would also be effected with ;
the upper plug of each added joint or section of joints as additional joints or sections of joints are added there-above. The movable connector plug 80 would of course move ~
to electrically contact with the uppermost plug releasably ~ ;
secured in the bore F of the drilling string C and for ~.
compensating for minor variations and differences of length ~:~
of the conductor means Y in the drilling string C.
Should it become desirable to run a tool through ;
the bore F of the drilling string C for any reason, the electrical conductor system Y may be removed from the bore F
of the drilling string C to enable passage of the well tool through the bore F. This is accomplished by disconnecting , .
the plug 80 from the plug 82 hy introducing fluid pressure into the lower annular chamber 68 while venting the upper ;
chamber 69 to enable the connector plug to move upwardly into the kelly K. The kelly K is then rotated to disconnect from the drilling string C. A lifting mechanism of the ~ -derrick may then be connected to the upper plug 82 of the rigid connector member 91 which threadedly engages the lower :.
rigid connector 90 by threaded engagement at 92. The lift- .
ing force imparted to the plug 82 will effect separation of 7();~
the lower female plug 230 from the plug 206 for enabling removal of the connectors 90 and 91 of the bore F of the drilling string C. Suitable fishing tools mounted on the lower end of a wireline may be employed to retrieve the releasable conductor embodiments of Figs. 7 and 8 when those embodiments are used with an added joint or section of joints of drilling pipe in a manner similar to that employed for the conductor 139.
To remove the flexible conductor 139 a fishing tool is lowered on a wireline down the bore F of the dril-ling string C for connection with the threads 206b of the ~;
plug 206. After connecting with the plug 206 an upward pull is exerted on the wireline to move the plug 206 upwardly for releasing the free ends 224b of the plurality of latch dogs 224 from the recess 220b of the sub 220 and for moving the conductor 139 upwardly. As the conductor 139 is pulled upwardly the lower plug means 104 of the conductor 139 is ~;
disconnected from the upper plug means 102 of the lower connector 116 by radial expansion of the latching sleeve 144. After removing the cable 139 from the bore F of the drilling string C the fishing tool may again be lowered to engage the threads 106b of the plug means 102 for recovering the lower conductor 116 from the bore F of the drilling -string C in a similar manner.
r,~hile the disclosure hereinabove has been directed to transmission of electrical power to the downhole drilling ;
motor M, it will be immediately apparent to those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be employed to transmit any desired electrical energy, including both signals and power. Also, the electrical energy may be .~ ' ' , ,.
,:
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transmitted from downhole to the surface. Electrical power may also be supplied to any electrical device for any desixed downhole use.
The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape and materials as well as ;
in the details of the illustrated construction may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. ~
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A 5,000 foot length of flexible cable 116 having a lower connector plug, such as illustrated in Fig. 2A, is then lowered down the bore F of the drilling string C for effecting electrical connec~ion with the upwardly extending male plug electrically connected to the motor means ~.
After checking electrical continuity of the elec-trical cable 116 to the motor means M, the latch dogs 124 ;
are set in the appropriate recess 120c for releasably sup-porting the conductor 116 in the bore F of the casing C.
The flexible cable 116 should be supported in such a manner that the cable is provided with sufficient slack to ensure a ~:~
proper electrical connection, but sufficiently tight to prevent the cable 116 from coiling at any point in the bore F to block the flow of drilling fluid down the bore F of the well conduit C. !After securing the lower connector plug body means 106 in the sub 120, additional joints of drill pipe are added to the drilling string C above the sub 120. When the ~ ~
length of the drill string C above the lower plug body means ~ ~ -106 is 2 to 8 feet short of the preferred length of 5,000 .
feet, a second sub 220 which is substantially identical to ~:~
the sub 120 is connected in the drilling string C to form a portion thereof. A second 5,000 feet length of flexible cable 139 is then lowered down the bore of the drilling :
string in order that the lower female connector plug means ;
104 of that cable 139 will engage and electrically connect with ~he male connector plug means 102 secured in the sub 120.
As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, additional lengths of flexible cable may be installed in the .
~' . ' , ~047a~
drilling string using the subs in the releasable connector plugs for securing in the subs. It will also be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that any desirable cable length may be employed, but preferably increments of 5,000 feet and 1,000 feet are employed. After effecting the lower connection of each added cable length, electrical continuity to the motor means M is checked prior to releasably securing the upper plug means of a cable in the appropriate sub.
After continuity from the plug 206 to the motor M
is confirmed, the kelly K may be connected to the upper end of the sub 220. Control fluid pressure is then supplied to chamber 69 while exhausting annular chamber 68 for moving the female connector plug 80 downwardly to engage the plug 202 for effecting electrical continuity between the source S
of controlled electrical power and the motor means M.
Elect~lr~cal power may then be supplied to the motor means M
in a controlled manner for rotating the drill bit B to conduct drilling operations. During such drilling opera- ;
tions, drilling fluid is normally circulated down the bore F
of the drilling string C and out through the ports B of the drill bit B as is well known in the art. In addition, the -rotary table R may be employed to rotate the drilling string C while the motor means is rotating the drill bit B to prevent sticking of the drilling string C in the borehole W.
As the drill bit B moves deeper into the formation Z, additional joints of drill pipe must be added to maintain the drill bit B at the bottom of the borehole W. As illus-trated in Figs. lA and lB a number of substantially rigid and self supporting connector elements 90 and 91 having compatible connector rings may be lowered down the bore of the added joints after they are connected in the drilling string for electrically conducting between the plug 80 and the plug body 206.
Alternately, the added joints of drilling pipe may have releasably secured therein electrical conductors in the manner illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8. In these embodiments the electrical conductor is made up with the plug means 202 ;
when the additional joints are added to the sub 220. Obvi- :
ously this electrical connection would also be effected with ;
the upper plug of each added joint or section of joints as additional joints or sections of joints are added there-above. The movable connector plug 80 would of course move ~
to electrically contact with the uppermost plug releasably ~ ;
secured in the bore F of the drilling string C and for ~.
compensating for minor variations and differences of length ~:~
of the conductor means Y in the drilling string C.
Should it become desirable to run a tool through ;
the bore F of the drilling string C for any reason, the electrical conductor system Y may be removed from the bore F
of the drilling string C to enable passage of the well tool through the bore F. This is accomplished by disconnecting , .
the plug 80 from the plug 82 hy introducing fluid pressure into the lower annular chamber 68 while venting the upper ;
chamber 69 to enable the connector plug to move upwardly into the kelly K. The kelly K is then rotated to disconnect from the drilling string C. A lifting mechanism of the ~ -derrick may then be connected to the upper plug 82 of the rigid connector member 91 which threadedly engages the lower :.
rigid connector 90 by threaded engagement at 92. The lift- .
ing force imparted to the plug 82 will effect separation of 7();~
the lower female plug 230 from the plug 206 for enabling removal of the connectors 90 and 91 of the bore F of the drilling string C. Suitable fishing tools mounted on the lower end of a wireline may be employed to retrieve the releasable conductor embodiments of Figs. 7 and 8 when those embodiments are used with an added joint or section of joints of drilling pipe in a manner similar to that employed for the conductor 139.
To remove the flexible conductor 139 a fishing tool is lowered on a wireline down the bore F of the dril-ling string C for connection with the threads 206b of the ~;
plug 206. After connecting with the plug 206 an upward pull is exerted on the wireline to move the plug 206 upwardly for releasing the free ends 224b of the plurality of latch dogs 224 from the recess 220b of the sub 220 and for moving the conductor 139 upwardly. As the conductor 139 is pulled upwardly the lower plug means 104 of the conductor 139 is ~;
disconnected from the upper plug means 102 of the lower connector 116 by radial expansion of the latching sleeve 144. After removing the cable 139 from the bore F of the drilling string C the fishing tool may again be lowered to engage the threads 106b of the plug means 102 for recovering the lower conductor 116 from the bore F of the drilling -string C in a similar manner.
r,~hile the disclosure hereinabove has been directed to transmission of electrical power to the downhole drilling ;
motor M, it will be immediately apparent to those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be employed to transmit any desired electrical energy, including both signals and power. Also, the electrical energy may be .~ ' ' , ,.
,:
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transmitted from downhole to the surface. Electrical power may also be supplied to any electrical device for any desixed downhole use.
The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape and materials as well as ;
in the details of the illustrated construction may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. ~
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Claims (46)
1. A method of earth boring with a rotating drill bit driven by an electric motor power means and mounted with a drilling string of desired length formed by a plurality of connected tubular pipe joints having communicating bores which enables communication of the drill bit with a supply of drilling fluid including the steps of:
assembling the drill bit with the electric motor power means to form a unit to effect earth formation penetrating rotation with the drill bit when the electric motor power means is operated;
mounting the drill bit and electric motor power means unit with the tubular drilling string having a bore extending therethrough;
installing electrical power conductor means having an electrical connector means in the bore of the drilling string to supply electrical power to the drill bit and electric motor power means unit;
installing actuating means in the bore for effecting connec-tion of electrical connector means inside the bore of the drill string;
connecting the actuating means with a source of electrical power for supplying electrical power to the drill bit and electric motor power means unit to rotate the drill bit;
operating the actuating means to electrically contact electrical connector means for the actuating means with electrical connector means for the electrical power conductor means; and supply electrical power to the drill bit and electrical motor power means unit when desired to rotate the drill bit to effect earth formation penetrating rotation of the drill bit-wherein earth boring is effected.
assembling the drill bit with the electric motor power means to form a unit to effect earth formation penetrating rotation with the drill bit when the electric motor power means is operated;
mounting the drill bit and electric motor power means unit with the tubular drilling string having a bore extending therethrough;
installing electrical power conductor means having an electrical connector means in the bore of the drilling string to supply electrical power to the drill bit and electric motor power means unit;
installing actuating means in the bore for effecting connec-tion of electrical connector means inside the bore of the drill string;
connecting the actuating means with a source of electrical power for supplying electrical power to the drill bit and electric motor power means unit to rotate the drill bit;
operating the actuating means to electrically contact electrical connector means for the actuating means with electrical connector means for the electrical power conductor means; and supply electrical power to the drill bit and electrical motor power means unit when desired to rotate the drill bit to effect earth formation penetrating rotation of the drill bit-wherein earth boring is effected.
2. The method as set forth in claim 1, including the step of:
rotating the drilling string while supplying electrical power to rotate the drill bit.
rotating the drilling string while supplying electrical power to rotate the drill bit.
3. The method as set forth in claim 1, including the steps of:
lowering the drilling string while supplying electrical power to rotate the drill bit to move the drill bit to penetrate a formation with the bore hole formed by the earth boring of the rotating drill bit.
lowering the drilling string while supplying electrical power to rotate the drill bit to move the drill bit to penetrate a formation with the bore hole formed by the earth boring of the rotating drill bit.
4. The method as set forth in claim 1, including the step of:
flowing drilling fluid through the bore of the drilling string while supplying electrical power to rotate the drill bit.
flowing drilling fluid through the bore of the drilling string while supplying electrical power to rotate the drill bit.
5. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of connecting the electrical power conductor means with a source of electrical power includes the steps of:
extending a connector conductor element longitudinally through the bore of the drilling string to electrically connect with the electrical power conductor means installed in the bore of the drilling string.
extending a connector conductor element longitudinally through the bore of the drilling string to electrically connect with the electrical power conductor means installed in the bore of the drilling string.
6. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of connecting the electrical power conductor means with a source of electrical power includes the step:
locating an electrical swivel means in the drilling string for electrically connecting the electrical power conductor means with the source of electrical power to transmit the electrical power from the source to the drill bit and electric motor means unit in the bore of the drilling string.
locating an electrical swivel means in the drilling string for electrically connecting the electrical power conductor means with the source of electrical power to transmit the electrical power from the source to the drill bit and electric motor means unit in the bore of the drilling string.
7. The method as set forth in claim 1, including the step of:
adding tubular pipe joints to extend the length of the drilling string; and installing additional electrical power conductors in the bore of the added on pipe joints prior to the step of connecting the electrical power conductor means with the source of electrical power.
adding tubular pipe joints to extend the length of the drilling string; and installing additional electrical power conductors in the bore of the added on pipe joints prior to the step of connecting the electrical power conductor means with the source of electrical power.
8. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein:
the step of operating the actuating means includes supplying pressurized fluid to opposing fluid chambers of the actuating means to electrically contact an electrical connector means for the actuating means with a mating electrical connection means with the electrical power conductor means.
the step of operating the actuating means includes supplying pressurized fluid to opposing fluid chambers of the actuating means to electrically contact an electrical connector means for the actuating means with a mating electrical connection means with the electrical power conductor means.
9. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the step of installing electric power conductor means includes the steps of:
locating an anchor housing at a predetermined location in the drilling string above the drill bit and electric motor unit;
lowering an electrical power conductor line through the bore of the drilling string to electrically connect a lower end of the electrical power conductor line with the drill bit and electric motor power means;
securing an upper end of the electrical power conductor line with the anchor housing to support the electrical power conductor line in the bore of the drilling string.
10. The method as set forth in claim 9, further including the steps of:
locating a second anchor housing at a predetermined location in the drilling string above the first mentioned anchor housing;
locating an anchor housing at a predetermined location in the drilling string above the drill bit and electric motor unit;
lowering an electrical power conductor line through the bore of the drilling string to electrically connect a lower end of the electrical power conductor line with the drill bit and electric motor power means;
securing an upper end of the electrical power conductor line with the anchor housing to support the electrical power conductor line in the bore of the drilling string.
10. The method as set forth in claim 9, further including the steps of:
locating a second anchor housing at a predetermined location in the drilling string above the first mentioned anchor housing;
Claim 10 continued:
lowering a second electrical power conductor line through the bore of the drilling string to electrically connect a lower end of the second electrical power conductor line with the upper end of the first mentioned electrical power conductor secured with the first mentioned anchor housing; and securing an upper end of the second electrical power conductor line with the second anchor housing to support the second electrical power conductor line in the bore of the drilling string.
lowering a second electrical power conductor line through the bore of the drilling string to electrically connect a lower end of the second electrical power conductor line with the upper end of the first mentioned electrical power conductor secured with the first mentioned anchor housing; and securing an upper end of the second electrical power conductor line with the second anchor housing to support the second electrical power conductor line in the bore of the drilling string.
11. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein:
the step of operating the actuating means includes lowering the connector means for the actuating means in the bore of the drilling string to effect electrical connection with the power conductor connector means.
the step of operating the actuating means includes lowering the connector means for the actuating means in the bore of the drilling string to effect electrical connection with the power conductor connector means.
12. The method as set forth in claim 11, wherein:
the step of moving a connector means includes longitudinally moving a connector member to engage another connector member for establishing desired electrical contact therebetween.
13. Apparatus for earth boring with a rotary drilling rig, including:
a drilling string supported by the drilling rig and having a longitudinal bore formed therethrough to enable desired circulation of drilling fluids;
a rotary drilling bit mounted on a lower end of said drilling string for penetrating earth formations when rotated;
motor means mounted on said drilling string and operably connected with said drilling bit to effect desired earth for-mation penetrating rotation-of the drilling bit when electrical power is supplied to said motor means;
the step of moving a connector means includes longitudinally moving a connector member to engage another connector member for establishing desired electrical contact therebetween.
13. Apparatus for earth boring with a rotary drilling rig, including:
a drilling string supported by the drilling rig and having a longitudinal bore formed therethrough to enable desired circulation of drilling fluids;
a rotary drilling bit mounted on a lower end of said drilling string for penetrating earth formations when rotated;
motor means mounted on said drilling string and operably connected with said drilling bit to effect desired earth for-mation penetrating rotation-of the drilling bit when electrical power is supplied to said motor means;
Claim 13 continued:
electrical power conductor means disposed in said bore of said drilling string for communicating electrical power to said motor means;
means for providing controllable electrical power disposed exteriorly of said drilling string;
means associated with said drilling string for electrically disconnecting and connecting said electrical power conductor means with said means for providing controllable electrical power, said means for electrically disconnecting and connecting having a member movable in said bore of said drilling string for effecting electrical disconnection and connection with said electrical power conductor means positioned in said bore; and means for moving said member to effect said electrical disconnection and connection.
electrical power conductor means disposed in said bore of said drilling string for communicating electrical power to said motor means;
means for providing controllable electrical power disposed exteriorly of said drilling string;
means associated with said drilling string for electrically disconnecting and connecting said electrical power conductor means with said means for providing controllable electrical power, said means for electrically disconnecting and connecting having a member movable in said bore of said drilling string for effecting electrical disconnection and connection with said electrical power conductor means positioned in said bore; and means for moving said member to effect said electrical disconnection and connection.
14. The apparatus as set forth in claim 13, wherein:
said member moves longitudinally in said bore to connect with said electrical power conductor means.
15. The apparatus as set forth in claim 13 with said electrical power conductor means including:
an electrical power cable extending through said bore of said drilling string and having a lower end thereof mounting a lower connector plug for releasably electrically connecting said electrical cable with said motor means, said electrical power cable having an upper end mounting an upper connector plug means for electrically connecting said electrical cable with said electrical power conductor means above said electrical power cable; and
said member moves longitudinally in said bore to connect with said electrical power conductor means.
15. The apparatus as set forth in claim 13 with said electrical power conductor means including:
an electrical power cable extending through said bore of said drilling string and having a lower end thereof mounting a lower connector plug for releasably electrically connecting said electrical cable with said motor means, said electrical power cable having an upper end mounting an upper connector plug means for electrically connecting said electrical cable with said electrical power conductor means above said electrical power cable; and
Claim 15 continued:
said upper connector plug means having means for releasably securing said upper connector plug means with said drilling string to support said electrical power cable in said bore of said drilling string, said means for releasably securing is releasably responsive to operation of a well tool movable through said bore of said drilling string to enable removal of said electrical power cable from said bore of said drilling string when desired.
said upper connector plug means having means for releasably securing said upper connector plug means with said drilling string to support said electrical power cable in said bore of said drilling string, said means for releasably securing is releasably responsive to operation of a well tool movable through said bore of said drilling string to enable removal of said electrical power cable from said bore of said drilling string when desired.
16. The apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein:
said means for releasably securing positions said upper connector plug means in said bore of said drilling string for connection with a lower connector plug of said electrical power conductor means located in said bore above said electrical power cable.
said means for releasably securing positions said upper connector plug means in said bore of said drilling string for connection with a lower connector plug of said electrical power conductor means located in said bore above said electrical power cable.
17. The apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein said upper connector plug includes:
a plug body mounting an electrical contact for electrically connecting said electrical cable with said electrical power conductor means above said cable; and said means for releasably securing including a plurality of dogs pivotally connected to said plug body, each of said plurality of dogs pivoting to and from a first locking position for engaging a locking recess formed in the drilling string with said plurality of dogs to secure said plug body with said drill-ing string and to a second released position to enable movement of said plug body through said bore of said drilling string.
18. The apparatus as set forth in claim 13, wherein:
said drilling string having a kelly mounted in said drilling string for cooperating with a rotary table of the drilling rig to rotate said drilling string; and
a plug body mounting an electrical contact for electrically connecting said electrical cable with said electrical power conductor means above said cable; and said means for releasably securing including a plurality of dogs pivotally connected to said plug body, each of said plurality of dogs pivoting to and from a first locking position for engaging a locking recess formed in the drilling string with said plurality of dogs to secure said plug body with said drill-ing string and to a second released position to enable movement of said plug body through said bore of said drilling string.
18. The apparatus as set forth in claim 13, wherein:
said drilling string having a kelly mounted in said drilling string for cooperating with a rotary table of the drilling rig to rotate said drilling string; and
Claim 18 continued:
said means for electrically connecting including electrical swivel means mounted with said drilling string for electrically connecting said electrical power conductor means disposed in the bore of the rotatable drill string with said means for providing controllable electric power to rotate said drilling bit with said motor means while rotating the drilling string.
said means for electrically connecting including electrical swivel means mounted with said drilling string for electrically connecting said electrical power conductor means disposed in the bore of the rotatable drill string with said means for providing controllable electric power to rotate said drilling bit with said motor means while rotating the drilling string.
19. The apparatus as set forth in claim 18 wherein:
said swivel means is mounted in said drilling string above said kelly;
said kelly having a longitudinal passageway forming a portion of said bore of said drilling string; and said means for electrically connecting including:
a connector member disposed in said passageway and electrically connected with said electrical swivel means, said connector member movable to and from a first position electrically disconnected from said electrical power conductor means and a second position electrically connected with said electrical power conductor means.
said swivel means is mounted in said drilling string above said kelly;
said kelly having a longitudinal passageway forming a portion of said bore of said drilling string; and said means for electrically connecting including:
a connector member disposed in said passageway and electrically connected with said electrical swivel means, said connector member movable to and from a first position electrically disconnected from said electrical power conductor means and a second position electrically connected with said electrical power conductor means.
20. The apparatus as set forth in claim 19, wherein said means for moving including:
a housing mounted in said passageway of said kelly and cooperating with said connector member to form an expansible chamber for urging said connector member to move to the first position in response to fluid pressure in said expansible chamber; and means for communicating with said expansible chamber from exteriorly of said drill string to control the fluid pressure in said expansible chamber wherein said connector member is moved to the first position by increased fluid pressure in said expansible chamber.
a housing mounted in said passageway of said kelly and cooperating with said connector member to form an expansible chamber for urging said connector member to move to the first position in response to fluid pressure in said expansible chamber; and means for communicating with said expansible chamber from exteriorly of said drill string to control the fluid pressure in said expansible chamber wherein said connector member is moved to the first position by increased fluid pressure in said expansible chamber.
21. The apparatus as set forth in claim 20, wherein:
said housing and said connector member forming a second expansible chamber for urging said connector member to move to the second position in response to fluid pressure in said second expansible chamber; and means for communicating with said second expansible chamber from exteriorly of said drill string to control the fluid pressure in said second expansible chamber wherein fluid pressure communicated to and from said first and said second expansible chambers controls movement of said connector member.
said housing and said connector member forming a second expansible chamber for urging said connector member to move to the second position in response to fluid pressure in said second expansible chamber; and means for communicating with said second expansible chamber from exteriorly of said drill string to control the fluid pressure in said second expansible chamber wherein fluid pressure communicated to and from said first and said second expansible chambers controls movement of said connector member.
22. The apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein:
said connector member moves longitudinally downwardly in said bore when moving to the second position.
23. Apparatus for earth boring with a rotary drilling rig, including:
a drilling string supported by the drilling rig and having a longitudinal bore formed therethrough to enable desired circulation of drilling fluids;
a rotary drilling bit mounted on a lower end of said drilling string for penetrating earth formations when rotated;
motor means mounted on said drilling string and operably connected with said drilling bit to effect desired earth formation penetrating rotation of the drilling bit when electrical power is supplied to said motor means;
electrical power conductor means disposed in said bore of said drilling string for communicating electrical power to said motor means;
means for providing controllable electrical power disposed exteriorly of said drilling string;
means associated with said drilling string for electrically connecting said electrical power conductor means with said means for providing controllable electrical power, said means Claim 23 continued:
for electrically connecting having a member movable in said bore of said drilling string to electrically connect with said electrical power conductor means positioned in said bore;
said drilling string having a kelly mounted in said drilling string for cooperating with a rotary table of the drilling rig to rotate said drilling string;
said means for electrically connecting including electrical swivel means mounted with said drilling string for electrically connecting said electrical power conductor means disposed in the bore of the rotatable drill string with said means for providing controllable electrical power to rotate said drilling bit with said motor means while rotating the drilling string;
said swivel means is mounted in said drilling string above said kelly;
said kelly having a longitudinal passageway forming a portion of said bore of said drilling string;
said means for electrically connecting including:
a connector member disposed in said passageway and electrically connected with said electrical swivel means, said connector member movable to and from a first position electri-cally disconnected from said electrical power conductor means and a second position electrically connected with said electrical power conductor means;
means for moving said connector member to and from the first and second positions;
a housing mounted in said passageway of said kelly and cooperating with said connector member to form an expansible chamber for urging said connector member to move to the first position in response to fluid pressure in said expansible chamber;
and
said connector member moves longitudinally downwardly in said bore when moving to the second position.
23. Apparatus for earth boring with a rotary drilling rig, including:
a drilling string supported by the drilling rig and having a longitudinal bore formed therethrough to enable desired circulation of drilling fluids;
a rotary drilling bit mounted on a lower end of said drilling string for penetrating earth formations when rotated;
motor means mounted on said drilling string and operably connected with said drilling bit to effect desired earth formation penetrating rotation of the drilling bit when electrical power is supplied to said motor means;
electrical power conductor means disposed in said bore of said drilling string for communicating electrical power to said motor means;
means for providing controllable electrical power disposed exteriorly of said drilling string;
means associated with said drilling string for electrically connecting said electrical power conductor means with said means for providing controllable electrical power, said means Claim 23 continued:
for electrically connecting having a member movable in said bore of said drilling string to electrically connect with said electrical power conductor means positioned in said bore;
said drilling string having a kelly mounted in said drilling string for cooperating with a rotary table of the drilling rig to rotate said drilling string;
said means for electrically connecting including electrical swivel means mounted with said drilling string for electrically connecting said electrical power conductor means disposed in the bore of the rotatable drill string with said means for providing controllable electrical power to rotate said drilling bit with said motor means while rotating the drilling string;
said swivel means is mounted in said drilling string above said kelly;
said kelly having a longitudinal passageway forming a portion of said bore of said drilling string;
said means for electrically connecting including:
a connector member disposed in said passageway and electrically connected with said electrical swivel means, said connector member movable to and from a first position electri-cally disconnected from said electrical power conductor means and a second position electrically connected with said electrical power conductor means;
means for moving said connector member to and from the first and second positions;
a housing mounted in said passageway of said kelly and cooperating with said connector member to form an expansible chamber for urging said connector member to move to the first position in response to fluid pressure in said expansible chamber;
and
Claim 23 continued:
means for communicating with said expansible chamber from exteriorly of said drill string to control the fluid pressure in said expansible chamber wherein said connector member is moved to the first position by increased fluid pressure in said expansible chamber.
means for communicating with said expansible chamber from exteriorly of said drill string to control the fluid pressure in said expansible chamber wherein said connector member is moved to the first position by increased fluid pressure in said expansible chamber.
24. The apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein:
said member moves longitudinally in said bore to connect with said electrical power conductor means.
said member moves longitudinally in said bore to connect with said electrical power conductor means.
25. The apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein:
said housing and said connector member forming a second ex-pansible chamber for urging said connector member to move to the second position in response to fluid pressure in said second expan-sible chamber; and means for communicating with said second expansible chamber from exteriorly of said drill string to control the fluid pressure in said second expansible chamber wherein fluid pressure communi-cated to and from said first and said second expansible chambers controls movement of said connector member.
said housing and said connector member forming a second ex-pansible chamber for urging said connector member to move to the second position in response to fluid pressure in said second expan-sible chamber; and means for communicating with said second expansible chamber from exteriorly of said drill string to control the fluid pressure in said second expansible chamber wherein fluid pressure communi-cated to and from said first and said second expansible chambers controls movement of said connector member.
26. The apparatus as set forth in claim 25, wherein:
said connector member moves longitudinally downwardly in said bore when moving to the second position.
27. The apparatus as set forth in claim 23, with said electrical power conductor means including:
an electrical power cable extending through said bore of said drilling string and having a lower end thereof mounting a lower connector plug for releasably electrically connecting said electrical cable with said motor means, said electrical power cable having an upper end mounting an upper connector plug means for electrically connecting said electrical cable with
said connector member moves longitudinally downwardly in said bore when moving to the second position.
27. The apparatus as set forth in claim 23, with said electrical power conductor means including:
an electrical power cable extending through said bore of said drilling string and having a lower end thereof mounting a lower connector plug for releasably electrically connecting said electrical cable with said motor means, said electrical power cable having an upper end mounting an upper connector plug means for electrically connecting said electrical cable with
Claim 27 continued:
said electrical power conductor means above said electrical cable; and said upper connector plug means having means for releasably securing said upper connector plug means with said drilling string to support said electrical power cable in said bore of said drilling string, said means for releasably securing is releasably responsive to operation of a well tool movable through said bore of said drilling string to enable removal of said electrical power cable from said bore of said drilling string when desired.
said electrical power conductor means above said electrical cable; and said upper connector plug means having means for releasably securing said upper connector plug means with said drilling string to support said electrical power cable in said bore of said drilling string, said means for releasably securing is releasably responsive to operation of a well tool movable through said bore of said drilling string to enable removal of said electrical power cable from said bore of said drilling string when desired.
28. The apparatus as set forth in claim 27, wherein:
said means for releasably securing positions said upper connector plug means in said bore of said drilling string for connection with a lower connector plug of said electrical power conductor means located in said bore above said electrical power cable.
said means for releasably securing positions said upper connector plug means in said bore of said drilling string for connection with a lower connector plug of said electrical power conductor means located in said bore above said electrical power cable.
29. The apparatus as set forth in claim 27, wherein said upper connector plug includes:
a plug body mounting an electrical contact for electrically connecting said electrical cable with said electrical power conductor means above said cable; and said means for releasably securing including a plurality of dogs pivotally connected to said plug body, each of said plurality of dogs pivoting to and from a first locking position for engaging a locking recess formed in the drilling string with said plurality of dogs to secure said plug body with said drilling string and to a second released position to enable movement of said plug body through said bore of said drilling string.
a plug body mounting an electrical contact for electrically connecting said electrical cable with said electrical power conductor means above said cable; and said means for releasably securing including a plurality of dogs pivotally connected to said plug body, each of said plurality of dogs pivoting to and from a first locking position for engaging a locking recess formed in the drilling string with said plurality of dogs to secure said plug body with said drilling string and to a second released position to enable movement of said plug body through said bore of said drilling string.
30. Apparatus for earth boring with a rotary drilling rig, including:
a drilling string supported by the drilling rig and having a longitudinal bore formed therethrough to enable desired cir-culation of drilling fluids;
a rotary drilling bit mounted on a lower end of said drilling string for penetrating earth formations when rotated;
motor means mounted on said drilling string and operably connected with said drilling bit to effect desired earth formation penetrating rotation of the drilling bit when electrical power is supplied to said motor means;
electrical power conductor means disposed in said bore of said drilling string for communicating electrical power to said motor means;
means for providing controllable electrical power disposed exteriorly of said drilling string;
means associated with said drilling string for electrically connecting said electrical power conductor means with said means for providing controllable electrical power, said means for electrically connecting having a connector member movable in said bore of said drilling string to and from a first position electrically disconnected with said electrical power conductor means positioned in said bore and a second position electrically connected with said electrical power conductor means positioned in said bore; and means for moving said connector member to and from the first and second positions.
a drilling string supported by the drilling rig and having a longitudinal bore formed therethrough to enable desired cir-culation of drilling fluids;
a rotary drilling bit mounted on a lower end of said drilling string for penetrating earth formations when rotated;
motor means mounted on said drilling string and operably connected with said drilling bit to effect desired earth formation penetrating rotation of the drilling bit when electrical power is supplied to said motor means;
electrical power conductor means disposed in said bore of said drilling string for communicating electrical power to said motor means;
means for providing controllable electrical power disposed exteriorly of said drilling string;
means associated with said drilling string for electrically connecting said electrical power conductor means with said means for providing controllable electrical power, said means for electrically connecting having a connector member movable in said bore of said drilling string to and from a first position electrically disconnected with said electrical power conductor means positioned in said bore and a second position electrically connected with said electrical power conductor means positioned in said bore; and means for moving said connector member to and from the first and second positions.
31. The apparatus as set forth in claim 30, wherein:
said member moves longitudinally in said bore to connect with said electrical power conductor means.
said member moves longitudinally in said bore to connect with said electrical power conductor means.
32. The apparatus as set forth in claim 30, with said electrical power conductor means including:
an electrical power cable extending through said bore of said drilling string and having a lower end thereof mounting a lower connector plug for releasably electrically connecting said electrical cable with said motor means, said electrical power cable having an upper end mounting an upper connector plug means for electrically connecting said electrical cable with said electrical power conductor means above said electrical power cable;and said upper connector plug means having means for releasably securing said upper connector plug means with said drilling string to support said electrical power cable in said bore of said drilling string, said means for releasably securing is releasably responsive to operation of a well tool movable through said bore of said drilling string to enable removal of said electrical power cable from said bore of said drilling string when desired.
an electrical power cable extending through said bore of said drilling string and having a lower end thereof mounting a lower connector plug for releasably electrically connecting said electrical cable with said motor means, said electrical power cable having an upper end mounting an upper connector plug means for electrically connecting said electrical cable with said electrical power conductor means above said electrical power cable;and said upper connector plug means having means for releasably securing said upper connector plug means with said drilling string to support said electrical power cable in said bore of said drilling string, said means for releasably securing is releasably responsive to operation of a well tool movable through said bore of said drilling string to enable removal of said electrical power cable from said bore of said drilling string when desired.
33. The apparatus as set forth in claim 32, werein:
said means for releasably securing positions said upper connector plug means in said bore of said drilling string for connection with a lower connector plug of said electrical power conductor means located in said bore above said electrical power cable.
34. The apparatus as set forth in claim 32, wherein said upper connector plug includes:
a plug body mounting an electrical contact for electrically connecting said electrical cable with said electrical power conductor means above said cable; and
said means for releasably securing positions said upper connector plug means in said bore of said drilling string for connection with a lower connector plug of said electrical power conductor means located in said bore above said electrical power cable.
34. The apparatus as set forth in claim 32, wherein said upper connector plug includes:
a plug body mounting an electrical contact for electrically connecting said electrical cable with said electrical power conductor means above said cable; and
Claim 34 continued:
said means for releasably securing including a plurality of dogs pivotally connected to said plug body, each of said plurality of dogs pivoting to and from a first locking position for engaging a locking recess formed in the drilling string with said plurality of dogs to secure said plug body with said drilling string and to a second released position to enable movement of said plug body through said bore of said drilling string.
said means for releasably securing including a plurality of dogs pivotally connected to said plug body, each of said plurality of dogs pivoting to and from a first locking position for engaging a locking recess formed in the drilling string with said plurality of dogs to secure said plug body with said drilling string and to a second released position to enable movement of said plug body through said bore of said drilling string.
35. The apparatus as set forth in claim 30, wherein:
said drilling string having a kelly mounted in said drilling string for cooperating with a rotary table of the drilling rig to rotate said drilling string; and said means for electrically connecting including electrical swivel means mounted with said drilling string for electrically connecting said electrical power conductor means disposed in the bore of the rotatable drill string with said means for providing controllable electric power to rotate said drilling bit with said motor means while rotating the drilling string.
said drilling string having a kelly mounted in said drilling string for cooperating with a rotary table of the drilling rig to rotate said drilling string; and said means for electrically connecting including electrical swivel means mounted with said drilling string for electrically connecting said electrical power conductor means disposed in the bore of the rotatable drill string with said means for providing controllable electric power to rotate said drilling bit with said motor means while rotating the drilling string.
36. The apparatus as set forth in claim 35, wherein:
said swivel means is mounted in said drilling string above said kelly;
said kelly having a longitudinal passageway forming a portion of said bore of said drilling string; and said connector member is disposed in said passageway and electrically connected with said electrical swivel means.
37. The apparatus as set forth in claim 36, wherein said means for moving including:
said swivel means is mounted in said drilling string above said kelly;
said kelly having a longitudinal passageway forming a portion of said bore of said drilling string; and said connector member is disposed in said passageway and electrically connected with said electrical swivel means.
37. The apparatus as set forth in claim 36, wherein said means for moving including:
Claim 37 continued:
a housing mounted in said passageway of said kelly and cooperating with said connector member to form an expansible chamber for urging said connector member to move to the first position in response to fluid pressure in said expansible chamber; and means for communicating with said expansible chamber from exteriorly of said drill string to control the fluid pressure in said expansible chamber wherein said connector member is moved to the first position by increased fluid pressure in said expansible chamber.
a housing mounted in said passageway of said kelly and cooperating with said connector member to form an expansible chamber for urging said connector member to move to the first position in response to fluid pressure in said expansible chamber; and means for communicating with said expansible chamber from exteriorly of said drill string to control the fluid pressure in said expansible chamber wherein said connector member is moved to the first position by increased fluid pressure in said expansible chamber.
38. The apparatus as set forth in claim 37, wherein:
said housing and said connector member forming a second expansible chamber for urging said connector member to move to the second position in response to fluid pressure in said second expansible chamber; and means for communicating with said second expansible chamber from exteriorly of said drill string to control the fluid pressure in said second expansible chamber wherein fluid pressure communicated to and from said first and said second expansible chambers controls movement of said connector member.
said housing and said connector member forming a second expansible chamber for urging said connector member to move to the second position in response to fluid pressure in said second expansible chamber; and means for communicating with said second expansible chamber from exteriorly of said drill string to control the fluid pressure in said second expansible chamber wherein fluid pressure communicated to and from said first and said second expansible chambers controls movement of said connector member.
39. The apparatus as set forth in claim 38, wherein:
said connector member moves longitudinally downwardly in said bore when moving to the second position.
40. Apparatus for earth boring with a rotary drilling rig, including:
a drilling string supported by the drilling rig and having a longitudinal bore formed therethrough to enable desired circulation of drilling fluids;
Claim 40 continued:
a rotary drilling bit mounted on a lower end of said drilling string for penetrating earth formations when rotated;
motor means mounted on said drilling string and operably connected with said drilling bit to effect desired earth formation penetrating rotation of the drilling bit when electrical power is supplied to said motor means;
electrical power conductor means disposed in said bore of said drilling string for communicating electrical power to said motor means;
means for providing controllable electrical power disposed exteriorly of said drilling string;
means associated with said drilling string for electrically connecting said electrical power conductor means with said means for providing controllable electrical power, said means for electrically connecting having a connector member movable in said bore of said drilling string to electrically connect with said electrical power conductor means positioned in said bore;
said electrical power conductor means including an electri-cal power cable extending through said bore of said drilling string and having a lower end thereof mounting a lower connector plug for releasable electrically connecting said electrical cable with said motor means, said electrical power cable having an upper end mounting an upper connector plug means for electri-cally connecting said electrical cable with said electrical power conductor means above said electrical power cable;
said upper connector plug means having means for releasably securing said upper connector plug means with said drilling string to support said electrical power cable in said bore of said drill-ing string,said means for releasably securing is releasably
said connector member moves longitudinally downwardly in said bore when moving to the second position.
40. Apparatus for earth boring with a rotary drilling rig, including:
a drilling string supported by the drilling rig and having a longitudinal bore formed therethrough to enable desired circulation of drilling fluids;
Claim 40 continued:
a rotary drilling bit mounted on a lower end of said drilling string for penetrating earth formations when rotated;
motor means mounted on said drilling string and operably connected with said drilling bit to effect desired earth formation penetrating rotation of the drilling bit when electrical power is supplied to said motor means;
electrical power conductor means disposed in said bore of said drilling string for communicating electrical power to said motor means;
means for providing controllable electrical power disposed exteriorly of said drilling string;
means associated with said drilling string for electrically connecting said electrical power conductor means with said means for providing controllable electrical power, said means for electrically connecting having a connector member movable in said bore of said drilling string to electrically connect with said electrical power conductor means positioned in said bore;
said electrical power conductor means including an electri-cal power cable extending through said bore of said drilling string and having a lower end thereof mounting a lower connector plug for releasable electrically connecting said electrical cable with said motor means, said electrical power cable having an upper end mounting an upper connector plug means for electri-cally connecting said electrical cable with said electrical power conductor means above said electrical power cable;
said upper connector plug means having means for releasably securing said upper connector plug means with said drilling string to support said electrical power cable in said bore of said drill-ing string,said means for releasably securing is releasably
Claim 40 continued:
responsive to operation of a well tool movable through said bore of said drilling string to enable removal of said electrical power cable from said bore of said drilling string when desired;
said upper connector plug means having a plug body mounting an electrical contact for electrically connecting said electrical cable with said electrical power conductor means above said cable; and said means for releasably securing including a plurality of dogs pivotally connected to said plug body, each of said plurality of dogs pivoting to and from a first locking position for engaging a locking recess formed in the drilling string with said plurality of dogs to secure said plug body with said drilling string and to a second released position to enable move-ment of said plug body through said bore of said drilling string.
responsive to operation of a well tool movable through said bore of said drilling string to enable removal of said electrical power cable from said bore of said drilling string when desired;
said upper connector plug means having a plug body mounting an electrical contact for electrically connecting said electrical cable with said electrical power conductor means above said cable; and said means for releasably securing including a plurality of dogs pivotally connected to said plug body, each of said plurality of dogs pivoting to and from a first locking position for engaging a locking recess formed in the drilling string with said plurality of dogs to secure said plug body with said drilling string and to a second released position to enable move-ment of said plug body through said bore of said drilling string.
41. The apparatus as set forth in claim 40, wherein:
said member moves longitudinally in said bore to connect with said electrical power conductor means.
said member moves longitudinally in said bore to connect with said electrical power conductor means.
42. The apparatus as set forth in claim 40, wherein:
said drilling string having a kelly mounted in said drilling string for cooperating with a rotary table of the drilling rig to rotate said drilling string; and said means for electrically connecting including electrical swivel means mounted with said drilling string for electrically connecting said electrical power conductor means disposed in the bore of the rotatable drill string with said means for providing controllable electric power to rotate said drilling bit with said motor means while rotating the drilling string.
said drilling string having a kelly mounted in said drilling string for cooperating with a rotary table of the drilling rig to rotate said drilling string; and said means for electrically connecting including electrical swivel means mounted with said drilling string for electrically connecting said electrical power conductor means disposed in the bore of the rotatable drill string with said means for providing controllable electric power to rotate said drilling bit with said motor means while rotating the drilling string.
43. The apparatus as set forth in claim 42, wherein:
said swivel means is mounted in said drilling string above said kelly; and said kelly having a longitudinal passageway forming a portion of said bore of said drilling string;
said means for electrically connecting including:
said connector member disposed in said passageway and electrically connected with said electrical swivel means, said connector member movable to and from a first position electrically disconnected from said electrical power conductor means and a second position electrically connected with said electrical power conductor means; and means for moving said connector member to and from the first and second positions.
said swivel means is mounted in said drilling string above said kelly; and said kelly having a longitudinal passageway forming a portion of said bore of said drilling string;
said means for electrically connecting including:
said connector member disposed in said passageway and electrically connected with said electrical swivel means, said connector member movable to and from a first position electrically disconnected from said electrical power conductor means and a second position electrically connected with said electrical power conductor means; and means for moving said connector member to and from the first and second positions.
44. The apparatus as set forth in claim 43 wherein said means for moving including:
a housing mounted in said passageway of said kelly and cooperating with said connector member to form an expansible chamber for urging said connector member to move to the first position in response to fluid pressure in said expansible chamber;
and means for communicating with said expansible chamber from exteriorly of said drill string to control the fluid pressure in said expansible chamber wherein said connector member is moved to the first position by increased fluid pressure in said expansible chamber.
45. The apparatus as set forth in claim 44, wherein:
said housing and said connector member forming a second expansible chamber for urging said connector member to move to the second position in response to fluid pressure in said second expansible chamber; and
a housing mounted in said passageway of said kelly and cooperating with said connector member to form an expansible chamber for urging said connector member to move to the first position in response to fluid pressure in said expansible chamber;
and means for communicating with said expansible chamber from exteriorly of said drill string to control the fluid pressure in said expansible chamber wherein said connector member is moved to the first position by increased fluid pressure in said expansible chamber.
45. The apparatus as set forth in claim 44, wherein:
said housing and said connector member forming a second expansible chamber for urging said connector member to move to the second position in response to fluid pressure in said second expansible chamber; and
Claim 45 continued:
means for communicating with said second expansible chamber from exteriorly of said drill string to control the fluid pressure in said second expansible chamber wherein fluid pressure communicated to and from said first and said second expansible chambers controls movement of said connector member.
means for communicating with said second expansible chamber from exteriorly of said drill string to control the fluid pressure in said second expansible chamber wherein fluid pressure communicated to and from said first and said second expansible chambers controls movement of said connector member.
46. The apparatus as set forth in claim 45, wherein:
said connector member moves longitudinally downwardly in said bore when moving to the second position.
said connector member moves longitudinally downwardly in said bore when moving to the second position.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA235,048A CA1047024A (en) | 1975-09-09 | 1975-09-09 | Method and apparatus for earth boring |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA235,048A CA1047024A (en) | 1975-09-09 | 1975-09-09 | Method and apparatus for earth boring |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1047024A true CA1047024A (en) | 1979-01-23 |
Family
ID=4103999
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA235,048A Expired CA1047024A (en) | 1975-09-09 | 1975-09-09 | Method and apparatus for earth boring |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1047024A (en) |
-
1975
- 1975-09-09 CA CA235,048A patent/CA1047024A/en not_active Expired
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