CA2059005A1 - Swivel for use in conjunction with a downhole drilling motor steering tool - Google Patents
Swivel for use in conjunction with a downhole drilling motor steering toolInfo
- Publication number
- CA2059005A1 CA2059005A1 CA 2059005 CA2059005A CA2059005A1 CA 2059005 A1 CA2059005 A1 CA 2059005A1 CA 2059005 CA2059005 CA 2059005 CA 2059005 A CA2059005 A CA 2059005A CA 2059005 A1 CA2059005 A1 CA 2059005A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tubular housing
- axial
- tubular
- guide means
- rotation
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 24
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 210000002105 tongue Anatomy 0.000 abstract description 15
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002674 ointment Substances 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A swivel for use in conjunction with directional drilling consisting of a first tubular housing and a second tubular housing positioned in end to end relation with the first tubular housing. The first tubular housing and second tubular housing are maintained in axial alignment while permitting relative rotation. An axial bore has a first portion extending through the first tubular housing and a second portion extending through the second tubular housing. The first portion has two axial grooves and the second portion has an inwardly projecting tongue. A tubular screw having exterior threads is rotatably mounted within the axial bore. A member is disposed within the axial bore. The member has a first end, a second end, and thread engaging means for engaging the exterior threads of the tubular screw. The member has two radial tongues adjacent the first end which mate with the axial grooves in the first portion of the axial bore such that the member moves axially along the first tubular housing in response to rotation of the tubular screw. The member has a spiral-form groove which extends between the first end and the second end and which mates with the inwardly projecting tongue in the second portion of the axial bore. In response to axial movement of the member the radial tongue travels along the spiral path provided by the spiral groove thereby incrementally rotating the second tubular housing relative to the first tubular housing.
A swivel for use in conjunction with directional drilling consisting of a first tubular housing and a second tubular housing positioned in end to end relation with the first tubular housing. The first tubular housing and second tubular housing are maintained in axial alignment while permitting relative rotation. An axial bore has a first portion extending through the first tubular housing and a second portion extending through the second tubular housing. The first portion has two axial grooves and the second portion has an inwardly projecting tongue. A tubular screw having exterior threads is rotatably mounted within the axial bore. A member is disposed within the axial bore. The member has a first end, a second end, and thread engaging means for engaging the exterior threads of the tubular screw. The member has two radial tongues adjacent the first end which mate with the axial grooves in the first portion of the axial bore such that the member moves axially along the first tubular housing in response to rotation of the tubular screw. The member has a spiral-form groove which extends between the first end and the second end and which mates with the inwardly projecting tongue in the second portion of the axial bore. In response to axial movement of the member the radial tongue travels along the spiral path provided by the spiral groove thereby incrementally rotating the second tubular housing relative to the first tubular housing.
Description
20~900a The present invention relates to a ~wivel for u~e in conjunc~ion with directional drilling.
BA~K~ROUND OF ~H~ INVENTION
Downhole drilling motors are ~eing used with increaging frequency in earth boring applications, and more specifically when drilling oil or gas wells. The type of downhole motors used are generally fluid driven with a rotor which moves in an eccentric fashion. The downhole motor is connected to a concentrically rotating bearing assembly by a universal joint coupling. The concentrically rotating bearing assembly is, in turn, connected to the drill bit. The universal joint coupling extends through a housing which is generally referred to as a 'bent" housing for it has an angular offset or "bend" which causes the borehole being drilled to deviate at an angle. The art of deviating the borehole an angle toward an oil or gas bearing formation and then horizontally across the formation to increase the area of the borehole traversing the potential oil or gas producing zone is known as "directional drilling".
Much time can be lost in "tripping" the drill stxing out of the hole and correcting the angle and direction of the borehole if an error is made. For this reason it is becoming increasingly common to use a "steering tool" when directional drilling in order to closely monitor the angle and direction of the borehole. A steering tool is an instrument pa~kage which monitors the direction the drill bit is travelling. The "steering" of the downhole motor is accomplished by alternatively rotating and suspending the drill string. When the drill string is rotated the borehole will generally be straight, notwithstanding the "bent" housing. If the drill string is suspended without rotation, the drilling is performed solely by the downhole motor and the borehole will deviate at the angle of and the direction of orientation of the bend in the "bent`' housing. The positioning of the downhole motor is closely monitored, when a change in direction is required it is effected by turning the drill string. The problem is that .
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while the data received on the positioning of the downhole motor is accurate the equip~lent available to turn the drill string is not.
The components which p~rmit the drilling string to be turned or rotated are the swivel used in conjunction with the kelly and the kelly drive bushing. A "swivel" is a coupling device which allows the independent turning of the parts attached to it. The swivel is conn~3cted to a travelling block suspended by drilling line from the mast of the drilling rig.
The swivel has two portions one of which turns with the kelly and the other of which remains stationary. When this equipment positioned on surface is used to turn the top o~ the drill string, it is impossible to accurately predict the extent to which the downhole motor assembly at the bottom of the drill will turn due to the length of drill string through which -the movement is translated. The situation is analogous to attempting from a distance to turn in accurate increments a remote end of a strand of spaghetti. The problem is exacerbated the deeper the hole is drilled.
There is also a relatively new technology available that replaces a conventional drill string with "endless" tubing~
The endless tubing is provided on truck mounted spools. It is not possible to rotate the endless tubing using conventional means, as in order to rotate the tubing on~ would have to rotate the truck.
SUMMARY OF ~E INVENTION
What is required is required is a s~ivel for use in conjunction with directional drilling.
According to the present invention there is provided a swivel for use in directional drilling which is comprised of a first tubular housing and a second tubular housing positioned in end to end relation with the first tubular housing. Means is provided for maintaining the first tubular housing and - " 2 0 ~
second tubular housing in axial alignment while permitting relative rotation. An axial bore has a first porkion extending through the first tubular housing and a second portion extending through the second tubular housing. The first portion has axial guide means and the second portion has first rotation guide means. A tubular scxew having exterior threads is disposed within the a~ial bore. The tubular screw has a first end rotatably mounted within the first portion and a second end rotatably mounted within the second portion. The tubular screw has an axial electri~ wire feed passa~e whereby an electrical connection is made to a steering tool. Drive means is provided for rotating the tubular screw. A member is disposed within the axial bore. The member has a Eirst end, a second end, and thread engaging means for engaging the exterior threads of the tubular screw. The member has axial guide means adjacent the first end which mate with the axial guide means in the first portion of the axial bore such that the member moves axially along the ~irst portion of the axial bore in response to rotation of the tubular screw. The member has second rotation guide means adjacent the second end which mate with the first rotation guide means in the second portion of the axial bore, one of the first rotation guide means and the second rotation guide means defining a generally spiral-form path such that upon axial movement of the memher in responsa to rotation of the tubular screw one of the rotation guide means travels along the spiral path provided by the other of the rotation guide means thereby incrementally rotating the second tubular housing relative to the first tubular housing.
Means is provided for the passage of drilling fluids through the axial bore. Means is provided for connection of the first tubular housing and second tubular housing to the drill string.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIO~;I OF TH13 DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent Erom the following description in which reEerence is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
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20590~
FI~URE la and lb are a longitudinal section view of a swivel constructed in accordance with the teaahing~ of the present invention.
FI~URE 2 is a transverse section view taken along section lines 2-2 of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 is a transverse section view taken along section lines 3-3 of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 4 is a detailed view of a portion of the swivel illustrated in FIGURE 1.
F~URE 5 is a detailed view of a portion of a fir~t alternate embodiment o~ the swivel.
DETAILED_DESCRXPTIO~ OF ~HE PREFERRED EMBODIMEN~
The preferred embodiment, a swivel for use in conjunction with a downhole drilling motor steering tool generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 4. In the description which follows any reference to drill string will be understood to also encompass the relatively new technology involving the u~e of endless tubing.
Referring to FIGVRES la and lb, swîvel 10 consists of a first tubular housing 12 and a second tubular housing 14 positioned in end to end relation with first tubular housing 12. For ease of assemkly, first tubular housing is made in two sections 12a and 12h, and second tubular housing is made in two sections 14a and 14b. The means used for maintaining ~irst tubular housing 12 and second tubular housing 14 in axial alignment while permitting relative rotation is a telescopically mating threaded connection 16 between first tubular housing 12 and second tubular housing 14. An axial bore 18 extends through the housings with a first portion 18a extending through first tubular housing 12 and a second portion 18b extending through second tubular housing 14. First portion 18a has axial guide means in the form of two axially extending grooves 20a and 20b. Second portion 18b has first rotation .
BA~K~ROUND OF ~H~ INVENTION
Downhole drilling motors are ~eing used with increaging frequency in earth boring applications, and more specifically when drilling oil or gas wells. The type of downhole motors used are generally fluid driven with a rotor which moves in an eccentric fashion. The downhole motor is connected to a concentrically rotating bearing assembly by a universal joint coupling. The concentrically rotating bearing assembly is, in turn, connected to the drill bit. The universal joint coupling extends through a housing which is generally referred to as a 'bent" housing for it has an angular offset or "bend" which causes the borehole being drilled to deviate at an angle. The art of deviating the borehole an angle toward an oil or gas bearing formation and then horizontally across the formation to increase the area of the borehole traversing the potential oil or gas producing zone is known as "directional drilling".
Much time can be lost in "tripping" the drill stxing out of the hole and correcting the angle and direction of the borehole if an error is made. For this reason it is becoming increasingly common to use a "steering tool" when directional drilling in order to closely monitor the angle and direction of the borehole. A steering tool is an instrument pa~kage which monitors the direction the drill bit is travelling. The "steering" of the downhole motor is accomplished by alternatively rotating and suspending the drill string. When the drill string is rotated the borehole will generally be straight, notwithstanding the "bent" housing. If the drill string is suspended without rotation, the drilling is performed solely by the downhole motor and the borehole will deviate at the angle of and the direction of orientation of the bend in the "bent`' housing. The positioning of the downhole motor is closely monitored, when a change in direction is required it is effected by turning the drill string. The problem is that .
" 2~590~
while the data received on the positioning of the downhole motor is accurate the equip~lent available to turn the drill string is not.
The components which p~rmit the drilling string to be turned or rotated are the swivel used in conjunction with the kelly and the kelly drive bushing. A "swivel" is a coupling device which allows the independent turning of the parts attached to it. The swivel is conn~3cted to a travelling block suspended by drilling line from the mast of the drilling rig.
The swivel has two portions one of which turns with the kelly and the other of which remains stationary. When this equipment positioned on surface is used to turn the top o~ the drill string, it is impossible to accurately predict the extent to which the downhole motor assembly at the bottom of the drill will turn due to the length of drill string through which -the movement is translated. The situation is analogous to attempting from a distance to turn in accurate increments a remote end of a strand of spaghetti. The problem is exacerbated the deeper the hole is drilled.
There is also a relatively new technology available that replaces a conventional drill string with "endless" tubing~
The endless tubing is provided on truck mounted spools. It is not possible to rotate the endless tubing using conventional means, as in order to rotate the tubing on~ would have to rotate the truck.
SUMMARY OF ~E INVENTION
What is required is required is a s~ivel for use in conjunction with directional drilling.
According to the present invention there is provided a swivel for use in directional drilling which is comprised of a first tubular housing and a second tubular housing positioned in end to end relation with the first tubular housing. Means is provided for maintaining the first tubular housing and - " 2 0 ~
second tubular housing in axial alignment while permitting relative rotation. An axial bore has a first porkion extending through the first tubular housing and a second portion extending through the second tubular housing. The first portion has axial guide means and the second portion has first rotation guide means. A tubular scxew having exterior threads is disposed within the a~ial bore. The tubular screw has a first end rotatably mounted within the first portion and a second end rotatably mounted within the second portion. The tubular screw has an axial electri~ wire feed passa~e whereby an electrical connection is made to a steering tool. Drive means is provided for rotating the tubular screw. A member is disposed within the axial bore. The member has a Eirst end, a second end, and thread engaging means for engaging the exterior threads of the tubular screw. The member has axial guide means adjacent the first end which mate with the axial guide means in the first portion of the axial bore such that the member moves axially along the ~irst portion of the axial bore in response to rotation of the tubular screw. The member has second rotation guide means adjacent the second end which mate with the first rotation guide means in the second portion of the axial bore, one of the first rotation guide means and the second rotation guide means defining a generally spiral-form path such that upon axial movement of the memher in responsa to rotation of the tubular screw one of the rotation guide means travels along the spiral path provided by the other of the rotation guide means thereby incrementally rotating the second tubular housing relative to the first tubular housing.
Means is provided for the passage of drilling fluids through the axial bore. Means is provided for connection of the first tubular housing and second tubular housing to the drill string.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIO~;I OF TH13 DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent Erom the following description in which reEerence is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
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20590~
FI~URE la and lb are a longitudinal section view of a swivel constructed in accordance with the teaahing~ of the present invention.
FI~URE 2 is a transverse section view taken along section lines 2-2 of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 is a transverse section view taken along section lines 3-3 of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 4 is a detailed view of a portion of the swivel illustrated in FIGURE 1.
F~URE 5 is a detailed view of a portion of a fir~t alternate embodiment o~ the swivel.
DETAILED_DESCRXPTIO~ OF ~HE PREFERRED EMBODIMEN~
The preferred embodiment, a swivel for use in conjunction with a downhole drilling motor steering tool generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 4. In the description which follows any reference to drill string will be understood to also encompass the relatively new technology involving the u~e of endless tubing.
Referring to FIGVRES la and lb, swîvel 10 consists of a first tubular housing 12 and a second tubular housing 14 positioned in end to end relation with first tubular housing 12. For ease of assemkly, first tubular housing is made in two sections 12a and 12h, and second tubular housing is made in two sections 14a and 14b. The means used for maintaining ~irst tubular housing 12 and second tubular housing 14 in axial alignment while permitting relative rotation is a telescopically mating threaded connection 16 between first tubular housing 12 and second tubular housing 14. An axial bore 18 extends through the housings with a first portion 18a extending through first tubular housing 12 and a second portion 18b extending through second tubular housing 14. First portion 18a has axial guide means in the form of two axially extending grooves 20a and 20b. Second portion 18b has first rotation .
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guide means in the form o~ a inwardly projectlng tongue 22.
A tuhular ~crew 2~ having exterior thread~ 26 is disposed within axial bore 18. Tubular screw 24 has a ~irst end 28 rotatably mounted within ~irst portion 18a and a second end 30 rotatably mounted within second portion 18b. The means for rotatably mounting tubular screw 24 are screw retainers 32 positioned at first end 28 and second end 30. A section view of scxew retainer~ 32 is ill~strated in FIGURE 2. Tubular screw 24 has an axial electric w.ire feed passage 34. An electric wire 36 is extended through feed pas~age 34 to make a electrical connection to a steering tool tnot shown). An electric ~tepper motor 3~ is used as drive means ~or rotating tubular screw ~4. The key component o~ swivel 10 is a member 40 which is disposed within axial bore 18 and moves axially in axial bore 18 in response to the rotation of tubular screw 24.
Member 40 is further illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 4. In the preferred embodiment member 40 is tubular and has a first end 42 and a second end 44. At each of ends 42 and 44 there is positioned thread engaging means in the form of a threaded sleeve 46. A section view of first end 42 of member 40 including threaded sleeve 46 is illustrated in FIGURE 3.
Threaded sleeve 46 engages exterior threads 26 of tubular screw 24. Referring to FIGUR~ 3, member 40 has axial guide means in the form of two radially extending tongues 48a and 48b positioned adjacent first end 42. Radial tongues 48a and 48b matingly engage axial grooves 20a and 20b, respectively in first portion 18a of axial boxe 18. This engagement prevents relative rotation of member 40 and first tubular member 12 and ensures that member 40 moves axially along first portion 18a of axial bore 18 in response to rotation of tubular screw 24.
Member 40 has second rotation guide means is the ~orm of a spiral-form groove 50 which extends between first end 42 and second end 44. Spiral-form groove 50 matingly engages inwardly pro~ecting tongue 22 in second portion 18b of axial hore 18.
Upon axial movement of member 40 in response to rotation of tubular ~crew 24, radial tongue 22 travels along the spiral path provided by spiral-form groove 50 thereby incrementally ' ' ' ~' ' ~' : ' 2 ~ 0 ~
rotating second tuhular hou~ing 14 relative to first tubular housing 12. In order to cooperatively ~unction as part of a drill string drilling ~luid must be able to pass through swivel 10 to turn the clownhole mo-tor and lubricate a drill bit lnot shown). The means provided are fluid ~low passages 52 through all components positioned in axial bore 18. Drilling fluids pass through axial bore 18, and through fluid flow passages 52 in screw retainers 32 and member 4t). Fluid flow passages 52 are illustrated in the transverse section views of ~IGURES 2 and 3. In order to cooperatively function as part o~ a drill string, swivel 10 must be capable of connection within the drill string. A threaded connection 54 is used as the means for connection of first tubular housing 12 to the drill string. A
threaded connection (not shown) is used as a means ~or connection of ~econd tubular housing 14 to the drill string.
In addition, a threaded connection 56 is provided to permit electric wire 36 which extends through eed passage 34 to be connected to a steering tool (not ~hown). "O" ring type seal~
58 are positioned at threaded connection 16 to prevent the leakage of drilling fluids.
~ he use and operation o~ swivel 10 will now be described with reference to FIGURE 1 through ~. A steering tool (not shown) is connected at threaded connection 56. Data on the positioning of the downhole motor (not shown) is transmitted by the steering tool through electric wire 36 to computers monitoring the drilling progress positioned on surface. When an adjustment is required to "steer" the downhole motor~ swivel 10 is used to incrementally rotate the downhole motor. During this incremental rotation first tubular housing 12 remains stationary and second tubular housing 14 rotates relative to first tubular housing 12. This relative rotation is possible due to threaded connection 16 which has sufficient depth to permit rotation :in either direction without first tubular housing 12 and second tubular housing 14 separating or xotational movement at threaded connection 16 being limited by tightening agains-t shoulders. The rotation is effected by .~ .
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activating electric stepper motor 38 to rotate tubular screw 24. Upon rotation of tubular screw 24, member 40 is compelled to move axially in axial bore 18, as threaded sleeve 46 at firot end 42 o~ member 40 i6 en~aged with axterior threads 26 of tubular screw 24 and the engagement between radial tongues 48a and 48b and axial grooves 20a an,d 20b prevents the rotation of member 40 while guiding axial movement. The relationship between member 40 and second tubular housing 1~ i~ critical to the operation o~ the invention. Upon axial movement of member 40 second tubular housing 14 must be caused to rotate in relation to first tubular member 12. Referring to FI~URE 4~
this rotation is effected by having radial tongue 22 in second portion 18b of axial bore 18 travel along the spiral path provided by spiral-form groove 50 which extends between first end 42 and second end 44 of member 40. As tongue 22 travels along ~piral-~orm groove 50 a rotational foxce is exerted which causes an incremental rotation of second tubular housing 14 relative to irst tubular housing 12.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the amount of "torque" the tool is capable of generating is dependent upon the length of the tool. Lengthening the tool increases the torque. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that variations can be made to the illustrated embodiment without depar~ing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. In particular, there can be variations in the construction o~ member 40. One of these variations is illustrated in FIGUR~ 5. Instead of member 40 being tubular with thread engaging means in the form of a threaded sleeve 46 positionéd at each ends 42 and 44, threaded sleeve 46 is lengthened and becomes the equivalent of member 40. There can also be variations in the configuration of the "guide means". Wherever a tongue and groove type of engagement is used it is possible to reverse the mating components.
FIGURE S also illustrates a workable alternate embodiment in which the rotational guide means on member 40 ig in the form of a radially projec-ting tongue 60 which mates with a spiral-2 0 ~
form groove in second portion 18b of axial bore 18. It ispossible, of course, to use a guide means other than a tongue and groove engagement. It is also possible to couple first tubular housing 12 and second tubular housing 14 by means other than threaded connection 16.
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guide means in the form o~ a inwardly projectlng tongue 22.
A tuhular ~crew 2~ having exterior thread~ 26 is disposed within axial bore 18. Tubular screw 24 has a ~irst end 28 rotatably mounted within ~irst portion 18a and a second end 30 rotatably mounted within second portion 18b. The means for rotatably mounting tubular screw 24 are screw retainers 32 positioned at first end 28 and second end 30. A section view of scxew retainer~ 32 is ill~strated in FIGURE 2. Tubular screw 24 has an axial electric w.ire feed passage 34. An electric wire 36 is extended through feed pas~age 34 to make a electrical connection to a steering tool tnot shown). An electric ~tepper motor 3~ is used as drive means ~or rotating tubular screw ~4. The key component o~ swivel 10 is a member 40 which is disposed within axial bore 18 and moves axially in axial bore 18 in response to the rotation of tubular screw 24.
Member 40 is further illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 4. In the preferred embodiment member 40 is tubular and has a first end 42 and a second end 44. At each of ends 42 and 44 there is positioned thread engaging means in the form of a threaded sleeve 46. A section view of first end 42 of member 40 including threaded sleeve 46 is illustrated in FIGURE 3.
Threaded sleeve 46 engages exterior threads 26 of tubular screw 24. Referring to FIGUR~ 3, member 40 has axial guide means in the form of two radially extending tongues 48a and 48b positioned adjacent first end 42. Radial tongues 48a and 48b matingly engage axial grooves 20a and 20b, respectively in first portion 18a of axial boxe 18. This engagement prevents relative rotation of member 40 and first tubular member 12 and ensures that member 40 moves axially along first portion 18a of axial bore 18 in response to rotation of tubular screw 24.
Member 40 has second rotation guide means is the ~orm of a spiral-form groove 50 which extends between first end 42 and second end 44. Spiral-form groove 50 matingly engages inwardly pro~ecting tongue 22 in second portion 18b of axial hore 18.
Upon axial movement of member 40 in response to rotation of tubular ~crew 24, radial tongue 22 travels along the spiral path provided by spiral-form groove 50 thereby incrementally ' ' ' ~' ' ~' : ' 2 ~ 0 ~
rotating second tuhular hou~ing 14 relative to first tubular housing 12. In order to cooperatively ~unction as part of a drill string drilling ~luid must be able to pass through swivel 10 to turn the clownhole mo-tor and lubricate a drill bit lnot shown). The means provided are fluid ~low passages 52 through all components positioned in axial bore 18. Drilling fluids pass through axial bore 18, and through fluid flow passages 52 in screw retainers 32 and member 4t). Fluid flow passages 52 are illustrated in the transverse section views of ~IGURES 2 and 3. In order to cooperatively function as part o~ a drill string, swivel 10 must be capable of connection within the drill string. A threaded connection 54 is used as the means for connection of first tubular housing 12 to the drill string. A
threaded connection (not shown) is used as a means ~or connection of ~econd tubular housing 14 to the drill string.
In addition, a threaded connection 56 is provided to permit electric wire 36 which extends through eed passage 34 to be connected to a steering tool (not ~hown). "O" ring type seal~
58 are positioned at threaded connection 16 to prevent the leakage of drilling fluids.
~ he use and operation o~ swivel 10 will now be described with reference to FIGURE 1 through ~. A steering tool (not shown) is connected at threaded connection 56. Data on the positioning of the downhole motor (not shown) is transmitted by the steering tool through electric wire 36 to computers monitoring the drilling progress positioned on surface. When an adjustment is required to "steer" the downhole motor~ swivel 10 is used to incrementally rotate the downhole motor. During this incremental rotation first tubular housing 12 remains stationary and second tubular housing 14 rotates relative to first tubular housing 12. This relative rotation is possible due to threaded connection 16 which has sufficient depth to permit rotation :in either direction without first tubular housing 12 and second tubular housing 14 separating or xotational movement at threaded connection 16 being limited by tightening agains-t shoulders. The rotation is effected by .~ .
:
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activating electric stepper motor 38 to rotate tubular screw 24. Upon rotation of tubular screw 24, member 40 is compelled to move axially in axial bore 18, as threaded sleeve 46 at firot end 42 o~ member 40 i6 en~aged with axterior threads 26 of tubular screw 24 and the engagement between radial tongues 48a and 48b and axial grooves 20a an,d 20b prevents the rotation of member 40 while guiding axial movement. The relationship between member 40 and second tubular housing 1~ i~ critical to the operation o~ the invention. Upon axial movement of member 40 second tubular housing 14 must be caused to rotate in relation to first tubular member 12. Referring to FI~URE 4~
this rotation is effected by having radial tongue 22 in second portion 18b of axial bore 18 travel along the spiral path provided by spiral-form groove 50 which extends between first end 42 and second end 44 of member 40. As tongue 22 travels along ~piral-~orm groove 50 a rotational foxce is exerted which causes an incremental rotation of second tubular housing 14 relative to irst tubular housing 12.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the amount of "torque" the tool is capable of generating is dependent upon the length of the tool. Lengthening the tool increases the torque. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that variations can be made to the illustrated embodiment without depar~ing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. In particular, there can be variations in the construction o~ member 40. One of these variations is illustrated in FIGUR~ 5. Instead of member 40 being tubular with thread engaging means in the form of a threaded sleeve 46 positionéd at each ends 42 and 44, threaded sleeve 46 is lengthened and becomes the equivalent of member 40. There can also be variations in the configuration of the "guide means". Wherever a tongue and groove type of engagement is used it is possible to reverse the mating components.
FIGURE S also illustrates a workable alternate embodiment in which the rotational guide means on member 40 ig in the form of a radially projec-ting tongue 60 which mates with a spiral-2 0 ~
form groove in second portion 18b of axial bore 18. It ispossible, of course, to use a guide means other than a tongue and groove engagement. It is also possible to couple first tubular housing 12 and second tubular housing 14 by means other than threaded connection 16.
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Claims (4)
1. A swivel for use in conjunction with a downhole drilling motor steering tool, comprising:
a. a first tubular housing;
b. a second tubular housing positioned in end to end relation with the first tubular housing;
c. means for maintaining the first tubular housing and second tubular housing in axial alignment while permitting relative rotation;
d. an axial bore having a first portion extending through the first tubular housing and a second portion extending through the second tubular housing, the first portion having axial guide means; the second portion having first rotation guide means;
e. a tubular screw having exterior threads disposed within the axial bore and having a first end rotatably mounted within the first portion and a second end rotatably mounted within the second portion, the tubular screw having an axial electric wire feed passage whereby an electrical connection is made to a steering tool;
f. drive means for rotating the tubular screw;
g. a member disposed within the axial bore, the member having a first end, a second end, and thread engaging means for engaging the exterior threads of the tubular screw, the member having axial guide means adjacent the first end which mate with the axial guide means in the first portion of the axial bore such that the member moves axially along the first portion of the axial bore in response to rotation of the tubular screw, the member having second rotation guide means which mate with the first rotation guide means in the second portion of the axial bore, one of the first rotation guide means and the second rotation guide means defining a generally spiral-form path such that upon axial movement of the member in response to rotation of the tubular screw one of the rotation guide means travels along the spiral path provided by the other of the rotation guide means thereby incrementally rotating the second tubular housing relative to the first tubular housing;
h. means for the passage of drilling fluids through the axial bore; and i. means for connection of the first tubular housing and second tubular housing to the drill string.
a. a first tubular housing;
b. a second tubular housing positioned in end to end relation with the first tubular housing;
c. means for maintaining the first tubular housing and second tubular housing in axial alignment while permitting relative rotation;
d. an axial bore having a first portion extending through the first tubular housing and a second portion extending through the second tubular housing, the first portion having axial guide means; the second portion having first rotation guide means;
e. a tubular screw having exterior threads disposed within the axial bore and having a first end rotatably mounted within the first portion and a second end rotatably mounted within the second portion, the tubular screw having an axial electric wire feed passage whereby an electrical connection is made to a steering tool;
f. drive means for rotating the tubular screw;
g. a member disposed within the axial bore, the member having a first end, a second end, and thread engaging means for engaging the exterior threads of the tubular screw, the member having axial guide means adjacent the first end which mate with the axial guide means in the first portion of the axial bore such that the member moves axially along the first portion of the axial bore in response to rotation of the tubular screw, the member having second rotation guide means which mate with the first rotation guide means in the second portion of the axial bore, one of the first rotation guide means and the second rotation guide means defining a generally spiral-form path such that upon axial movement of the member in response to rotation of the tubular screw one of the rotation guide means travels along the spiral path provided by the other of the rotation guide means thereby incrementally rotating the second tubular housing relative to the first tubular housing;
h. means for the passage of drilling fluids through the axial bore; and i. means for connection of the first tubular housing and second tubular housing to the drill string.
2. The swivel for use in conjunction with a downhole drilling motor steering tool as defined in Claim 1, the axial guide means on the member being at least one radially projecting tongue and the axial guide means in the first portion of the axial bore being at least one axial groove, the radially projecting tongue matingly engaging the grooves thereby preventing relative rotation of the member and the first portion of the axial bore and the axial grooves defining a path along which the member must move in response to rotation of the tubular screw.
3. The swivel for use in conjunction with a downhole drilling motor steering tool as defined in Claim 1, the rotational guide means on the member being a spiral-form groove, and the rotational guide means in the second portion of the axial bore being a radially projecting tongue, the radially projecting tongue matingly engaging the spiral-form groove such that upon axial movement of the member in response to rotation of the tubular screw the radially projecting tongue travels along the spiral path provided by the spiral-form groove thereby incrementally rotating the second tubular housing relative to the first tubular housing.
4. The swivel for use in conjunction with a downhole drilling motor steering tool as defined in Claim 1, the means for maintaining the first tubular housing and second tubular housing in axial alignment while permitting relative rotation being a telescopically mating threaded connection between the first tubular housing and the second tubular housing.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2059005 CA2059005A1 (en) | 1992-01-08 | 1992-01-08 | Swivel for use in conjunction with a downhole drilling motor steering tool |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2059005 CA2059005A1 (en) | 1992-01-08 | 1992-01-08 | Swivel for use in conjunction with a downhole drilling motor steering tool |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2059005A1 true CA2059005A1 (en) | 1993-07-09 |
Family
ID=4149052
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2059005 Abandoned CA2059005A1 (en) | 1992-01-08 | 1992-01-08 | Swivel for use in conjunction with a downhole drilling motor steering tool |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2059005A1 (en) |
-
1992
- 1992-01-08 CA CA 2059005 patent/CA2059005A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |