CA2237309C - Method and apparatus for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2237309C CA2237309C CA 2237309 CA2237309A CA2237309C CA 2237309 C CA2237309 C CA 2237309C CA 2237309 CA2237309 CA 2237309 CA 2237309 A CA2237309 A CA 2237309A CA 2237309 C CA2237309 C CA 2237309C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tubular mandrel
- housing
- flow passage
- fluid flow
- drill string
- 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.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B15/00—Supports for the drilling machine, e.g. derricks or masts
Abstract
A method and apparatus for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling. The apparatus includes a housing and a tubular mandrel. The housing has a flow passage extending therethrough. The tubular mandrel is rotatably mounted to the housing coaxially with an outlet of the fluid flow passage. Fluids exiting through the outlet of the fluid flow passage pass through the tubular mandrel. A ratchet mechanism is used for controlling rotation of the tubular mandrel so that the tubular mandrel rotates freely in a clockwise direction and does not rotate in a counterclockwise direction. In accordance with the method, the apparatus is suspended from a service rig with a drill string coupled to the tubular mandrel. When positioned, as described, the apparatus resists reactive torque acting upon the drill string.
Description
TITLE OF THE lNV~NllON:
method and apparatus for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling NAME(S) OF lNV~NlOR(S):
Miles Gregory McGillivray Garry Brown Hugh Michael Honan William Laird FIELD OF THE lNV~NllON
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling.
BACKGROUND OF THE lNV~NllON
The oil and gas industry is increasingly using downhole drilling motors positioned at a remote end of a drill string.
For some applications, however, the reactive torque experienced has been so extreme that, in the absence of some method or apparatus to control reactive torque, drilling motors cannot be used.
An example of an application for which downhole drilling motors cannot currently be used is in reactivating "shut in"
wells with a drilling service rig. When shutting in wells, a
method and apparatus for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling NAME(S) OF lNV~NlOR(S):
Miles Gregory McGillivray Garry Brown Hugh Michael Honan William Laird FIELD OF THE lNV~NllON
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling.
BACKGROUND OF THE lNV~NllON
The oil and gas industry is increasingly using downhole drilling motors positioned at a remote end of a drill string.
For some applications, however, the reactive torque experienced has been so extreme that, in the absence of some method or apparatus to control reactive torque, drilling motors cannot be used.
An example of an application for which downhole drilling motors cannot currently be used is in reactivating "shut in"
wells with a drilling service rig. When shutting in wells, a
2 5 metal plug with expandable rubber components is set in the wellbore. In order to return the shut in well to production, the drilling motor must drill through this metal and rubber plug. When the drill bit being rotated by the downhole motor encounters the metal and rubber plug, the drill bit stops rotating. However, the rotational force being exerted by the downhole motor continues and is transmitted up the drill string as left hand reactive torque.
SUMMARY OF THE lNV~-.llON
What is required is a method and an apparatus for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling which includes a housing and a tubular mandrel. The housing has a flow passage extending therethrough. The tubular mandrel is rotatably mounted to the housing coaxially with an outlet of the fluid flow passage.
Fluids exiting through the outlet of the fluid flow passage pass through the tubular mandrel. Means are provided for controlling rotation of the tubular mandrel so that the tubular mandrel rotates freely in one of a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction and does not rotate in the other direction.
In the preferred embodiment of the apparatus, means are provided for suspending the housing from a draw works of a service rig. It is this above ground positioning suspended from the draw works of the service rig, which is the preferred position. Means are provided for connecting the tubular mandrel to a drill string. The means for controlling rotation of the tubular mandrel includes a ring of sloped ratchet teeth fixed to an exterior surface of the tubular mandrel. Means are provided for engaging the ratchet teeth on the tubular mandrel.
The tubular mandrel rotates freely in one of a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction, but the ratchet teeth are engaged to preclude rotation in the other direction.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the apparatus, as described above, there is a tendency for reactive torque to act to some degree upon the housing of the apparatus. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when a control arm is mounted to the housing. The control arm can be attached to an anchor line to resist rotation of the housing.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling. A first step is to provide an apparatus, substantially as described above, that includes means for controlling rotation of the tubular mandrel relative to the housing so that the tubular mandrel rotates freely in one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction and does not rotate in the other direction. A second step involves suspending the housing of the apparatus from a service rig with a drill string coupled to the tubular mandrel and the inlet of a flow passage on the housing coupled to a source of drilling fluids such that drilling fluids entering the drill string pass through the fluid flow passage. When the teachings of this method are followed reactive torque acting on the drill string is resisted by the rotation controlling means.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the apparatus, as described above, there is a tendency for reactive torque to act to some degree upon the housing of the apparatus. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when a control arm extending from the housing is anchored to an anchor line thereby resisting rotation of the housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view, in section, of an apparatus for controlling reactive torque constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a bottom plan view, in section, of an apparatus for controlling reactive torque constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 3 is a cut away side elevation view, of the apparatus for controlling reactive torque illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2 in use with a drill string in accordance with the preferred method.
FIGURE 4 is a foreshortened side elevation view, of the apparatus for controlling reactive torque and drill string illustrated in FIGURE 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred embodiment, an apparatus for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 4.
Referring to FIGURE 1, apparatus 10 includes a housing 12 having a fluid flow passage 14 extending therethrough. For ease of assembly, housing 12 consists of an upper section 12a and a lower section 12b secured together by bolts 16. Fluid flow passage 14 has an inlet 18 and an outlet 20. A tubing elevator pickup 21 is positioned on upper section 12a.
Referring to FIGURE 3, pickup 21 is used as means for tubing elevators 23 to suspend housing 12 from a draw works 22 of a service rig 24. Referring to FIGURE 1, a tubular mandrel 26 is rotatably mounted to housing 12 coaxially with outlet 20 of fluid flow passage 14. In the illustrated embodiment, tubular mandrel 26 is telescopically received within housing 12 and is positioned in fluid flow passage 14. All fluids exiting through outlet 20 of fluid flow passage 14 pass through tubular mandrel 26. External threads 28 are positioned at a remote end 30 of tubular mandrel 26. Referring to FIGURE 3, external threads 28 serve as means for connecting tubular mandrel 26 to a drill string 32. Referring to FIGURE 1, tubular mandrel 26 has a circumferential exterior flange 34. Referring to FIGURE
2, flange 34 supports a ring of sloped ratchet teeth 36.
Referring to FIGURE 1, in order to support rotation of tubular mandrel 26, there is disposed between tubular mandrel 26 and housing 12, a bushing 38 and bearings 40. A plurality of O
rings seals 42 are positioned between tubular mandrel 26 and housing 12, in order to prevent leakage of fluids. Referring to FIGURE 2, in order to control rotation of tubular mandrel 26 a plurality of pins 44 are provided. Pins 44 are mounted in passages 46 that extend through housing 12 and communicate CA 02237309 l998-l0-28 with ring of ratchet teeth 36. Pins 44 have an engaged positioned in which they engage ratchet teeth 36 and a retracted position spaced from ratchet teeth 36. Each of pins 44 iS biased by a spring 48 into the engaged position. When pins 44 are in the engaged position, tubular mandrel 26 rotates freely in a clockwise direction and engages the ratchet teeth to preclude rotation in a clockwise direction, as will hereinafter be further described. Each of pins 44 has a grasping handle 50 which is used to move pins 44 to the retracted position by overcoming the biasing force of springs 48. When pins 44 are in the retracted position, tubular mandrel 26 can be rotated in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction. Referring to FIGURE 1, a grease nipple 52 extends into housing 12 to enable lubricant to be 15 provided to bearings 40 and ring of ratchet teeth 36. A
telescopically extendible control arm 54 iS provided that has a first end 56 and a second end 58. First end 56 iS pivotally mounted to housing 12 at horizontal pivotal connection 60.
Second end 58 carries an attachment ring 62 that serves as 20 means to secure control arm 54 to an object as will hereinafter be further described to control rotation of housing 12. A
change cup is 64 iS provided. Change cup 64 iS used when making connections to pivot and adjust the angle of apparatus 10 .
The use and operation of apparatus 10 will now be described with reference to the preferred method for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling and with reference to FIGURES 1 through 4. Referring to 30 FIGURES 1 and 2, a first step involves providing apparatus 10, substantially as described above. Referring to FIGURE 3, a second step involves suspending housing 12 of apparatus 10 from draw works 22 of service rig 24. Drill string 32 iS then coupled to tubular mandrel 26 by means of external threads 28.
35 Referring to FIGURE 4, inlet 18 of flow passage 14 on housing 12 iS coupled to a hose 66 coming from a source of drilling fluids (not shown) necessary for drilling. All drilling fluids CA 02237309 l998-l0-28 entering drill string 32 pass through fluid flow passage 14.
An anchor line 68 iS extended through attachment ring 62 at second end 58 of control arm 54. Referring to FIGURE 4, normal rotation of a drill bit 61 iS illustrated by arrows 63.
Reactive torque going up drill string 32 iS indicated by line 65. Referring to FIGURE 2, during set up of apparatus 10, pins 44 are moved to a retracted position by exerting a force upon handles 50 to overcome the biasing force of springs 48. This enables tubular mandrel 26 to be turned in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction. When drilling begins, pins 44 are returned to their engaged position. As tubular mandrel 26 turns in a counterclockwise direction, indicated by arrow 70, pins 44 ride along a sloped surface 72 of ratchet teeth 36 retracting to let ratchet teeth 36 pass. As one of the ratchet teeth 36 passes, pin 44 snaps into engagement with the next of the ratchet teeth 36. When a force is exerted by reactive torque that tends to move tubular mandrel 26 in a counterclockwise direction, pins 44 engages shoulders 74 created by an overlapping of ratchet teeth 36. The force of shoulders 74 engaging pins 44 resists counterclockwise rotational movement. Reactive torque similarly, has a tendency to rotate housing 12. Referring to FIGURE 3, control arm 54 engages anchor line 68 to resist rotation of housing 12.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
SUMMARY OF THE lNV~-.llON
What is required is a method and an apparatus for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling which includes a housing and a tubular mandrel. The housing has a flow passage extending therethrough. The tubular mandrel is rotatably mounted to the housing coaxially with an outlet of the fluid flow passage.
Fluids exiting through the outlet of the fluid flow passage pass through the tubular mandrel. Means are provided for controlling rotation of the tubular mandrel so that the tubular mandrel rotates freely in one of a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction and does not rotate in the other direction.
In the preferred embodiment of the apparatus, means are provided for suspending the housing from a draw works of a service rig. It is this above ground positioning suspended from the draw works of the service rig, which is the preferred position. Means are provided for connecting the tubular mandrel to a drill string. The means for controlling rotation of the tubular mandrel includes a ring of sloped ratchet teeth fixed to an exterior surface of the tubular mandrel. Means are provided for engaging the ratchet teeth on the tubular mandrel.
The tubular mandrel rotates freely in one of a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction, but the ratchet teeth are engaged to preclude rotation in the other direction.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the apparatus, as described above, there is a tendency for reactive torque to act to some degree upon the housing of the apparatus. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when a control arm is mounted to the housing. The control arm can be attached to an anchor line to resist rotation of the housing.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling. A first step is to provide an apparatus, substantially as described above, that includes means for controlling rotation of the tubular mandrel relative to the housing so that the tubular mandrel rotates freely in one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction and does not rotate in the other direction. A second step involves suspending the housing of the apparatus from a service rig with a drill string coupled to the tubular mandrel and the inlet of a flow passage on the housing coupled to a source of drilling fluids such that drilling fluids entering the drill string pass through the fluid flow passage. When the teachings of this method are followed reactive torque acting on the drill string is resisted by the rotation controlling means.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the apparatus, as described above, there is a tendency for reactive torque to act to some degree upon the housing of the apparatus. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when a control arm extending from the housing is anchored to an anchor line thereby resisting rotation of the housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view, in section, of an apparatus for controlling reactive torque constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a bottom plan view, in section, of an apparatus for controlling reactive torque constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 3 is a cut away side elevation view, of the apparatus for controlling reactive torque illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2 in use with a drill string in accordance with the preferred method.
FIGURE 4 is a foreshortened side elevation view, of the apparatus for controlling reactive torque and drill string illustrated in FIGURE 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred embodiment, an apparatus for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 4.
Referring to FIGURE 1, apparatus 10 includes a housing 12 having a fluid flow passage 14 extending therethrough. For ease of assembly, housing 12 consists of an upper section 12a and a lower section 12b secured together by bolts 16. Fluid flow passage 14 has an inlet 18 and an outlet 20. A tubing elevator pickup 21 is positioned on upper section 12a.
Referring to FIGURE 3, pickup 21 is used as means for tubing elevators 23 to suspend housing 12 from a draw works 22 of a service rig 24. Referring to FIGURE 1, a tubular mandrel 26 is rotatably mounted to housing 12 coaxially with outlet 20 of fluid flow passage 14. In the illustrated embodiment, tubular mandrel 26 is telescopically received within housing 12 and is positioned in fluid flow passage 14. All fluids exiting through outlet 20 of fluid flow passage 14 pass through tubular mandrel 26. External threads 28 are positioned at a remote end 30 of tubular mandrel 26. Referring to FIGURE 3, external threads 28 serve as means for connecting tubular mandrel 26 to a drill string 32. Referring to FIGURE 1, tubular mandrel 26 has a circumferential exterior flange 34. Referring to FIGURE
2, flange 34 supports a ring of sloped ratchet teeth 36.
Referring to FIGURE 1, in order to support rotation of tubular mandrel 26, there is disposed between tubular mandrel 26 and housing 12, a bushing 38 and bearings 40. A plurality of O
rings seals 42 are positioned between tubular mandrel 26 and housing 12, in order to prevent leakage of fluids. Referring to FIGURE 2, in order to control rotation of tubular mandrel 26 a plurality of pins 44 are provided. Pins 44 are mounted in passages 46 that extend through housing 12 and communicate CA 02237309 l998-l0-28 with ring of ratchet teeth 36. Pins 44 have an engaged positioned in which they engage ratchet teeth 36 and a retracted position spaced from ratchet teeth 36. Each of pins 44 iS biased by a spring 48 into the engaged position. When pins 44 are in the engaged position, tubular mandrel 26 rotates freely in a clockwise direction and engages the ratchet teeth to preclude rotation in a clockwise direction, as will hereinafter be further described. Each of pins 44 has a grasping handle 50 which is used to move pins 44 to the retracted position by overcoming the biasing force of springs 48. When pins 44 are in the retracted position, tubular mandrel 26 can be rotated in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction. Referring to FIGURE 1, a grease nipple 52 extends into housing 12 to enable lubricant to be 15 provided to bearings 40 and ring of ratchet teeth 36. A
telescopically extendible control arm 54 iS provided that has a first end 56 and a second end 58. First end 56 iS pivotally mounted to housing 12 at horizontal pivotal connection 60.
Second end 58 carries an attachment ring 62 that serves as 20 means to secure control arm 54 to an object as will hereinafter be further described to control rotation of housing 12. A
change cup is 64 iS provided. Change cup 64 iS used when making connections to pivot and adjust the angle of apparatus 10 .
The use and operation of apparatus 10 will now be described with reference to the preferred method for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling and with reference to FIGURES 1 through 4. Referring to 30 FIGURES 1 and 2, a first step involves providing apparatus 10, substantially as described above. Referring to FIGURE 3, a second step involves suspending housing 12 of apparatus 10 from draw works 22 of service rig 24. Drill string 32 iS then coupled to tubular mandrel 26 by means of external threads 28.
35 Referring to FIGURE 4, inlet 18 of flow passage 14 on housing 12 iS coupled to a hose 66 coming from a source of drilling fluids (not shown) necessary for drilling. All drilling fluids CA 02237309 l998-l0-28 entering drill string 32 pass through fluid flow passage 14.
An anchor line 68 iS extended through attachment ring 62 at second end 58 of control arm 54. Referring to FIGURE 4, normal rotation of a drill bit 61 iS illustrated by arrows 63.
Reactive torque going up drill string 32 iS indicated by line 65. Referring to FIGURE 2, during set up of apparatus 10, pins 44 are moved to a retracted position by exerting a force upon handles 50 to overcome the biasing force of springs 48. This enables tubular mandrel 26 to be turned in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction. When drilling begins, pins 44 are returned to their engaged position. As tubular mandrel 26 turns in a counterclockwise direction, indicated by arrow 70, pins 44 ride along a sloped surface 72 of ratchet teeth 36 retracting to let ratchet teeth 36 pass. As one of the ratchet teeth 36 passes, pin 44 snaps into engagement with the next of the ratchet teeth 36. When a force is exerted by reactive torque that tends to move tubular mandrel 26 in a counterclockwise direction, pins 44 engages shoulders 74 created by an overlapping of ratchet teeth 36. The force of shoulders 74 engaging pins 44 resists counterclockwise rotational movement. Reactive torque similarly, has a tendency to rotate housing 12. Referring to FIGURE 3, control arm 54 engages anchor line 68 to resist rotation of housing 12.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
Claims (8)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An apparatus for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling, comprising:
a housing having a fluid flow passage extending therethrough, the fluid flow passage having an inlet and an outlet;
means for suspending the housing from a draw works of a service rig;
a tubular mandrel rotatably mounted to the housing coaxially with the outlet of the fluid flow passage, such that fluids exiting through the outlet of the fluid flow passage pass through the tubular mandrel;
means for connecting the tubular mandrel to a drill string;
a ring of sloped ratchet teeth fixed to an exterior surface of the tubular mandrel; and means for engaging the ratchet teeth on the tubular mandrel such that the tubular mandrel rotates freely in one of a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction and engages the ratchet teeth to preclude rotation in another of the clockwise and the counterclockwise direction.
a housing having a fluid flow passage extending therethrough, the fluid flow passage having an inlet and an outlet;
means for suspending the housing from a draw works of a service rig;
a tubular mandrel rotatably mounted to the housing coaxially with the outlet of the fluid flow passage, such that fluids exiting through the outlet of the fluid flow passage pass through the tubular mandrel;
means for connecting the tubular mandrel to a drill string;
a ring of sloped ratchet teeth fixed to an exterior surface of the tubular mandrel; and means for engaging the ratchet teeth on the tubular mandrel such that the tubular mandrel rotates freely in one of a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction and engages the ratchet teeth to preclude rotation in another of the clockwise and the counterclockwise direction.
2. The apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein the means for engaging the ratchet teeth on the tubular mandrel are spring biased pins.
3. The apparatus as defined in Claim 2, wherein means is provided for selectively disengaging the spring biased pins from the ratchet teeth thereby permitting rotation of the tubular mandrel in both clockwise directions.
4. The apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein a control arm is mounted to the housing.
5. An apparatus for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling, comprising:
a housing having a flow passage extending therethrough;
a tubular mandrel rotatably mounted to the housing coaxially with an outlet of the fluid flow passage, such that fluids exiting through the outlet of the fluid flow passage pass through the tubular mandrel; and means for controlling rotation of the tubular mandrel so that the tubular mandrel rotates freely in a clockwise direction and does not rotate in a counterclockwise direction.
a housing having a flow passage extending therethrough;
a tubular mandrel rotatably mounted to the housing coaxially with an outlet of the fluid flow passage, such that fluids exiting through the outlet of the fluid flow passage pass through the tubular mandrel; and means for controlling rotation of the tubular mandrel so that the tubular mandrel rotates freely in a clockwise direction and does not rotate in a counterclockwise direction.
6. An apparatus for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling, comprising:
a housing having a fluid flow passage extending therethrough, the fluid flow passage having an inlet and an outlet;
means for suspending the housing from a draw works of a service rig;
a tubular mandrel rotatably mounted to the housing coaxially with the outlet of the fluid flow passage, such that fluids exiting through the outlet of the fluid flow passage pass through the tubular mandrel;
means for connecting the tubular mandrel to a drill string;
a ring of sloped ratchet teeth fixed to an exterior surface of the tubular mandrel;
pins mounted in passages in the housing, the passages communicating with the ring of ratchet teeth, the pins having an engaged positioned engaging the ratchet teeth and a retracted position spaced from the ratchet teeth, each of the pins being biased by a spring into the engaged position such that the tubular mandrel rotates freely in a clockwise direction and engages the ratchet teeth to preclude rotation in a counterclockwise direction, the pins being movable to the retracted position by overcoming the biasing force of the springs thereby permitting rotation of the tubular mandrel in both the clockwise and the counterclockwise directions; and a control arm mounted to the housing, means being provided to secure the control arm to an object thereby precluding rotation of the housing.
a housing having a fluid flow passage extending therethrough, the fluid flow passage having an inlet and an outlet;
means for suspending the housing from a draw works of a service rig;
a tubular mandrel rotatably mounted to the housing coaxially with the outlet of the fluid flow passage, such that fluids exiting through the outlet of the fluid flow passage pass through the tubular mandrel;
means for connecting the tubular mandrel to a drill string;
a ring of sloped ratchet teeth fixed to an exterior surface of the tubular mandrel;
pins mounted in passages in the housing, the passages communicating with the ring of ratchet teeth, the pins having an engaged positioned engaging the ratchet teeth and a retracted position spaced from the ratchet teeth, each of the pins being biased by a spring into the engaged position such that the tubular mandrel rotates freely in a clockwise direction and engages the ratchet teeth to preclude rotation in a counterclockwise direction, the pins being movable to the retracted position by overcoming the biasing force of the springs thereby permitting rotation of the tubular mandrel in both the clockwise and the counterclockwise directions; and a control arm mounted to the housing, means being provided to secure the control arm to an object thereby precluding rotation of the housing.
7. A method for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling, comprising the steps of:
firstly, providing an apparatus, comprising:
a housing having a flow passage extending therethrough, the flow passage having an inlet and an outlet;
a tubular mandrel rotatably mounted to the housing coaxially with the outlet of the fluid flow passage, such that fluids exiting through the outlet of the fluid flow passage pass through the tubular mandrel; and rotation controlling means for controlling rotation of the tubular mandrel so that the tubular mandrel rotates freely in one of a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction and does not rotate in another of the clockwise and the counterclockwise direction;
secondly, suspending the housing of the apparatus from a service rig with a drill string coupled to the tubular mandrel and the inlet of the flow passage on the housing coupled to a source of drilling fluids such that drilling fluids entering the drill string pass through the fluid flow passage, and reactive torque acting on the drill string is resisted by the rotational controlling means.
firstly, providing an apparatus, comprising:
a housing having a flow passage extending therethrough, the flow passage having an inlet and an outlet;
a tubular mandrel rotatably mounted to the housing coaxially with the outlet of the fluid flow passage, such that fluids exiting through the outlet of the fluid flow passage pass through the tubular mandrel; and rotation controlling means for controlling rotation of the tubular mandrel so that the tubular mandrel rotates freely in one of a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction and does not rotate in another of the clockwise and the counterclockwise direction;
secondly, suspending the housing of the apparatus from a service rig with a drill string coupled to the tubular mandrel and the inlet of the flow passage on the housing coupled to a source of drilling fluids such that drilling fluids entering the drill string pass through the fluid flow passage, and reactive torque acting on the drill string is resisted by the rotational controlling means.
8. The method as defined in Claim 7, having a control arm extending from the housing to an anchor line thereby resisting rotation of the housing.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2237309 CA2237309C (en) | 1998-05-08 | 1998-05-08 | Method and apparatus for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2237309 CA2237309C (en) | 1998-05-08 | 1998-05-08 | Method and apparatus for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2237309A1 CA2237309A1 (en) | 1998-08-23 |
| CA2237309C true CA2237309C (en) | 1999-06-22 |
Family
ID=4162421
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2237309 Expired - Fee Related CA2237309C (en) | 1998-05-08 | 1998-05-08 | Method and apparatus for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2237309C (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA2287696C (en) | 1999-10-28 | 2005-11-22 | Leonardo Ritorto | Locking swivel device |
| CA2864888C (en) | 2012-03-01 | 2017-08-15 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | A continuous rotary drilling system and method of use |
-
1998
- 1998-05-08 CA CA 2237309 patent/CA2237309C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2237309A1 (en) | 1998-08-23 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US6378630B1 (en) | Locking swivel device | |
| US4991668A (en) | Controlled directional drilling system and method | |
| US7128161B2 (en) | Apparatus and methods for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive | |
| US5458208A (en) | Directional drilling using a rotating slide sub | |
| US3951208A (en) | Technique for cementing well bore casing | |
| US20120145408A1 (en) | Apparatus and method for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive | |
| US20090044982A1 (en) | Top drives with shaft multi-seal | |
| CA2376823A1 (en) | Apparatus and method for directional drilling with coiled tubing | |
| CA2490128C (en) | Rotating drilling head drive | |
| EP0855492B1 (en) | Downhole tool apparatus | |
| US8491013B2 (en) | Cementing swivel and retainer arm assembly and method | |
| US4417600A (en) | Safety valve | |
| CA2974493C (en) | Load-bearing universal joint with self-energizing seals for a rotary steerable drilling tool | |
| CA2237309C (en) | Method and apparatus for controlling reactive torque on a drill string while drilling | |
| US6845826B1 (en) | Saver sub for a steering tool | |
| EP3695092B1 (en) | Pressure equalization for well pressure control device | |
| WO1998059149A1 (en) | A method and a device for use in coiled tubing operations | |
| US5735357A (en) | Apparatus for and method of directional drilling | |
| CA2240140C (en) | Wye block having a rotary guide incorporated therein | |
| WO2019074699A1 (en) | Installation and retrieval of well pressure control device releasable assembly | |
| US6857484B1 (en) | Steering tool power generating system and method | |
| WO2009137516A1 (en) | Tubular running devices and methods | |
| US7311157B1 (en) | Tool for controlling rotation of a bottom hole assembly with respect to a drillstring | |
| US3847372A (en) | Drilling fluid saver and safety valve | |
| CN105863530B (en) | A kind of coiled-tubing idler wheel formula pusher |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |