MXPA97008905A - Adjustable stabilizer for drilling direction - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved assembly for directing a rotating drill string in a borehole, characterized in that it comprises a stabilizer rod for joining in a drill string, a stabilizer body rotatably carried by the stabilizer rod, wherein the The stabilizer remains substantially stationary relative to the bore as the drill string rotates, at least one stabilizer blade carried by the stabilizer body, the stabilizer blade is radially extendable from the stabilizer body and up to its engagement with the side wall of the borehole a deformable member coupled to each stabilizing blade to move the stabilizing blade relative to the stabilizer body, the deformable member being constructed to deform in response to a selected axial load, to allow the stabilizing blade to be crushed to a minimum radial extent and a non-hydraulic motor associated with the stabilizer blade assembly and carried by the stabilizer body for selective extension of the stabilized blade

Description

ADJUSTABLE STABILIZER FOR DIRECTIONAL DRILLING TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates in general terms to apparatus for use in directional drilling holes. More specifically, the present invention relates to stabilizer assemblies carried by a drill rope to alter the direction of vertical drilling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The first efforts to drill directly to obtain petroleum hydrocarbons used mechanical derailleurs that were used to deflect a rotary drill string from a vertical hole in a previously vertical wellbore. The main disadvantage to the use of derailleurs is that the directional control of the drill bit and drill string is lost once the drilling line is started or diverted by the derailleur. Additionally, deviator operations are time consuming and therefore expensive. Another method of directional drilling makes use of a curved or foldable rod in connection with a downhole motor or turbine. The curved stem has a curve formed therein to position the drill bit at a few degrees from the vertical edge of the rest of the drill string. A downhole hole is coupled between the curved rod and the drill bit, or is incorporated into the curved rod by itself. The drill string and downhole drill motor can be rotated to make the drill undo the formation and drill straight through at the same angle and azimuth of the existing hole. When it is convenient to alter the direction of the perforation, the rotation of the drill string is stopped and the bit is rotated by means of the drilling motor. This mode of operation is known as the "slip" mode because the drill string is slid, rather than rotated, with respect to the side wall of the hole. In the deviated portion of the borehole, the drilling rope experiences sufficient friction contact with the side wall of the borehole to make it difficult to apply significant weight to the drill bit, resulting in reduced penetration speeds, Comparison with rotary drilling. Examples of curved shank or systems and method of directional motor drilling are described in U.S. Patents. Nos. 5,311,953, of May 17, 1994 for Ualker; 5,139,094, of August 18, 1992 for Prevedel and others; and 5,050,692 of September 24, 1991 for Beirngraben. In another system and method of additional drilling, a pair of stabilizers is provided on the drill string and are separated μor above the drill bit. The difference in diameter between the upper stabilizer and the abutter near the drill, either adjustable or fixed, and the separation between the stabilizers, provide lateral forces that help to deflect the drill from the vertical hole. These stabilizer arrangements are employed in both rotary drilling or downhole drilling motor arrangements. If the outriggers are adjustable and used in surface rotation drilling, each stabilizer blade must extend from the body of the abutter to the same distance to maintain symmetry and avoid eccentricity and coarse associated operation. If the drilling is performed with a drilling motor, such limitation is not imposed on the upper stabilizer above the drilling motor, because it does not rotate. Examples of stabilizer arrangements are found in U.S. Patents. No. 5,332,048, of July 26, 1994 for Under ood et al., 5,293,945, March 15, 1994, for Rosenhauch et al .; 5,181,576, from January 26, 1993 for Aske and others, and 4,754,821, from July 1, 1988 for Swietlik. A variation on the matter of the adjustable stabilizer is to provide stabilizer bodies that have fixed stabilizing blades, but having pistons acting between the drill string or the stabilizer rod and the fixed stabilizer bodies to introduce eccentricities between the upper and lower stabilizers and giving lateral deflection forces as a result. These arrangements require multiple piston operations per revolution of the drill string, and thus have mechanical and reliability disadvantages. Examples of these provisions can be found in U.S. Patents. Nos. 5,038,872, August 13, 1991 for Shirley and 3,593,810, July 20, 1971 for F elds. Therefore, there is a need for an efficient directional drilling assembly or system for use with a rotating drill string that allows the driller to precisely control the drill's trajectory during the drilling operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A general object of the present invention is to provide an improved assembly for directing a rotating drill string in a borehole. This and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a stabilizing rod for attaching it to a drill string next to a drill bit. The stabilizer body is rotatably carried by the vas + ago stabilizer; the stabilizer body remains substantially stationary relative to the auger as the drill string rotates. At least one stabilizing blade is carried by the stabilizer body; the stabilizing blade is radially extendable from the stabilizer body - and even au coupling with the side wall of the auger. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least three stabilizing blades are spaced apart on the circumference of the stabilizer body. Each stabilizing blade is selectively extendable and retractable independently of the others. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each stabilizing blade is carried in a longitudinal groove in the stabilizer body; the groove has an inclined bottom so that the relative longitudinal movement between the stabilizing blade and the stabilizer body causes extension or retraction of the stabilizing blade. A motor is coupled between each stabilizing blade and the stabilizer body to cause relative longitudinal movement between the two. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stabilizing rod includes a fixed stabilizer at an end opposite the drill bit. A lead screw couples the motor to the stabilizing blade, where the rotation of the lead screw by means of the motor causes the relative longitudinal movement.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a drill hole illustrating the steering assembly according to the present invention. Figure 2 is an elevation view of the stabilizer portion of the improved steering assembly of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a stabilizer portion of Figure 2. Figures 4A-4D are a cross-sectional view of the bore and steering assembly, taken along the section of lines 4-4 of Figure 1. Figure 5 is a flow chart depicting the operation and control of the adjustable stabilizer of the steering assembly of Figure 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Referring now to the Figures, and specifically to Figure 1, a longitudinal sectional view of a bore 1 having an address assembly disposed therein is shown. The steering assembly includes a stabilizing rod 3, which is conventionally connected by a threaded connection on a conventional rotary drilling rope (not shown). A drill bit 5, of any variety of cut, fixed or rolling, is secured to the lowermost end of the stabilizing rod 3. A fixed stabilizer 7 is carried by the stabilizer rod 3 and is separated from the drill 5. An adjustable stabilizer 9 , which includes a plurality of setting blades 11, is carried by the stabilizing rod 3 at its lower end, near the drill bit 5. Alternatively, the upper stabilizer 7 may also be an adjustable stabilizer, further increasing the versatility of the assembly. of direction in accordance with the present invention. Figures 2 and 3 are elevation and longitudinal section views, respectively, of the adjustable stabilizer 9 of the steering assembly according to the present invention. A generally cylindrical stabilizing body 13 is coupled to the outside of the generally cylindrical stabilizing rod 3 by means of bearings and seals 15., which allow the stabilizer body 13 to rotate in relation to the stabilizer rod 3 and retain lubricant in the annular space in both. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least 4 stabilizing blades, HA, 11B, 11C, 11D, are received in longitudinal slots 17 in the stabilizer body 13 and are retained therein by a slot arrangement and tongue. Each longitudinal slot 17 has an inclined bottom 17A, which defines a ramp, wherein the relative longitudinal movement between the stabilizing blades 11A-11D and the ramp 17A causes an expansion or radial retraction of the stabilizing blades 11A-11D from the stabilizer body 13. Associated with each slot 17 is a half horsepower electric motor 19. The motor 19 rotates a feed screw 21 which engages a spherical nut (not shown) carried in each stabilizer blade 11A-11D for cause relative longitudinal movement. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each advancing screw 21 is designed to relax when the stabilizer 9 is subjected to axial insertion loads of 4.536 kg per stabilizing blade to prevent the adjustable stabilizer 9 from causing the rope to be inserted. drilling in the hole. Because each stabilizing blade 11A-11D is provided with its own actuator in the motor shape 19 and advancing screw 21, the stabilizing blades are independently stretchable and retractable with respect to the stabilizer body 13. The motors 19 are preferably motors stepped or servo motors adapted to precisely control the rotation of the advancing screws 21 and the extension of each stabilizing blade 11A-11D from the stabilizer body 13. A microprocessor or control unit 23 is coupled to each motor 19 to control the rotation of the motor 19 and the advancing screw 21, and in this way the extension of the stabilizing blades 11A-11D from the stabilizer body 13. The microprocessor 23 carried in the stabilizer body 13 contains conventional means for reading the position data of encoders associated with each motor 19 to determine the extent of each stabilizer blade 11A-11D. The microprocessor or controller 23 and the motors 19 are driven by a battery 25 carried in the stabilizer body 13. Preferably, the battery 25 is charged by means of inductive coupling with a plurality of load coils 27 spaced circumferentially in the stabilizer rod 3. Preferably, the loading coils 27 are driven by a conventional drilling fluid driven generator carried by the stabilizer rod 3 or a separate drilling measurement device (MUD) anywhere on the drill string. Figures 4A-4D are cross-sectional views of the bore 1 and the stabilizer body 13 and the blades 11A-11D, turned along the section of line 4-4 of Figure 1, representing different configurations of stabilizing blades 11A-11D having different effects on the drill bit path 5. For convenience, the upper stabilizer blade is marked HA, the right stabilizer blade is marked as 11B, the lower stabilizer blade is marked as 11C, and the blade Left stabilizer is marked as 11D.

In Figure 4A, the stabilizer assembly 9 is configured to lower the angle, or reduce the amount of deflection or deflection of the vertical. In this configuration, the upper stabilizing blade HA is extended nasia of the stabilizer body 13 and in contact or engagement with the side wall of the hole 1, while the lower stabilizing blade 11C is almost completely retracted. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the opposing stabilizing blades HA, 11C are extendable to a diameter greater than the caliber of the bit 5 or the hole 1. Of course, the opposing stabilizing blades HA, 11C, are never completely simultaneously extended to prevent introduction into the hole 1. The same applies to the opposing stabilizer blades 11B, 11D, which, in the lowered angle configuration, are extended to an intermediate degree smaller than the size of the bit 5 and the hole 1. In Figure 4B, the stabilizer 9 is shown in a configuration to form an angle, or increase the amount of deflection or deflection of the vertical in the hole l. In this configuration, the lower stabilizing blade 11C is almost completely extended and the upper stabilizing blade HA is almost completely retracted. Again, the right and left stabilizing blades 11B, 11D, are extended to an intermediate degree smaller than the caliber of the bit 5 and the hole 1.

Figure 4C illustrates the stabilizer 9 in a confi rmation to rotate the drill 5 to the left, in which the right stabilizer 11B is almost fully extended and the left stabilizing blade 1 ID is retracted, allowing changes in the azimuth of the drill 5 The upper and lower stabilizing blades HA, 11C, are extended to an intermediate degree smaller than the size of the bit 5 and the hole 1 to maintain the angle. Similarly, Figure 4D depicts the stabilizer 9 in a configuration for rotating the drill 5 to the left, in which the right-hand blade Right-hand blade 11D is almost fully extended and the left-hand stabilizer blade 11 B is almost completely retracted, while upper and inner stabilizing blades HA, 11C are extended to an intermediate degree to maintain the angle. Although Figures 4A-4D represent only four of the configurations of the stabilizer 9 of the steering assembly according to the present invention, because each stabilizing blade 11A-11D is independently extendable from the others, a virtually infinite variety of configurations is possible. of stabilizer and drill trajectories. Of course, the infinitely infinite adjustability of the stabilizer 9 is made possible by the coupling of the stabilizer body 13 for rotation with the stabilizer rod 3, where it remains substantially stationary in relation to the hole 1 as the drill string rotates. This allows the differential or asymmetric extension of the stabilizing blades 11A-11D, which in turn, allow to achieve the wide scale of trajectories by the different configurations of the stabilizer 9. Of course, the stabilizer body 13 can not be expected to remain completely stationary with respect to the side wall of the hole. The friction found between the internal diameter of the stabilizer body 13 and the outer diameter of the stabilizing rod 3 is smaller than between the stabilizing blades 11A-11D and the side wall of the hole, so that the stabilizer body 13 makes about one revolution per revolution. every 30.5 to L52 meters drilled. As this slow rotation occurs, the upper stabilizer HA tends to move towards the orientation of the right stabilizer HB, and the same is true for the HC and HD stabilizing blades. As the orientation of the stabilizing blades HA-HD changes with respect to the side wall of the hole 1, corrections must be made to maintain the trajectory of the bit over the desired course. A three-speed accelerometer with each elliptical accelerometer on orthogonal axes is carried by the stabilizer body 13 and coupled to a microprocessor 23 to allow the measurement of the inclination angle of the stabilizer body 13 and the rotational orientation of the body of the stabilizer 13. stabilizer 13 and the HA-HD blades. The microprocessor 23 is programmed to automatically change changes in the orientation of the stabilizing rod 13, or it can, through the apparent MUD, communicate this information to the surface for the appropriate response. If the MUID apparatus is used, a radio transmitter and AM receiver (not shown) is carried by the stabilizer body 13 to provide two-way radio communication between the microprocessor 23 and the telemetry section of the MUID apparatus, which at its It may be in communication with the surface through one of several conventional telemetry techniques or direct connection to a computer. Similarly, it is often advantageous to expressly alter the configuration of the stabilizer 9 to correct unanticipated alterations in the drill path due to unexpected changes in the forming material, the drill characteristics of the drill bit 5 and the like. Of this line, the appropriate configuration for the stabilizer 9 is determined on the surface or pre-programmed on the microprocessor 23 or on a MWD device on the drill string that is in communication with the microprocessor 23. The motors 19, advance screws 21, and stabilizing blades 11A-11D are then properly adjusted for the desired trajectory or path correction. Figure 5 is a flow diagram representing the control and operation sequence of the directional binder according to the present invention. The operation of the steering assembly according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1-5. First, a drill is integrated into a drill string to drill a vertical hole interval at the start or deflection point at which directional drilling is desired. If the starting point is sufficiently shallow, by way of not exhausting the life of the drill bit before or shortly after starting, the vertical drill string may include the stabilizer rod 3, together with fixed and adjustable stabilizers. , 9. In the vertical section of the hole, the HA-HD stabilizing blades are completely retracted or placed in an extension smaller than the caliber of the bit 5 and the hole 1, where the stabilizers 7, 9 function simply as centralizers. At the starting point, the stabilizer 9 and the HA-HD stabilizing blades are fixed in the configuration adapted for the starting trajectory, as reflected in the weight 101 of Figure 5. The misalignment is controlled by separate stabilizers 7, 9 causes deflection of stabilizer rod 3 and drill 5 of vertical ee of borehole 1, and directional drilling begins. As reflected in step 103 of Figure 5, the stabilizer body 13 is monitored by the microprocessor 23 alone or together with the MUD apparatus, which may be in communication with the surface, rotationally The hole 1 is detected. If rotation of the stabilizer body 13 is detected, this information is communicated to, or through, the initial processor 23 which becomes corrective action for readjusting the configuration of the stabilizing blades 11A-11D to compensate for the rotation of the stabilizer body 13 in the hole 1. If rotation of the stabilizer body 13 is not detected in step 105 of FIG. 5, it is determined whether a path change is desired. Said change in trajectory is programmed in the microprocessor 23 and activated by measurements of two accelerometers carried by the stabilizer body 13., or by inspection data of a MUD apparatus indicating that a path change is appropriate, or may communicate it to the microprocessor 23 by telemetry from the surface when there is a detected or monitored indication on the surface that warrants a change in the path. As reflected in the flow diagram of Figure 5, if no rotetion of the stabilizer body 13 is detected, nor a change or correction of the trajectory is justified, then the microprocessor 23 continues to monitor conditions for an appropriate response in the case of the occurrence of any condition. The present invention provides a number of advantages over prior art ensembles and steering systems. A major drawback is that the drive system is adapted to be used with efficient surface rotation drilling techniques and their associated high penetration speeds. The steering assembly according to the present invention does not require complex hydraulic and mechanical systems to effect deflection of the bit and changes in its trajectory during the drilling operation. The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof. In this way, it is not limited, but it is susceptible of variation and modification without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims (10)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. A reliable tool for directing a rotary drill rope in a hole (1), the assembly has a stabilizer rod (9) for joining a drill string (3), a stabilizer body (13) rotatably carried by the stabilizer rod *, wherein the stabilizer body remains substantially stationary relative to the auger as the drill string rotates, characterized in that: at least one stabilizing blade (11) is carried by the stabilizer body, the stabilizing blade is extendable redially From the body of the stabilizer and its alignment with the side wall of the hole, the stabilizing blade is carried by the stabilizer body *, so that it is crushed to a minimum radial dimension by the application of sufficient axial force to the drill string if the stabilizing rod will reach the hole.

2. An improved assembly for directing a rotating drill string in a hole (1), the assembly having a stabilizer rod (9) for joining in a drill string (3), a stabilizer body (13) rotatably carried by the stabilizer rod, wherein the stabilizer body remains substantially effective relative to the drill hole as the drill string rotates, characterized in that: at least one pair of generally opposing stabilizing blades is carried by the stabilizer body, the Stabilizing blades are radially extendable independently from the stabilizer body and up to its coupling with the rear wall of the borehole, the stabilizing blade is carried by the stabilizer body so that it is crushed to a minimum radial dimension by * application of force enough axial to the drill string if the stabilizer rod gets to enter the hole .

3. An improved assembly for directing a rotating drill string in a hole (1), the assembly having a stabilizer rod (9) for joining in a drill string (3), a stabilizer body (13) rotatably carried by the stabilizer rod, wherein the stabilizer body remains substantially stationary relative to the auger as the drill string rotates, characterized in that: at least one longitudinal groove (17) is formed on the outside of the stabilizer body, the groove has a bottom inclined (17A); At least one stabilizing blade (11) is carried in the groove of the stabilizer body, the stabilizing blade is radially extendable independently from the stabilizer body and up to its coupling with the wall later-to the borehole by longitudinal movement in the slot that has the inclined bottom, the stabilizing blade is carried in the groove of ear that is flattened with a redi dimension to the minimum by applying enough force to the drill string if the stabilizer reaches and enters the hole; a motor (19) is carried by the stabilizer body and is coupled to the stabilizing blade to cause longitudinal movement of the stabilizing blade in the groove; a source of electrical energy is carried by the stabilizing rod and is in electrical communication with the motor.

4. The assembly according to claim 1 or 2, further protected by the fact that the stabilizer blade is carried in a longitudinal groove in the stabilizer body, the groove has an inclined bottom and relative longitudinal movement between the stabilizing blade and the body of the stabilizer. stabilizer that causes extension or retraction of the stabilizing blade.

5. The ensernble according to claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises at least three stabilizing blades separated on the circumference of the body of the stabilizer.

The assembly according to claim 1 or 2, further characterized in that it comprises a motor (19) coupled between each stabber blade and the stabilizer body to cause relative longitudinal movement between beams.

7. The assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further characterized in that the stabilizing vastegus includes a fixed stabilizer (19) at an opposite end of the drill bit.

The assembly according to claims 1, 2, or 3, further characterized by comprising four stabilizing blades spaced apart on the circumference of the stabilizer body.

9. The confopnided assembly with claim 3, characterized in that it comprises four stabilizing blades separated into four longitudinal grooves in the circumference of the stabilizer body; and four engines carried by the stabilizer body.

10. The assembly according to claim 3, further characterized in that an evacuating screw (1) engages the motor of the stabilizing blade, and rotation of the advancing screw by means of the motor * causes longitudinal movement of the stabilizing blade in the ranure.