US20140353045A1 - Drill pipe with replaceable tool joints - Google Patents

Drill pipe with replaceable tool joints Download PDF

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Publication number
US20140353045A1
US20140353045A1 US14/344,814 US201214344814A US2014353045A1 US 20140353045 A1 US20140353045 A1 US 20140353045A1 US 201214344814 A US201214344814 A US 201214344814A US 2014353045 A1 US2014353045 A1 US 2014353045A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
tool joint
pin
locking pin
faceted
fitting
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
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US14/344,814
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English (en)
Inventor
Yong Zhang
Michael Pudsey
Daniel Steenkamp
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Atlas Copco Canada Inc
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Atlas Copco Canada Inc
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Atlas Copco Canada Inc filed Critical Atlas Copco Canada Inc
Priority to US14/344,814 priority Critical patent/US20140353045A1/en
Assigned to ATLAS COPCO CANADA INC. reassignment ATLAS COPCO CANADA INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: PUDSEY, MICHAEL, STEENKAMP, DANIEL, ZHANG, YONG
Publication of US20140353045A1 publication Critical patent/US20140353045A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
    • E21B17/02—Couplings; joints
    • E21B17/04—Couplings; joints between rod or the like and bit or between rod and rod or the like
    • E21B17/042—Threaded
    • E21B17/043—Threaded with locking means
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
    • E21B17/02—Couplings; joints
    • E21B17/04—Couplings; joints between rod or the like and bit or between rod and rod or the like
    • E21B17/046—Couplings; joints between rod or the like and bit or between rod and rod or the like with ribs, pins, or jaws, and complementary grooves or the like, e.g. bayonet catches
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
    • E21B17/02—Couplings; joints
    • E21B17/04—Couplings; joints between rod or the like and bit or between rod and rod or the like
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
    • E21B17/02—Couplings; joints
    • E21B17/04—Couplings; joints between rod or the like and bit or between rod and rod or the like
    • E21B17/042—Threaded
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L15/00—Screw-threaded joints; Forms of screw-threads for such joints
    • F16L15/08—Screw-threaded joints; Forms of screw-threads for such joints with supplementary elements

Definitions

  • the invention relates to drill strings for drilling machines.
  • Drilling machines are often used in the construction, mining and oil and gas industries to form a borehole through a formation with a drill string. There are many different types of drilling machines for drilling the borehole through the formation with the drill string. Some of these drilling machines are mobile and others are stationary. Examples of mobile and stationary drilling machines are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
  • One type of drilling machine includes a tower supported by a deck, and a rotary head movable along the tower.
  • the drilling machine typically includes a deck bushing which extends through the deck. More information regarding deck bushings can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,943,302 and 5,413,415, as well as U.S. Patent Application No. 20030155769, the contents of all of which are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
  • the drill string typically includes one or more drill pipes, and each drill pipe includes a drill pipe body connected to a tool joint.
  • the drill string allows the borehole to be formed to a depth greater than the length of a single drill pipe body.
  • a drill pipe body is typically between about 20 feet to about 40 feet in length.
  • Most drill pipe bodies are manufactured from hollow and thick walled tubing of a metal material, such as steel. Many different types of steel can be used, such as mild steel or another steel alloy. More information regarding drill strings and tool joints can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,279,850, 4,380,347, 4,487,229, 4,492,666, and 5,709,416, the contents of all of which are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
  • male and female tool joints are positioned at opposed ends of the drill pipe body, wherein the male tool joint includes a threaded pin and the female tool joint includes a threaded box. It should be noted, however, that some drill pipes include male tool joints at opposed ends, and other drill pipes include female tool joints at opposed end.
  • the types of tool joints positioned at the opposed ends of the drill pipe body depends on many different factors, such as the type of drilling machine used to form the borehole, as well as the drilling application.
  • the tool joints are typically precision machined from a metal material, such as steel or a steel allow.
  • the tool joints can be integral pieces of the drill pipe body, or they can be separate pieces, which are connected thereto in a repeatably removeable manner.
  • the male and female tool joints can be coupled to the drill pipe body in a repeatably removeable manner by using welding.
  • the threaded pin of a first drill pipe is threadingly connected to a threaded box of a second drill pipe, and the threaded box of the first drill pipe is threadingly connected to a threaded pin of a third drill pipe. In this way, the first, second and third drill pipes are connected together.
  • the threads of the pin and box are both right-handed threads and, in other examples, the threads of the pin and box are both left-handed threads. More information regarding right- and left-handed threads can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,769,381, 3,186,501, 3,645,328 and 4,422,507, the contents of all of which are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein. More information regarding right- and left-handed threads can also be found in some of the other references cited herein.
  • the drill string is connected to the rotary head and extends through the deck bushing.
  • the drill string moves relative to the tower in response to movement of the rotary head.
  • One of the drill pipes of the drill string is operatively connected to an earth bit.
  • the drill string provides fluid to the earth bit to facilitate its ability to drill through the formation.
  • the drill string includes drill pipes, which are capable of being operatively connected to an earth bit.
  • the borehole is formed in response to rotating the drill string and earth bit with the rotary head, and forcing them downwardly through the deck bushing and formation in response to a load applied by the rotary head.
  • the drill string not only transfers rotational torque, pull-down load, and pull-back load from the rotary head of the drill rig to the drill bit, but also extends the entire drill string to the designed drilling depth.
  • Drill strings are consumable components because they experience significant wear and tear during use. In most instances, the tool joint experiences the wear and tear, while the drill pipe body is still usable. In these situations, the drill pipe is removed from the drill string and the tool joint is replaced with another. In other situations, the drill pipe is removed from the drill string and the tool joint is repaired so it can be used again.
  • the on-site location is typically remote and does not include the necessary facilities, resources and technicians.
  • the drill pipe and tool joint are typically delivered to a machine shop, so that highly trained technicians can remove the tool joint from the drill pipe and replace the tool joint with another one, or repair the tool joint.
  • the components are then shipped back to the remote location.
  • it is very expensive to deliver a drill pipe and tool joint and the repair process is typically time consuming, costly and not very environmentally friendly in terms of fuel consumption for the shipment.
  • Embodiments of the invention are directed to a drill pipe tool assembly, which includes replaceable tool joints.
  • the novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention will be best understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
  • FIG. 1 a is a side view of a drilling machine.
  • FIG. 1 b is a perspective view of a drill string, which includes drill pipes coupled together at a drill pipe interface.
  • FIG. 1 c is a cut-away side view of the drill string of FIG. 1 b in an interface region, as shown in FIG. 1 b , wherein the interface region includes the drill pipe interface.
  • FIG. 1 d is a perspective view of one embodiment of the drill string of FIG. 1 b.
  • FIG. 1 e is an exploded perspective view of a box region of the drill string of FIG. 1 b.
  • FIG. 1 f is an exploded perspective view of a pin region of the drill string of FIG. 1 b.
  • FIG. 2 a is a close-up perspective view of a threaded pin of the drill pipe of FIG. 1 b.
  • FIG. 2 b is a cut-away side view of the drill pipe of FIG. 2 a taken along a cut-line 2 b - 2 b of FIG. 2 a.
  • FIG. 3 a is a close-up perspective view of a threaded box of the other drill pipe of FIG. 1 b.
  • FIG. 3 b is a cut-away side view of the drill pipe of FIG. 3 a taken along a cut-line 3 b - 3 b of FIG. 3 a.
  • FIGS. 4 a and 4 c are perspective views of a tool joint adapter.
  • FIGS. 4 b and 4 d are opposed end views of the tool joint adapter of FIGS. 4 a and 4 c.
  • FIG. 4 e is a cut-away side view of tool joint adapter of FIGS. 4 a and 4 c taken along a cut-line which extends through locking pin internal holes.
  • FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are perspective views of a box tool joint.
  • FIG. 6 a is a cut-away side view of a drill string, which includes the tool joint adapter of FIGS. 4 a and 4 c and the box tool joint of FIGS. 5 a and 5 b coupled together.
  • FIG. 6 b is a close-up view of the drill string of FIG. 6 a.
  • FIG. 6 c is another close-up view of the drill string of FIG. 6 a.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pin tool joint.
  • FIG. 8 a is a cut-away side view of a drill string, which includes the tool joint adapter of FIGS. 4 a and 4 c and the pin tool joint of FIG. 7 coupled together.
  • FIG. 8 b is a close-up view of the drill string of FIG. 8 a.
  • FIG. 8 c is another close-up view of the drill string of FIG. 8 a.
  • FIGS. 9 a and 9 c are perspective views of a box tool joint.
  • FIGS. 9 b and 9 d are opposed end views of box tool joint of FIGS. 9 a and 9 c.
  • FIGS. 10 a and 10 b are perspective views of a tool joint adapter.
  • FIG. 11 a is a perspective view of a pin tool joint.
  • FIG. 11 b is an end view of the pin tool joint of FIG. 11 a.
  • FIGS. 12 a and 12 b are perspective views of a tool joint adapter.
  • FIG. 13 a is a cut-away side view of a drill string, which includes the tool joint adapter of FIGS. 10 a and 10 b and the box tool joint of FIGS. 9 a and 9 c coupled together.
  • FIG. 13 b is a close-up view of the drill string of FIG. 13 a.
  • FIG. 13 c is another close-up view of the drill string of FIG. 13 a.
  • FIG. 14 a is a cut-away side view of a drill string, which includes the tool joint adapter of FIGS. 10 a and 10 b and the pin tool joint of FIG. 11 a coupled together.
  • FIG. 14 b is a close-up view of the drill string of FIG. 14 a.
  • FIG. 14 c is another close-up view of the drill string of FIG. 14 a.
  • FIGS. 15 a and 15 b are perspective views of embodiments of locking pins.
  • FIGS. 15 c and 15 d are perspective views of embodiments of locking pin internal holes for receiving the locking pins of FIGS. 15 a and 15 b , respectively.
  • FIGS. 16 a and 16 b are embodiments of faceted sockets, which include one and two facets, respectively.
  • the invention involves a drill pipe tool assembly, which includes replaceable tool joints.
  • the replaceable tool joints may include a tool joint adapter coupled to a drill pipe body, and a tool joint coupled to the tool joint adapter through a faceted pin.
  • the faceted pin may include a faceted fitting having a fitting face.
  • the tool assembly typically includes a locking pin that extends through the tool joint adapter and tool joint, wherein the locking pin extends through a locking pin groove of the fitting face.
  • the locking pin can lock the tool joint adapter and tool joint together.
  • the locking pin can be removed from the locking pin groove so that the tool joint adapter and tool joint are not locked together. In this way, the tool joint is a replaceable tool joint.
  • the tool joint adapter and tool joint may both included in a drill string, wherein first and second drill pipes may be removeably coupled to the tool joint adapter and tool joint, respectively.
  • the drill string may be used by a drilling machine to bore through a formation.
  • drill strings are consumable components because they experience significant wear and tear during use.
  • Embodiments of the invention allow the tool joint to be easily removed from the drill string and replaced. Hence, the drill string can be repaired on-site, so the drill string does not need to be delivered to the machine shop for repair, and then shipped back to the site.
  • the drill pipe tool assembly can be used with many different types of drilling machines, such as a rotary blast-hole drilling machine used in open pit coal mining industries.
  • the drill pipe tool assembly is useful for many different types of drilling applications, such as single-pass and multi-pass soft formation drilling.
  • the drill pipe tool assembly disclosed herein can be used for rotary blast-hole drilling in open pit coal mines where the ground is usually relatively soft. Compared to the drilling operation in hard ground conditions, the drill pipe body can last much longer under the soft formation drilling application since very slight wear and tear is generated on the drill pipe's outer body.
  • FIG. 1 a is a side view of a drilling machine 300 .
  • drilling machine 300 can be a stationary or mobile vehicle, but here it is embodied as being a mobile vehicle for illustrative purposes.
  • Some examples of different types of drilling machines are the DM-M3, PV-235, PV-270, PV-271, PV-275 and PV-351 drilling machines, which are manufactured by Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions of Garland, Tex. It should be noted, however, that drilling machines are provided by many other manufacturers.
  • drilling machine 300 includes a platform 303 , which carries a power pack 304 and operator's cab 305 .
  • power pack 304 includes many different components, such as a prime mover, and is typically operated by an operator in operator's cab 305 .
  • drilling machine 300 includes a tower 302 which is carried by platform 303 .
  • Tower 302 generally carries a feed cable system (not shown) coupled to a rotary head 307 , wherein the feed cable system allows rotary head 307 to move between raised and lowered positions along tower 302 .
  • the feed cable system moves rotary head 307 between the raised and lowered positions by moving it towards tower crown 302 b and tower base 302 a , respectively.
  • Rotary head 307 is moved between the raised and lowered positions to raise and lower, respectively, a drill string 100 through a borehole. Further, rotary head 307 is used to rotate drill string 100 , wherein drill string 100 extends through tower 302 and platform 303 .
  • Drill string 100 generally includes one or more drill pipes connected together in a well-known manner. The drill pipes of drill string 100 are capable of being coupled to an earth bit, such as a tri-cone rotary earth bit. In FIG. 1 a , drill string 100 is shown as including drill pipes 110 and 120 for illustrative purposes.
  • FIG. 1 b is a perspective view of drill string 100 , which includes drill pipes 110 and 120 coupled together at a drill pipe interface 101 .
  • FIG. 1 c is a cut-away side view of drill string 100 in an interface region 102 , as shown in FIG. 1 b , wherein interface region 102 includes drill pipe interface 101 .
  • Drill string 100 , as well as drill pipes 110 and 120 extend longitudinally in a direction 105 and transversely in a direction 106 , wherein directions 105 and 106 are perpendicular to each other. It should be noted that direction 106 is sometimes referred to as a radial direction.
  • a region 109 is external to drill string 100 .
  • Drill string 100 includes a pin region 103 at one end and a box region 104 at an opposed end.
  • drill pipe 110 includes a drill pipe body 111 with a drill pipe internal hole 112 extending therethrough, as shown in FIG. 1 c .
  • Drill pipe 110 includes a threaded pin 119 which includes a threaded portion 113 having pin threads 114 .
  • Drill pipe internal hole 112 extends through drill pipe body 111 and threaded portion 113 , and allows material to flow therethrough.
  • Drill pipe internal hole 112 extends longitudinally along longitudinal direction 105 , and transversely along transverse direction 106 .
  • Threaded pin 119 can be an integral piece of drill pipe body 111 , or it can be a separate piece which is connected thereto in a repeatably removeable manner. In some embodiments, threaded pin 119 is welded to drill pipe body 111 .
  • drill pipe 120 includes a drill pipe body 121 with a drill pipe internal hole 122 extending therethrough, as shown in FIG. 1 c .
  • drill pipe 120 includes a threaded box 123 ( FIG. 1 c ), which includes box threads 124 .
  • Threaded box 123 is coupled to threaded pin 119 in response to coupling drill pipes 110 and 120 together.
  • pin threads 114 and box threads 124 are threadingly coupled together in response to coupling drill pipes 110 and 120 together.
  • Drill pipe internal hole 122 extends through drill pipe body 121 and threaded box 123 , and allows material to flow therethrough.
  • Drill pipe internal hole 122 extends longitudinally along longitudinal direction 105 , and transversely along transverse direction 106 .
  • Threaded box 123 can be an integral piece of drill pipe body 121 , or it can be a separate piece, which is connected thereto in a repeatably removeable manner. In some embodiments, threaded box 123 is welded to drill pipe body 121 .
  • threaded pin 119 and threaded box 123 both include right-handed threads.
  • pin threads 114 and box threads 124 are both right-handed threads.
  • threaded pin 119 and threaded box 123 both include left-handed threads.
  • pin threads 114 and box threads 124 are both left-handed threads.
  • FIG. 1 d is a perspective view of drill string 100 , which includes replaceable tool joints.
  • drill string 100 includes a pin tool joint 170 coupled to one end of drill pipe 120 in box region 104 and a box tool joint 150 coupled to one end of drill pipe 110 in pin region 103 .
  • drill string 100 includes male and female tool joints at opposed ends so it is capable of operating with the Atlas Copco DM-M3 drill rig, which is used for blast hole drilling.
  • FIG. 1 e is an exploded view of an embodiment of a drill string 100 in pin region 103 of FIG. 1 d .
  • drill string 100 includes a tool joint adapter 130 a coupled to drill rod body 111 of drill rod 110 .
  • Tool joint adapter 130 a can be coupled to drill rod body 111 in many different ways.
  • tool joint adapter 130 a is coupled to drill rod body 111 in a repeatably removeable manner by using welding.
  • drill string 100 includes a box tool joint 150 coupled to tool joint adapter 130 a .
  • Box tool joint 150 can be coupled to tool joint adapter 130 a in many different ways.
  • box tool joint 150 is coupled to tool joint adapter 130 a in a repeatably removeable manner by using locking pins 270 a and 270 b , as will be discussed in more detail below.
  • Locking pins 270 a and 270 b are held in place by using fasteners 271 a and 271 b , respectively.
  • a seal is formed between box tool joint 150 and tool joint adapter 130 a because box tool joint 150 and tool joint adapter 130 a are coupled together through sealing members 272 a and 273 a.
  • FIG. 1 f is an exploded view of drill string 100 in box region 104 of FIG. 1 d .
  • drill string 100 includes a tool joint adapter 130 b coupled to drill rod body 121 of drill rod 120 .
  • Tool joint adapter 130 b can be coupled to drill rod body 121 in many different ways.
  • tool joint adapter 130 b is coupled to drill rod body 121 in a repeatably removeable manner by using welding.
  • drill string 100 includes a pin tool joint 170 coupled to tool joint adapter 130 b .
  • Pin tool joint 170 can be coupled to tool joint adapter 130 b in many different ways.
  • pin tool joint 170 is coupled to tool joint adapter 130 b in a repeatably removeable manner by using locking pins 270 c and 270 d , as will be discussed in more detail below.
  • Locking pins 270 c and 270 d are held in place by using fasteners 271 c and 271 d , respectively.
  • a seal is formed between pin tool joint 170 and tool joint adapter 130 b because pin tool joint 170 and tool joint adapter 130 b are coupled together through sealing members 272 b and 273 b.
  • Drill string 100 includes three major sections, which are the replaceable pin end tool joint, the main drill pipe body assembly, and the replaceable box end tool joint.
  • the main drill pipe body assembly is made of the main drill pipe body and two tool joint adapters.
  • the two tool joint adapters are shrink-fitted and welded into both ends of the main drill pipe body.
  • both the replaceable pin end tool joint and the replaceable box end tool joint are fixed onto the main drill pipe body assembly by locking pins.
  • the tool joints are coupled to a corresponding drill pipe body by locking pins 270 a , 270 b , 270 c and 270 d .
  • the rotational torque is transmitted within the entire drill string 100 by the polygon mating member, which also precisely controls the alignment of wrench flats on both tool joint ends.
  • the tool joint adapter is welded into the main drill pipe body. The end user typically can only replace the tool joint when needed so that it is not necessary to remove the tool joint adapter on-site.
  • the tool joint represents the threaded end coupling of a drill pipe.
  • the tool joint is threaded on one of the two ends.
  • the tool joint with male threads is also called the pin end tool joint, and the tool joint with female threads is called the box end tool joint.
  • the tool joints may have different combinations, such as pin end tool joint and box end tool joint, pin end tool joint and pin end tool joint, or box end tool joint and box end tool joint.
  • the tool joints of drill string 100 can also be one of the combinations, for instance, replaceable pin end tool joint and replaceable box end tool joint, replaceable pin end tool joint and replaceable pin end tool joint, or replaceable box end tool joint and replaceable box end tool joint.
  • Drill string 100 is compatible with the standard drill pipe served on the drill rig. Except for the connecting method of the tool joints, all other critical features of the drill pipe, such as the sizes and types of threads of the tool joints, drill pipe outer diameters, shoulder-to-shoulder distances, wrench flats, recesses, and so on, stay unchanged. In addition, drill string 100 is designed to withstand the same volume and pressure of compressed air, rotational torque, pull-down load, and pull-back load as standard drill strings.
  • the tool joint adapters of drill string 100 are imported into the drill pipe assembly.
  • One end of the tool joint adapter is machined as per the standardized weld specifications, such as those available from Atlas Copco Thiessen.
  • the opposed end is shaped as a polygon male connection with extended sealing cylinder.
  • the polygon male connection transfers the rotational torque to the mated replaceable pin end tool joint, which has the polygon female connection accordingly.
  • the close running fit is designed for the mated polygon members. It not only ensures that the replaceable pin tool joint is easily assembled and disassembled, but also reduces the slapping motion between the pin tool joint and the corresponding tool joint adapter.
  • the tool joint adapter can include other types of polygons, such as quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, and so on, which may also be used to accommodate for different sizes of drill pipes.
  • the geometric polygon within one drill pipe for the replaceable pin tool joint and the tool joint adapter should be matched to provide a good enough fit.
  • the two tool joint adapters are shrink-fitted and welded into each end of the main drill pipe body.
  • the welder has to make sure that one set of polygon flats on one tool joint adapter are aligned with one set of polygon flats on the opposed tool joint adapter of the entire main drill pipe body assembly. This allows the welder to assemble the drill pipe with the correct orientation of wrench flats from one end of the drill string to the opposed end of the drill string.
  • drill string 100 is hollow so that compressed gas can be flowed through the drill string.
  • the compressed gas may be used for cooling down the drill bit and blowing the cuttings out of the borehole.
  • sealing members 272 a , 272 b , 273 a and 273 b may be included with drill string 100 , as shown in FIGS. 1 e and 1 f .
  • Sealing members 272 a , 272 b , 273 a and 273 b can be of many different types, such as O-ring seals.
  • the sealing member typically includes a deformable material, such as rubber. As will be discussed in more detail below, the sealing member may be engaged with a polygon male connection of the tool joint adapter, which may isolate the compressed air flowing out from both locking pin holes and the mated shoulders between the replaceable pin end tool joint and the tool joint adapter.
  • FIG. 2 a is a close-up perspective view of an embodiment of drill pipe 110 , which includes threaded pin 119
  • FIG. 2 b is a cut-away side view of the embodiment of drill pipe 110 taken along a cut-line 2 b - 2 b of FIG. 2 a
  • cut-line 2 b - 2 b extends in transverse direction 106
  • threaded pin 119 includes a pin cylinder 115 which extends away from a pin shoulder 116
  • threaded portion 113 which includes pin threads 114
  • pin cylinder 115 is proximate to pin shoulder 116 and threaded portion 113 is away from pin shoulder 116 .
  • Threaded portion 113 is spaced from pin shoulder 116 by pin cylinder 115 .
  • Pin cylinder 115 is between threaded portion 113 and pin shoulder 116 .
  • the embodiment of the pin cylinder 115 is a non-faceted fitting because it includes a curved face with a continuous curvature, and does not include a flat face with a discontinuous curvature.
  • Pin cylinder 115 extends through a threaded box of another drill pipe, such as drill pipe 120 , when the pin cylinder is coupled to drill pipe 110 .
  • drill pipe 110 includes a threaded box at its opposed end in box region 104 , as shown in FIG. 1 b .
  • threaded pin 119 typically is repeatably removeable from drill pipe body 111 .
  • Threaded pin 119 is typically difficult to remove threaded pin 119 from drill pipe body 111 , because the threaded pin is often welded in place and required specialized tools to remove it. These specialized tools are often not available at remote drilling locations.
  • Pin cylinder 115 is a non-threaded portion of threaded pin 119 .
  • threaded pin 119 included threaded and non-threaded portions.
  • drill pipe body 111 includes drill pipe internal hole 112 , which extends therethrough.
  • An outer dimension of drill pipe body 111 is denoted as distance d1.
  • Distance d1 is a transverse distance, which extends along transverse direction 106 between a center of drill pipe body 111 and the outer periphery of drill pipe body 111 .
  • distance d1 corresponds to a diameter of drill pipe body 111 because drill pipe body 111 has a circular cross-sectional shape, as shown in FIG. 2 b.
  • FIG. 3 a is a close-up perspective view of threaded box 123 of drill pipe 120
  • FIG. 3 b is a cut-away side view of drill pipe 120 taken along a cut-line 3 b - 3 b of FIG. 3 a
  • cut-line 3 b - 3 b extends in transverse direction 106
  • drill pipe 120 includes a threaded pin at its opposed end in pin region 103 , as shown in FIG. 1 b
  • threaded box 123 is repeatably removeable from drill pipe body 121 .
  • it is typically difficult to remove threaded box 123 from drill pipe body 121 because the threaded box is often welded in place and required specialized tools to remove it. As mentioned above, these specialized tools are often not available at remote drilling locations.
  • drill pipe body 121 includes drill pipe internal hole 122 , which extends therethrough. Box threads 124 face drill pipe internal hole 122 , and drill pipe internal hole 122 extends through threaded box 123 . Drill pipe internal hole 122 allows material to flow through threaded box 123 .
  • An outer dimension of drill pipe body 121 is denoted as distance d2.
  • Distance d2 is a transverse distance which extends along transverse direction 106 between a center of drill pipe body 121 and the outer periphery of drill pipe body 121 . In this embodiment, distance d2 corresponds to a diameter of drill pipe body 121 because drill pipe body 121 has a circular cross-sectional shape, as shown in FIG. 3 b.
  • FIGS. 4 a and 4 c are perspective views of a tool joint adapter 130
  • FIGS. 4 b and 4 d are end views of tool joint adapter 130 looking in opposed directions of 139 a and 139 b , respectively.
  • tool joint adapter 130 includes a tool joint adapter body 131 with a tool joint adapter internal hole 132 extending therethrough. Tool joint adapter internal hole 132 allows material to flow through tool joint adapter body 131 .
  • Tool joint adapter 130 may include a tool joint adapter fitting 134 , which may extend away from a fitting shoulder 133 .
  • Tool joint adapter fitting 134 may be sized and shaped to be received by a drill pipe body, such as drill pipe bodies 111 and 121 .
  • Tool joint adapter fitting 134 may be a non-faceted fitting because it may include a curved face with a continuous curvature, and may not include a flat face with a discontinuous curvature. It should be noted that tool joint adapter internal hole 132 extends through tool joint adapter fitting 134 and allows material to flow therethrough.
  • Tool joint adapter fitting 134 can be received by the drill pipe body after the threaded box or threaded pin has been removed therefrom.
  • tool joint adapter 130 is welded to the drill pipe body. It should be noted that tool joint adapter 130 typically is repeatably removeable from the drill pipe body. In this way, threaded pin 119 can be removed from the drill pipe body and replaced with tool joint adapter 130 . Further, threaded box 123 can be removed from the drill pipe body and replaced with another tool joint adapter 130 . However, as mentioned above, it is typically difficult to remove these components from a drill pipe body at a remote location because specialized tools are required.
  • tool joint adapter 130 may include a faceted socket 140 , which may include a socket face.
  • faceted socket 140 includes opposed socket faces 141 and 142 , opposed socket faces 143 and 144 , opposed socket faces 145 and 146 and opposed socket faces 147 and 148 .
  • Socket faces 141 , 142 , 143 , 144 , 145 , 146 , 147 and 148 may extend through an annular socket face 149 , and face tool joint adapter internal hole 132 .
  • Annular socket face 149 may be opposed to fitting shoulder 133 .
  • faceted socket 140 faces tool joint adapter internal hole 132 , and tool joint adapter internal hole 132 may extend through faceted socket 140 and socket face 149 . Tool joint adapter internal hole 132 extend may through faceted socket 140 and allow material to flow therethrough.
  • faceted socket 140 includes eight flat socket faces in this embodiment for illustrative purposes. However, in general, faceted socket 140 includes one or more flat socket faces. Embodiments of sockets which include one and two socket faces are shown in FIGS. 16 a and 16 b , respectively. It should be noted that socket 140 is a faceted socket because it includes two faces with a discontinuous curvature between them, as will be discussed in more detail presently, and does not include a curved face with a continuous curvature.
  • socket faces 141 and 143 are at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted socket 140 is discontinuous between them.
  • Socket faces 143 and 145 are at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted socket 140 is discontinuous between them.
  • Socket faces 145 and 147 are at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted socket 140 is discontinuous between them.
  • Socket faces 147 and 142 are at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted socket 140 is discontinuous between them.
  • Socket faces 142 and 144 are at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted socket 140 is discontinuous between them.
  • Socket faces 144 and 146 are at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted socket 140 is discontinuous between them. Socket faces 146 and 148 are at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted socket 140 is discontinuous between them. In this way, socket 140 is a faceted socket. Other configurations are also possible.
  • tool joint adapter 130 includes a locking pin internal hole, which extends through tool joint adapter body 131 .
  • tool joint adapter 130 includes one or more locking pin internal holes.
  • tool joint adapter 130 includes two locking pin internal holes, which are denoted as locking pin internal holes 135 a and 135 b , as shown in FIG. 4 d .
  • locking pin internal holes 135 a and 135 b are opposed to each other, wherein locking pin internal holes 135 a and 135 b are proximate to socket faces 141 and 142 , respectively.
  • locking pin internal holes 135 a and 135 b extend through socket faces 141 and 142 , respectively.
  • Locking pin internal holes 135 a and 135 b open into tool joint adapter internal hole 132 .
  • locking pin internal hole 135 a includes opposed locking pin hole openings 137 a and 138 a , and a fastener opening 136 a which extends through tool joint adapter body 31 and locking pin internal hole 135 a .
  • fastener opening 136 a extends between an outer periphery of tool joint adapter body 131 and socket face 141 .
  • a portion of locking pin internal hole 135 a proximate to fastener opening 136 a faces tool joint adapter internal hole 132 .
  • the portion of locking pin internal hole 135 a that faces fastener opening 136 a opens into tool joint adapter internal hole 132 .
  • locking pin internal hole 135 b includes opposed locking pin hole openings 137 b and 138 b , and a fastener opening 136 b which extends through tool joint adapter body 131 and locking pin internal hole 135 b .
  • fastener opening 136 b extends between an outer periphery of tool joint adapter body 131 and socket face 142 .
  • a portion of locking pin internal hole 135 b proximate to fastener opening 136 b faces tool joint adapter internal hole 132 .
  • the portion of locking pin internal hole 135 b that faces fastener opening 136 b opens into tool joint adapter internal hole 132 .
  • FIG. 4 e is a cut-away side view of tool joint adapter 130 of FIGS. 4 a - 4 d taken along a cut-line which extends through locking pin internal holes 135 a and 135 b .
  • the cut-line cuts through the middle plan of locking pins 270 a and 270 b , wherein locking pins 270 a and 270 b extend through locking pin internal holes 135 a and 125 b , respectively.
  • locking pin internal holes 135 a and 135 b each include half-moon grooves, which are sized and shaped to receive corresponding locking pins 270 a and 270 b .
  • Locking pin internal holes 135 a and 135 b are milled out through the flats of the polygon male connection. Accordingly, the half-moon grooves on the replaceable pin tool joint are drilled and tapped from the outer body of the tool joint.
  • locking pins 270 a and 270 b are secured in place during the drilling operation. This is useful because it is undesirable to have a locking pin become unsecured during drilling operations because a portion of drill string 100 will become detached in the borehole. It is expensive and time consuming to retrieve the portion of the drill string from the borehole.
  • Locking pins 270 a and 270 b can be secured in many different ways.
  • the locking pins and holes for the locking pins are machined so that one end is smaller than the opposed end. This allows the locking pins to be put in and taken out only from the one larger end of the locking hole.
  • self-locking set screws are engaged into the middle drilled and tapped holes of the replaceable pin end tool joint and tightened firmly. This feature restricts the locking pin from disengaging itself from the larger side of the locking hole.
  • the self-locking set screw may prevent itself from backing off, which could be caused by drilling vibrations.
  • set screws with pelletized nylon inserts could be utilized. If the locking pin is unfixed, it could fall off from the drill pipe assembly and cause an extremely serious accident.
  • Many different types of the self-locking set screws for instance, the chemical additive type, the deflected or distorted thread type, and the material additive type, are suitable to secure the locking pins.
  • a useful design is to avoid generating an extra force to push out the locking pins, the larger locking hole always rotates ahead of the smaller locking hole, which even creates the tendency to tighten the locking pin in place.
  • the cylinder diameter of the locking pin can be one diameter from one end to another end.
  • the hole for holding the locking pin could be one size through its whole depth or can be machined so as one end is smaller than the opposed end.
  • FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are perspective views of an embodiment of a box tool joint 150 .
  • box tool joint 150 includes a box tool joint body 151 with a box tool joint internal hole 152 extending therethrough.
  • Box tool joint 150 includes a threaded box 153 having box threads 154 at one end and a faceted pin 158 at an opposed end. Box threads 154 face box tool joint internal hole 152 .
  • box tool joint internal hole 152 extends through threaded box 153 and faceted pin 158 , and allows material to flow therethrough.
  • faceted pin 158 includes a faceted fitting 160 that extends outwardly from a pin shoulder 157 .
  • Faceted pin 158 may include a sealing pin 155 , wherein faceted fitting 160 is positioned proximate to pin shoulder 157 and sealing pin 155 is positioned away from pin shoulder 157 .
  • Sealing pin 155 may be spaced from pin shoulder 157 by faceted fitting 160 .
  • Faceted fitting 160 may be arranged between pin shoulder 157 and sealing pin 155 .
  • pin shoulder 157 may face faceted fitting 160 and sealing pin 155 , and may face away from threaded box 153 .
  • box tool joint internal hole 152 may extend through faceted fitting 160 and sealing pin 155 .
  • Pin 155 may be a sealing pin because it may form a seal with another component, as will be discussed in more detail below.
  • sealing pin 155 includes a seal groove extending annularly around it. The seal groove may receive a sealing member, such as an O-ring seal, wherein the sealing member forms a seal with another component. In this way, pin 155 may be a sealing pin.
  • sealing pin 155 includes two seal grooves, denoted as seal grooves 156 a and 156 b .
  • sealing pin 155 of the box tool joint includes one or more seal grooves.
  • Fitting 160 may be a faceted fitting because it may include a face with a discontinuous curvature, and may not include a curved face with a continuous curvature, as will be discussed in more detail presently.
  • Faceted fitting 160 may include a fitting face.
  • faceted fitting 160 includes opposed fitting faces 161 and 162 , opposed fitting faces 163 and 164 , opposed fitting faces 165 and 166 and opposed fitting faces 167 and 168 .
  • faceted fitting 160 includes eight fitting faces in this embodiment for illustrative purposes. However, in general, faceted fitting 160 includes one or more fitting faces. The number of fitting faces of faceted fitting 160 corresponds to the number of socket faces of faceted socket 140 so that faceted socket 140 can receive faceted fitting 160 .
  • fitting faces 161 and 163 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 160 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 163 and 165 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 160 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 165 and 167 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 160 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 167 and 162 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 160 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 162 and 164 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 160 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 164 and 166 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 160 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 166 and 168 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 160 is discontinuous between them. In this way, fitting 160 may be a faceted fitting.
  • box tool joint 150 includes a locking pin groove that extends through a fitting face of faceted fitting 160 .
  • box tool joint 150 may include one or more locking pin grooves.
  • box tool joint 150 includes two locking pin grooves, which are denoted as locking pin grooves 169 a and 169 b .
  • locking pin grooves 169 a and 169 b are opposed to each other, wherein locking pin grooves 169 a and 169 b are proximate to fitting faces 161 and 162 , respectively.
  • locking pin grooves 169 a and 169 b extend through fitting faces 161 and 162 , respectively.
  • Locking pin grooves 169 a and 169 b extend through fitting faces 161 and 162 , respectively, so that locking pin grooves 169 a and 169 b face locking pin internal holes 135 a and 135 b , respectively, when faceted socket 140 receives faceted fitting 160 , as will be discussed in more detail below.
  • locking pin groove 169 a may extend through a portion of fitting faces 163 and 168 , as shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b , respectively. Further, locking pin groove 169 b may extend through a portion of fitting faces 167 and 164 , as shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b , respectively. In this way, box tool joint 150 may include a locking pin groove that extends through faceted fittings.
  • FIG. 6 a is a cut-away side view of an embodiment of a drill string 100 a that includes a tool assembly 108 a , wherein tool assembly 108 a includes tool joint adapter 130 and box tool joint 150 coupled together, and FIGS. 6 b and 6 c are close-up views of drill string 100 a of FIG. 6 a .
  • drill pipe 110 is coupled to box tool joint 150 .
  • threaded pin 119 FIG. 2 a
  • Threaded pin 119 is coupled to threaded box 153 ( FIG. 5 b ).
  • Threaded pin 119 is coupled to threaded box 153 so that pin threads 114 are threadingly engaged with box threads 154 ( FIG. 5 b ).
  • drill pipe 120 may be coupled to tool joint adapter 130 .
  • threaded box 123 ( FIG. 3 a ) has been removed from drill pipe body 121 and replaced with tool joint adapter 130 .
  • threaded box 123 has been removed from drill pipe body 121 and tool joint adapter fitting 134 is coupled to drill pipe body 121 .
  • Tool joint adapter fitting 134 may be fastened to drill pipe body 121 , such as by welding, so that a seal is formed therebetween.
  • drill pipe internal holes 112 and 122 may be in fluid communication with each other through box tool joint 150 and tool joint adapter 130 .
  • drill pipe internal holes 112 and 122 may be in fluid communication with each other through tool joint adapter internal hole 132 and box tool joint internal hole 152 .
  • material can flow between drill pipe internal holes 112 and 122 through tool joint adapter internal hole 132 and box tool joint internal hole 152 .
  • tool joint adapter internal hole 132 may extend through tool joint adapter 130
  • box tool joint internal hole 152 extends through box tool joint 150 .
  • sealing members 272 and 273 are coupled to sealing pin 155 .
  • sealing members 272 and 273 are carried by sealing pin 155 so they extend through seal grooves 156 a and 156 b , respectively, as shown in FIG. 6 c .
  • Sealing members 272 and 273 can be of many different types, such as O-ring seals.
  • tool joint adapter body 131 includes grooves opposed to seal grooves 156 a and 156 b .
  • tool joint adapter body 131 does not include grooves opposed to seal grooves 156 a and 156 b.
  • faceted pin 158 ( FIG. 5 a ) is extended through tool joint adapter body 131 .
  • faceted fitting 160 and sealing pin 155 are extended through tool joint adapter internal hole 132 and annular socket face 149 ( FIGS. 4 c , 4 d and 6 b ).
  • Sealing pin 155 is extended through tool joint adapter body 131 so that a seal is formed in response to sealing members 272 and 273 sealingly engaging an inner periphery of tool joint adapter body 131 .
  • Faceted fitting 160 may be extended through tool joint adapter body 131 so that faceted fitting 160 faces socket face 140 ( FIGS. 4 c and 4 d ).
  • faceted fitting 160 may be extended through tool joint adapter body 130 so that fitting faces 161 , 162 , 163 , 164 , 165 , 166 , 167 and 168 face socket faces 141 , 142 , 143 , 144 , 145 , 146 , 147 and 148 , respectively.
  • fitting faces 161 , 162 , 163 , 164 , 165 , 166 , 167 and 168 engage socket faces 141 , 142 , 143 , 144 , 145 , 146 , 147 and 148 , respectively, so that the rotation of box tool joint 150 relative to tool joint adapter 130 is restricted.
  • faceted fitting 160 may be extended through tool joint adapter body 131 so that locking pin grooves 169 a and 169 b ( FIGS. 5 a and 5 b ) face locking pin internal holes 135 a and 135 b ( FIG. 4 d ), respectively.
  • Locking pin grooves 169 a and 169 b may face locking pin internal holes 135 a and 135 b , respectively, in response to fitting faces 161 , 162 , 163 , 164 , 165 , 166 , 167 and 168 facing socket faces 141 , 142 , 143 , 144 , 145 , 146 , 147 and 148 , respectively.
  • a locking pin 270 a may be extended through locking pin internal hole 135 a and locking pin groove 169 a .
  • locking pin 270 a may be extended through locking pin internal hole 135 a and locking pin groove 169 a in response to extending the locking pin through locking pin hole opening 137 a .
  • locking pin 270 a is extended through locking pin internal hole 135 a and locking pin groove 169 a in response to extending it through locking pin hole opening 138 a.
  • the movement between tool joint adapter 130 and box tool joint 150 may be restricted in response to locking pin 270 a extending through locking pin internal hole 135 a and locking pin groove 169 a .
  • the movement of tool joint adapter 130 and box tool joint 150 away from each other may be restricted in response to locking pin 270 a extending through locking pin internal hole 135 a and locking pin groove 169 a .
  • Locking pin 270 a may lock tool joint adapter 130 and box tool joint 150 together when the locking pin restricts movement of tool joint adapter 130 and box tool joint 150 away from each other.
  • a fastener 271 a extends through fastener opening 136 a ( FIGS. 4 c , 4 d , 6 b and 6 c ).
  • Fastener 271 a extends through fastener opening 136 a and engages locking pin 270 a .
  • Fastener 271 a engages locking pin 270 a to restrict its movement through locking pin internal hole 135 a . In this way, locking pin 270 a is less likely to undesirably move through locking pin hole openings 137 a and 138 a and out of locking pin internal hole 135 a and locking pin groove 169 a .
  • Fastener 271 a can be of many different types, such as a set screw. As shown in FIG. 6 b , fastener 271 a is sunk into tool joint adapter body 131 so that the fastener is less likely to be sheared off.
  • a locking pin 270 b is extended through locking pin internal hole 135 b and locking pin groove 169 b .
  • locking pin 270 b is extended through locking pin internal hole 135 b and locking pin groove 169 b in response to extending it through locking pin hole opening 137 b .
  • locking pin 270 b is extended through locking pin internal hole 135 b and locking pin groove 169 b in response to extending it through locking pin hole opening 138 b.
  • the movement between tool joint adapter 130 and box tool joint 150 may be restricted in response to locking pin 270 b extending through locking pin internal hole 135 b and locking pin groove 169 b .
  • the movement of tool joint adapter 130 and box tool joint 150 away from each other may be restricted in response to locking pin 270 b extending through locking pin internal hole 135 b and locking pin groove 169 b .
  • Locking pin 270 b may lock tool joint adapter 130 and box tool joint 150 together when the locking pin restricts the movement of tool joint adapter 130 and box tool joint 150 away from each other.
  • a fastener 271 b extends through fastener opening 136 b ( FIGS. 4 d and 6 c ).
  • Fastener 271 b extends through fastener opening 136 b and engages locking pin 270 b .
  • Fastener 271 b engages locking pin 270 b to restrict its movement through locking pin internal hole 135 b . In this way, locking pin 270 b is less likely to undesirably move through locking pin hole openings 137 b and 138 b and out of locking pin internal hole 135 b and locking pin groove 169 b .
  • Fastener 271 b can be of many different types, such as a set screw. Fastener 271 b can be sunk into tool joint adapter body 131 so that it is less likely to be sheared off.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pin tool joint 170 .
  • pin tool joint 170 includes a pin tool joint body 171 with a pin tool joint internal hole 172 extending therethrough.
  • Pin tool joint 170 includes a threaded pin 179 at one end and a faceted pin 198 at an opposed end.
  • pin tool joint internal hole 172 extends through threaded pin 179 and faceted pin 198 , and allows material to flow therethrough.
  • Threaded pin 179 may include a pin cylinder 175 that may extend away from a pin shoulder 176 , and a threaded pin 173 that may include pin threads 174 .
  • Pin cylinder 175 may be proximate to pin shoulder 176 and threaded pin 173 is away from pin shoulder 176 .
  • Threaded pin 173 is spaced from pin shoulder 176 by pin fitting 175 .
  • Pin cylinder 175 is between threaded pin 173 and pin shoulder 176 .
  • Pin cylinder 175 is a non-faceted fitting because it includes a curved face with a continuous curvature, and does not include a flat face with a discontinuous curvature.
  • Pin cylinder 175 extends through a threaded box of another drill pipe, such as drill pipe 120 , when the pin cylinder is coupled to drill pipe 110 . It should be noted that pin tool joint internal hole 172 may extend through pin cylinder 175 and threaded pin 173 .
  • faceted pin 198 includes a faceted fitting 180 that extends outwardly from a pin shoulder 177 .
  • Faceted pin 198 includes a sealing pin 195 , wherein faceted fitting 180 is positioned proximate to pin shoulder 177 and sealing pin 195 is positioned away from pin shoulder 177 .
  • Sealing pin 195 is spaced from pin shoulder 177 by faceted fitting 180 .
  • Faceted fitting 180 is between pin shoulder 177 and sealing pin 195 .
  • pin shoulder 177 faces faceted fitting 180 and sealing pin 195 , and faces away from threaded pin 179 .
  • pin tool joint internal hole 172 extends through faceted fitting 180 and sealing pin 195 , and allows material to flow therethrough.
  • Pin 195 may be a sealing pin because it may form a seal with another component, as will be discussed in more detail below.
  • sealing pin 195 includes a seal groove extending annularly around it. The seal groove receives a sealing member, such as an O-ring seal, wherein the sealing member forms a seal with another component.
  • pin 195 is a sealing pin.
  • sealing pin 195 includes two seal grooves, denoted as seal grooves 196 a and 196 b .
  • sealing pin 195 of the pin tool joint includes one or more seal grooves.
  • Fitting 180 may be a faceted fitting because it may include two faces with a discontinuous curvature between them, and may not include a curved face with a continuous curvature, as will be discussed in more detail presently.
  • Faceted fitting 180 may include a fitting face.
  • faceted fitting 180 includes opposed fitting faces 181 and 182 , opposed fitting faces 183 and 184 , opposed fitting faces 185 and 186 and opposed fitting faces 187 and 188 .
  • faceted fitting 180 includes eight fitting faces in this embodiment for illustrative purposes. However, in general, faceted fitting 180 includes one or more fitting faces. The number of fitting faces of faceted fitting 180 corresponds to the number of socket faces of faceted socket 140 so that faceted socket 140 can receive faceted fitting 180 .
  • fitting faces 181 and 183 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 180 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 183 and 185 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 180 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 185 and 187 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 180 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 187 and 182 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 180 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 182 and 184 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 180 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 184 and 186 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 180 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 186 and 188 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 180 is discontinuous between them. In this way, fitting 180 is a faceted fitting.
  • pin tool joint 170 includes a locking pin groove which extends through a fitting face of faceted fitting 180 .
  • pin tool joint 170 includes one or more locking pin grooves.
  • pin tool joint 170 includes two locking pin grooves, which are denoted as locking pin grooves 189 a and 189 b .
  • locking pin grooves 189 a and 189 b are opposed to each other, wherein locking pin grooves 189 a and 189 b are proximate to fitting faces 181 and 182 , respectively.
  • locking pin grooves 189 a and 189 b extend through fitting faces 181 and 182 , respectively.
  • Locking pin grooves 189 a and 189 b extend through fitting faces 181 and 182 , respectively, so that locking pin grooves 189 a and 189 b face locking pin internal holes 135 a and 135 b ( FIG. 4 d ), respectively, when faceted socket 140 receives faceted fitting 180 , as will be discussed in more detail below.
  • locking pin groove 189 a may extend through a portion of fitting faces 183 and 188 . Further, locking pin groove 189 b may extend through a portion of fitting faces 187 and 184 . In this way, pin tool joint 170 may include a locking pin groove that extends through faceted fittings.
  • FIG. 8 a is a cut-away side view of an embodiment of a drill string 100 b that includes a tool assembly 108 b , wherein tool assembly 108 b includes tool joint adapter 130 and pin tool joint 170 coupled together, and FIGS. 8 b and 8 b are close-up views of drill string 100 b of FIG. 8 a .
  • drill pipe 120 is coupled to pin tool joint 170 .
  • threaded pin 179 ( FIG. 7 ) is coupled to threaded box 123 ( FIG. 3 a ).
  • Threaded pin 179 is coupled to threaded box 123 so that pin threads 174 are threadingly engaged with box threads 124 ( FIG. 3 a ).
  • drill pipe 110 may be coupled to tool joint adapter 130 .
  • threaded pin 119 FIG. 2 a
  • threaded pin 119 has been removed from drill pipe body 111 and replaced with tool joint adapter 130 .
  • threaded pin 119 has been removed from drill pipe body 111 and tool joint adapter fitting 134 is coupled to drill pipe body 111 .
  • Tool joint adapter fitting 134 is fastened to drill pipe body 111 , such as by welding, so that a seal is formed therebetween.
  • drill pipe internal holes 112 and 122 may be in fluid communication with each other through pin tool joint 170 and tool joint adapter 130 .
  • drill pipe internal holes 112 and 122 may be in fluid communication with each other through tool joint adapter internal hole 132 and pin tool joint internal hole 172 .
  • material can flow between drill pipe internal holes 112 and 122 through tool joint adapter internal hole 132 and pin tool joint internal hole 172 .
  • tool joint adapter internal hole 132 extends through tool joint adapter 130
  • pin tool joint internal hole 172 extends through pin tool joint 170 .
  • sealing members 272 and 273 are coupled to sealing pin 195 .
  • sealing members 272 and 273 are carried by sealing pin 195 so they extend through seal grooves 196 b and 196 a , respectively, as shown in FIG. 8 c .
  • Sealing members 272 and 273 can be of many different types, such as O-ring seals.
  • faceted pin 198 ( FIG. 7 ) is extended through tool joint adapter body 131 .
  • faceted fitting 180 and sealing pin 195 are extended through tool joint adapter internal hole 132 and annular socket face 149 ( FIGS. 4 c , 4 d and 8 b ).
  • Sealing pin 195 is extended through tool joint adapter body 131 so that a seal is formed in response to sealing members 272 and 273 sealingly engaging an inner periphery of tool joint adapter body 131 .
  • Faceted fitting 180 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is extended through tool joint adapter body 131 so that faceted fitting 180 faces socket face 140 ( FIGS. 4 c and 4 d ).
  • faceted fitting 180 is extended through tool joint adapter body 130 so that fitting faces 181 , 182 , 183 , 184 , 185 , 186 , 187 and 188 face socket faces 141 , 142 , 143 , 144 , 145 , 146 , 147 and 148 , respectively.
  • fitting faces 181 , 182 , 183 , 184 , 185 , 186 , 187 and 188 engage socket faces 141 , 142 , 143 , 144 , 145 , 146 , 147 and 148 , respectively, so that the rotation of pin tool joint 170 relative to tool joint adapter 130 is restricted.
  • faceted fitting 180 is extended through tool joint adapter body 131 so that locking pin grooves 189 a and 189 b ( FIG. 7 ) face locking pin internal holes 135 a and 135 b ( FIG. 4 d ), respectively.
  • Locking pin grooves 189 a and 189 b face locking pin internal holes 135 a and 135 b , respectively, in response to fitting faces 181 , 182 , 183 , 184 , 185 , 186 , 187 and 188 facing socket faces 141 , 142 , 143 , 144 , 145 , 146 , 147 and 148 , respectively.
  • locking pin 270 a is extended through locking pin internal hole 135 a and locking pin groove 189 a . In some situations, locking pin 270 a is extended through locking pin internal hole 135 a and locking pin groove 189 a in response to extending it through locking pin hole opening 137 a . In some situations, locking pin 270 a is extended through locking pin internal hole 135 a and locking pin groove 189 a in response to extending it through locking pin hole opening 138 a.
  • the movement between tool joint adapter 130 and pin tool joint 170 may be restricted in response to locking pin 270 a extending through locking pin internal hole 135 a and locking pin groove 189 a .
  • the movement of tool joint adapter 130 and pin tool joint 170 away from each other may be restricted in response to locking pin 270 a extending through locking pin internal hole 135 a and locking pin groove 189 a .
  • Locking pin 270 a may lock tool joint adapter 130 and pin tool joint 170 together when the locking pin restricts the movement of tool joint adapter 130 and pin tool joint 170 away from each other.
  • fastener 271 a extends through fastener opening 136 a ( FIGS. 4 c , 4 d , 8 b and 8 c ).
  • Fastener 271 a extends through fastener opening 136 a and engages locking pin 270 a .
  • Fastener 271 a engages locking pin 270 a to restrict its movement through locking pin internal hole 135 a . In this way, locking pin 270 a is less likely to undesirably move through locking pin hole openings 137 a and 138 a and out of locking pin internal hole 135 a and locking pin groove 189 a .
  • Fastener 271 a can be of many different types, such as a set screw. As shown in FIG. 8 b , fastener 271 a is sunk into tool joint adapter body 131 so that it is less likely to be sheared off.
  • locking pin 270 b is extended through locking pin internal hole 135 b and locking pin groove 189 b . In some situations, locking pin 270 b is extended through locking pin internal hole 135 b and locking pin groove 189 b in response to extending the locking pin through locking pin hole opening 137 b . In some situations, locking pin 270 b is extended through locking pin internal hole 135 b and locking pin groove 189 b in response to extending it through locking pin hole opening 138 b.
  • the movement between tool joint adapter 130 and pin tool joint 170 may be restricted in response to locking pin 270 b extending through locking pin internal hole 135 b and locking pin groove 189 b .
  • the movement of tool joint adapter 130 and pin tool joint 170 away from each other may be restricted in response to locking pin 270 b extending through locking pin internal hole 135 b and locking pin groove 189 b .
  • Locking pin 270 b may lock tool joint adapter 130 and pin tool joint 170 together when it restricts the movement of tool joint adapter 130 and pin tool joint 170 away from each other.
  • fastener 271 b extends through fastener opening 136 b ( FIGS. 4 d and 8 c ).
  • Fastener 271 b extends through fastener opening 136 b and engages locking pin 270 b .
  • Fastener 271 b engages locking pin 270 b to restrict movement of the locking pin through locking pin internal hole 135 b and locking pin groove 189 b .
  • locking pin 270 b may be less likely to undesirably move through locking pin hole openings 137 b and 138 b and out of locking pin internal hole 135 b and locking pin groove 189 b .
  • Fastener 271 b can be of many different types, such as a set screw. Fastener 271 b can be sunk into tool joint adapter body 131 so that it is less likely to be sheared off.
  • FIGS. 9 a and 9 c are perspective views of a box tool joint 200
  • FIGS. 9 b and 9 d are end views of box tool joint 200 looking in opposed directions of 209 a and 209 b , respectively.
  • box tool joint 200 includes a box tool joint body 201 with a box tool joint internal hole 202 extending therethrough.
  • Tool joint adapter internal hole 202 allows material to flow through box tool joint body 201 .
  • Box tool joint 200 includes a threaded box 203 at one end and a faceted socket 210 at an opposed end.
  • box tool joint internal hole 202 extends through threaded box 203 and faceted socket 210 , and allows material to flow therethrough.
  • Threaded box 203 includes box threads 204 , which face box tool joint internal hole 202 .
  • box tool joint 200 may include a faceted socket 210 , which includes a socket face.
  • faceted socket 210 includes opposed socket faces 211 and 212 , opposed socket faces 213 and 214 , opposed socket faces 215 and 216 and opposed socket faces 217 and 218 .
  • Socket faces 211 , 212 , 213 , 214 , 215 , 216 , 217 and 218 extend through an annular socket face 219 , and face box tool joint internal hole 202 .
  • faceted socket 210 includes eight socket faces in this embodiment for illustrative purposes. However, in general, faceted socket 210 includes one or more socket faces.
  • socket 210 is a faceted socket because it includes two faces with a discontinuous curvature between them, as will be discussed in more detail presently, and does not include a curved face with a continuous curvature. Faceted socket 210 faces box tool joint internal hole 202 , and box tool joint internal hole 202 extends through faceted socket 210 and socket face 219 , and allows material to flow therethrough.
  • Socket faces 211 and 213 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted socket 210 is discontinuous between them.
  • Socket faces 213 and 215 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted socket 210 is discontinuous between them.
  • Socket faces 215 and 217 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted socket 210 is discontinuous between them.
  • Socket faces 217 and 212 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted socket 210 is discontinuous between them.
  • Socket faces 212 and 214 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted socket 210 is discontinuous between them.
  • Socket faces 214 and 216 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted socket 210 is discontinuous between them. Socket faces 216 and 218 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted socket 210 may be discontinuous between them. In this way, socket 210 may be a faceted socket.
  • box tool joint 200 includes a locking pin internal hole that extends through box tool joint body 201 .
  • box tool joint 200 includes one or more locking pin internal holes.
  • box tool joint 200 includes two locking pin internal holes, which are denoted as locking pin internal holes 225 a and 225 b , as shown in FIG. 9 d .
  • locking pin internal holes 225 a and 225 b are opposed to each other, wherein locking pin internal holes 225 a and 225 b are proximate to socket faces 211 and 212 , respectively.
  • locking pin internal holes 225 a and 225 b extend through socket faces 211 and 212 , respectively.
  • Locking pin internal holes 225 a and 225 b open into box tool joint internal hole 202 .
  • locking pin internal hole 225 a includes opposed locking pin hole openings 227 a and 228 a , and a fastener opening 226 a that extends through box tool joint body 201 and locking pin internal hole 225 a .
  • fastener opening 226 a extends between an outer periphery of box tool joint body 201 and socket face 211 .
  • a portion of locking pin internal hole 225 a proximate to fastener opening 226 a faces box tool joint internal hole 202 .
  • the portion of locking pin internal hole 225 a that faces fastener opening 226 a opens into box tool joint internal hole 202 .
  • locking pin internal hole 225 b includes opposed locking pin hole openings 227 b and 228 b , and a fastener opening 226 b which extends through box tool joint body 201 and locking pin internal hole 225 b .
  • fastener opening 226 b extends between an outer periphery of box tool joint body 201 and socket face 212 .
  • a portion of locking pin internal hole 225 b proximate to fastener opening 226 b faces box tool joint internal hole 202 .
  • the portion of locking pin internal hole 225 b that faces fastener opening 226 b opens into box tool joint internal hole 202 .
  • FIGS. 10 a and 10 b are perspective views of a tool joint adapter 230 .
  • tool joint adapter 230 includes a tool joint adapter body 231 with a tool joint adapter internal hole 232 extending therethrough.
  • Tool joint adapter 230 includes a faceted pin 239 at one end and a tool joint adapter fitting 234 at an opposed end. It should be noted that tool joint adapter internal hole 232 extends through faceted pin 239 and tool joint adapter fitting 234 , and allows material to flow therethrough.
  • Tool joint adapter fitting 234 may extends away from a fitting shoulder 238 .
  • Tool joint adapter fitting 234 may be sized and shaped to be received by a drill pipe body, such as drill pipe bodies 111 and 121 .
  • Tool joint adapter fitting 234 may be a non-faceted fitting because it may include a curved face with a continuous curvature, and may not include a flat face with a discontinuous curvature. It should be noted that tool joint adapter internal hole 232 may extend through tool joint adapter fitting 234 and allows material to flow therethrough.
  • Tool joint adapter fitting 234 can be received by the drill pipe body after the threaded box or threaded pin has been removed therefrom.
  • tool joint adapter fitting 234 is welded to the drill pipe body.
  • tool joint adapter 230 typically is repeatably removeable from the drill pipe body. In this way, threaded pin 119 ( FIG. 2 a ) can be removed from the drill pipe body and replaced with tool joint adapter 230 . Further, threaded box 123 ( FIG. 3 a ) may be removed from the drill pipe body and replaced with tool joint adapter 230 .
  • faceted pin 239 includes a faceted fitting 240 that extends outwardly from a pin shoulder 237 .
  • Faceted pin 239 includes a sealing pin 235 , wherein faceted fitting 240 is positioned proximate to pin shoulder 237 and sealing pin 235 is positioned away from pin shoulder 237 .
  • Sealing pin 235 is spaced from pin shoulder 237 by faceted fitting 240 .
  • Faceted fitting 240 is between pin shoulder 237 and sealing pin 235 .
  • pin shoulder 237 faces faceted fitting 240 and sealing pin 235 , and faces away from tool joint adapter fitting 234 .
  • tool joint adapter internal hole 232 may extend through faceted fitting 240 and sealing pin 235 .
  • pin shoulder 237 is opposed to fitting shoulder 238 .
  • Pin 235 may be a sealing pin because it may form a seal with another component, as will be discussed in more detail below.
  • sealing pin 235 may include a seal groove extending annularly around it. The seal groove may receive a sealing member, such as an O-ring seal, wherein the sealing member forms a seal with another component. In this way, pin 235 may be a sealing pin.
  • sealing pin 235 may include two seal grooves, denoted as seal grooves 236 a and 236 b .
  • sealing pin 235 of the tool joint adapter may include one or more seal grooves.
  • Fitting 240 may be a faceted fitting because it may include two faces with a discontinuous curvature between them, and may not include a curved face with a continuous curvature, as will be discussed in more detail presently.
  • Faceted fitting 240 may include a fitting face.
  • faceted fitting 240 includes opposed fitting faces 241 and 242 , opposed fitting faces 243 and 244 , opposed fitting faces 245 and 246 and opposed fitting faces 247 and 248 .
  • faceted fitting 240 includes eight fitting faces in this embodiment for illustrative purposes. However, in general, faceted fitting 240 includes one or more fitting faces. The number of fitting faces of faceted fitting 240 corresponds to the number of socket faces of faceted socket 210 so that faceted socket 210 can receive faceted fitting 240 .
  • fitting faces 241 and 243 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 240 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 243 and 245 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 240 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 245 and 247 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 240 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 247 and 242 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 240 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 242 and 244 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 240 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 244 and 246 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 240 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 246 and 248 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 240 is discontinuous between them. In this way, fitting 234 may be a faceted fitting.
  • tool joint adapter 230 includes a locking pin groove that extends through a fitting face of faceted fitting 240 .
  • tool joint adapter 230 includes one or more locking pin grooves.
  • tool joint adapter 230 includes two locking pin grooves, which are denoted as locking pin grooves 249 a and 249 b .
  • locking pin grooves 249 a and 249 b are opposed to each other, wherein locking pin grooves 249 a and 249 b are proximate to fitting faces 241 and 242 , respectively.
  • locking pin grooves 249 a and 249 b may extend through fitting faces 241 and 242 , respectively.
  • Locking pin grooves 249 a and 249 b extend through fitting faces 241 and 242 , respectively, so that locking pin grooves 249 a and 249 b face locking pin internal holes 225 a and 225 b , respectively, when faceted socket 210 receives faceted fitting 240 , as will be discussed in more detail below.
  • locking pin groove 249 a may extend through a portion of fitting faces 243 and 248 . Further, locking pin groove 249 b may extend through a portion of fitting faces 247 and 244 . In this way, tool joint adapter 230 may include a locking pin groove that extends through faceted fittings.
  • FIG. 11 a is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pin tool joint 250
  • FIG. 11 b is an end view of pin tool joint 250 in a direction 279
  • pin tool joint 250 includes a pin tool joint body 251 with a pin tool joint internal hole 252 extending therethrough.
  • Pin tool joint 250 includes a threaded pin 259 at one end and a faceted socket 260 at an opposed end. It should be noted that pin tool joint internal hole 252 extends through threaded pin 259 and faceted socket 260 , and allows material to flow therethrough.
  • Threaded pin 259 may include a pin cylinder 255 that extends away from a pin shoulder 256 , and a threaded pin 253 that includes pin threads 254 .
  • Pin cylinder 255 may be proximate to pin shoulder 256 and threaded pin 253 may be away from pin shoulder 256 .
  • Threaded pin 253 may be spaced from pin shoulder 256 by pin cylinder 255 .
  • Pin cylinder 255 may be between threaded pin 253 and pin shoulder 256 .
  • Pin cylinder 255 may be a non-faceted fitting because it includes a curved face with a continuous curvature, and does not include a flat face with a discontinuous curvature.
  • Pin cylinder 255 may extend through a threaded box of another drill pipe, such as drill pipe 120 , when it is coupled to drill pipe 110 . It should be noted that pin tool joint internal hole 252 may extend through pin cylinder 255 and threaded pin 253 , and may allow material to flow therethrough.
  • faceted socket 260 may include a socket face.
  • faceted socket 260 includes opposed socket faces 261 and 262 , opposed socket faces 263 and 264 , opposed socket faces 265 and 266 and opposed socket faces 267 and 268 .
  • Socket faces 261 , 262 , 263 , 264 , 265 , 266 , 267 and 268 may extend through an annular socket face 269 , and face pin tool joint internal hole 252 .
  • Annular socket face 269 is opposed to fitting shoulder 253 .
  • faceted socket 260 faces Pin tool joint internal hole 252
  • pin tool joint internal hole 252 extends through faceted socket 260 and socket face 269 .
  • Pin tool joint internal hole 252 may extend through faceted socket 260 and allows material to flow therethrough.
  • faceted socket 260 includes eight socket faces in this embodiment for illustrative purposes. However, in general, faceted socket 260 may include one or more socket faces. It should be noted that socket 260 is a faceted socket because it includes two faces with a discontinuous curvature between them, as will be discussed in more detail presently, and does not include a curved face with a continuous curvature.
  • Socket faces 261 and 263 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted socket 260 is discontinuous between them.
  • Socket faces 263 and 265 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted socket 260 is discontinuous between them.
  • Socket faces 265 and 267 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted socket 260 is discontinuous between them.
  • Socket faces 267 and 262 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted socket 260 is discontinuous between them.
  • Socket faces 262 and 264 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted socket 260 is discontinuous between them.
  • Socket faces 264 and 266 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted socket 260 is discontinuous between them. Socket faces 266 and 268 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted socket 260 is discontinuous between them. In this way, faceted socket 260 is a faceted socket.
  • pin tool joint 250 includes a locking pin internal hole that extends through pin tool joint body 251 .
  • pin tool joint 250 includes one or more locking pin internal holes.
  • pin tool joint 250 includes two locking pin internal holes, which are denoted as locking pin internal holes 275 a and 275 b , as shown in FIG. 4 d .
  • locking pin internal holes 275 a and 275 b are opposed to each other, wherein locking pin internal holes 275 a and 275 b are proximate to socket faces 261 and 262 , respectively.
  • locking pin internal holes 275 a and 275 b may extend through socket faces 261 and 262 , respectively.
  • Locking pin internal holes 275 a and 275 b may open into pin tool joint internal hole 252 .
  • locking pin internal hole 275 a includes opposed locking pin hole openings 277 a and 278 a , and a fastener opening 276 a that extends through pin tool joint body 251 and locking pin internal hole 275 a .
  • fastener opening 276 a may extend between an outer periphery of pin tool joint body 251 and socket face 261 .
  • a portion of locking pin internal hole 275 a proximate to fastener opening 276 a faces pin tool joint internal hole 252 .
  • the portion of locking pin internal hole 275 a that faces fastener opening 276 a may open into pin tool joint internal hole 252 .
  • locking pin internal hole 275 b includes opposed locking pin hole openings 277 b and 278 b , and a fastener opening 276 b that extends through pin tool joint body 251 and locking pin internal hole 275 b .
  • fastener opening 276 b extends between an outer periphery of pin tool joint body 251 and socket face 262 .
  • a portion of locking pin internal hole 275 b proximate to fastener opening 276 b may faces pin tool joint internal hole 252 .
  • the portion of locking pin internal hole 275 b that faces fastener opening 276 b may open into pin tool joint internal hole 252 .
  • FIGS. 12 a and 12 b are perspective views of an embodiment of a tool joint adapter 280 .
  • tool joint adapter 280 includes a tool joint adapter body 281 with a tool joint adapter channel 282 extending therethrough.
  • Tool joint adapter 280 includes a faceted pin 289 at one end and a tool joint adapter fitting 284 at an opposed end.
  • tool joint adapter channel 282 may extend through faceted pin 289 and tool joint adapter fitting 284 , and allows material to flow therethrough.
  • Tool joint adapter fitting 284 may extend away from a fitting shoulder 288 .
  • Tool joint adapter fitting 284 may be sized and shaped to be received by a drill rod body, such as drill rod bodies 111 and 121 .
  • Tool joint adapter fitting 284 is a non-faceted fitting because it includes a curved face with a continuous curvature, and does not include a flat face with a discontinuous curvature. It should be noted that tool joint adapter channel 282 may extend through tool joint adapter fitting 284 , and may allow material to flow therethrough.
  • Tool joint adapter fitting 284 can be received by the drill rod body after the threaded box or threaded pin has been removed therefrom.
  • tool joint adapter fitting 284 is welded to the drill rod body.
  • tool joint adapter 280 may be repeatably removeable from the drill rod body. In this way, threaded pin 119 ( FIG. 2 a ) can be removed from the drill rod body and replaced with tool joint adapter 280 . Further, threaded box 123 ( FIG. 3 a ) can be removed from the drill rod body and replaced with tool joint adapter 280 .
  • faceted pin 289 includes a faceted fitting 290 that extends outwardly from a pin shoulder 287 .
  • Faceted pin 289 includes a sealing pin 285 , wherein faceted fitting 290 is positioned proximate to pin shoulder 287 and sealing pin 285 is positioned away from pin shoulder 287 .
  • Sealing pin 285 is spaced from pin shoulder 287 by faceted fitting 290 .
  • Faceted fitting 290 is between pin shoulder 287 and sealing pin 285 .
  • pin shoulder 287 faces faceted fitting 290 and sealing pin 285 , and faces away from tool joint adapter fitting 284 .
  • tool joint adapter channel 282 extends through faceted fitting 290 and sealing pin 285 .
  • pin shoulder 287 is opposed to fitting shoulder 288 .
  • Pin 285 is a sealing pin because is forms a seal with another component, as will be discussed in more detail below.
  • sealing pin 285 includes a seal groove extending annularly around it. The seal groove receives a sealing member, such as an O-ring seal, wherein the sealing member forms a seal with another component.
  • pin 285 is a sealing pin.
  • sealing pin 285 includes two seal grooves, denoted as seal grooves 285 a and 285 b .
  • box joint sealing pin 235 includes one or more seal grooves.
  • This embodiment of the fitting 290 is a faceted fitting because it includes two faces with a discontinuous curvature between them, and does not include a curved face with a continuous curvature, as will be discussed in more detail presently.
  • Faceted fitting 290 includes a fitting face.
  • faceted fitting 290 includes opposed fitting faces 291 and 292 , opposed fitting faces 293 and 294 , opposed fitting faces 295 and 296 and opposed fitting faces 297 and 298 .
  • faceted fitting 290 includes eight fitting faces in this embodiment for illustrative purposes. However, in general, faceted fitting 290 includes one or more fitting faces. The number of fitting faces of faceted fitting 290 corresponds to the number of socket faces of faceted socket 260 so that faceted socket 260 can receive faceted fitting 240 .
  • fitting faces 291 and 293 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 290 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 293 and 295 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 290 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 295 and 297 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 290 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 297 and 292 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 290 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 292 and 294 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 290 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 294 and 296 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 290 is discontinuous between them.
  • Fitting faces 296 and 298 may be at an angle relative to each other so that the curvature of faceted fitting 290 is discontinuous between them. In this way, fitting 290 may be a faceted fitting.
  • tool joint adapter 280 includes a dowel pin groove that extends through a fitting face of faceted fitting 283 .
  • tool joint adapter 280 may includes one or more dowel pin grooves.
  • tool joint adapter 280 includes two dowel pin grooves, which are denoted as dowel pin grooves 299 a and 299 b .
  • dowel pin grooves 299 a and 299 b are opposed to each other, wherein dowel pin grooves 299 a and 299 b are proximate to fitting faces 291 and 292 , respectively.
  • dowel pin grooves 249 a and 249 b extend through fitting faces 291 and 292 , respectively.
  • Dowel pin grooves 299 a and 299 b extend through fitting faces 291 and 292 , respectively, so that dowel pin grooves 299 a and 299 b face dowel pin channels 275 a and 275 b , respectively, when faceted socket 260 receives faceted fitting 240 , as will be discussed in more detail below.
  • dowel pin groove 299 a may extend through a portion of fitting faces 293 and 298 . Further, dowel pin groove 299 b extends through a portion of fitting faces 297 and 294 . In this way, tool joint adapter 280 includes a dowel pin groove that extends through faceted fittings.
  • FIG. 13 a is a cut-away side view of a drill string 100 c that includes a tool assembly 108 c , wherein tool assembly 108 c includes tool joint adapter 230 and box tool joint 200 coupled together, and FIGS. 13 b and 13 b are close-up views of drill string 100 c of FIG. 13 a .
  • drill pipe 110 is coupled to box tool joint 200 .
  • threaded pin 119 FIG. 2 a
  • Threaded pin 119 is coupled to threaded box 203 ( FIG. 9 a ).
  • Threaded pin 119 is coupled to threaded box 203 so that pin threads 114 are threadingly engaged with box threads 204 .
  • drill pipe 120 may be coupled to tool joint adapter 230 .
  • threaded box 123 ( FIG. 3 a ) has been removed from drill pipe body 121 and replaced with tool joint adapter 230 .
  • threaded box 123 has been removed from drill pipe body 121 and tool joint adapter fitting 234 is coupled to drill pipe body 121 .
  • Tool joint adapter fitting 234 is fastened to drill pipe body 121 , such as by welding, so that a seal is formed therebetween.
  • drill pipe internal holes 112 and 122 may be in fluid communication with each other through box tool joint 200 and tool joint adapter 230 .
  • drill pipe internal holes 112 and 122 may be in fluid communication with each other through tool joint adapter internal hole 232 and box tool joint internal hole 202 .
  • material can flow between drill pipe internal holes 112 and 122 through tool joint adapter internal hole 232 and box tool joint internal hole 202 .
  • tool joint adapter internal hole 232 may extend through tool joint adapter 230
  • box tool joint internal hole 202 extends through box tool joint 200 .
  • sealing members 272 and 273 are coupled to sealing pin 235 .
  • sealing members 272 and 273 are carried by sealing pin 235 so they extend through seal grooves 236 a and 236 b , respectively, as shown in FIG. 13 c .
  • Sealing members 272 and 273 can be of many different types, such as O-ring seals.
  • tool joint adapter body 201 includes grooves opposed to seal grooves 236 a and 236 b .
  • tool joint adapter body 201 does not include grooves opposed to seal grooves 236 a and 236 b.
  • faceted pin 239 extends through box tool joint body 201 ( FIG. 9 a ).
  • faceted fitting 240 and sealing pin 235 extend through box tool joint body internal hole 202 and annular socket face 219 ( FIGS. 9 c , 9 d and 13 b ).
  • Sealing pin 235 extends through box tool joint body 201 so that a seal is formed in response to sealing members 272 and 273 sealingly engaging an inner periphery of box tool joint body 201 .
  • the embodiment of the faceted fitting 240 shown in FIGS. 10 a and 10 b extends through box tool joint body 201 so that faceted fitting 240 faces faceted socket 210 ( FIGS. 9 c and 9 d ).
  • faceted fitting 240 extends through box tool joint body 201 so that fitting faces 241 , 242 , 243 , 244 , 245 , 246 , 247 and 248 face socket faces 211 , 212 , 213 , 214 , 215 , 216 , 217 and 218 , respectively.
  • fitting faces 241 , 242 , 243 , 244 , 245 , 246 , 247 and 248 engage socket faces 211 , 212 , 213 , 214 , 215 , 216 , 217 and 218 , respectively, so that the rotation of box tool joint 200 relative to tool joint adapter 230 is restricted.
  • faceted fitting 240 extends through box tool joint body 201 so that locking pin grooves 249 a and 249 b ( FIGS. 10 a and 10 b ) face locking pin internal holes 225 a and 225 b ( FIG. 9 d ), respectively.
  • Locking pin grooves 249 a and 249 b face locking pin internal holes 225 a and 225 b , respectively, in response to fitting faces 241 , 242 , 243 , 244 , 245 , 246 , 247 and 248 facing socket faces 211 , 212 , 213 , 214 , 215 , 216 , 217 and 218 , respectively.
  • locking pin 270 a extends through locking pin internal hole 225 a and locking pin groove 249 a . In some situations, locking pin 270 a extends through locking pin internal hole 225 a and locking pin groove 249 a in response to the locking pin extending through locking pin hole opening 227 a . In some situations, locking pin 270 a extends through locking pin internal hole 225 a and locking pin groove 249 a in response to the locking pin extend through locking pin hole opening 228 a.
  • the movement between tool joint adapter 230 and box tool joint 200 may be restricted in response to locking pin 270 a extending through locking pin internal hole 225 a and locking pin groove 249 a .
  • the movement of tool joint adapter 230 and box tool joint 200 away from each other may be restricted in response to locking pin 270 a extending through locking pin internal hole 225 a and locking pin groove 249 a .
  • Locking pin 270 a may lock tool joint adapter 230 and box tool joint 200 together when the locking restricts the movement of tool joint adapter 230 and box tool joint 200 away from each other.
  • fastener 271 a extends through fastener opening 226 a .
  • Fastener 271 a extends through fastener opening 226 a and engages locking pin 270 a .
  • Fastener 271 a engages locking pin 270 a to restrict its movement through locking pin internal hole 225 a . In this way, locking pin 270 a is less likely to undesirably move through locking pin hole openings 227 a and 228 a and out of locking pin internal hole 225 a and locking pin groove 249 a .
  • Fastener 271 a can be of many different types, such as a set screw. As shown in FIG. 13 b , fastener 271 a is sunk into box tool joint body 201 so that it is less likely to be sheared off.
  • locking pin 270 b extends through locking pin internal hole 225 b and locking pin groove 249 b . In some situations, locking pin 270 b extends through locking pin internal hole 225 b and locking pin groove 249 b in response to the locking pin extending through locking pin hole opening 227 b . In some situations, locking pin 270 b may extend through locking pin internal hole 225 b and locking pin groove 249 b in response to the locking pin extending through locking pin hole opening 248 b.
  • the movement between tool joint adapter 230 and box tool joint 200 may be restricted in response to locking pin 270 b extending through locking pin internal hole 225 b and locking pin groove 249 b .
  • the movement of tool joint adapter 230 and box tool joint 200 away from each other may be restricted in response to locking pin 270 b extending through locking pin internal hole 225 b and locking pin groove 249 b .
  • Locking pin 270 b locks tool joint adapter 230 and box tool joint 200 together when the locking pin restricts the movement of tool joint adapter 230 and box tool joint 200 away from each other.
  • fastener 271 b extends through fastener opening 226 b .
  • Fastener 271 b extends through fastener opening 226 b and engages locking pin 270 b .
  • Fastener 271 b engages locking pin 270 b to restrict movement of the locking pin through locking pin internal hole 225 b . In this way, locking pin 270 b is less likely to undesirably move through locking pin hole openings 227 b and 228 b and out of locking pin internal hole 225 b and locking pin groove 249 b .
  • Fastener 271 b can be of many different types, such as a set screw. Fastener 271 b can be sunk into box tool joint body 201 so that it is less likely to be sheared off.
  • FIG. 14 a is a cut-away side view of an embodiment of a drill string 100 d that includes a tool assembly 108 d , wherein tool assembly 108 d includes tool joint adapter 280 and pin tool joint 250 coupled together, and FIGS. 14 b and 14 b are close-up views of drill string 100 d of FIG. 14 a .
  • drill pipe 120 is coupled to pin tool joint 250 .
  • threaded pin 253 ( FIG. 11 a ) is coupled to threaded box 123 ( FIG. 3 a ).
  • Threaded pin 253 is coupled to threaded box 123 so that pin threads 254 are threadingly engaged with box threads 124 ( FIG. 3 a ).
  • drill pipe 110 may be coupled to tool joint adapter 280 .
  • threaded pin 119 FIG. 2 a
  • threaded pin 119 has been removed from drill pipe body 111 and replaced with tool joint adapter 280 .
  • threaded pin 119 has been removed from drill pipe body 111 and tool joint adapter fitting 284 is coupled to drill pipe body 111 .
  • Tool joint adapter fitting 284 may be fastened to drill pipe body 111 , such as by welding, so that a seal is formed therebetween.
  • drill pipe internal holes 112 and 122 may be in fluid communication with each other through pin tool joint 250 and tool joint adapter 280 .
  • drill pipe internal holes 112 and 122 may be in fluid communication with each other through tool joint adapter internal hole 282 and pin tool joint internal hole 252 .
  • material can flow between drill pipe internal holes 112 and 122 through tool joint adapter internal hole 282 and pin tool joint internal hole 252 .
  • tool joint adapter internal hole 282 may extend through tool joint adapter 280
  • pin tool joint internal hole 252 extends through pin tool joint 250 .
  • sealing members 272 and 273 are coupled to sealing pin 285 .
  • sealing members 272 and 273 are carried by sealing pin 285 so they extend through seal grooves 286 a and 286 b , respectively, as shown in FIG. 14 c .
  • Sealing members 272 and 273 can be of many different types, such as O-ring seals.
  • tool joint adapter body 251 includes grooves opposed to seal grooves 286 a and 286 b .
  • tool joint adapter body 201 does not include grooves opposed to seal grooves 286 a and 286 b.
  • faceted pin 289 extends through pin tool joint body 251 ( FIG. 11 a ).
  • faceted fitting 290 and sealing pin 285 extend through tool joint adapter internal hole 252 and annular socket face 269 ( FIGS. 11 a and 14 b ).
  • Sealing pin 285 extends through pin tool joint body 251 so that a seal is formed in response to sealing members 272 and 273 sealingly engaging an inner periphery of pin tool joint body 251 .
  • Faceted fitting 290 may extend through pin tool joint body 251 so that faceted fitting 290 faces faceted socket 260 as shown in FIGS. 11 a and 11 b .
  • faceted fitting 290 may extend through pin tool joint body 251 so that fitting faces 291 , 292 , 293 , 294 , 295 , 296 , 297 and 298 face socket faces 261 , 262 , 263 , 264 , 265 , 266 , 267 and 268 , respectively.
  • fitting faces 291 , 292 , 293 , 294 , 295 , 296 , 297 and 298 engage socket faces 261 , 262 , 263 , 264 , 265 , 266 , 267 and 268 , respectively, so that the rotation of pin tool joint 250 relative to tool joint adapter 280 is restricted.
  • faceted fitting 290 may extend through pin tool joint body 251 so that locking pin grooves 299 a and 299 b ( FIGS. 12 a and 12 b ) face locking pin internal holes 275 a and 275 b ( FIG. 11 b ), respectively.
  • Locking pin grooves 299 a and 299 b may face locking pin internal holes 275 a and 275 b , respectively, in response to fitting faces 291 , 292 , 293 , 294 , 295 , 296 , 297 and 298 facing socket faces 261 , 262 , 263 , 264 , 265 , 266 , 267 and 268 , respectively.
  • locking pin 270 a extends through locking pin internal hole 275 a and locking pin groove 299 a . In some situations, locking pin 270 a extends through locking pin internal hole 275 a and locking pin groove 299 a in response to the locking pin extending through locking pin hole opening 277 a . In some situations, locking pin 270 a extends through locking pin internal hole 275 a and locking pin groove 299 a in response to the locking pin extending through locking pin hole opening 278 a.
  • the movement between tool joint adapter 280 and pin tool joint 250 may be restricted in response to locking pin 270 a extending through locking pin internal hole 275 a and locking pin groove 299 a .
  • the movement of tool joint adapter 280 and pin tool joint 250 away from each other may be restricted in response to locking pin 270 a extending through locking pin internal hole 275 a and locking pin groove 299 a .
  • Locking pin 270 a locks tool joint adapter 280 and pin tool joint 250 together when the locking pin restricts the movement of tool joint adapter 280 and pin tool joint 250 away from each other.
  • fastener 271 a extends through fastener opening 276 a ( FIGS. 11 a , 11 b , 14 b and 14 c ).
  • Fastener 271 a extends through fastener opening 276 a and engages locking pin 270 a .
  • Fastener 271 a engages locking pin 270 a to restrict its movement through locking pin internal hole 275 a . In this way, locking pin 270 a is less likely to undesirably move through locking pin hole openings 277 a and 278 a and out of locking pin internal hole 275 a and locking pin groove 299 a .
  • Fastener 271 a can be of many different types, such as a set screw. As shown in FIG. 14 b , fastener 271 a is sunk into pin tool joint body 251 so that it is less likely to be sheared off.
  • locking pin 270 b extends through locking pin internal hole 275 b and locking pin groove 299 b . In some situations, locking pin 270 b extends through locking pin internal hole 275 b and locking pin groove 299 b in response to the locking pin extending through locking pin hole opening 277 b . In some situations, locking pin 270 b extends through locking pin internal hole 275 b and locking pin groove 299 b in response to the locking pin extending through locking pin hole opening 278 b.
  • the movement between tool joint adapter 280 and pin tool joint 250 may be restricted in response to locking pin 270 b extending through locking pin internal hole 275 b and locking pin groove 299 b .
  • the movement of tool joint adapter 280 and pin tool joint 250 away from each other may be restricted in response to locking pin 270 b extending through locking pin internal hole 275 b and locking pin groove 299 b .
  • Locking pin 270 b locks tool joint adapter 280 and pin tool joint 250 together when it restricts the movement of tool joint adapter 280 and pin tool joint 250 away from each other.
  • fastener 271 b extends through fastener opening 276 b .
  • Fastener 271 b extends through fastener opening 276 b and engages locking pin 270 b .
  • Fastener 271 b engages locking pin 270 b to restrict its movement through locking pin internal hole 275 b . In this way, locking pin 270 b is less likely to undesirably move through locking pin hole openings 277 b and 278 b and out of locking pin internal hole 275 b and locking pin groove 299 b .
  • Fastener 271 b can be of many different types, such as a set screw. Fastener 271 b can be sunk into pin tool joint body 251 so that it is less likely to be sheared off.
  • FIGS. 15 a and 15 b are perspective views of embodiments of locking pins 270 c and 270 d , respectively.
  • locking pin 270 c includes a locking pin body 274 that is cylindrical in shape.
  • Locking pin body 274 is cylindrical in shape because it includes a radial dimension that is constant along its length.
  • locking pin 270 d includes a locking body portions 274 a and 274 b , wherein locking pin portions 274 a and 274 b have different radial dimensions.
  • the radial dimension of locking pin portion 274 a is less than the radial dimension of locking pin portion 274 b .
  • the radial dimension of locking pin portion 274 b is greater than the radial dimension of locking pin portion 274 a .
  • locking pin 270 d is a single integral piece so that locking portions 274 a and 274 b are formed from a single piece of material.
  • FIGS. 15 c and 15 d are perspective views of embodiments of faceted fittings 220 a and 220 b , respectively, for receiving locking pins 270 c and 270 d , respectively. It should be noted that faceted fittings 220 a and 220 b can be included with the faceted pins discussed herein, such as faceted pins 158 , 198 , 239 and 289 .
  • faceted fitting 220 a includes a locking pin internal hole 221 a having a constant radial dimension along its length.
  • the radial dimension of locking pin internal hole 221 a may be selected to match the radial dimension of locking pin 270 c ( FIG. 15 a ).
  • Locking pin internal hole 221 a extends through a fitting face 222 , wherein fitting face 222 can correspond to fitting faces 161 , 162 , 181 , 182 , 241 , 242 , 291 and 292 . It should be noted that fitting face 222 may also correspond to any of the other fitting faces discussed herein.
  • Locking pin internal hole 221 a also extends through fitting faces 223 and 224 , wherein fitting faces 223 and 224 extend at angles from fitting face 222 .
  • fitting face 220 b includes locking pin internal holes 221 a and 221 b adjacent to each other.
  • the radial dimension of locking pin internal hole 221 a is less than the radial dimension of locking pin internal hole 221 b .
  • the radial dimension of locking pin internal hole 221 b is greater than the radial dimension of locking pin internal hole 221 a .
  • the radial dimension of locking pin internal hole 221 a is selected to match the radial dimension of locking pin portion 274 a ( FIG. 15 b ).
  • the radial dimension of locking pin internal hole 221 b is chosen to match the radial dimension of locking pin portion 274 b ( FIG. 15 b ).
  • the radial dimension of the corresponding locking pin internal hole is also chosen to match the radial dimensions of locking pin portions 274 a and 274 b .
  • Examples of locking pin internal holes that can have radial dimensions that match the radial dimensions of locking pin portions 274 a and 274 b include locking pin internal holes 135 a , 135 b , 225 a , 225 b , 275 a and 275 b.
  • FIGS. 16 a and 16 b are embodiments of faceted sockets 125 a and 125 b , respectively, which include one and two facets, respectively. It should be noted that faceted sockets 125 a and 125 b can be included with the tool joint adapters, box tool joint and pin tool joints discussed herein, such as tool joint adapter 130 , box tool joint 200 and pin tool joint 250 .
  • faceted socket 125 a includes tool joint adapter body 131 with tool joint adapter internal hole 132 extending therethrough.
  • Faceted socket 125 a includes locking pin internal hole 135 a and locking pin hole openings 137 a and 138 a , as well as fastener opening 136 , which are described in more detail above.
  • faceted socket 125 a includes socket face 141 , wherein locking pin internal hole 135 a is proximate to socket face 141 .
  • locking pin internal hole 135 a extends through socket face 141 .
  • Locking pin internal hole 135 a opens into tool joint adapter internal hole 132 .
  • Socket face 141 is discussed in more detail above, and shown in FIG. 4 d . Socket face 141 may be a flat face, and typically is not a curved face.
  • faceted socket 125 a includes a curved socket face 126 that extends around an inner periphery of tool joint adapter body 131 and between opposed ends of socket face 141 .
  • Socket face 126 is a curved face and is not a flat face like socket face 141 .
  • faceted socket 125 a includes one flat socket face, which corresponds to socket face 141 .
  • Socket 125 a is a faceted socket because it includes socket face 126 .
  • faceted socket 125 b includes tool joint adapter body 131 with tool joint adapter internal hole 132 extending therethrough.
  • Faceted socket 125 b includes locking pin internal hole 135 a and locking pin hole openings 137 a and 138 a , as well as fastener opening 136 , which are described in more detail above.
  • faceted socket 125 b includes locking pin internal hole 135 b and locking pin hole openings 137 b and 138 b , as well as fastener opening 136 , which are described in more detail above.
  • faceted socket 125 b includes socket face 141 , wherein locking pin internal hole 135 a is proximate to socket face 141 .
  • locking pin internal hole 135 a extends through socket face 141 .
  • Locking pin internal hole 135 a opens into tool joint adapter internal hole 132 .
  • Socket face 141 is discussed in more detail above, and shown in FIG. 4 d . Socket face 141 is a flat face, and is not a curved face.
  • faceted socket 125 b includes socket face 142 , wherein locking pin internal hole 135 b is proximate to socket face 142 .
  • locking pin internal hole 135 b extends through socket face 142 .
  • Locking pin internal hole 135 b opens into tool joint adapter internal hole 132 .
  • Socket face 142 is discussed in more detail above, and shown in FIG. 4 d . Socket face 142 is a flat face, and is not a curved face.
  • faceted socket 125 b includes curved socket face 126 which extends around an inner periphery of tool joint adapter body 131 and between ends of socket faces 141 and 142 .
  • Socket face 126 is a curved face and is not a flat face like socket face 141 .
  • faceted socket 125 b includes curved socket face 127 that extends around an inner periphery of tool joint adapter body 131 and between ends of socket faces 141 and 142 .
  • Socket face 127 is a curved face and is not a flat face like socket face 141 .
  • faceted socket 125 b includes two flat socket faces, which correspond to socket faces 141 and 142 .
  • Socket 125 b is a faceted socket because it includes socket faces 126 and 127 .
  • FIG. 17 illustrates a portion of the replaceable pin end tool joint 170 , locking pin 270 , tool joint adapter 130 and main drill pipe body 120 .
  • FIG. 17 a illustrates a close-up view of the locking pin engaging the tool joint adapter and the replaceable pin end tool joint.
  • the tool joint adapter and the replaceable pin end tool joint may each include a groove having a semi-circular cross-section.
  • the outer surface of the tool joints and/or tool joint adapter may include treatments, coatings and/or elements to enhance durability.
  • the outer surface of the tool joints and/or tool joint adapter may include hardfacings to minimize O.D. wear and prolong the service life for both tool joints and main drill pipe body.
  • the locking pins, locking pin holes, polygon pins and polygon boxes may also include treatments, coatings and/or elements to enhance durability.
  • a manganese phosphate conversion coating and related post treatment may be utilizes to create thin corrosion resistance layer on the surface of locking pins, locking pin holes, polygon pins, and/or polygon boxes.
  • the semi-circular groove on the replaceable pin end tool joint is slightly higher than the half-moon groove on the tool joint adapter.
  • the close sliding fit may be made up once the locking pin is arranged in place.
  • the close sliding fit can create upward forces on the shoulder of the tool joint adapter and downward forces on the shoulder of the replaceable pin end tool joint. Forces on the joint between the replaceable pin end tool joint and the tool joint adapter are indicated by arrows 400 .
  • the connection shoulders can allow for a compression load to be transferred from the replaceable pin end tool joint to the main drill pipe body.
  • Embodiments of the invention can include shortening a repair time for a drill pipe.
  • Embodiments of the invention can also significantly decrease repair cost for a drill pipe. Reducing repair time and cost can increase profit by increasing available drilling time and decreasing time and cost of repair.
  • Embodiments of the invention can also permit worn tool joints to be replaced at a remote drilling site using only common tools, such as a hummer, punch pin, Allen key, and/or angle grinder, among other tools. Additionally, embodiments of the invention can promotes environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes because of less fuel is consumed in shipping products away from remote sites to be repaired. Furthermore, embodiments of the claimed invention can reduce welding smoke, water used to clean up used drill pipes, and contaminated water produced.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
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  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
US14/344,814 2011-09-13 2012-09-12 Drill pipe with replaceable tool joints Abandoned US20140353045A1 (en)

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PCT/CA2012/050629 WO2013037058A1 (en) 2011-09-13 2012-09-12 Drill pipe with replaceable tool joints
US14/344,814 US20140353045A1 (en) 2011-09-13 2012-09-12 Drill pipe with replaceable tool joints

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US20150030374A1 (en) * 2011-08-02 2015-01-29 Plainsman Manufacturing Inc. Isolated shearing mechanism for downhole tools
RU167848U1 (ru) * 2016-05-04 2017-01-20 федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Южно-Российский государственный политехнический университет (НПИ) имени М.И. Платова" Замковое соединение буровых шнеков
US20170036336A1 (en) * 2016-10-25 2017-02-09 Caterpillar Inc. Hammer assembly
US20180313169A1 (en) * 2017-05-01 2018-11-01 Vermeer Manufacturing Company Dual rod directional drilling system
CN109538128A (zh) * 2019-01-18 2019-03-29 沧州格锐特钻头有限公司 一种防震pdc钻头
WO2019164490A1 (en) * 2018-02-22 2019-08-29 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Cylindrical contact polygon for torque transmission to a driveshaft
EP3587729A1 (de) * 2018-06-22 2020-01-01 TRACTO-TECHNIK GmbH & Co. KG Verbindung zweier bohrstrangglieder eines bohrstrangs zum erdbohren
GB2586352A (en) * 2019-08-16 2021-02-17 Deep Blue Oil & Gas Ltd Managed pressure drilling system and method of use
US11149501B2 (en) * 2019-03-14 2021-10-19 Vermeer Manufacturing Company Rod coupler and coupled rod assembly
US20220349264A1 (en) * 2021-05-03 2022-11-03 Tracto-Technik Gmbh & Co. Kg Rod section of a ground drilling rod

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CA3193759A1 (en) 2014-05-08 2015-11-12 Evolution Engineering Inc. Jig for coupling or uncoupling drill string sections with detachable couplings and related methods
WO2015168804A1 (en) * 2014-05-08 2015-11-12 Evolution Engineering Inc. Drill string sections with interchangeable couplings
CA2937251A1 (en) 2015-07-31 2017-01-31 ASDR Canada Inc. Sound absorber for a drilling apparatus
US10941651B2 (en) * 2017-05-01 2021-03-09 U-Target Energy Ltd. Downhole telemetry system and method therefor
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CN110424900B (zh) * 2019-08-26 2020-11-10 四川轻化工大学 一种钻杆减扭接头
CN110761279A (zh) * 2019-11-06 2020-02-07 上海渊丰地下工程技术有限公司 气硬性水泥土搅拌桩的施工方法及施工装置
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Cited By (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9663999B2 (en) * 2011-08-02 2017-05-30 Plainsman Manufacturing Inc. Isolated shearing mechanism for downhole tools
US20150030374A1 (en) * 2011-08-02 2015-01-29 Plainsman Manufacturing Inc. Isolated shearing mechanism for downhole tools
RU167848U1 (ru) * 2016-05-04 2017-01-20 федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Южно-Российский государственный политехнический университет (НПИ) имени М.И. Платова" Замковое соединение буровых шнеков
US20170036336A1 (en) * 2016-10-25 2017-02-09 Caterpillar Inc. Hammer assembly
US10961779B2 (en) 2017-05-01 2021-03-30 Vermeer Manufacturing Company Dual rod directional drilling system
US20180313169A1 (en) * 2017-05-01 2018-11-01 Vermeer Manufacturing Company Dual rod directional drilling system
EP3399134B1 (en) * 2017-05-01 2023-11-08 Vermeer Manufacturing Company Dual rod directional drilling system
US11808151B2 (en) 2017-05-01 2023-11-07 Vermeer Manufacturing Company Dual rod directional drilling system
US10851588B2 (en) * 2017-05-01 2020-12-01 Vermeer Manufacturing Company Dual rod directional drilling system
US11608861B2 (en) 2018-02-22 2023-03-21 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Cylindrical contact polygon for torque transmission to a driveshaft
WO2019164490A1 (en) * 2018-02-22 2019-08-29 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Cylindrical contact polygon for torque transmission to a driveshaft
EP3868998A1 (de) * 2018-06-22 2021-08-25 TRACTO-TECHNIK GmbH & Co. KG Verbindung zweier bohrstrangglieder eines bohrstrangs zum erdbohren
EP3587729A1 (de) * 2018-06-22 2020-01-01 TRACTO-TECHNIK GmbH & Co. KG Verbindung zweier bohrstrangglieder eines bohrstrangs zum erdbohren
CN109538128A (zh) * 2019-01-18 2019-03-29 沧州格锐特钻头有限公司 一种防震pdc钻头
US11149501B2 (en) * 2019-03-14 2021-10-19 Vermeer Manufacturing Company Rod coupler and coupled rod assembly
GB2586352A (en) * 2019-08-16 2021-02-17 Deep Blue Oil & Gas Ltd Managed pressure drilling system and method of use
GB2586352B (en) * 2019-08-16 2022-08-24 Deep Blue Oil & Gas Ltd Managed pressure drilling system and method of use
US11952840B2 (en) 2019-08-16 2024-04-09 Deep Blue Oil & Gas Limited Managed pressure drilling system and method of use
US20220349264A1 (en) * 2021-05-03 2022-11-03 Tracto-Technik Gmbh & Co. Kg Rod section of a ground drilling rod
US11959340B2 (en) * 2021-05-03 2024-04-16 Tracto-Technik Gmbh & Co. Kg Rod section of a ground drilling rod

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CO6930336A2 (es) 2014-04-28
AU2012308072A1 (en) 2014-04-03
RU2014114260A (ru) 2015-10-20
WO2013037058A1 (en) 2013-03-21
CL2014000582A1 (es) 2014-10-10
BR112014005600A2 (pt) 2017-04-04
CA2848114A1 (en) 2013-03-21
RU2622951C2 (ru) 2017-06-21
ZA201401380B (en) 2015-06-24
CN103797208A (zh) 2014-05-14
AU2012308072B2 (en) 2017-02-23

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