WO2023027981A1 - Greaseless core barrel head assembly - Google Patents
Greaseless core barrel head assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2023027981A1 WO2023027981A1 PCT/US2022/041023 US2022041023W WO2023027981A1 WO 2023027981 A1 WO2023027981 A1 WO 2023027981A1 US 2022041023 W US2022041023 W US 2022041023W WO 2023027981 A1 WO2023027981 A1 WO 2023027981A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- core barrel
- head assembly
- core
- barrel head
- valve body
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000004519 grease Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 60
- 238000005070 sampling Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 34
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 82
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 claims description 26
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 24
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 22
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 20
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims description 12
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- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 7
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- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
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- 241001449342 Chlorocrambe hastata Species 0.000 description 2
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- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005489 elastic deformation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010438 granite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002706 hydrostatic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001050 lubricating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010687 lubricating oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005461 lubrication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B25/00—Apparatus for obtaining or removing undisturbed cores, e.g. core barrels, core extractors
- E21B25/02—Apparatus for obtaining or removing undisturbed cores, e.g. core barrels, core extractors the core receiver being insertable into, or removable from, the borehole without withdrawing the drilling pipe
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
- E21B47/09—Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wells, e.g. the position of an extending arm; Identifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
- E21B47/095—Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wells, e.g. the position of an extending arm; Identifying the free or blocked portions of pipes by detecting an acoustic anomalies, e.g. using mud-pressure pulses
Definitions
- This disclosure relates generally to drilling apparatuses and, more specifically, to core sampling tools that collect core samples without the need for delivering grease within the core sampling tools.
- Core barrel head assemblies conventionally use bearings that rotationally engage a spindle, which allows a proximal portion of the core barrel head assembly to rotate with the drill string while a core barrel (at a distal end of the core barrel head assembly) remains rotationally stationary to engage and receive a core sample.
- These core barrel head assemblies are provided with grease ports and grease fittings that permit delivery of grease to the bearings, which conventionally include rolling components.
- hydrostatic fluid pressure within a borehole can allow grease to pass through small passageways within the core barrel head assembly and enter the core barrel, thereby leading to a loss of grease and corruption or damage to the core within the core barrel.
- the core barrel head assembly can comprise an elongate tube body having an outer surface, an interior cavity, a proximal end, and a distal end.
- the elongate tube body can define a helical groove that extends from the interior cavity to the outer surface of the elongate tube body.
- the helical groove can be configured to allow the elongate tube body to elastically extend from a neutral length to an elongated length.
- the elongate tube body can define at least one aperture that extends between the interior cavity and the outer surface.
- the helical groove can be configured to allow the elongate tube body to elastically compress from the neutral length.
- the core barrel head assembly can further comprise a valve body that is attached to the elongate tube body and is movable with respect to the proximal end of the elongate tube along the longitudinal axis, as the elongate tube body compresses, from a first position to a second position. When in the second position, the valve body causes a greater restriction to flow through the at least one aperture than when the valve body is in the first position.
- the core barrel head assembly can further comprise an electronics compartment having an outer surface.
- the valve body can define an interior cavity.
- the electronics compartment can be disposed within the interior cavity of the valve body.
- the electronics compartment can be attached to the valve body so that the interior surface of the interior cavity of the valve body and the outer surface of the electronics department define a fluid passage.
- At least one of the valve body, the electronics compartment, or a combination of at least one interior surface of the valve body and at least one exterior surface of the electronics compartment can define at least one opening for providing fluid communication between the fluid passage and the distal end of the valve body.
- a system can comprise a drill string comprising a drill bit at a distal end, a core barrel head assembly, wherein the core barrel head assembly has a distal end, and a core tube assembly attached to the core barrel head assembly.
- the core tube assembly can comprise a core barrel having a distal end and a core lifter case at the distal end of the core barrel.
- a method can comprise retracting the drill string until the drill bit is in the core break configuration.
- a core barrel head assembly can have a longitudinal axis.
- the core barrel head assembly can comprise an elongate tube body having an outer surface, an interior cavity, a proximal end, and a distal end.
- the elongate tube body can define at least one aperture that extends between the interior cavity and the outer surface and a valve body that is movable with respect to the proximal end of the elongate tube along the longitudinal axis from a first position to a second position. When in the second position, the valve body can cause a greater restriction to flow through the at least one aperture than when the valve body is in the first position.
- the at least one aperture can define a total flow area of about 0.3 square inches.
- the at least one aperture can have a width dimension along the longitudinal axis that is about 0.22 inches.
- the elongate tube body can define a helical groove that extends from the interior cavity to the outer surface of the elongate tube body, wherein the helical groove is configured to allow the elongate tube body to elastically compress from a neutral length.
- the valve body can be attached to the distal end of the elongate tube body.
- the core barrel head assembly can comprise an electronics compartment having an outer surface.
- the electronics compartment can be disposed within the interior cavity of the valve body.
- the electronics compartment can be attached to the valve body so that the interior surface of the interior cavity of the valve body and the outer surface of the electronics department define a fluid passage.
- At least one of the valve body, the electronics compartment, or a combination of at least one interior surface of the valve body and at least one exterior surface of the electronics compartment can define at least one opening for providing fluid communication between the fluid passage and the distal end of the valve body.
- a method can comprise advancing a drill string having a distal end.
- the drill string can comprise at least one drill rod defining an interior bore, a drill bit at the distal end of the drill string, and a core barrel head assembly.
- the core barrel head assembly can have a distal end and can be disposed within the interior bore of the at least one drill rod.
- a core barrel tube can be attached to the distal end of the core barrel head assembly.
- a core sample can be received in the core barrel tube until the elongate tube body compresses to a length in which the valve body is in the second position.
- the method can further comprise retracting the drill string until the elongate tube body expands to a third length that is greater than the neutral length.
- a core barrel head assembly can comprise a valve body having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the valve body defines an interior cavity having an interior surface.
- An electronics compartment can have an outer surface.
- the electronics compartment can be disposed within the interior cavity of the valve body.
- the electronics compartment can be attached to the valve body so that the interior surface of the interior cavity of the valve body and the outer surface of the electronics department define a fluid passage.
- At least one of the valve body, the electronics compartment, or a combination of at least one interior surface of the valve body and at least one exterior surface of the electronics compartment can define at least one opening for providing fluid communication between the annular cavity and the distal end of the valve body.
- the electronics compartment can house at least one of a battery or an electronic orientation instrument.
- the fluid passage can be defined by the interior surface of the interior cavity of the valve body and the outer surface of the electronics department is an annular cavity.
- the electronics compartment can define the at least one opening for providing fluid communication between the fluid passage and the distal end of the valve body.
- a portion of the outer surface of the electronics compartment can define at least one male thread along a threaded length.
- the inner surface of the valve body can define at least one corresponding female thread.
- the electronics compartment can threadedly couple to the valve body via the at least one male thread and the corresponding at least one female thread.
- the at least one opening can extend through the electronics compartment along the threaded length.
- the at least one opening can comprise a plurality of openings separated by respective radially extending webs.
- the valve body can define the at least one opening for providing fluid communication between the fluid passage and the distal end of the valve body.
- the combination of at least one interior surface of the valve body and at least one exterior surface of the electronics compartment can define the at least one opening for providing fluid communication between the fluid passage and the distal end of the valve body.
- the core barrel head assembly can comprise a single thrust bearing.
- the core barrel head assembly does not comprise a grease port.
- the core sampling tool comprises a core barrel and a core barrel head assembly coupled to a proximal end of the core barrel, wherein the core barrel head assembly does not comprise a grease port or a grease fitting.
- the core barrel head assembly comprises a spindle and at least one bearing that rotationally engages the spindle, wherein the at least one bearing is a self-lubricating bearing.
- the spindle is a hollow spindle that defines a bore that extends axially through the spindle.
- the core barrel head assembly can include a check valve assembly, which can positioned distal or proximal of the hollow spindle.
- the spindle can be a solid spindle that does not define an axial bore extending through the spindle.
- the core barrel head assembly can include a check valve assembly, which can positioned distal or proximal of the hollow spindle.
- a core barrel head assembly configured for coupling to a core barrel.
- the core barrel head assembly can include: an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end; a bearing subassembly configured to engage the proximal end of the elongate body; a spindle subassembly that is rotationally engaged by the bearing subassembly, wherein the spindle subassembly comprises a hollow spindle having an inner diameter of at least 5/8 inch, and wherein the bearing subassembly comprises one or more self-lubri eating bearings.
- the one or more self-lubricating bearings are solid oil bearings.
- the core barrel head assembly does not comprise a grease port or a grease fitting.
- the core barrel head assembly further comprises a check valve subassembly, wherein the check valve subassembly engages the distal end of the elongate body.
- a method comprising: advancing a core sampling tool within a formation, the core sampling tool comprising a core barrel head assembly coupled to a core barrel; and receiving core within the core barrel, wherein the method does not comprise delivering grease to or within the core barrel head assembly.
- the core barrel head assembly can include a bearing subassembly that rotationally engages a spindle, wherein the bearing subassembly comprises one or more selflubricating bearings.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of a drilling assembly in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
- FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of an inner tube assembly of the drilling assembly as in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a core barrel head assembly in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
- FIG. 4 is a side view of the core barrel head assembly of FIG. 3.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the core barrel head assembly of FIG. 3.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective sectional view of a valve body and electronics compartment of the core barrel head assembly as in FIG. 3.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another electronics compartment for use with the core barrel head assembly as in FIG. 3.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a valve body and yet another electronics compartment for use with the core barrel head assembly as in FIG. 3.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an elongate tube body of the core barrel head assembly of FIG. 3.
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the core barrel head assembly of FIG. 3 when in a neutral configuration.
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the core barrel head assembly of FIG. 3 when in a compressed configuration.
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the core barrel head assembly of FIG. 3 when in an elongated configuration.
- FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of a core barrel head assembly having another aperture profile.
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the electronics compartment as in FIG. 6.
- FIG. 15 is a side view of an upper portion of the head assembly as in FIG. 3, detailing a latch mechanism.
- FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the head assembly as in FIG. 15 with a proximal body in a first position.
- FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the head assembly as in FIG. 15 with a proximal body in a second position.
- FIGS. 18A-18B are cross-sectional views of core barrel head assemblies having grease ports.
- FIG. 19 is an exploded view of an exemplary greaseless core barrel head assembly as disclosed herein.
- FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the core barrel head assembly of FIG. 19, with the head assembly shown in an assembled configuration.
- proximal refers to a direction toward a drill rig or drill operator (and away from a formation or borehole)
- distal refers to a direction away from the drill rig or drill operator (and into a formation or borehole).
- a core barrel head assembly 100 for use with a drilling system 10 that includes a drill head 12.
- the drill head 12 can be coupled to a mast 14 that, in turn, is coupled to a drill rig 16.
- the drill head 12 can be configured to have one or more tubular threaded members 18 coupled thereto.
- Tubular members 18 can include, without limitation, drill rods, casings, and down-the-hole hammers.
- the tubular members 18 will be described herein as drill string components.
- the drill string component 18 can in turn be coupled to additional drill string components 18 to form a drill or tool string 20.
- the drill string 20 can be coupled at a distal end to a drilling tool 24, such as a rotary drill bit, a core sampling drill bit (e.g., an impregnated core sampling drill bit), or a percussive bit, configured to interface with the material, or formation 22, to be drilled.
- the drilling tool 24 can form a borehole 26 in the formation 22.
- the drilling tool 24 can further form a core sample (e.g., made up of core, rock, or other material within the formation 22) that can be received within an inner tube assembly 90, comprising a core tube 130 and a core barrel head assembly 100, as further described herein.
- the core barrel head assembly 100 can comprise an indicator 302 that can be configured to detect a force applied to the core barrel assembly.
- the indicator can be used to determine whether the core barrel is full or whether the core is stuck within the core tube 130.
- the core barrel head assembly 100 can comprise an elongate tube body 104 having an outer surface 106, an interior cavity 108, a proximal end 110, and a distal end 112.
- the proximal end 110 can define threads 114 (optionally, female threads) that couple to complementary threads 118 of a bearing housing 116.
- the bearing housing 116 can house a thrust bearing 120, or a plurality of thrust bearings 120 (e.g., two, three, or more thrust bearings 120).
- the bearing housing 116 can further house a lower thrust bearing 122 configured to receive load during hoisting (or, optionally, a plurality of such bearings).
- the bearing housing 116 can comprise a grease port 124 for providing grease to the thrust bearings 120 and/or the lower thrust bearing 122.
- the thrust bearings 120 and lower thrust bearing 122 can each optionally be greaseless.
- the bearings 120 can be solid oil bearings. In this way, the grease port can be omitted, allowing for a longitudinally smaller configuration of the bearing housing 116, thereby allowing additional space for including other features (e.g., electronics or apertures 184).
- the thrust bearings 120 and lower thrust bearing 122 can rotationally engage a spindle 126.
- the spindle can allow an upper portion of the core barrel head assembly 100, including a latch body 128, to rotate with the drill string as the core tube 130 (FIG. 2) at a distal end of the core barrel head assembly 100 remains rotationally stationary to engage a core sample.
- the distal end 112 of the elongate tube body 104 can define threads 132 for threadedly coupling to valve body 140.
- the valve body 140 can have a distal end 142, a proximal end 144, and an outer surface 146.
- the valve body 140 can define a valve seat 148 for engagement with a valve ball 150 to provide a check valve 152.
- the valve body 140 can define an interior cavity 154 having an interior surface 156.
- the interior cavity 154 can optionally be cylindrical.
- the valve body 140 can define female threads 158 at the distal end 142 for threadedly coupling to the core tube 130 (FIG. 2).
- An electronics compartment 160 having an outer surface 162 can be disposed at least partially within the interior cavity 154 of the valve body.
- the distal end 142 of the valve body 140 can define female threads 156 that can threadedly couple to male threads 168 on the outer surface 162 of the electronics compartment 160.
- the electronics compartment can define a hexagonal socket 163 that receives a hexagonal tool (e.g., an Allen key) for attaching to and removing the electronics compartment from the valve body.
- the electronics compartment 160 can define an interior volume 167 for housing a battery 164, an electronic orientation instrument 166, or both.
- the electronic orientation instrument 166 can comprise various sensors (e.g., accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, etc.) that can provide orientation data of the electronic orientation instrument and, accordingly, a core sample in the core tube 130.
- the internal volume 167 can be closed and sealed with a threaded cap 169.
- sensors in the electronic orientation instrument 166 can collect information related to hole survey data, hole geophysical data, hole visual data, hole depth, tooling valve status, and further data as is known in the art.
- the outer surface 162 of the electronics compartment 160 and the inner surface 156 of the interior cavity 154 can cooperate to define a fluid passage 170.
- the fluid passage 170 can optionally be annular.
- the fluid passage 170 can enable fluid to pass therethrough for various functions, including, for example, lubricating the drill bit during drilling.
- the electronics compartment 160 can comprise at least one opening 172 that provides fluid communication between the distal end of the electronics compartment 160 and the fluid passage 170.
- the electronics compartment 160 can comprise plurality of (e.g., two) annular section openings 172 separated by webs 174 that extend along the length of the threads 168.
- a valve body 140’ and an electronics compartment 160’ can cooperate to define the one or more openings 172’.
- the threaded portion of the electronics compartment can comprise a plurality (e.g., two or three) sections 176 having longitudinally extending gaps 178 therebetween.
- a valve body 140 can define the one or more openings 172” that provide fluid communication between the distal end of the electronics compartment 160” and the fluid passage 170.
- Including the electronics compartment 160 within the core barrel head assembly 100 can consume space (particularly, linear space) within the core barrel head assembly 100.
- one or more of the following optional aspects can be implemented.
- greaseless bearings can be used, thereby eliminating the grease fitting and allowing for a shorter bearing housing.
- a single thrust bearing (optionally, a greaseless bearing) can be substituted for the conventional plurality of thrust bearings 120.
- the single thrust bearing can have a greater load rating than the thrust bearings of configurations having a plurality of thrust bearings.
- the bearing can have a load rating that exceeds the thrust capacity of the drill bit. Accordingly, the bearing can have a load rating that varies depending on the core size.
- the thrust bearing can have a dynamic load of at least 8,500 Ibf
- conventional shut-off valves that detect when the core tube is full or jammed can be eliminated, and, instead, drill load sensing can be used to determine when the core tube is full or jammed.
- conventional core break springs and shut-off valve springs can be integrated into the body of the core barrel head assembly, as further disclosed herein.
- the elongate tube body 104 and valve body 140 can cooperate to serve as the indicator 302.
- the elongate tube body 104 can define at least one helical groove 180 that extends around the circumference of the elongate tube body 104 and along the longitudinal axis 102.
- helical should be understood to mean a path that wraps around the circumference and extends along the length of the elongate tube.
- the helical groove 180 as disclosed herein should be understood to include, for example, a groove having a continuous profile and a constant pitch (as shown), a groove having a varying pitch, and a stair step groove that altematingly extends in a purely longitudinal direction for a segment and in a purely circumferential direction for another segment.
- the helical groove 180 can comprise a spiral shape having a constant pitch.
- the helical groove 180 can comprise about three revolutions around the circumference of the elongate tube body 104.
- the helical groove 180 can be about 0.35 inches wide and can have circular stress relief features at each end.
- the circular stress relief feature at the distal end of the helical groove 180 can be about .75 inches in diameter, and the stress relief feature at the proximal end of the helical groove 180 can be about 0.5 inches in diameter.
- the pitch of the groove can optionally be about 1.7 rotations per inch. It should be understood that the disclosed dimensions are optional and that the dimensions can be selected to provide operative aspects as further disclosed herein.
- the helical groove 180 can enable the elongate tube body 104 to compress from a neutral length 190 (i.e., the length of the elongate tube when neither in compression nor tension, as shown in FIG. 10).
- the elongate tube body 104 can define one or more apertures 184 that extend between the outer surface 106 and the interior cavity 108.
- the elongate tube body 104 can define two slot-shaped apertures that are spaced 180 degrees about the circumference of the elongate tube body.
- the aperture(s) 184 can be elongated about the circumference of the elongate tube body.
- the aperture(s) 184 can be disposed along the length of the elongate tube body 104 so that when the elongate tube body 104 is in the neutral length, each of the apertures 184 is at least partially open, and when the elongate tube body 104 is compressed from the neutral length 190, the proximal end 144 of the valve body 140 blocks or substantially blocks the aperture(s) 184. In this way, as the drill string is advanced within a borehole, if the core tube jams or core tube is full, the elongate tube body 104 can compress. As the elongate tube body 104 compresses, the valve body 140 can move proximally with respect to the proximal end of the elongate tube body 140 to block each aperture 184.
- the valve body 140 can entirely block each aperture 184. In further embodiments, the valve body 140 can partially reduce the effective area of each aperture 184. That is, in partially blocking each aperture 184, the valve body can reduce a minimum cross sectional area through which fluid can flow from the interior cavity to the outer surface. In some situations, it can be beneficial to only partially block each aperture 184 to allow some flow therethrough, which can provide circulation to the drill bit.
- the valve body 140 can cause a greater flow restriction through the aperture(s) 184 as the valve body moves proximally with respect to the proximal end of the elongate tube body 104.
- a pressure relief valve can regulate a maximum pressure.
- the pressure can rise beyond the set pressure of the pressure relief valve to thereby cause the valve to open and, thereby, indicate that the core tube is full. It is contemplated that the change in flow restriction can be reflected as a change in the percentage of the two-dimensional area of the aperture 184 that is blocked by the valve body 140.
- the change in the percentage of the area of the aperture that is blocked by the valve body can be at least 20%, at least 40%, at least 60%, at least 80%, at least 90 %, at least 95%, at least 99%, or, optionally, be about 100%. It is understood that the percentage change in blocked area should be sufficient to distinguish from minor variations in the relative positioning of the valve body that are not associated with proximal movement of the valve body for purposes of causing greater flow restriction.
- the valve body 140 can be moveable about and between a fully “open” position in which about 50% of the aperture 184 is blocked and a fully “closed” position in which 100% of the aperture is blocked.
- the area of the aperture that is blocked by the valve body can range from about 0. 1 square inches to about 0.25 square inches.
- the area of the aperture that is blocked by the valve body can range from about 0.25 square inches to about 0.5 square inches.
- the change in flow restriction can correspond to a change in “blocked area” of the aperture of at least 0.01 square inches, at least 0.05 square inches, at least 0. 1 square inches, or at least 0.2 square inches. It is understood that the change in blocked area should be sufficient to distinguish from minor variations in the relative positioning of the valve body that are not associated with proximal movement of the valve body for purposes of causing greater flow restriction.
- the greater flow restriction can correspond to a maximum pressure setting (as measured by the operator, such as with a pump). However, if the valve body 140 causes only a partial flow restriction, then the greater flow restriction can correspond to a pressure less than the maximum pressure setting.
- the changing flow restriction can cause the fluid pressure to change, and a drill operator can detect the change in fluid pressure.
- the change in fluid pressure can be at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, or at least 50%.
- the change in fluid pressure can indicate to the drill operator that the core sample is jammed or that the core tube is full.
- an alarm can activate when the fluid pressure passes a threshold to notify the operator that the core tube is full or jammed.
- the alarm can be triggered manually by the drill operator.
- the alarm can be triggered automatically in response to a change detected by a pressure sensor associated with the drill string (optionally, a sensor housed within the electronics compartment 160), with the detected change in pressure being indicative of a full or jammed core tube.
- valve body 140 can block and unblock the aperture(s) 184 in rapid succession. Whether automatically or by operator interpretation, this rapid blocking and unblocking can be differentiated from when core tube is full, causing the valve body to block the aperture(s) for a continuous period of time.
- the proximal end 144 of the valve body 140 can have a turned down (downwardly facing) portion that defines a shoulder 196.
- the interior surface of the elongate tube body 104 can define a complementary shoulder 198 that can act as a stop that engages the shoulder 196 of the valve body 140. In this way, the elongate tube body 104 can be limited to a minimum compressed length 192 (FIG. 11).
- the aperture(s) 184 can have a cross sectional area (in the case of a plurality of apertures, a combined cross sectional area) in a radial dimension that is perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension, wherein the cross sectional area is selected to be at least as large as the minimum cross sectional area in the head assembly so that flow through the aperture does not increase flow restriction during drilling.
- the apertures provide transition porting from the head porting to the flow path 170, which provides a pressure drop, so an oversized aperture or oversized apertures can be beneficial in minimizing pressure drop along the core barrel head assembly 100.
- the size of the aperture(s) 184 in the longitudinal dimension 102 can be limited based on compressibility of the elongate tube body 104 or other such limits.
- the geometry and size of the aperture(s) can be limited in order to significantly restrict the flow through the aperture(s). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the size of the aperture(s) 184 in the longitudinal dimension 102 can be less than a quarter inch, or about 0.22 inches.
- the core barrel head assembly 100 can comprise a core lifter case 134 attached at a distal end of the core tube 130.
- a core lifter 136 can move within the core lifter case 134 to engage and grip the core sample during core break and core retrieval.
- a non-limiting example of a core lifter in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is provided in U.S. Patent No. 8,770,320 to Drenth et al., issued July 8, 2014, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
- the core barrel head assembly 100 can be positioned at a distal end of the drill string 20 and engage the drill string via latches 210.
- the drill bit can be spaced from the core lifter case to provide a bit gap 212 that allows fluid to pass therethrough and lubricate the drill bit.
- core break the drill string is lifted until the bit gap is closed so that the bit can pull on the distal end of the core lifter case.
- Conventional core barrel head assemblies comprise a compressible core break spring that compresses to keep the core tube in a fixed longitudinal position so that the core tube does not move with respect to the core sample.
- the conventional core break spring can be eliminated, and the elongate tube body 104 can extend under tension from the neutral length 190 to an elongated length 194 (FIG. 11) at which point the drill bit engages the core lifter.
- the elongate tube body 104 can replace the conventional core break spring. That is, as the drill string is retracted in the proximal direction 30 (FIG. 1), the upper portion of the core barrel head assembly 100 rests on a landing ring of the drill string and, thus moves upward with the drill string.
- the elongate tube body 104 can elongate to a length at which the system is in a core break configuration in which the bit gap is closed and the drill bit engages the core lifter case.
- the various elongate tube bodies can optionally have apertures at various positions along their respective lengths.
- the material of the elongate tube body 104 can be selected to have an elastic modulus that provides significant and linear load response to small displacements.
- the material can optionally be traditional metals, or, in further embodiments, engineered amorphous metals, engineered composite metals, etc.
- the outer diameter of the elongate tube body 104, wall thickness, and the groove dimensions and geometry can be selected to provide a body having a desired spring constant while allowing for purely elastic deformation.
- the spring constant can be about 11,110 Ibf/in. for an NQ drill bit size.
- the spring constant can be selected based on the material of the formation (and the recovered core sample).
- the spring constant can be selected to allow compression and elongation for various materials.
- the spring constant can range from about 10,000 Ibf/in. to about 12,000 Ibf/in.
- the at least one helical groove can comprise a plurality of grooves, such as, for example, dual grooves that are separated by 180 degrees about the circumference of the elongate tube body 104.
- a desirable spring constant can have a significant load resistance that allows the drill to push the sample tube through sticky/swelling clays or problematic ground conditions without compressing the elongate tube body 104 until the valve body 140 blocks or sufficiently blocks the aperture(s) 184, thereby falsely indicating that the core tube 130 is full.
- an operator can select from various elongate tube bodies 104 having various spring constants based on ground conditions. [0076] In order to use a single spring for both core break and detection of a jammed or full core tube, it is beneficial to account for certain parameters.
- the elongate tube body 104 should be able to elastically extend the length of the bit gap.
- the elongate tube body 104 must provide enough spring tension once extended to the elongated length 194 (when the drill bit engages the core lifter case) in order to allow the core lifter to seat in between the core sample and the core lifter case.
- the aperture 184 can be positioned along the length of the elongate tube body 104 so that, for the spring constant provided by the elongate tube body, a select force causes the valve body 140 to block the aperture 184.
- the spring force of the elongate tube body 104 when the elongate tube body is in the compressed configuration 194 can optionally match the spring constant of a compression spring used in conventional shut-off valves for detecting when the core sample is full.
- valve body can block the valve aperture at a load that is similar to that of a conventional shut-off valve.
- conventional shut-off valves can close under a load of about 2500 Ibf, although the load can vary depending on the size and configuration.
- a core bit can be used to collect a core sample is a hollow cylinder with a cutting surface on one face of the hollow cylinder.
- the core bit can be fixedly attached on one end of a cylindrical drill rod and inserted into a previously drilled bore hole. New sections of drill rods can be added to the upper end of the original rod, creating a series of connected drill rods in what is termed a drill string, as the core bit is pushed into the borehole. Each section of drill rod can be on the order of 10 feet long.
- the core bit can be forced against a rock strata as the core bit is rotated by rotating the drill string. The combination of the force and the rotating cutting surface can cut a cylindrical core sample from the rock strata.
- Drilling fluid can be pumped into the borehole to cool and lubricate the drill bit.
- the drilling fluid can pass down the drill string and through a bit gap, as disclosed herein, between the core lifter case and the drill bit.
- the core sample can be captured in an interior portion of the drill string, within the core tube, behind the core bit until the core sample can be retrieved from the borehole.
- the length of an interior tube containing a core barrel is typically five feet to 30 feet in length.
- the drill string can be retracted, thereby engaging the core lifter to seat between the core sample and the core lifter case. In doing so, the bit gap can close so that the drill bit biases against the core lifter case. As the drill string is further retracted, the engagement between the core lifter applies tension to the core, thereby causing a core break, whereby the core sample separates from the formation.
- the inner tube assembly with the core sample inside can be retrieved via wireline to retrieve the core sample from the bore.
- the core barrel head assembly 100 can have different spring rates for core break (spring tension) and for valve shutoff (blocking the apertures 184 in spring compression).
- valve shutoff can require substantially smaller forces than core break.
- the core barrel head assembly 100 can have a first spring rate in tension that is configured for spring break and a second spring rate in compression that is configured for allowing compression.
- this can be accomplished via compound springs.
- a second spring (not shown) can be configured to apply a spring force for only a portion of the travel between the proximal end 110 and the distal end 112 between the elongate length and the compressed length.
- Said second spring can optionally be a compression spring or a tension spring.
- the spring rate can be variable.
- the helical groove 180 that defines the spring can have a variable pitch. In this way, movement between the proximal end 110 and distal end 112 of the elongate tube body 104 can be subject to a nonlinear spring force between the elongate length and the compressed length.
- the core barrel head assembly 100 can comprise a conventional valve comprising a radially expandable valve ring to serve as the indicator 302.
- the lower core barrel may also comprise one or more compression washers that restrict the flow of drilling fluid once the core sample tube is full, or once a core sample is jammed in the core sample tube.
- the compression washers can be axially compressed when the drill string and the upper core barrel press in the drilling direction, but the core sample tube does not move axially because the sample tube is full or otherwise prevented from moving downwardly with the drill string.
- the indicator 302 of the core barrel head assembly 100 can optionally comprise or be a load cell that is configured to measure axial force on the core tube.
- the load cell can serve as the indicator 302.
- the load cell can be in communication with a computing device via conventional communication means for providing feedback to an operator.
- the measured axial force can indicate that the core sample is stuck/jammed within the core tube.
- the measured axial force can indicate that the core barrel is full.
- the disclosed core barrel assemblies can comprise latch mechanisms and latch-seat features as are known in the art.
- the latch mechanisms and latch-seat features can have significant tolerance and axial movement such that, during a core block or jamming event, the landing shoulder of the head assembly can lift off of the mating landing ring in the outer tube assembly and provide fluid bypass, thereby causing a fluid pressure drop that can serve as an indication of a core jamming in the core tube.
- the head assembly can comprise a latch mechanism 300 that is configured to engage the inner wall of the drill string to retain the head assembly 100 in position relative to the longitudinal axis of the drill string.
- the latch mechanism 300 can comprise latch body 304 that defines a plurality of through holes 306 that receive respective wedge members 308.
- the latch mechanism can further comprise a proximal body 310 that is receivable into the latch body and is axially movable relative to the latch body.
- the proximal body can comprise a circumferential surface 312 that defines one or more wedge surfaces 314 that are configured to drive the respective wedge members outwardly through the respective through-holes in the latch body when the proximal body is in a first axial position (FIG. 16) relative to the latch body.
- the wedge members 308 can be balls, rollers, cams, or other suitable members that are configured to wedge against the inner walls of the drill string.
- the proximal body can be configured to couple to a wireline (e.g., via a conventional spearhead coupling) to thereby receive a proximal force.
- the proximal force can move the proximal body 310 to a second axial position (FIG. 17) relative to the latch body 304.
- the circumferential surface 312 of the proximal body can define a radially recessed portion 318 that allows the wedge members 308 to move radially inwardly to disengage from the inner surface of the drill string, thereby allowing the head assembly to move relative to the drill string.
- a detent can retain the proximal body in its first and second positions.
- an inner extension 320 can be fixedly coupled to the latch body (e.g., via a spring pin coupling) so that the inner extension cannot move axially relative to the latch body.
- the inner extension can define a groove that can receive a canted-coil spring 326.
- the proximal body can define a first shoulder 322 and a second shoulder 324 that are axially spaced from each other.
- the canted coil spring 326 can engage the first and second shoulders when the proximal body is in the first and second position, respectively, to serve as a detent to retain the proximal body in each position.
- the canted coil spring when the proximal body is in the first position, canted coil spring can bias against the first shoulder when to inhibit movement of the proximal body toward the second position.
- the canted coil spring can bias against the second shoulder to inhibit movement of the proximal body toward the first position.
- the core barrel head assembly 100 disclosed herein can comprise greaseless and/or self-lubricating bearings (e.g., greaseless or self-lubricating thrust bearings). More generally, in various exemplary aspects, a core sampling tool can be configured to receive and collect a core sample during a drilling operation without the need for using grease to lubricate bearing components in proximity to a core barrel.
- greaseless and/or self-lubricating bearings e.g., greaseless or self-lubricating thrust bearings.
- a core sampling tool can be configured to receive and collect a core sample during a drilling operation without the need for using grease to lubricate bearing components in proximity to a core barrel.
- FIGS. 18A-18B core barrel head assemblies have conventionally included grease ports 400 and/or grease fittings that are needed to deliver grease to thrust bearings 402 that are coupled to a spindle 404.
- FIG. 18A depicts a solid spindle 404, to which a single thrust bearing 402 is coupled.
- the grease port 400 is positioned distally of the spindle 404.
- the grease port 400 is positioned in proximity to the thrust bearings.
- the grease travels in both directions, filling portions of the inner tube assembly. Under pressure, grease 410 can escape through a bushing 506 that surrounds the distal end of the spindle 504 in proximity to the inner tube, thereby allowing grease to enter the core barrel.
- the grease is not distributed efficiently to the bearings, and the presence of grease within the core barrel can corrupt or damage core samples or otherwise complicate the core analysis process.
- a greaseless core sampling tool can comprise a core barrel (such as the core tube 130 described above) and a core barrel head assembly 100 coupled to a proximal end of the core barrel.
- the core barrel head assembly does not comprise a grease port or a grease fitting.
- the core barrel head assembly 100 can comprise a spindle 126 and at least one bearing 120 (optionally, a plurality of bearings) that rotationally engages the spindle.
- each bearing 120 of the at least one bearing can be a self-lubricating bearing, such as, for example and without limitation, a solid oil bearing (such as those manufactured by SKF).
- a solid oil bearing such as those manufactured by SKF.
- Such solid oil bearings can comprise oil-saturated, polymer material that is molded into the structure of the bearing, thereby forming narrow gaps between rolling elements of the bearing and enabling the bearing to rotate freely.
- the solid oil bearings can have a porous structure with pores that retain lubricating oil by surface tension, with all or substantially all free space in the bearing being filled and a minimum amount of oil being released into the narrow gaps.
- such solid oil bearings are lubricated for the life of the bearing without the need for re-lubrication — indeed, in exemplary configurations, such solid oil bearings cannot be re-lubricated.
- FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of core barrel head assembly 100.
- the portions of the core barrel head assembly can include any component or characteristic suitable for use with an inner core barrel.
- the inner tube head assembly 100 can comprise a spearhead 500 (for coupling with an overshot), a retracting case 510 (or other driving member, for deploying and retracting latch members 129), upper and lower latch bodies 128a, 128b, a valve ring 515 (as a component of a fluid control valve), a landing shoulder 520 (for retaining the core barrel at a desired distance from the distal (drilling) end of the drill string), a compression washer assembly 530 (that restricts the flow of drilling fluid once the core barrel is full, or once a core sample is jammed in the core barrel), and/or a spring 540 (optionally provided as a component of a core breaking apparatus).
- the functions of these components are generally known and are not described in detail herein.
- the spindle 126 can be a hollow spindle that defines a bore 127 that extends axially through the spindle.
- the bore 127 can define at least a portion of an inner channel through the core barrel head assembly 100.
- the bore 127 of the hollow spindle can increase productivity by allowing fluid to flow directly through the lower core barrel.
- the disclosed core barrel head assembly 100 can fully provide the benefits of the hollow spindle (without grease entering the sampling inner tube) while also providing design simplifications, along with improved productivity and reliability that is achieved by avoiding the maintenance of greased bearings.
- the core barrel head assembly 100 can further comprise a check valve assembly, which can optionally be provided as a valve body 140 that defines a valve seat 148 for engagement with a valve ball 150.
- a check valve assembly can be positioned distal of the spindle 126 (optionally, near or within the inner tube cap). In other configurations, it is contemplated that the check valve assembly can be positioned proximal of the spindle 126.
- the spindle 126 can be a solid spindle that does not define an axial bore extending through the spindle.
- the core barrel head assembly 100 can further comprise a check valve assembly, which can optionally be provided as a valve body 140 that defines a valve seat 148 for engagement with a valve ball 150.
- the check valve assembly can be positioned distal of the spindle 126.
- the check valve assembly can be positioned proximal of the spindle 126.
- the check valve subassembly can engage the distal end 112 of the elongate body 104.
- the check valve assembly can allow fluid to flow from the core sample tube to the bore of the hollow spindle, but not allow fluid to flow from the inner channel to the core sample tube. Accordingly, the check valve may allow fluid to pass into the inner channel and then through the inner core barrel when the inner core barrel is being tripped into the drill string and when core sample tube is empty. In this manner, fluid resistance can be lessened so the inner core barrel can be tripped into the drill string faster and more easily.
- the check valve can prevent fluid from pressing down on a core sample contained in core sample tube. Accordingly, the check valve may prevent the sample from being dislodged or lost. And when the check valve prevents fluid from passing through the lower core barrel and into the core sample tube, the fluid may be forced to flow around the outside of the core sample tube and the lower core barrel.
- the core barrel head assembly 100 can comprise an elongate body 104 having a proximal end 110 and a distal end 112.
- the core barrel head assembly 100 can further comprise a bearing subassembly configured to engage the proximal end 110 of the elongate body 104.
- the bearing subassembly can allow the core sample tube to remain stationary while the upper core barrel and drill string rotate.
- the bearing subassembly can be provided as a bearing housing 116 (spindle bushing) that receives at least one bearing 120.
- each bearing 120 of the bearing subassembly can be a self-lubricating bearing (for example, a solid oil bearing (such as those manufactured by SKF).
- the core barrel head assembly 100 can further comprise a spindle subassembly that is rotationally engaged by the bearing subassembly.
- the spindle subassembly can comprise a hollow spindle 126 having an inner diameter of at least 5/8 inch (optionally, ranging from about 5/8 inch to about 1 inch).
- the core barrel head assembly 100 does not comprise a grease port or a grease fitting.
- the core barrel head assembly 100 does not comprise a check valve that is configured to manage the flow of grease within the core barrel head assembly.
- the space within the head assembly previously occupied by the grease ports and grease fittings can permit enlargement of the inner diameter of the bore 127 of the hollow spindle 126, thereby allowing improved fluid bypass during tripping into a borehole, resulting in increased tripping speeds.
- the distal end of the spindle 126 can be positioned near or within the inner tube cap, thereby providing more direct fluid flow between the inner tube and the spindle.
- a method of collecting a core sample can comprise advancing a core sampling tool (e.g., the core barrel head assembly 100) within a formation.
- the core barrel head assembly 100 can be coupled to a core barrel 130, and the method can further comprise receiving core within the core barrel 130.
- the method does not comprise delivering grease to or within the core barrel head assembly.
- the core barrel head assembly can comprise a bearing subassembly and a spindle, and the bearing subassembly can comprise one or more selflubricating bearings that rotationally engage the spindle.
- a core barrel head assembly having a longitudinal axis, the core barrel head assembly comprising: an elongate tube body having an outer surface, an interior cavity, a proximal end, and a distal end, wherein the elongate tube body defines a helical groove that extends from the interior cavity to the outer surface of the elongate tube body, wherein the helical groove is configured to allow the elongate tube body to elastically extend from a neutral length to an elongated length.
- Aspect 2 The core barrel head assembly of aspect 1, wherein the elongate tube body defines at least one aperture that extends between the interior cavity and the outer surface, wherein the helical groove is configured to allow the elongate tube body to elastically compress from the neutral length, wherein the core barrel head assembly further comprises a valve body that is attached to the elongate tube body and is movable with respect to the proximal end of the elongate tube body along the longitudinal axis, as the elongate tube body compresses, from a first position to a second position, wherein, when in the second position, the valve body causes a greater restriction to flow through the at least one aperture than when the valve body is in the first position.
- Aspect 3 The core barrel head assembly of aspect 2, further comprising an electronics compartment having an outer surface, wherein the valve body defines an interior cavity, wherein the electronics compartment is disposed within the interior cavity of the valve body, wherein the electronics compartment is attached to the valve body so that the interior surface of the interior cavity of the valve body and the outer surface of the electronics department define a fluid passage, wherein the valve body, the electronics compartment, or a combination of at least one interior surface of the valve body and at least one exterior surface of the electronics compartment defines at least one opening for providing fluid communication between the fluid passage and the distal end of the valve body.
- a drilling system comprising: a drill string having: a drill bit at a distal end of the drill string; a core barrel head assembly of any of claims 1-3, wherein the core barrel head assembly has a distal end; and a core tube assembly attached to the core barrel head assembly, wherein the core tube assembly comprises: a core barrel having a distal end; and a core lifter case at the distal end of the core barrel; wherein, when the drill bit is in a drilling configuration, the drill bit is spaced distally of the core lifter case, and wherein, when the drill bit is in a core break configuration, the drill bit is in contact with the core lifter case, and the elongate tube is elongated from the neutral length.
- a method comprising: positioning the drill string of the system of aspect 4 within a borehole; receiving a core sample within the core barrel; and retracting the drill string until the drill bit is in the core break configuration.
- a core barrel head assembly having a longitudinal axis, the core barrel head assembly comprising: an elongate tube body having an outer surface, an interior cavity, a proximal end, and a distal end, wherein the elongate tube body defines at least one aperture that extends between the interior cavity and the outer surface; and a valve body that is movable with respect to the proximal end of the elongate tube along the longitudinal axis from a first position to a second position, wherein, when in the second position, the valve body causes a greater restriction to flow through the at least one aperture than when the valve body is in the first position.
- Aspect 7 The core barrel head assembly of aspect 6, wherein the at least one aperture defines a total flow area of less than 0.5 square inches.
- Aspect 8 The core barrel head assembly of aspect 7, wherein the at least one aperture has a width dimension along the longitudinal axis that is less than 0.25 inches.
- Aspect 9 The core barrel head assembly of any of aspects 6-8 wherein the elongate tube body defines a helical groove that extends radially from the interior cavity to the outer surface of the elongate tube body and axially along the longitudinal axis of the core barrel head assembly, wherein the helical groove is configured to allow the elongate tube body to elastically compress from a neutral length.
- Aspect 10 The core barrel head assembly of aspect 9, wherein the valve body is attached to the distal end of the elongate tube body.
- Aspect 11 The core barrel head assembly of any of aspects 6-10, further comprising an electronics compartment having an outer surface, wherein the electronics compartment is disposed within the interior cavity of the valve body, wherein the electronics compartment is attached to the valve body so that the interior surface of the interior cavity of the valve body and the outer surface of the electronics department define a fluid passage, wherein the valve body, the electronics compartment, or a combination of at least one interior surface of the valve body and at least one exterior surface of the electronics compartment defines at least one opening for providing fluid communication between the fluid passage and the distal end of the valve body.
- a method comprising: positioning a drill string within a borehole, the drill string having a distal end, wherein the drill string comprises: at least one drill rod defining an interior bore, a drill bit at the distal end of the drill string, and a core barrel head assembly of any of claims 9-11, wherein the core barrel head assembly has a distal end and is disposed within the interior bore of the at least one drill rod, and a core barrel tube attached to the distal end of the core barrel head assembly; and receiving a core sample in the core barrel tube until the elongate tube body compresses to a length in which the valve body is in the second position.
- Aspect 13 The method of aspect 12, further comprising retracting the drill string until the elongate tube body expands to a third length that is greater than the neutral length.
- a core barrel head assembly comprising: a valve body having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the valve body defines an interior cavity having an interior surface; and an electronics compartment having an outer surface, wherein the electronics compartment is disposed within the interior cavity of the valve body, wherein the electronics compartment is attached to the valve body so that the interior surface of the interior cavity of the valve body and the outer surface of the electronics department define a fluid passage, and wherein the valve body, the electronics compartment, or a combination of at least one interior surface of the valve body and at least one exterior surface of the electronics compartment defines at least one opening for providing fluid communication between the fluid passage and the distal end of the valve body.
- Aspect 15 The core barrel head assembly of aspect 14, wherein the electronics compartment houses at least one of a battery or an electronic orientation instrument.
- Aspect 16 The core barrel head assembly of aspect 14 or aspect 15, wherein the fluid passage defined by the interior surface of the interior cavity of the valve body and the outer surface of the electronics department is an annular cavity.
- Aspect 17 The core barrel head assembly of any of aspects 14-16, wherein the electronics compartment defines the at least one opening for providing fluid communication between the fluid passage and the distal end of the valve body.
- Aspect 18 The core barrel head assembly of aspect 17, wherein a portion of the outer surface of the electronics compartment define at least one male thread along a threaded length, wherein the inner surface of the valve body defines at least one corresponding female thread, wherein the electronics compartment threadedly couples to the valve body via the at least one male thread and the at least one corresponding female thread, wherein the at least one opening extends through the electronics compartment along the threaded length.
- Aspect 19 The core barrel head assembly of aspect 18, wherein the at least one opening comprises a plurality of openings separated by respective radially extending webs.
- Aspect 20 The core barrel head assembly of any of aspects 14-16, wherein the valve body defines the at least one opening for providing fluid communication between the fluid passage and the distal end of the valve body.
- Aspect 21 The core barrel head assembly of any of aspects 14-16, wherein the combination of at least one interior surface of the valve body and at least one exterior surface of the electronics compartment defines the at least one opening for providing fluid communication between the fluid passage and the distal end of the valve body.
- Aspect 22 The core barrel head assembly of any of aspects 14-21, wherein the core barrel head assembly comprises a single thrust bearing.
- Aspect 23 The core barrel head assembly of any of aspects 14-22, wherein the core barrel head assembly does not comprise a grease port.
- a core sampling tool comprising a core barrel and a core barrel head assembly coupled to a proximal end of the core barrel, wherein the core barrel head assembly does not comprise a grease port or a grease fitting.
- Aspect 25 The core sampling tool of aspect 24, wherein the core barrel head assembly comprises a spindle and at least one bearing that rotationally engages the spindle, wherein the at least one bearing is a self-lubricating bearing.
- Aspect 26 The core sampling tool of aspect 25, wherein the spindle is a hollow spindle that defines a bore that extends axially through the spindle.
- Aspect 27 The core sampling tool of aspect 26, wherein the core barrel head assembly further comprises a check valve assembly positioned distal of the hollow spindle.
- Aspect 28 The core sampling tool of aspect 26, wherein the core barrel head assembly further comprises a check valve assembly positioned proximal of the hollow spindle.
- Aspect 29 The core sampling tool of aspect 25, wherein the spindle comprises a solid spindle that does not define an axial bore extending through the spindle.
- Aspect 30 The core sampling tool of aspect 29, wherein the core barrel head assembly further comprises a check valve assembly positioned distal of the hollow spindle.
- Aspect 31 The core sampling tool of aspect 29, wherein the core barrel head assembly further comprises a check valve assembly positioned proximal of the hollow spindle.
- a core barrel head assembly configured for coupling to a core barrel, the core barrel head assembly comprising: an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end; a bearing subassembly configured to engage the proximal end of the elongate body; a spindle subassembly that is rotationally engaged by the bearing subassembly, wherein the spindle subassembly comprises a hollow spindle having an inner diameter of at least 5/8 inch, wherein the bearing subassembly comprises one or more selflubricating bearings.
- Aspect 33 The core barrel head assembly of aspect 32, wherein the one or more self-lubricating bearings are solid oil bearings.
- Aspect 34 The core barrel head assembly of aspect 32 or aspect 33, wherein the core barrel head assembly does not comprise a grease port or a grease fitting.
- Aspect 35 The core barrel head assembly of any one of aspects 32-34, further comprising a check valve subassembly, wherein the check valve subassembly engages the distal end of the elongate body.
- a method comprising: advancing a core sampling tool within a formation, the core sampling tool comprising a core barrel head assembly coupled to a core barrel; and receiving core within the core barrel, wherein the method does not comprise delivering grease to or within the core barrel head assembly.
- Aspect 37 The method of aspect 36, wherein the core barrel head assembly comprises a bearing subassembly and a spindle, wherein the bearing subassembly comprises one or more self-lubricating bearings that rotationally engage the spindle.
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Abstract
Description
Claims
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CA3201674A CA3201674A1 (en) | 2021-08-23 | 2022-08-22 | Greaseless core barrel head assembly |
AU2022335338A AU2022335338A1 (en) | 2021-08-23 | 2022-08-22 | Greaseless core barrel head assembly |
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US202163236108P | 2021-08-23 | 2021-08-23 | |
US63/236,108 | 2021-08-23 |
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PCT/US2022/041023 WO2023027981A1 (en) | 2021-08-23 | 2022-08-22 | Greaseless core barrel head assembly |
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AU (2) | AU2021107115A4 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3201674A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2023027981A1 (en) |
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AU2021107115A4 (en) * | 2019-10-17 | 2021-12-02 | Boart Longyear Company | Greaseless core barrel head assembly |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2532716A (en) * | 1947-11-28 | 1950-12-05 | Gerben Meidema | Double tube core barrel for core drilling |
US20020033281A1 (en) * | 1998-07-29 | 2002-03-21 | Aumann James T. | System for recovering core samples under pressure |
US20060169496A1 (en) * | 2000-11-14 | 2006-08-03 | Puymbroeck Luc V | Apparatus and methods for sponge coring |
US20170306712A1 (en) * | 2013-08-27 | 2017-10-26 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Mechanical core jam indicator for coring tools, coring tools including such core jam indicators, and related methods |
US20180003000A1 (en) * | 2015-01-30 | 2018-01-04 | Longyear Tm, Inc. | Fluid control assemblies, and core barrel and overshot assemblies comprising same |
WO2021076844A1 (en) * | 2019-10-17 | 2021-04-22 | Bly Ip Inc. | Core barrel head assembly |
US20210156213A1 (en) * | 2017-02-17 | 2021-05-27 | Bly Ip Inc. | Reverse-circulation drilling assemblies and methods of using same |
AU2021107115A4 (en) * | 2019-10-17 | 2021-12-02 | Boart Longyear Company | Greaseless core barrel head assembly |
-
2021
- 2021-08-25 AU AU2021107115A patent/AU2021107115A4/en active Active
-
2022
- 2022-08-22 AU AU2022335338A patent/AU2022335338A1/en active Pending
- 2022-08-22 CA CA3201674A patent/CA3201674A1/en active Pending
- 2022-08-22 WO PCT/US2022/041023 patent/WO2023027981A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2532716A (en) * | 1947-11-28 | 1950-12-05 | Gerben Meidema | Double tube core barrel for core drilling |
US20020033281A1 (en) * | 1998-07-29 | 2002-03-21 | Aumann James T. | System for recovering core samples under pressure |
US20060169496A1 (en) * | 2000-11-14 | 2006-08-03 | Puymbroeck Luc V | Apparatus and methods for sponge coring |
US20170306712A1 (en) * | 2013-08-27 | 2017-10-26 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Mechanical core jam indicator for coring tools, coring tools including such core jam indicators, and related methods |
US20180003000A1 (en) * | 2015-01-30 | 2018-01-04 | Longyear Tm, Inc. | Fluid control assemblies, and core barrel and overshot assemblies comprising same |
US20210156213A1 (en) * | 2017-02-17 | 2021-05-27 | Bly Ip Inc. | Reverse-circulation drilling assemblies and methods of using same |
WO2021076844A1 (en) * | 2019-10-17 | 2021-04-22 | Bly Ip Inc. | Core barrel head assembly |
AU2021107115A4 (en) * | 2019-10-17 | 2021-12-02 | Boart Longyear Company | Greaseless core barrel head assembly |
Also Published As
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AU2022335338A1 (en) | 2023-07-06 |
CA3201674A1 (en) | 2023-03-02 |
AU2021107115A4 (en) | 2021-12-02 |
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