Flame jet tool for drilling cross-holes
US4066137A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 10, 1976 |
| Grant date | Jan 3, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 10, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/305
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A flame jet lance having a rotatable drill bit for forming cross holes in the ground is disclosed. The lance has various fuel and oxidizer tanks disposed therein and a fuel feed system coupled to the tanks for pumping the fuel to the rotatable drill bit. An extension member is also disposed in the lance with one end thereof coupled to the feed system and with the rotatable drill bit coupled at the other end thereof. The extension member is movable in the lance such that as the drill bit burns its way through the earth, the extension member moves the bit outward to a position lateral from the lance. In this manner, oil, gas, and the like may travel through the cross hole thus formed into the initial well hole. In operating the flame jet lance of the present invention, the lance is lowered into the preexisting well hole a specific distance. The flame jet drill bit is ignited and extremely hot flames are forced out through a nozzle contained in the drill bit. Because the extension member is adapted to move the drill bit laterally with respect to the lance, cross holes are created orthogonal to the initial well hole in the ground. This permits oil, gas and the like which had previously…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.