Patent · US Expired

Lightweight drill pipe

US5148876A · kind A · utility

14Cited by
10References
6Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJun 10, 1991
Grant dateSep 22, 1992
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 10, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B17/1064
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

An aluminum pipe joint is disclosed for use in a drill string for drilling wells having a well bore with a substantially non-vertical section where the portion of the drill string located in the non-vertical section is in compression and is urged into engagement with the low side of the hole by gravity. The pipe joint includes an elongated tubular member of aluminum the outer surface of which is a machined surface. The tubular member has an outside diameter equal to the outside diameter of a standard joint of drill pipe over a substantial portion of its length. A section of increased diameter is located about midway between the ends of the joint and portions of enlarged diameter are located adjacent each end of the pipe joint. The latter portions have a diameter equal to the diameter of the external upset required for tool joints. They also increase the buckling strength of the joint. Steel tool joints are attached to each end of the tube. The length of the enlarged end portions is such that the joint will not be bent during tonging if the joint is supported adjacent the end of the enlarged portion on which the tool joint being tonged is located.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.