Drilling string torsional energy control assembly and method
US6997271B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 14, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B17/07
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention provides a torsional energy control assembly and method for eliminating slip-stick and/or drill bit oscillations comprising axial and/or rotational oscillations. In one preferred embodiment, the assembly permits slippage between an upper portion of the drilling string and a lower portion of a drill string. The rotational control assembly may be installed at any desired position in the drill string. The rotational control assembly could also be utilized as a component of other drilling mechanisms such as a downhole drilling motor. The rotational control permits slippage while drilling for a selected time or selected rotational distance or other criteria to thereby release torsional energy in the drilling string which otherwise may produce damaging slip-stick torsional oscillations such as slip-stick. The rotational control assembly may, in one embodiment, comprise an on-off clutch whereby torque is either substantially completely transmitted or substantially not transmitted through the assembly for brief periods.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.