Methods and apparatus for well construction
US7946359B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 6, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 24, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 26, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/103
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method of constructing a borehole drilled with a drilling apparatus (16), the method comprises: connecting a flexible tubular liner sleeve (22) around the outside of the drilling apparatus and connecting the sleeve around an upper opening of the borehole so as to pass into the borehole; progressively extending the sleeve into the borehole as drilling progresses while maintaining connection to the drilling apparatus and borehole opening; at a predetermined point in the drilling, expanding the sleeve so as to contact the borehole wall; and setting the sleeve so as to be fixed to the borehole wall after expansion. Apparatus for use in such a method comprises: a flexible, expandable sleeve (22); a first connector for connecting the sleeve around the outside of a drilling assembly; and a second connector for connecting the sleeve around the opening of the borehole; wherein the sleeve is arranged to extend through the borehole between the connectors as drilling progresses.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.