Method and apparatus for drilling a zero-radius lateral
US8915311B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 2011 |
| Grant date | Dec 23, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 11, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B17/05
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A jet drill coupled to a distal end of a flexible jet lance is lowered into a well casing and advanced through a curved passage formed in a deflection shoe oriented to direct the jet drill through an orifice milled in the well casing. The jet drill is actuated with a pressurized fluid produced by a pump on the surface that is conveyed through a high pressure hose that runs through the flexible jet lance. Force transmitted through a thrust liner of the jet lance advances the jet drill while the lateral bore is being drilled. The thrust liner comprises helical coils of steel wire providing a high elastic modulus and buckling resistance, even while passing through the curved passage. Tension cables in the jet lance maintain tension on the thrust liner and enable the assembly to be pulled from the lateral bore and well.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.