Adjustable bent drilling tool having in situ drilling direction change capability
US9038747B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 20, 2012 |
| Grant date | May 26, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B7/04
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An adjustable bent drilling tool capable of changing in situ drilling direction to facilitate horizontal drilling. The drilling tool may be controlled from the surface and eliminates the need to bring the tool to the surface for reconfiguration. In one embodiment, the drilling tool utilizes a communications module to communicate with upstream sections of the tool. The communications module is connected to a programmable electronic control module which controls an electric motor. A hydraulic valve assembly follows the control module, which receives input signals and controls a pilot piston between two fixed points of a mid-assembly typically located adjacent to and downstream of the hydraulic valve assembly on the drill tool. A lower assembly is attached to the drill tool immediately following the mid-assembly, and provides both a safety release sub-assembly as well as a bendable sub-assembly which directs the adjustable drill tool to change drilling angle and direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.