Drilling method
AssigneeWeatherford/Lamb, Inc.
InventorGiancarlo Pia
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of drilling and lining a bore in an earth formation comprises providing a tubular outer elongate member and an inner elongate member located within the outer member. At least one of the members is spoolable. A drill bit is mounted to one of the members and a bore is drilled by advancing the drill bit through the earth formation and advancing the members through the bore.
Claims70
A method of drilling and lining a bore in an earth formation, the method comprising the steps:
- providing a tubular outer elongate member and an inner elongate member located within the outer member, at least one of the members being spoolable;
- mounting a drill bit to one of the members;
- and
- drilling a bore by advancing the drill bit through the earth formation and advancing the members through the bore.
The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising expanding the outer member.
The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising retrieving the inner support while the outer support remains in the bore.
The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising pumping drilling fluid into the bore during drilling.
The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising utilising at least one of the members to carry production fluids to surface.
The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising closing a channel at least partially defined by one or more of the members.
The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising circulating fluid in a first direction through channels at least partially defined by one or more of the members and then changing the direction of fluid circulation.
The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising coupling the inner member to the outer member.
The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising collapsing the drill bit and retrieving the bit through the outer member.
The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising expanding the drill bit.
The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising locating a bottom hole assembly (BHA) at least partially within the outer member.
The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising providing a downhole tractor and utilising the tractor to apply weight to the bit or to pull the members through the bore.
The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising expanding the outer member to a larger diameter.
The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising providing a sealing arrangement between the inner and outer members.
The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising providing a sealing arrangement between the outer member and bore wall.
The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising providing a sealing arrangement inside the inner member.
Apparatus for drilling and lining a bore in an earth formation, the apparatus comprising:
- a tubular outer elongate member and an inner elongate member located within and coupled the outer member, at least one of the members being spoolable;
- and
- a drill bit mounted to one of the members.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.