Continuous circulation drilling method
AssigneeCoupler Developments Limited
InventorLaurence J. Ayling
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for drilling wells in which the tubular can be added or removed from the drill string whilst mud and drilling fluids being circulated continuously and kept separated from the environment to reduce pollution. A connector is used with an inlet and outlet for the mud etc. and which incorporates rams to seal off and separate the flow of mud as a tubular is added or removed.
Claims1
Apparatus for use in drilling wells in which a drill string carries a bit and drilling fluid is circulated down the drill string while tubulars are added or removed which apparatus includes a casing, a divider valve in said casing, lower grips for engaging said drill string.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.