Drill string section with internal passage
AssigneeAPS Technology, Inc.
InventorsWilliam E. Turner, Ronald E. Seppa
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Drill string sections are provided comprising internal passages that may be used to facilitate the electrical or hydraulic connection of multiple devices, such as sensors, arranged at spaced apart positions along the length of the drill sections. Methods of manufacturing the drill string sections are also provided, wherein the internal passages are formed by a first passage, a second passage, and a connecting passage therebetween.
Claims41
A method of manufacturing a drill string section including an internal passage extending along a substantial portion of its length, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a drill string section comprising a first end, an opposing second end, an outer surface, and a centrally disposed bore extending from the first end to the second end so as to form a wall between the bore and the outer surface;
- (b) separating the drill string section into first and second portions, the first portion comprising the first end and a third end formed by said separation, the second portion comprising the second end and a fourth end formed by said separation;
- (c) forming a first blind and generally axially extending passage through the wall from the third end towards the first end and to a position spaced apart from the first end;
- (d) forming a second blind and generally axially extending passage through the wall from the fourth end towards the second end and to position spaced apart from the second end;
- (e) joining the third end of the first portion to the fourth end of the second portion so as to form a unitary section of drill string in which the first and second passages are misaligned;
- and
- (f) forming a connecting passage from the outer surface of the drill string section that intersects the first and second passages, whereby the connected first and second passages define the drill string section internal passage.
A method of manufacturing a drill string section including an internal passage extending along a substantial portion of its length, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing first and second drill pipes, each pipe comprising a first end, an opposing second end, a pipe wall, and a passage extending generally axially through the pipe wall from the first end to a position spaced apart from the second end;
- (b) joining the first and second drill pipes at their respective first ends so that the passages are misaligned and so as to form the drill string section;
- and
- (c) forming a connecting passage from an outer surface of the drill string section that intersects the two passages, whereby the connected two passages define the drill string section internal passage.
A drill string section including an internal passage extending along a substantial portion of its length, the drill string section comprising:
- a first end;
- a second end;
- a wall;
- an intermediate weld joint;
- a first blind and generally axially extending passage extending through the wall from the weld joint toward the first end;
- a second blind and generally axially extending passage extending through the wall from the weld joint toward the second end, the second passage being misaligned with the first passage;
- and
- a connecting passage extending through the weld joint intersecting the first and second passages, the connecting passage oriented at an acute angle with respect to a drill string section centerline;
- wherein the first passage, second passage and a portion of the connecting passage define the drill string section internal passage.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.