Using a rotating inner member to drive a tool in a hollow outer member
AssigneeThe Charles Machine Works, Inc.
InventorsRichard Felix Sharp, Matthew L. Dock
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A rotating inner member is used to drive a downhole tool housed within the hollow outer member of a dual-member drill string. The downhole tool preferably will be adapted to receive rotational energy from the inner member. In a preferred embodiment, the downhole tool is an electric generator connected to a downhole electric device. In another preferred embodiment the downhole tool is a mechanical transmission that uses the rotational energy from the inner member to drive a non-electric tool, such as a downhole hammer. This invention will increase the consistency and efficiency of downhole energy production.
Claims32
A drilling machine comprising:
- a rotary drive system;
- a dual-member drill string operatively connected to the rotary drive system;
- wherein the dual-member drill string comprises a hollow outer member and an inner member positioned longitudinally therein, wherein the inner member is movable independently of the outer member;
- and
- at least one downhole tool supported within the dual-member drill string and operable in response to relative movement between the outer member and the inner member of the dual-member drill string.
A method for drilling a borehole using a drilling machine, the machine including a rotary drive system attached to a drill string having a hollow outer member and an inner member positioned longitudinally therein, wherein the inner member is movable independently of the outer member, the method comprising:
- moving the two members relative to each other;
- and
- converting the relative movement into an output power within the outer member.
An output power-generating apparatus comprising:
- a hollow outer member connectable with an outer member of a dual-member drill string;
- a bi-directionally movable inner member positioned within the outer member;
- wherein the inner member is moveable independently of the outer member;
- and
- an output power generator supported within the outer member and operatively connectable to the inner member for converting movement of the inner member relative to the outer member into an output power.
A pipe section assembly for use in a drill string, the pipe section assembly comprising:
- a hollow outer member interconnectable with the outer member of at least one of the pipe sections in the drill string;
- an inner member arranged longitudinally within the outer member and moveable independently of the outer member;
- and
- a downhole tool supported within the outer member and operatively connectable with the inner member so that movement of the inner member relative to the outer member drives operation of the downhole tool.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.