Method of forming a trenchless flowline
OwnerTed R. Dimitroffinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An improved method of forming a trenchless flow line is provided. The method includes support of the boring tool at each sight relief hole using a hook extending downwardly into the hole so as to overcome the force of gravity on the tool during the pilot hole drilling step. Then, a back reaming tool is connected to the end of the boring tool, and the pipe is connected to the reaming tool, such that the reaming tool reams the pilot hole to a larger diameter ahead of the pipe, which is pulled through the hole with the reaming tool. Drilling fluid is supplied during the reaming process to form a slurry which is pushed ahead of the pipe and upwardly into the sight relief holes, as the pipe is pulled through the reamed hole.
Claims11
An method of drilling a flow line below the surface, comprising:
- making a series of substantially vertical sight relief holes;
- then drilling in a first direction to form a pilot hole to each of the sight relief holes using a boring tool on a directional drilling machine;
- reaming the pilot hole in a second direction opposite the first direction using a reaming tool so as to enlarge the diameter of the pilot hole;
- attaching a pipe to the boring tool and pulling the tool and pipe together through the enlarged hole;
- supporting the boring tool at selected sight relief holes with a support hook extending downwardly into the hole so as to overcome the force of gravity on the tool;
- and
- suspending the support hook above the sight relief hole.
An method of drilling a flow line below the surface, comprising:
- making a series of substantially vertical sight relief holes;
- then drilling in a first direction to form a pilot hole to each of the sight relief holes using a boring tool on a directional drilling machine;
- reaming the pilot hole in a second direction opposite the first direction using a reaming tool so as to enlarge the diameter of the pilot hole;
- attaching a pipe to the boring tool and pulling the tool and pipe together through the enlarged hole;
- and
- securing a connecting rod between the pipe and the boring tool;
- and
- providing a mud paddle to reduce rotation of the connecting rod.
An method of drilling a flow line below the surface, comprising:
- making a substantially vertical hole;
- extending a hook into the vertical hole;
- drilling in a first direction to form a pilot hole using a boring tool on a directional drilling machine, and the pilot hole intersecting the vertical hole;
- supporting the boring tool on the hook;
- reaming the pilot hole in a second direction opposite the first direction using a reaming tool so as to enlarge the diameter of the pilot hole;
- attaching a pipe to the boring tool and pulling the tool and pipe together through the enlarged hole;
- supplying liquid during the reaming step to form a slurry in the enlarged hole;
- securing a connecting rod between the pipe and the boring tool;
- and
- providing a mud paddle to reduce rotation of the connecting rod.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.