Using a rotating inner member to drive a tool in a hollow outer member
First Claim
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1. A horizontal directional 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 outer member of the dual-member drill string so that movement of the inner member will drive operation of the downhole tool.
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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.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A horizontal directional drilling machine comprising:
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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 outer member of the dual-member drill string so that movement of the inner member will drive operation of the downhole tool. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method for drilling a borehole using a horizontal directional 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:
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moving the inner member; and converting movement of the inner member into an output power within the hollow outer member of the drill string. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification