Drilling method

• US 7,093,675 B2
• Filed: 08/01/2001
• Issued: 08/22/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/01/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC (Weatherford International PLC)
• Original Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb Incorporated (Weatherford International PLC)
• Inventors: Pia, Giancarlo
• Primary Examiner(s): Neuder, William
• Application Number:
  US10/343,687
• Publication Number:
  US 20030141111A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,847 Days
• Field of Search: 175/57, 175/171, 175/215, 175/257, 175/258, 175/320
• US Class Current: 175/57
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 17/20 Flexible or articulated drilling pipes , e.g. flexible or articulated rods, pipes or cables
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 7/208 using down-hole drives E21B7/203 and E21B7/206 take precedence

Abstract

A method of drilling and lining a bore in an earth formation comprises providing a tubular outer elongate member and an inner elongate member located within the outer member. At least one of the members is spoolable. A drill bit is mounted to one of the members and a bore is drilled by advancing the drill bit through the earth formation and advancing the members through the bore.

Claims

1. A method of drilling a bore in an earth formation, the method comprising:

providing an outer elongate member attached to an inner elongate member, the inner elongated member at least partially disposed within the outer member;

mounting a drill bit to one of the members;

flowing fluid through an inner annulus between the inner member and the outer member; and

advancing the inner member, the outer member, and the drill bit through the earth formation, thereby forming the bore.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing both members in the form of spoolable members.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting force to or from the bit via at least one of the inner and outer members.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising retrieving at least one of the members using an injector head and lubricator.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising conveying at least one of the members into the bore while the bore is in production.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein one of the members comprises pipe sections.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising expanding the outer member.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising retrieving the inner member while the outer member remains in the bore.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid comprises drilling fluid.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the fluid is passed through a channel defined by the inner member.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the fluid is returned to surface via the inner annulus.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the fluid is passed through a channel defined by an outer annulus between the outer member and the bore wall.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the fluid is utilized to drive at least one of a downhole motor, tractor or other BHA component.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the fluid serves as a medium for transmission of pressure pulse signals from a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) apparatus to surface.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein gas is pumped into the bore during the drilling.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the gas is mixed with the fluid at surface.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the gas is pumped into the bore separately of the fluid and mixed with the drilling fluid at or adjacent the drill bit.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the presence of gas is utilized to increase the effective buoyancy of the members.

19. The method of claim 1, further comprising utilizing at least one of the members to carry production fluids to surface.

20. The method of claim 1, further comprising closing a channel at least partially defined by one or more of the members.

21. The method of claim 1, further comprising circulating fluid in a first direction through channels at least partially defined by one or more of the members and then changing the direction of fluid circulation.

22. The method of claim 1, further comprising coupling the inner member to the outer member.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising disengaging the coupling and retrieving the inner member.

24. The method of claim 1, further comprising collapsing the drill bit and retrieving the bit through the outer member.

25. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

mounting the bit on the inner member;

disengaging the bit from said member; and

retrieving at least a portion of the inner member.

26. The method of claim 1, further comprising expanding the drill bit.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising running the bit into a cased bore and then expanding the bit below the casing to a larger diameter than the inner diameter of the casing.

28. The method of claim 1, further comprising locating a bottom hole assembly (BHA) at least partially within the outer member.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising mounting the BHA to the inner member.

30. The method of claim 28, further comprising coupling the BHA to the outer member such that stresses experienced or created by the BHA are transferred to the outer member.

31. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a downhole tractor and utilising the tractor to apply weight to the bit or to pull the members through the bore.

32. The method of claim 1, further comprising expanding the outer member to a larger diameter.

33. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a sealing arrangement between the inner and outer members.

34. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a sealing arrangement between the outer member and bore wall.

35. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a sealing arrangement inside the inner member.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising pumping the sealing arrangement down inside the inner member.

37. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the members is spoolable.

38. Apparatus for drilling and lining a bore in an earth formation, the apparatus comprising:

a tubular outer elongate member and an inner elongate member located within and selectively attached to the outer member for movement in the bore;

an annulus defined by the outer member and the inner member, wherein the annulus is adapted for fluid flow; and

a drill bit mounted to one of the members.

39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein at least one of the inner and outer members is a support member capable of transmitting force.

40. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein bath of the members are spoolable.

41. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein at least one of the members is sectional.

42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein at least one of the members is formed of jointed pipe.

43. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the outer member is expandable to a larger diameter.

44. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein at least one of the members is of a composite material.

45. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the inner elongate member is tubular.

46. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the inner and outer members are coaxial.

47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein spacers are provided between the members.

48. The apparatus of claim 38, further comprising a downhole motor.

49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the motor is a positive displacement motor.

50. The apparatus of claim 38, further comprising a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) apparatus.

51. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the drill bit is mounted to the inner member.

52. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein a coupling between the inner and outer members is remotely disengageable.

53. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the drill bit is collapsable and retrievable through the outer member.

54. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the drill bit is remotely disengageable from said one of the members.

55. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the drill bit is expandable.

56. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein a bottom hole assembly (BHA) is located at least partially within the outer member.

57. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein the BHA is mounted to the inner member.

58. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein the BHA is coupled to the outer member.

59. The apparatus of claim 38, further comprising a down hole tractor.

60. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the tractor is retractable.

61. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein at least one of the members comprises signal conductors.

62. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the outer member comprises a pressure containment layer.

63. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the outer member comprises an inner low friction liner or coating, to facilitate withdrawal of the inner member.

64. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the outer member extends over the length of the inner member.

65. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the outer member extends over only a distal portion of the inner member.

66. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the outer member extends over only an intermediate portion of the inner member.

67. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein at least one of the members forms part of a velocity string.

68. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein a sealing arrangement is provided between the inner and outer members.

69. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein a sealing arrangement is provided for location between the outer member and a bore wall.

70. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein a sealing arrangement is provided inside the inner member to seal an inner diameter of the inner member.

71. The method of claim 38, wherein at least one of the members is spoolable.

72. A method for lining a wellbore, comprising:

providing a drilling assembly comprising an earth removal member, a tubular assembly, and a wellbore lining conduit, wherein the drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path and the tubular assembly is connected to and at least partially disposed in the wellbore lining conduit;

advancing the drilling assembly into the earth;

flowing a fluid through the first fluid flow path and returning at least a portion of the fluid through the second fluid flow path; and

leaving the wellbore lining conduit at a location within the wellbore.

73. The method of claim 72, wherein the first and second fluid flow paths are in fluid communication when the drilling assembly is disposed in the wellbore.

74. The method of claim 72, wherein the first fluid flow path is within the tubular assembly.

75. The method of claim 74, wherein the second fluid flow path is within an annular area formed between an outer surface of the tubular assembly and an inner surface of the wellbore lining conduit.

76. The method of claim 72, wherein the first and second fluid flow paths are in opposite directions.

77. The method of claim 72, wherein the wellbore lining conduit comprises at least one fluid flow restrictor on an outer surface thereof.

78. The method of claim 72, further comprising flowing a second portion of the fluid through a third flow path.

79. The method of claim 72, wherein the earth removal member is capable of forming a hole having a larger outer diameter than an outer diameter of the wellbore lining conduit.

80. The method of claim 72, further comprising selectively altering a trajectory of the drilling assembly.

81. The method of claim 72, further comprising increasing an energy of the return fluid.

82. A method of forming a wellbore using a casing, comprising:

providing the casing with a drill bit disposed at a lower portion thereof;

forming the wellbore using the casing, the casing being apportioned into at least two fluid flow paths;

flowing a fluid downward in the casing; and

flowing at least a portion of the fluid upward inside the casing.

83. A method of drilling and lining a bore in an earth formation, the method comprising the steps:

providing a tubular outer elongate member and an inner elongate member located within the outer member, at least one of the members being spoolable;

mounting a drill bit to one of the members;

drilling the bore by advancing the drill bit through the earth formation and advancing the members through the bore; and

providing a downhole tractor and utilising the tractor to apply weight to the bit or to pull the members through the bore.

84. A method of drilling and lining a bore in an earth formation, the method comprising the steps:

providing a tubular outer elongate member and an inner elongate member located within the outer member, at least one of the members being spoolable;

mounting a drill bit to one of the members;

providing a sealing arrangement inside the inner member;

pumping the sealing arrangement down inside the inner member; and

drilling the bore by advancing the drill bit through the earth formation and advancing the members through the bore.

85. Apparatus for drilling and lining a bore in an earth formation, the apparatus comprising:

a tubular outer elongate member and an inner elongate member located within and coupled the outer member, at least one of the members being spoolable; and

a drill bit mounted to one of the members, wherein the inner and outer members are coaxial and spacers are provided between the members.

86. Apparatus for drilling and lining a bore in an earth formation, the apparatus comprising:

a tubular outer elongate member and an inner elongate member located within and coupled the outer member, at least one of the members being spoolable;

a drill bit mounted to one of the members; and

a retractable downhole tractor.

87. Apparatus for drilling and lining a bore in an earth formation, the apparatus comprising:

a tubular outer elongate member and an inner elongate member located within and coupled the outer member, at least one of the members being spoolable; and

a drill bit mounted to one of the members, wherein at least one of the members comprises signal conductors.

88. Apparatus for drilling and lining a bore in an earth formation, the apparatus comprising:

a tubular outer elongate member and an inner elongate member located within and coupled the outer member, at least one of the members being spoolable; and

a drill bit mounted to one of the members, the outer member comprises a pressure containment layer.

89. Apparatus for drilling and lining a bore in an earth formation, the apparatus comprising:

a tubular outer elongate member and an inner elongate member located within and coupled the outer member, at least one of the members being spoolable; and

a drill bit mounted to one of the members, wherein the outer member comprises an inner low friction liner or coating, to facilitate withdrawal of the inner member.

90. A method of drilling a bore in an earth formation, the method comprising:

providing an outer elongate member and an inner elongate member at least partially disposed within the outer member;

mounting a drill bit to one of the members;

flowing fluid through an inner annulus between the inner member and the outer member;

advancing the inner member, the outer member, and the drill bit through the earth formation, thereby forming the bore; and

retrieving at least one of the members using an injector head and lubricator.

91. A method of drilling a bore in an earth formation, the method comprising:

providing an outer elongate member and an inner elongate member at least partially disposed within the outer member;

mounting a drill bit to one of the members;

flowing fluid through an inner annulus between the inner member and the outer member;

advancing the inner member, the outer member, and the drill bit through the earth formation, thereby forming the bore; and

expanding the outer member.

92. A method of drilling a bore in an earth formation, the method comprising:

providing an outer elongate member and an inner elongate member at least partially disposed within the outer member;

mounting a drill bit to one of the members;

flowing a drilling fluid is through a channel defined by an outer annulus between the outer member and the bore wall;

flowing the drilling fluid through an inner annulus between the inner member and the outer member; and

advancing the inner member, the outer member, and the drill bit through the earth formation, thereby forming the bore.

93. A method of drilling a bare in an earth formation, the method comprising:

providing an outer elongate member and an inner elongate member at least partially disposed within the outer member;

mounting a drill bit to one of the members;

flowing a drilling fluid is through a channel defined by the inner member;

returning the drilling fluid through an inner annulus between the inner member and the outer member; and

advancing the inner member, the outer member, and the drill bit through the earth formation, thereby forming the bore.

94. A method of drilling a bore in an earth formation, the method comprising:

providing an outer elongate member and an inner elongate member at least partially disposed within the outer member;

mounting a drill bit to one of the members;

flowing a drilling fluid through an inner annulus between the inner member and the outer member, wherein the fluid serves as a medium for transmission of pressure pulse signals from a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) apparatus to surface; and

advancing the inner member, the outer member, and the drill bit through the earth formation, thereby forming the bore.

95. A method of drilling a bore in an earth formation, the method comprising:

providing an outer elongate member and an inner elongate member at least partially disposed within the outer member;

mounting a drill bit to one of the members;

flowing a drilling fluid through an inner annulus between the inner member and the outer member;

advancing the inner member, the outer member, and the drill bit through the earth formation, thereby forming the bore; and

pumping a gas into the bore during drilling.

96. The method of claim 95, wherein the gas is mixed with the fluid at surface.

97. The method of claim 95, wherein the gas is pumped into the bore separately of the fluid and mixed with the drilling fluid at or adjacent the drill bit.

98. The method of claim 95, wherein the presence of gas is utilized to increase the effective buoyancy of the members.

99. A method of drilling a bore in an earth formation, the method comprising:

providing an outer elongate member and an inner elongate member at least partially disposed within the outer member;

mounting a drill bit to one of the members;

flowing fluid through an inner annulus between the inner member and the outer member;

advancing the inner member, the outer member, and the drill bit through the earth formation, thereby forming the bore; and

closing a channel at least partially defined by one or more of the members.

100. A method of drilling a bore in an earth formation, the method comprising:

providing an outer elongate member and an inner elongate member at least partially disposed within the outer member;

mounting a drill bit to one at the members;

flowing fluid through an inner annulus between the inner member and the outer member; and

advancing the inner member, the outer member, and the drill bit through the earth formation, thereby forming the bore; and

expanding the outer member to a larger diameter.

101. A method of drilling a bore in an earth formation, the method comprising:

providing an outer elongate member and an inner elongate member at least partially disposed within the outer member;

mounting a drill bit to one of the members;

flowing fluid through an inner annulus between the inner member and the outer member;

advancing the inner member, the outer member, and the drill bit through the earth formation, thereby forming the bore; and

providing a sealing arrangement between the inner and outer members.

102. A method of drilling a bore in an earth formation, the method comprising:

providing an outer elongate member and an inner elongate member at least partially disposed within the outer member;

mounting a drill bit to one of the members;

flowing fluid through an inner annulus between the inner member and the outer member;

advancing the inner member, the outer member, and the drill bit through the earth formation, thereby forming the bore; and

providing a sealing arrangement between the outer member and bore wall.

103. A method of drilling a bore in an earth formation, the method comprising:

providing an outer elongate member and an inner elongate member at least partially disposed within the outer member;

mounting a drill bit to one of the members;

flowing fluid through an inner annulus between the inner member and the outer member;

advancing the inner member, the outer member, and the drill bit through the earth formation, thereby forming the bore; and

providing a sealing arrangement inside the inner member.

104. The method of claim 103, further comprising pumping the sealing arrangement down inside the inner member.

105. A method for lining a wellbore, comprising:

providing a drilling assembly comprising an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit, wherein the drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path;

advancing the drilling assembly into the earth;

flowing a fluid through the first fluid flow path and returning at least a portion of the fluid through the second fluid flow path;

flowing a second portion of the fluid through a third flow path; and

leaving the wellbore lining conduit at a location within the wellbore.

106. A method for lining a wellbore, comprising:

providing a drilling assembly comprising an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit, wherein the drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path;

advancing the drilling assembly into the earth;

flowing a fluid through the first fluid flow path and returning at least a portion of the fluid through the second fluid flow path;

selectively altering a trajectory of the drilling assembly; and

leaving the wellbore lining conduit at a location within the wellbore.

107. A method of drilling a bore in an earth formation, comprising:

providing an outer elongate member and an inner elongate member at least partially disposed within the outer member, wherein at least one of the members is spoolable;

mounting a drill bit to one of the members;

flowing fluid through an inner annulus between the inner member and the outer member; and

advancing the inner member, the outer member, and the drill bit through the earth formation, thereby forming the bore.

108. A method of drilling a bore in an earth formation, comprising:

providing an outer elongate member and an inner elongate member at least partially disposed within the outer member;

mounting a drill bit to one of the members;

flowing fluid through an inner annulus between the inner member and the outer member;

advancing the inner member, the outer member, and the drill bit through the earth formation, thereby forming the bore; and

producing a hydrocarbon fluid while forming the bore.