EP0866209A1 - Element for a rotating drill string - Google Patents

Element for a rotating drill string Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0866209A1
EP0866209A1 EP98400538A EP98400538A EP0866209A1 EP 0866209 A1 EP0866209 A1 EP 0866209A1 EP 98400538 A EP98400538 A EP 98400538A EP 98400538 A EP98400538 A EP 98400538A EP 0866209 A1 EP0866209 A1 EP 0866209A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
section
drill string
rod
drill
groove
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP98400538A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0866209B1 (en
Inventor
Jean Gilbert Boulet
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
S M F International
SMF International
Original Assignee
S M F International
SMF International
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Publication of EP0866209A1 publication Critical patent/EP0866209A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0866209B1 publication Critical patent/EP0866209B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
    • E21B17/22—Rods or pipes with helical structure
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
    • E21B17/10—Wear protectors; Centralising devices, e.g. stabilisers
    • E21B17/1057—Centralising devices with rollers or with a relatively rotating sleeve
    • E21B17/1064—Pipes or rods with a relatively rotating sleeve

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an element of a rod train of rotary drilling.
  • Such rod trains can in particular make it possible to produce deviated boreholes, i.e. boreholes whose inclination can be varied from vertical or azimuth direction, during drilling.
  • the contact surface between the drill string and the wall of the hole is limited to the contact areas of the cuffs immobilized in rotation with the wall of the borehole, the sleeves having an outside diameter outside all greater than the diameter of the drill string rods.
  • the sleeves On the outer surface of the cuffs immobilized in rotation are provided grooves which can be helical in shape and which allow circulation drilling mud in the ring finger between the wall of the hole drill and drill string. Because they are immobilized in rotation, the sleeves do not activate the circulation of drilling fluid causing debris produced by the drilling tool.
  • the role of the devices known therefore is limited to a reduction of the friction between the rods and the hole drilling.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to propose an element of a train of rotary drilling rods comprising at least one tubular section the external surface of which has at least one groove arranged in a propeller having as its axis the axis of the section, this rod train element allowing activate the circulation of drilling fluid and debris, improve the cleaning the ring finger of the drill hole and reducing friction between the drill string and the drill hole.
  • the groove has a cross section through a plane perpendicular to the axis of the rod having an undercut portion located behind a radius of the cross section of the section passing through the end outside of the groove section located at the rear of the groove, in considering the direction of rotation of the rod train, the cross section of the groove being delimited at the rear of the groove by a line substantially right making a negative undercut angle with the radius of the section cross section.
  • the invention relates in particular to an element of a rod train drilling constituting an intermediate connection between two rods and comprising a rotary section provided with means for connection to the drill pipes the external surface of which has a groove having a cross section with an undercut part.
  • the invention also relates to an element of a rod train of borehole consisting of a drill pipe having at least two sections along its length having an external surface having a groove whose the cross section includes an undercut portion.
  • Figure 1 is an elevational view of an element of a rod train drilling according to the invention and according to a first embodiment.
  • FIG. 1A is a sectional view along A-A of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view along B-B of the figure 1.
  • Figure 2 is an elevational view of an element of a rod train drilling according to the invention and according to a second embodiment.
  • FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view along A-A- of the figure 2.
  • FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view along B-B of the figure 2.
  • Figure 3 is a partial elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the rod train element shown in Figure 2.
  • FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view along A-A of the figure 3.
  • the drill string element according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1, 1A and 1B is made in the form of a intermediate connection between two rods of a drill string.
  • the intermediate fitting generally designated by the reference 1, comprises a tubular body 2 consisting of two parts 2a, 2b fixed in the axial extension of each other by screwing and a sleeve 3 mounted on the body 2 of the fitting 1 with a certain radial clearance and immobilized in translation between the parts 2a and 2b of the body 2.
  • the part 2a of the body 2 constitutes the lower part of the fitting and has a tapered tapered portion 4a for connecting part 2a of connection 1 to a rod of the drill string located downwards relative to intermediate fitting 1, i.e. in the direction of the tool drill fixed to the end of the drill string.
  • the part 2b of the body 2 constitutes the upper part of the fitting and has a tapered tapered opening 4b for connect the intermediate fitting 1 to a rod of the drill string arranged above the intermediate connection 1, i.e. towards the surface from which drilling is carried out.
  • the part 2a of the body 2 comprises moreover, at its end opposite to the threaded part 4a, a second threaded part and the second part 2b of the body 2 of the connector 1 has a second tapped opening at its end opposite the end comprising the tapped opening 4b.
  • the two parts 2a and 2b of the body 2 of the fitting 1 can be assembled together by screwing the second threaded end of part 2a inside the second opening threaded from the upper part 2b of the body 2.
  • the cuff 3 Prior to the assembly of the two parts of the body 2, by screwing, the cuff 3 is engaged on a smooth cylindrical part of the body 2 located below the second threaded end of the lower part 2a of the body 2.
  • the inside diameter of the cuff 3 is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the smooth cylindrical part of the lower section 2a of the body 2. In this way, the body 2 of the intermediate connector 1 is mounted freely rotatable inside the cuff 3.
  • the cuff 3 is immobilized in axial translation between the two sections 2a and 2b of the body 2 because the lower section 2a has, below the smooth cylindrical zone, a projecting part 5 radial with respect to the smooth cylindrical part opposite the end of the cuff 3 and that the upper section 2b of the body 2 comprises at its lower end, a 5 'portion projecting radially opposite of the upper end of the sleeve 3.
  • the axial distance between the upper end of part 5 of section 2a and the lower end of section 2b is slightly greater than the length in the direction axial of the cuff 3.
  • the body 2 is then mounted to rotate freely inside of the cuff 3 which is itself maintained around the part smooth cylindrical section 2a by the lower part 5 'of section 2b.
  • the two parts of the drill string on either side of the fitting intermediate 1 are arranged coaxially and have as axis, axis 7 common to the two sections 2a and 2b assembled in a layout coaxial.
  • the cuff 3 has, on its outer surface, blades 6 in radial projection having a direction slightly inclined with respect to the axis 7 of the intermediate fitting 1.
  • the overall outside diameter of the cuff 3 is substantially greater than the diameter of the end portions of sections 2a and 2b of the body 2 of fitting 1 and the diameter of the rods of the drill string.
  • the tool drilling arranged at the end of the lower part of the drill string performs a borehole whose diameter is substantially greater than the diameter rods of the drill string and slightly greater than the outside diameter excluding all of cuff 3.
  • the sleeve 3 locks against the wall of the borehole by through the blades 6.
  • the drill string is rotatable inside of the sleeve 3 constituting a bearing for the rotary drill string.
  • the cuff 3 is produced in composite form and has a tubular cylindrical metal part covered with an envelope external which can be of wear material or rubber and which has on its outer surface the blades 6 inclined and projecting radially.
  • the use of the cuff 3 reduces the friction of the train rods inside the borehole, because the friction surfaces are limited to the external surfaces of the support blades 6 inside the hole drilling.
  • a plurality of intermediate fittings is used which are each fixed between two rods of the drill string or between two elements tubular fittings.
  • Such devices effectively reduce friction of the drill string but do not facilitate the circulation of the fluid drilling and detachment of debris torn off by the drilling tool in annular space, i.e. in the space between the surface of the drill hole and drill string.
  • At least part of the body 2 of the intermediate fittings of the drill string and preferably the lower section 2a of the fittings intermediate has profiled grooves 8 arranged along a propeller having as axis the axis 7 of the intermediate connector.
  • the lower section 2a of the body 2 of the connector 1 has, along its periphery, five grooves 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d and 8e whose cross sections are identical and deduce one on the other by a 72 ° rotation around the axis 7 of the section 2a materialized through the center O of the section of the section 2a in FIG. 1A.
  • the cross sections of the grooves visible in Figure 1A are asymmetrical and are delimited inside the section 2a, by a line curve 9a and by a substantially straight line 9b making an acute angle ⁇ with a radius OA of the section 2a, the point A located on the external surface of the section 2a constituting one of the ends of the cross section of the groove 8.
  • FIG. 1A the direction has also been represented by an arrow of rotation ⁇ of section 2a of the rigidly fixed intermediate fitting to the drill string, when the drill string is rotated inside the borehole.
  • the part 9b of the internal contour of the grooves is directed towards the rear with respect to the radius OA, considering the direction of rotation ⁇ .
  • the angle ⁇ or undercut angle defined by the rectilinear rear part 9b of the groove section and the radius OA is considered to be negative, the direction of rotation ⁇ being taken as positive direction.
  • Each of the grooves 8 has a part 10 located at the rear of the radius OA, when we consider the direction of rotation ⁇ , point A being constituted by the outer end of the groove section located at the rear of the section considering the direction of rotation ⁇ .
  • the part of the grooves 8 having as cross-section the part of section 10 located at the rear of the OA radius constitutes an undercut part grooves, i.e. a hollow machined part at the rear of the radii of the sections of the section 2a each joining the center of a section to an outer end of the groove located at the rear of this groove.
  • the grooves have an angle mean tilt a with respect to axis 7, which is the tilt angle of the propeller followed by groove 8.
  • grooves 8 have an increasing depth between their lower and upper end parts and their central part.
  • the grooves 8 have an undercut portion allows to strongly activate the circulation of drilling fluid and waste.
  • the undercut part 10 of the grooves 8 has an effect scoop during rotation of the drill string. Drilling fluid and debris suspended in the drilling fluid are retained and driven in rotation by the undercut parts of the grooves, so that the fluid and debris in cooperation with the inclined helical grooves at an angle a with respect to the axis of the intermediate connector are driven towards the top. Activation of the upward circulation of drilling fluid and debris as well as the agitation produced during the rotation of the profiled part of the body of the tubular fitting comprising the grooves 8 make it possible to avoid risk of accumulation of debris in the ring finger and in particular in the vicinity from the bottom of the hole.
  • the part of the undercut grooves makes it possible to clean the hole drilling by peeling debris from the wall of the hole, while tilting grooves relative to the axis allows to promote the axial drive of the drilling fluid and debris.
  • angles ⁇ and ⁇ can be fixed, for example at a value comprised between 10 ° and 80 °, the values of the angles ⁇ and ⁇ can be chosen for optimize the circulation of debris.
  • the shape and depth of the undercut part of the grooves 8 are also chosen to optimize detachment and training up debris in the ring finger of the borehole.
  • the external surface 11 can be coated a filling layer of wear-resistant material.
  • the sleeve 3 rotatably mounted on the body 2 can be produced in one single part, engaged axially on the smooth cylindrical part of the body 2, then immobilized in axial translation during the assembly of the two parts of body 2, as just described.
  • Single-piece shirt can also be immobilized axially between a radially projecting surface machined on a part of the body and a ring crimped on a second part of the body of the intermediate connector.
  • the shirt can also be made in several parts and preferably in two parts which can be engaged laterally on the surface of the body of the intermediate fitting then assembled together, by example using assembly pins.
  • a shirt comprising two parts assembled by hinges which can be placed in the open position for their engagement on the body of the intermediate fitting then placed in the closed position around of the body and assembled together, by pins or screws.
  • the cylindrical seat can have grooves allowing the circulation of the fluid in the annular, at the level of the cylindrical bearing.
  • this shirt can be constituted by a simple steel part machined on its external lateral surface to present grooves or grooves allowing circulation of the coolant and a reduction in the bearing surface on the wall of the borehole.
  • the sleeve rotatably mounted on the body of the intermediate fitting can be also in composite form, as described above high.
  • the jacket may preferably include a tubular core metallic which is covered by wear material or which is embedded in an elastomeric jacket having on its outer surface ribs or bearing blades on the wall of the borehole.
  • the shirt can be rotatably mounted on a smooth part of the body of the intermediate connection, so as to constitute a plain bearing, or else rotatably mounted on a part of the body, via a bearing balls or roller bearings.
  • the jacket or the fixed bearing surface on the wall of the borehole has an outside diameter equal to or slightly greater than maximum diameter of the section of the body of the intermediate fitting, in the upper end area of the grooves.
  • train elements drill rods according to the invention each consisting of a drill rod having a particular structure which will be described below with regard to Figures 2, 2A, 2B and 2C.
  • FIG 2 there is shown a drill pipe designated so general by the reference 12 and designed so as to constitute an element drill string train according to the invention making it possible to reduce the friction and activate the circulation of drilling fluid and debris inside of the borehole, when the drill pipe 12 is interposed on a drill string used for drilling the hole.
  • the drill string element according to the invention can be constituted either by a common drill rod of the drill string, either by a heavy rod, an intermediate rod or a compression rod.
  • the general structure of the stem is analogous to the structure of the rod 12 shown in FIG. 2.
  • the drill pipe 12 comprises an elongated tubular body comprising, at one of its ends or upper end, a tapped opening frustoconical 14a making it possible to connect the rod 12 to a rod of the train of drill rods located above the rod 12, that is to say in the direction of the surface from which drilling is carried out.
  • the rod 12 has, at its end opposite the tapped opening 14a, a frustoconical threaded portion 14b making it possible to assemble end to end the rod 12 to a rod of the drill string located below the rod 12, that is to say towards the drilling tool.
  • the rod 12 constituting a drill string train element following the invention comprises, along its length, in positions substantially equidistant from the ends and the central part of the stem, two identical support assemblies 13a and 13b making it possible to reduce the friction and activate the circulation of the drilling fluid in the ring finger of the borehole.
  • Each of the support assemblies 13a and 13b has a central area bearing on the wall of the borehole and two end portions arranged on either side of the central area in which the drill pipe is machined so as to have helical grooves.
  • the support assembly 13a comprises a central zone constituted by a bearing surface 15a whose cylindrical outer surface is machined from so as to present helical grooves 16.
  • the bearing surface 15a is made in one piece with the rod drilling, by machining the external surface of the drill pipe in the central area.
  • the grooves 16 machined in the central zone have a depth substantially constant, as seen in Figure 2A and allow the circulation of drilling fluid at the level of the scope support 15a.
  • the drill rod On either side of the bearing surface 15a, the drill rod is machined so as to constitute two end parts 17a and 17'a of the assembly support 13a for activating the circulation of the drilling fluid and debris in the ring finger.
  • Parts 17a and 17'a constitute hydraulic activation profiles of fluid circulation which are generally analogous to the area of the intermediate fitting shown in Figure 1, showing grooves 8.
  • part 17'a of the assembly 13a support comprises a plurality of grooves 18'a whose shape of the cross section is similar to the shape of the section of the grooves 8 of the intermediate connector 1 shown in Figure 1A.
  • the part 17'a of the support zone 13a comprises five grooves 18'a of helical shape whose general direction makes an angle a with the axis 19 of the rod 12 and whose cross section has a part 20 undercut, according to the definition given to this term in the case of the intermediate connector 1 shown in Figures 1, 1A and 1B.
  • the section of the grooves 18'a is limited towards the rear by a line substantially straight forming an acute angle ⁇ , or undercut angle with the radius of the section of the rod passing through the outer end of the groove section located at the back of the groove, this outer end of the groove on the outer surface of the rod.
  • the section of the part 17a of the support zone 13a is identical to the section of the part 17'a and has helical grooves 18a, the section is identical to the section of grooves 18'a.
  • the external surface of the rod 12, in the end zones 17a and 17'a of the support zone 13a is a surface of revolution around the axis 19 of the stem, at least part of which has a generative curve having the shape of an arc.
  • the end portion 17a of the rod has thus an external surface of revolution whose generating curves, at less in the connection area of part 17a with the current part of the rod 12 of cylindrical shape, are constituted by arcs of circle of radius R1.
  • the part 17 ′ a of the rod 12 has a external surface having a shape of revolution around the axis 19 of the rod whose generators, at least in the connection area of the part 17'a with the central part of the rod of cylindrical shape, are constituted by arcs of circle of radius R2.
  • the radii R1 and R2 which may be equal have a length at less than one meter.
  • the central part of the support zone 13a constituting the support surface 15a has a cylindrical shape and a slightly larger diameter the diameter of the ends of the parts 17a and 17'a of the connecting rod to the central part 15a. This diameter could also be appreciably equal to the diameter of the connection ends of parts 17a and 17'a.
  • bearing surface 15a it is also possible to machine the bearing surface 15a so that its outer surface has a form of revolution and generators constituted by arcs of a circle having a radius R3 which can be equal to the radii R1 and R2 of the arcs of circle constituting the generatrices of the outer surface of the end portions 17a and 17'a.
  • the radii R1 and R2 are equal.
  • the R3 radius of the generators of the outer surface of the central bearing surface 15a can be equal to radius R1 or R2 or again, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the outer surface may have generators straight lines, i.e. an infinite radius R3.
  • the outside diameter of the bearing surface 15a is at least equal to or greater than the maximum diameter of parts 17a and 17'a and constitutes the maximum diameter of the drill pipe.
  • the diameter of the bearing surface 15a is itself slightly less than the diameter of the drilling.
  • the bearing surface 15a of the support assemblies 13a makes it possible to reduce the friction between the drill pipe and the wall of the borehole and the hydraulic profiles of the parts 17a and 17'a which come described will activate the circulation of drilling fluid and to remove debris, which allows for improved cleaning in the annular of the borehole.
  • the second support assembly 13b of the drill rod 12 fills identical functions to the first support assembly 13a.
  • this second support assembly comprises end portions 17b and 17'b formed in the form of hydraulic profiles which are identical, respectively, in parts 17a and 17'a, of the first support assembly 13a.
  • FIG 3 a portion of a drill pipe 22 is shown produced according to a variant of the embodiment shown in the figure 2.
  • the drill rod 22 has two identical support assemblies only one of which has been shown in Figure 3.
  • the support assembly 23 comprises a central part constituted by a cuff 25 attached to the rod 22 which is rotatably mounted inside of the cuff 25. On either side of the cuff 25, the assembly support 23 has two parts 27 and 27 'identical to parts 17a and 17'a or 17b and 17'b of the rod 12 shown in FIG. 2.
  • the cuff 25 is made in two parts in the form of two semi-cylindrical tubular parts 21 and 21 'which can be engaged laterally on a part of the rod 22 whose diameter is less than the diameter of parts 27 and 27 'and assembled between them at the junction zones, by pins or keys 26.
  • the cuff 25 is thus immobilized in axial translation on the rod 22.
  • the rod 22 rotates inside the cuff 25 playing the role of a plain bearing. This reduces the friction of the drill string.
  • the cuff 25 can have on its external surface grooves or grooves facilitating the circulation of drilling fluid and reducing the contact surface between the drill string and the wall of the hole.
  • the cuff 25 can be made as a single piece or so composite as described above with regard to the cuff 3 of the intermediate connector 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention.
  • this drill rod may have a single support assembly at the central part of the rod or several support assemblies distributed along the length of the drill pipe.
  • two support assemblies are used so arranged symmetrical about the center of the stem or three sets one of which is located at the central part of the rod and the other two have equidistant arrangements with respect to the ends of the rod.
  • Each of the support assemblies may include a cuff in which the drill pipe is rotatably mounted or a bearing surface made in one piece with the drill pipe.
  • the grooves machined in the tubular section or sections constituting hydraulic profiles for activation of fluid circulation and detachment debris may have a different shape from that which was described. These grooves can have a variable or substantially depth constant along their length. Maximum depth of grooves can be adapted to the desired activation effect.
  • the grooves have a part undercut, this undercut portion occupying a fraction more or less of the cross section of the groove, so to adjust the effect of detachment of debris by the hydraulic profile.
  • the negative undercut angle of the groove section can be chosen so as to optimize the effect of entrainment of the drilling fluid and detachment of debris, taking into account the angle ⁇ of inclination of the grooves helical in shape.
  • the stem sections constituting hydraulic profiles can have a number of grooves other than five, for example four grooves 90 ° from each other or three grooves at 120 ° around the axis of the stem.
  • the drill string element according to the invention comprising hydraulic profiles for driving the drilling fluid and debris can be constituted by a different element from a fitting intermediate or a drill pipe, as described by way of examples.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
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  • Perforating, Stamping-Out Or Severing By Means Other Than Cutting (AREA)
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  • Ultra Sonic Daignosis Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

An element for a drill string comprises tubes whose external surfaces present helical grooves. These grooves transverse section is perpendicular to the axis of the string, which is in part counter-turned at the back of a radius of the string passed by the external extreme of the groove section in the direction of rotation. The transverse section of the groove is described by a straight line making a negative counter-turn angle ( beta ) with the radius of the transverse section of the string.

Description

La présente invention est relative à un élément d'un train de tige de forage rotatif.The present invention relates to an element of a rod train of rotary drilling.

Dans le domaine de la recherche et de l'exploitation de gisements pétroliers, on utilise des trains de tiges de forage rotatifs constitués de tiges et d'autres éléments tubulaires qui sont assemblés bout à bout, selon les besoins du forage.In the field of research and exploitation of deposits petroleum, we use rotary drill rod trains made up of rods and other tubular elements which are assembled end to end, according to the drilling needs.

De tels trains de tiges peuvent permettre en particulier de réaliser des forages déviés, c'est-à-dire des forages dont on peut faire varier l'inclinaison par rapport à la verticale ou la direction en azimut, pendant le forage.Such rod trains can in particular make it possible to produce deviated boreholes, i.e. boreholes whose inclination can be varied from vertical or azimuth direction, during drilling.

Dans le cas de forages déviés à grand déport comportant des tronçons horizontaux ou pratiquement horizontaux, les couples de frottement dus à la rotation de la garniture de forage peuvent atteindre des valeurs très élevées, au cours du forage. Les couples de frottement peuvent remettre en cause les équipements utilisés et ou les objectifs du forage. En outre, la remontée des déblais produits par le forage est souvent très difficile, compte tenu de la sédimentation des débris produits dans le trou de forage, dans la partie basse du trou de forage, au voisinage de l'outil de forage. Il s'ensuit un mauvais nettoyage du trou et une augmentation à la fois des coefficients de frottement des tiges du train de tiges à l'intérieur du trou de forage et des surfaces de contact entre les tiges et les parois du trou.In the case of deviated boreholes with large offset comprising sections horizontal or almost horizontal, the friction torques due to the rotation of the drill string can reach very high values high during drilling. Friction couples can reset cause the equipment used and / or the objectives of the drilling. In addition, the raising the cuttings produced by drilling is often very difficult, taking into account the sedimentation of the debris produced in the borehole, in the lower part of the borehole, near the drilling tool. he this results in poor cleaning of the hole and an increase in both coefficients of friction of the rods of the drill string inside the hole drilling and contact surfaces between the rods and the walls of the hole.

Afin de diminuer le coefficient de frottement et la surface de contact entre le train de tiges et les parois du trou, on a proposé d'utiliser des dispositifs comportant une manchette qui peut être montée sur le train de tiges de manière que le train de tiges soit rotatif à l'intérieur de la manchette qui vient elle-même en contact avec la paroi du trou de forage et qui est ainsi immobilisée en rotation. La manchette constitue un palier à l'intérieur duquel le train de tiges est monté rotatif.In order to decrease the coefficient of friction and the contact surface between the drill string and the walls of the hole, it has been proposed to use devices having a cuff which can be mounted on the drill string so that the drill string is rotatable inside the cuff which itself comes into contact with the wall of the borehole and that is how immobilized in rotation. The cuff constitutes a landing inside which the drill string is rotatably mounted.

La surface de contact entre le train de tiges et la paroi du trou est limitée aux zones de contact des manchettes immobilisées en rotation avec la paroi du trou de forage, les manchettes ayant un diamètre extérieur hors tout supérieur au diamètre des tiges du train de forage. Généralement, sur la surface extérieure des manchettes immobilisées en rotation sont prévues des rainures qui peuvent être de forme hélicoïdale et qui permettent la circulation de la boue de forage dans l'annulaire compris entre la paroi du trou de forage et le train de tiges. Du fait qu'elles sont immobilisées en rotation, les manchettes ne permettent pas d'activer la circulation du fluide de forage entraínant les débris produits par l'outil de forage. Le rôle des dispositifs connus se limite donc à une réduction du frottement entre les tiges et le trou de forage.The contact surface between the drill string and the wall of the hole is limited to the contact areas of the cuffs immobilized in rotation with the wall of the borehole, the sleeves having an outside diameter outside all greater than the diameter of the drill string rods. Generally, on the outer surface of the cuffs immobilized in rotation are provided grooves which can be helical in shape and which allow circulation drilling mud in the ring finger between the wall of the hole drill and drill string. Because they are immobilized in rotation, the sleeves do not activate the circulation of drilling fluid causing debris produced by the drilling tool. The role of the devices known therefore is limited to a reduction of the friction between the rods and the hole drilling.

On connaít d'autre part des tiges ou des garnitures de forage qui comportent sur leur surface externe des rainures de forme hélicoïdale, ces tiges ou garnitures étant entraínées en rotation avec le train de tiges. Cependant, ces parties des tiges de forage en forme de vis d'Archimède ne sont pas conçues pour favoriser l'entraínement du fluide de forage et des débris en suspension dans ce fluide, mais pour remédier aux risques de collage par pression différentielle dans le trou de forage.There are also known drill rods or linings that have helical-shaped grooves on their external surface, these rods or fittings being rotated with the drill string. However, these parts of the drill rods in the form of an Archimedes screw do are not designed to promote the training of drilling fluid and debris suspended in this fluid, but to remedy the risks of bonding by differential pressure in the borehole.

Le but de l'invention est donc de proposer un élément d'un train de tiges de forage rotatif comportant au moins un tronçon de forme tubulaire dont la surface externe présente au moins une rainure disposée suivant une hélice ayant pour axe l'axe du tronçon, cet élément de train de tige permettant d'activer la circulation du fluide et des débris de forage, d'améliorer le nettoyage de l'annulaire du trou de forage et de réduire les frottements entre le train de tiges et le trou de forage.The object of the invention is therefore to propose an element of a train of rotary drilling rods comprising at least one tubular section the external surface of which has at least one groove arranged in a propeller having as its axis the axis of the section, this rod train element allowing activate the circulation of drilling fluid and debris, improve the cleaning the ring finger of the drill hole and reducing friction between the drill string and the drill hole.

Dans ce but, la rainure présente une section transversale par un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de la tige ayant une partie en contre-dépouille située à l'arrière d'un rayon de la section transversale du tronçon passant par l'extrémité externe de la section de la rainure située à l'arrière de la rainure, en considérant le sens de rotation du train de tige, la section transversale de la rainure étant délimitée à l'arrière de la rainure par une ligne sensiblement droite faisant un angle de contre-dépouille négatif avec le rayon de la section transversale du tronçon.For this purpose, the groove has a cross section through a plane perpendicular to the axis of the rod having an undercut portion located behind a radius of the cross section of the section passing through the end outside of the groove section located at the rear of the groove, in considering the direction of rotation of the rod train, the cross section of the groove being delimited at the rear of the groove by a line substantially right making a negative undercut angle with the radius of the section cross section.

L'invention est relative en particulier à un élément d'un train de tige de forage constituant un raccord intermédiaire entre deux tiges et comportant un tronçon rotatif muni de moyens de raccordement aux tiges de forage dont la surface externe comporte une rainure ayant une section transversale présentant une partie en contre-dépouille.The invention relates in particular to an element of a rod train drilling constituting an intermediate connection between two rods and comprising a rotary section provided with means for connection to the drill pipes the external surface of which has a groove having a cross section with an undercut part.

L'invention est également relative à un élément d'un train de tige de forage constitué par une tige de forage présentant au moins deux tronçons suivant sa longueur ayant une surface externe présentant une rainure dont la section transversale comporte une partie en contre-dépouille.The invention also relates to an element of a rod train of borehole consisting of a drill pipe having at least two sections along its length having an external surface having a groove whose the cross section includes an undercut portion.

Afin de bien faire comprendre l'invention, on va maintenant décrire, à titre d'exemple non limitatif, en se référant aux figures jointes en annexe, deux modes de réalisation d'un élément d'un train de tige de forage suivant l'invention.In order to clearly understand the invention, we will now describe, at by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the attached figures, two embodiments of an element of a drill string train following the invention.

La figure 1 est une vue en élévation d'un élément d'un train de tige de forage suivant l'invention et suivant un premier mode de réalisation.Figure 1 is an elevational view of an element of a rod train drilling according to the invention and according to a first embodiment.

La figure 1A est une vue en coupe suivant A-A de la figure 1.FIG. 1A is a sectional view along A-A of FIG. 1.

La figure 1B est une vue en coupe transversale suivant B-B de la figure 1.FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view along B-B of the figure 1.

La figure 2 est une vue en élévation d'un élément d'un train de tige de forage suivant l'invention et suivant un second mode de réalisation.Figure 2 is an elevational view of an element of a rod train drilling according to the invention and according to a second embodiment.

La figure 2A est une vue en coupe transversale suivant A-A- de la figure 2.FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view along A-A- of the figure 2.

La figure 2B est une vue en coupe transversale suivant B-B de la figure 2.FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view along B-B of the figure 2.

La figure 3 est une vue partielle en élévation d'une variante de réalisation de l'élément de train de tige représenté sur la figure 2.Figure 3 is a partial elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the rod train element shown in Figure 2.

La figure 3A est une vue en coupe transversale suivant A-A de la figure 3.FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view along A-A of the figure 3.

L'élément de train de tiges de forage selon le premier mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1, 1A et 1B est réalisé sous la forme d'un raccord intermédiaire entre deux tiges d'un train de tiges de forage.The drill string element according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1, 1A and 1B is made in the form of a intermediate connection between two rods of a drill string.

Le raccord intermédiaire, désigné de manière générale par le repère 1, comporte un corps tubulaire 2 constitué de deux parties 2a, 2b fixées dans le prolongement axial l'une de l'autre par vissage et une manchette 3 montée sur le corps 2 du raccord 1 avec un certain jeu radial et immobilisée en translation entre les parties 2a et 2b du corps 2.The intermediate fitting, generally designated by the reference 1, comprises a tubular body 2 consisting of two parts 2a, 2b fixed in the axial extension of each other by screwing and a sleeve 3 mounted on the body 2 of the fitting 1 with a certain radial clearance and immobilized in translation between the parts 2a and 2b of the body 2.

La partie 2a du corps 2 constitue la partie inférieure du raccord et comporte une partie filetée de forme tronconique 4a permettant de raccorder la partie 2a du raccord 1 à une tige du train de tiges située vers le bas par rapport au raccord intermédiaire 1, c'est-à-dire dans la direction de l'outil de forage fixé à l'extrémité du train de tiges.The part 2a of the body 2 constitutes the lower part of the fitting and has a tapered tapered portion 4a for connecting part 2a of connection 1 to a rod of the drill string located downwards relative to intermediate fitting 1, i.e. in the direction of the tool drill fixed to the end of the drill string.

La partie 2b du corps 2 constitue la partie supérieure du raccord et comporte une ouverture taraudée de forme tronconique 4b permettant de relier le raccord intermédiaire 1 à une tige du train de tiges de forage disposée au-dessus du raccord intermédiaire 1, c'est-à-dire en direction de la surface depuis laquelle on réalise le forage. La partie 2a du corps 2 comporte de plus, à son extrémité opposée à la partie filetée 4a, une seconde partie filetée et la seconde partie 2b du corps 2 du raccord 1 comporte une seconde ouverture taraudée à son extrémité opposée à l'extrémité comportant l'ouverture taraudée 4b. Les deux parties 2a et 2b du corps 2 du raccord 1 peuvent être assemblées entre elles en réalisant le vissage de la seconde extrémité filetée de la partie 2a à l'intérieur de la seconde ouverture taraudée de la partie supérieure 2b du corps 2.The part 2b of the body 2 constitutes the upper part of the fitting and has a tapered tapered opening 4b for connect the intermediate fitting 1 to a rod of the drill string arranged above the intermediate connection 1, i.e. towards the surface from which drilling is carried out. The part 2a of the body 2 comprises moreover, at its end opposite to the threaded part 4a, a second threaded part and the second part 2b of the body 2 of the connector 1 has a second tapped opening at its end opposite the end comprising the tapped opening 4b. The two parts 2a and 2b of the body 2 of the fitting 1 can be assembled together by screwing the second threaded end of part 2a inside the second opening threaded from the upper part 2b of the body 2.

Préalablement à l'assemblage des deux parties du corps 2, par vissage, la manchette 3 est engagée sur une partie cylindrique lisse du corps 2 située en-dessous de la seconde extrémité filetée de la partie inférieure 2a du corps 2.Prior to the assembly of the two parts of the body 2, by screwing, the cuff 3 is engaged on a smooth cylindrical part of the body 2 located below the second threaded end of the lower part 2a of the body 2.

Le diamètre intérieur de la manchette 3 est légèrement supérieur au diamètre extérieur de la partie cylindrique lisse du tronçon inférieur 2a du corps 2. De cette manière, le corps 2 du raccord intermédiaire 1 est monté librement rotatif à l'intérieur de la manchette 3.The inside diameter of the cuff 3 is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the smooth cylindrical part of the lower section 2a of the body 2. In this way, the body 2 of the intermediate connector 1 is mounted freely rotatable inside the cuff 3.

De plus, la manchette 3 est immobilisée en translation axiale entre les deux tronçons 2a et 2b du corps 2 du fait que le tronçon inférieur 2a comporte, en-dessous de la zone cylindrique lisse, une partie 5 en saillie radiale par rapport à la partie cylindrique lisse en vis-à-vis de l'extrémité inférieure de la manchette 3 et que le tronçon supérieur 2b du corps 2 comporte à son extrémité inférieure, une partie 5' en saillie radiale en vis-à-vis de l'extrémité supérieure de la manchette 3. Après assemblage par vissage des deux tronçons 2a et 2b du corps 2 du raccord 1, la distance axiale entre l'extrémité supérieure de la partie 5 du tronçon 2a et l'extrémité inférieure du tronçon 2b est légèrement supérieure à la longueur dans la direction axiale de la manchette 3. Le corps 2 est alors monté libre en rotation à l'intérieur de la manchette 3 qui est elle-même maintenue autour de la partie cylindrique lisse du tronçon 2a par la partie inférieure 5' du tronçon 2b.In addition, the cuff 3 is immobilized in axial translation between the two sections 2a and 2b of the body 2 because the lower section 2a has, below the smooth cylindrical zone, a projecting part 5 radial with respect to the smooth cylindrical part opposite the end of the cuff 3 and that the upper section 2b of the body 2 comprises at its lower end, a 5 'portion projecting radially opposite of the upper end of the sleeve 3. After assembly by screwing of the two sections 2a and 2b of the body 2 of the connector 1, the axial distance between the upper end of part 5 of section 2a and the lower end of section 2b is slightly greater than the length in the direction axial of the cuff 3. The body 2 is then mounted to rotate freely inside of the cuff 3 which is itself maintained around the part smooth cylindrical section 2a by the lower part 5 'of section 2b.

Lorsque le raccord intermédiaire 1 est fixé entre deux tiges du train de tiges par l'intermédiaire de la partie filetée 4a du tronçon inférieur 2a et, par l'intermédiaire de l'ouverture taraudée 4b du tronçon 2b du corps 2, respectivement, les deux parties du train de tiges de part et d'autre du raccord intermédiaire 1 sont disposées de manière coaxiale et ont pour axe, l'axe 7 commun aux deux tronçons 2a et 2b assemblés dans une disposition coaxiale.When the intermediate connector 1 is fixed between two rods of the train rods via the threaded part 4a of the lower section 2a and, by means of the tapped opening 4b of the section 2b of the body 2, respectively, the two parts of the drill string on either side of the fitting intermediate 1 are arranged coaxially and have as axis, axis 7 common to the two sections 2a and 2b assembled in a layout coaxial.

La manchette 3 comporte, sur sa surface externe, des lames 6 en saillie radiale ayant une direction légèrement inclinée par rapport à l'axe 7 du raccord intermédiaire 1.The cuff 3 has, on its outer surface, blades 6 in radial projection having a direction slightly inclined with respect to the axis 7 of the intermediate fitting 1.

Le diamètre externe hors tout de la manchette 3 est sensiblement supérieur au diamètre des parties d'extrémité des tronçons 2a et 2b du corps 2 du raccord 1 et au diamètre des tiges du train de tiges. L'outil de forage disposé à l'extrémité de la partie inférieure du train de tiges réalise un trou de forage dont le diamètre est sensiblement supérieur au diamètre des tiges du train de tiges et un peu supérieur au diamètre extérieur hors tout de la manchette 3. Lorsque le train de tiges est à l'intérieur du trou de forage, la manchette 3 vient se bloquer contre la paroi du trou de forage par l'intermédiaire des lames 6. De ce fait, le train de tiges est rotatif à l'intérieur de la manchette 3 constituant un palier pour le train de tiges rotatif.The overall outside diameter of the cuff 3 is substantially greater than the diameter of the end portions of sections 2a and 2b of the body 2 of fitting 1 and the diameter of the rods of the drill string. The tool drilling arranged at the end of the lower part of the drill string performs a borehole whose diameter is substantially greater than the diameter rods of the drill string and slightly greater than the outside diameter excluding all of cuff 3. When the drill string is inside the hole drilling, the sleeve 3 locks against the wall of the borehole by through the blades 6. As a result, the drill string is rotatable inside of the sleeve 3 constituting a bearing for the rotary drill string.

De préférence, la manchette 3 est réalisée sous forme composite et comporte une partie métallique cylindrique tubulaire recouverte d'une enveloppe externe qui peut être en matériau d'usure ou en caoutchouc et qui comporte sur sa surface externe les lames 6 inclinées et en saillie radiale. Preferably, the cuff 3 is produced in composite form and has a tubular cylindrical metal part covered with an envelope external which can be of wear material or rubber and which has on its outer surface the blades 6 inclined and projecting radially.

L'utilisation de la manchette 3 permet de réduire le frottement du train de tiges à l'intérieur du trou de forage, du fait que les surfaces de frottement sont limitées aux surfaces externes des lames d'appui 6 à l'intérieur du trou de forage. Bien entendu, on utilise une pluralité de raccords intermédiaires qui sont fixés chacun entre deux tiges du train de tiges ou entre deux éléments tubulaires de garnitures.The use of the cuff 3 reduces the friction of the train rods inside the borehole, because the friction surfaces are limited to the external surfaces of the support blades 6 inside the hole drilling. Of course, a plurality of intermediate fittings is used which are each fixed between two rods of the drill string or between two elements tubular fittings.

De tels dispositifs permettent effectivement de réduire le frottement du train de tiges mais ne permettent pas de faciliter la circulation du fluide de forage et le décollement des débris arrachés par l'outil de forage dans l'espace annulaire, c'est-à-dire dans l'espace compris entre la surface du trou de forage et le train de tiges.Such devices effectively reduce friction of the drill string but do not facilitate the circulation of the fluid drilling and detachment of debris torn off by the drilling tool in annular space, i.e. in the space between the surface of the drill hole and drill string.

Selon l'invention, au moins une partie du corps 2 des raccords intermédiaires du train de tiges et de préférence le tronçon inférieur 2a des raccords intermédiaires comporte des rainures profilées 8 disposées suivant une hélice ayant pour axe l'axe 7 du raccord intermédiaire.According to the invention, at least part of the body 2 of the intermediate fittings of the drill string and preferably the lower section 2a of the fittings intermediate has profiled grooves 8 arranged along a propeller having as axis the axis 7 of the intermediate connector.

Comme il est visible sur la figure 1A, le tronçon inférieur 2a du corps 2 du raccord 1 comporte, suivant sa périphérie, cinq rainures 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d et 8e dont les sections transversales sont identiques et se déduisent l'une de l'autre par une rotation de 72° autour de l'axe 7 du tronçon 2a matérialisé par le centre O de la section du tronçon 2a sur la figure 1A.As can be seen in FIG. 1A, the lower section 2a of the body 2 of the connector 1 has, along its periphery, five grooves 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d and 8e whose cross sections are identical and deduce one on the other by a 72 ° rotation around the axis 7 of the section 2a materialized through the center O of the section of the section 2a in FIG. 1A.

Les sections transversales des rainures visibles sur la figure 1A sont dissymétriques et sont délimitées à l'intérieur du tronçon 2a, par une ligne courbe 9a et par une ligne 9b sensiblement droite faisant un angle aigu β avec un rayon OA du tronçon 2a, le point A situé sur la surface externe du tronçon 2a constituant l'une des extrémités de la section transversale de la rainure 8.The cross sections of the grooves visible in Figure 1A are asymmetrical and are delimited inside the section 2a, by a line curve 9a and by a substantially straight line 9b making an acute angle β with a radius OA of the section 2a, the point A located on the external surface of the section 2a constituting one of the ends of the cross section of the groove 8.

Sur la figure 1A, on a également représenté par une flèche le sens de rotation Ω du tronçon 2a du raccord intermédiaire fixé de manière rigide au train de tiges, lorsque le train de tiges est mis en rotation à l'intérieur du trou de forage.In FIG. 1A, the direction has also been represented by an arrow of rotation Ω of section 2a of the rigidly fixed intermediate fitting to the drill string, when the drill string is rotated inside the borehole.

La partie 9b du contour interne des rainures est dirigée vers l'arrière par rapport au rayon OA, en considérant le sens de rotation Ω. The part 9b of the internal contour of the grooves is directed towards the rear with respect to the radius OA, considering the direction of rotation Ω.

L'angle β ou angle de contre-dépouille défini par la partie arrière rectiligne 9b de la section de la rainure et le rayon OA est considéré comme négatif, le sens de rotation Ω étant pris comme sens positif.The angle β or undercut angle defined by the rectilinear rear part 9b of the groove section and the radius OA is considered to be negative, the direction of rotation Ω being taken as positive direction.

Chacune des rainures 8 comporte une partie 10 située à l'arrière du rayon OA, lorsqu'on considère le sens de rotation Ω, le point A étant constitué par l'extrémité externe de la section de la rainure située à l'arrière de la section en considérant le sens de rotation Ω.Each of the grooves 8 has a part 10 located at the rear of the radius OA, when we consider the direction of rotation Ω, point A being constituted by the outer end of the groove section located at the rear of the section considering the direction of rotation Ω.

La partie des rainures 8 ayant pour section transversale la partie de section 10 située à l'arrière du rayon OA constitue une partie en contre-dépouille des rainures, c'est-à-dire une partie usinée en creux à l'arrière des rayons des sections du tronçon 2a joignant chacun le centre d'une section à une extrémité externe de la rainure située à l'arrière de cette rainure.The part of the grooves 8 having as cross-section the part of section 10 located at the rear of the OA radius constitutes an undercut part grooves, i.e. a hollow machined part at the rear of the radii of the sections of the section 2a each joining the center of a section to an outer end of the groove located at the rear of this groove.

Comme il est visible sur la figure 1, les rainures présentent un angle d'inclinaison moyenne a par rapport à l'axe 7, qui est l'angle d'inclinaison de l'hélice suivie par la rainure 8.As can be seen in Figure 1, the grooves have an angle mean tilt a with respect to axis 7, which is the tilt angle of the propeller followed by groove 8.

En outre, les rainures 8 ont une profondeur croissante entre leurs parties d'extrémité inférieure et supérieure et leur partie centrale.In addition, the grooves 8 have an increasing depth between their lower and upper end parts and their central part.

La forme hélicoïdale des rainures et l'inclinaison de ces rainures par rapport à l'axe du corps 2 du raccord intermédiaire 1 vers la droite dans le sens de bas en haut permet d'obtenir un effet de vis d'Archimède pendant la rotation du train de tiges. Cependant, comme expliqué plus haut, cet effet de vis d'Archimède ne produit, à lui seul, qu'une très faible activation du fluide de forage entraínant les débris, vers le haut, dans l'annulaire, lors du forage, lorsque la tige de forage tourne dans le sens indiqué sur la figure 1A.The helical shape of the grooves and the inclination of these grooves by relative to the axis of the body 2 of the intermediate fitting 1 to the right in the direction from bottom to top provides an Archimedes screw effect during the rotation of the drill string. However, as explained above, this effect Archimedes screw alone produces very little activation of the drilling fluid entraining debris, upwards, in the ring finger, when drilling, when the drilling rod turns in the direction shown in the figure 1A.

En revanche, le fait que les rainures 8 comportent une partie en contre-dépouille permet d'activer fortement la circulation du fluide de forage et des débris. La partie 10 en contre-dépouille des rainures 8 a un effet d'écope pendant la rotation du train de tiges. Le fluide de forage et les débris en suspension dans le fluide de forage sont retenus et entraínés en rotation par les parties en contre-dépouille des rainures, de sorte que le fluide et les débris en coopération avec les rainures hélicoïdales inclinées d'un angle a par rapport à l'axe du raccord intermédiaire sont entraínés vers le haut. L'activation de la circulation vers le haut du fluide de forage et des débris ainsi que l'agitation produite lors de la rotation de la partie profilée du corps du raccord tubulaire comportant les rainures 8 permettent d'éviter les risques d'accumulation de débris dans l'annulaire et en particulier au voisinage du fond du trou.However, the fact that the grooves 8 have an undercut portion allows to strongly activate the circulation of drilling fluid and waste. The undercut part 10 of the grooves 8 has an effect scoop during rotation of the drill string. Drilling fluid and debris suspended in the drilling fluid are retained and driven in rotation by the undercut parts of the grooves, so that the fluid and debris in cooperation with the inclined helical grooves at an angle a with respect to the axis of the intermediate connector are driven towards the top. Activation of the upward circulation of drilling fluid and debris as well as the agitation produced during the rotation of the profiled part of the body of the tubular fitting comprising the grooves 8 make it possible to avoid risk of accumulation of debris in the ring finger and in particular in the vicinity from the bottom of the hole.

La partie des rainures en contre-dépouille permet de nettoyer le trou de forage en décollant les débris de la paroi du trou, alors que l'inclinaison des rainures par rapport à l'axe permet de favoriser l'entraínement axial du fluide de forage et des débris.The part of the undercut grooves makes it possible to clean the hole drilling by peeling debris from the wall of the hole, while tilting grooves relative to the axis allows to promote the axial drive of the drilling fluid and debris.

On peut fixer les angles α et β, par exemple à une valeur comprise entre 10° et 80°, les valeurs des angles α et β pouvant être choisies pour optimiser la circulation des débris.The angles α and β can be fixed, for example at a value comprised between 10 ° and 80 °, the values of the angles α and β can be chosen for optimize the circulation of debris.

La forme et la profondeur de la partie en contre-dépouille des rainures 8 sont également choisies pour optimiser le décollement et l'entraínement vers le haut des débris dans l'annulaire du trou de forage.The shape and depth of the undercut part of the grooves 8 are also chosen to optimize detachment and training up debris in the ring finger of the borehole.

Dans le cas de l'élément de train de tiges de forage constitué par un raccord intermédiaire tel qu'il vient d'être décrit, on diminue les frottements du train de tiges à l'intérieur du trou de forage à la fois grâce à l'utilisation d'une manchette qui permet de limiter la surface de contact et le frottement entre le train de tiges et le trou de forage et grâce à la présence des rainures permettant d'évacuer les débris et d'éviter une accumulation de ces débris entre le train de tiges et le trou de forage.In the case of the drill string element consisting of a intermediate connection as just described, friction is reduced of the drill string inside the drill hole both through the use a cuff that limits the contact surface and friction between the drill string and the drill hole and thanks to the presence of the grooves allowing to evacuate the debris and to avoid an accumulation of this debris between the drill string and the drill hole.

Pour limiter l'usure de la surface externe 11 du corps 2 du raccord intermédiaire, entre les rainures 8, la surface externe 11 peut être revêtue d'une couche de rechargement en un matériau résistant à l'usure.To limit wear on the external surface 11 of the body 2 of the fitting intermediate, between the grooves 8, the external surface 11 can be coated a filling layer of wear-resistant material.

La chemise 3 montée rotative sur le corps 2 peut être réalisée en une seule partie, engagée axialement sur la partie cylindrique lisse du corps 2, puis immobilisée en translation axiale lors de l'assemblage des deux parties du corps 2, comme il vient d'être décrit.The sleeve 3 rotatably mounted on the body 2 can be produced in one single part, engaged axially on the smooth cylindrical part of the body 2, then immobilized in axial translation during the assembly of the two parts of body 2, as just described.

La chemise en une seule partie peut également être immobilisée axialement entre une portée en saillie radiale usinée sur une partie du corps et une bague sertie sur une seconde partie du corps du raccord intermédiaire.Single-piece shirt can also be immobilized axially between a radially projecting surface machined on a part of the body and a ring crimped on a second part of the body of the intermediate connector.

La chemise peut être également réalisée en plusieurs parties et de préférence en deux parties qui peuvent être engagées latéralement sur la surface du corps du raccord intermédiaire puis assemblées entre elles, par exemple en utilisant des goupilles d'assemblage. On peut également utiliser une chemise comportant deux parties assemblées par des charnières qui peuvent être placées en position d'ouverture pour leur engagement sur le corps du raccord intermédiaire puis placées en position de fermeture autour du corps et assemblées entre elles, par des goupilles ou des vis.The shirt can also be made in several parts and preferably in two parts which can be engaged laterally on the surface of the body of the intermediate fitting then assembled together, by example using assembly pins. We can also use a shirt comprising two parts assembled by hinges which can be placed in the open position for their engagement on the body of the intermediate fitting then placed in the closed position around of the body and assembled together, by pins or screws.

Il est également possible de remplacer la chemise montée rotative sur le corps du raccord intermédiaire par une portée cylindrique usinée sur le corps. La portée cylindrique peut comporter des rainures permettant la circulation du fluide dans l'annulaire, au niveau de la portée cylindrique.It is also possible to replace the rotating mounted shirt on the body of the intermediate fitting by a cylindrical seat machined on the body. The cylindrical seat can have grooves allowing the circulation of the fluid in the annular, at the level of the cylindrical bearing.

Dans le cas où l'on utilise une chemise rapportée qui est montée rotative sur le corps du raccord intermédiaire et qui peut être bloquée à l'intérieur du trou de forage, cette chemise peut être constituée par une simple pièce en acier usinée sur sa surface latérale externe pour présenter des rainures ou des cannelures permettant la circulation du fluide de refroidissement et une réduction de la surface d'appui sur la paroi du trou de forage. La chemise montée rotative sur le corps du raccord intermédiaire peut être également constituée sous forme composite, comme il a été décrit plus haut. Dans ce cas, la chemise peut comporter de préférence une âme tubulaire métallique qui est recouverte par un matériau d'usure ou qui est noyée dans une chemise en élastomère présentant sur sa surface extérieure des nervures ou lames d'appui sur la paroi du trou de forage.In the case where an attached shirt is used which is rotatably mounted on the body of the intermediate fitting and which can be locked inside of the drill hole, this shirt can be constituted by a simple steel part machined on its external lateral surface to present grooves or grooves allowing circulation of the coolant and a reduction in the bearing surface on the wall of the borehole. The sleeve rotatably mounted on the body of the intermediate fitting can be also in composite form, as described above high. In this case, the jacket may preferably include a tubular core metallic which is covered by wear material or which is embedded in an elastomeric jacket having on its outer surface ribs or bearing blades on the wall of the borehole.

La chemise peut être montée rotative sur une partie lisse du corps du raccord intermédiaire, de manière à constituer un palier lisse, ou encore montée rotative sur une partie du corps, par l'intermédiaire d'un palier à billes ou d'un palier à rouleaux.The shirt can be rotatably mounted on a smooth part of the body of the intermediate connection, so as to constitute a plain bearing, or else rotatably mounted on a part of the body, via a bearing balls or roller bearings.

Dans tous les cas, la chemise ou la portée fixe d'appui sur la paroi du trou de forage présente un diamètre extérieur égal ou un peu supérieur au diamètre maximal du tronçon du corps du raccord intermédiaire, dans la zone d'extrémité supérieure des rainures.In all cases, the jacket or the fixed bearing surface on the wall of the borehole has an outside diameter equal to or slightly greater than maximum diameter of the section of the body of the intermediate fitting, in the upper end area of the grooves.

On peut utiliser, pour réduire les frottements du train de tiges de forage à l'intérieur du trou de forage et pour activer la circulation du fluide de forage et des débris, une pluralité de raccords intermédiaires identiques au raccord qui vient d'être décrit, chacun de ces raccords intermédiaires étant fixé entre deux tiges de forage du train de tiges.You can use, to reduce the friction of the drill string inside the borehole and to activate the circulation of the fluid drilling and debris, a plurality of intermediate fittings identical to the fitting which has just been described, each of these intermediate fittings being fixed between two drill rods of the drill string.

Il est également possible, pour réduire les frottements et pour activer la circulation du fluide de forage d'utiliser un ou plusieurs éléments de train de tiges de forage selon l'invention constitués chacun par une tige de forage présentant une structure particulière qui sera décrite ci-après en regard des figures 2, 2A, 2B et 2C.It is also possible, to reduce friction and to activate circulation of drilling fluid to use one or more train elements drill rods according to the invention each consisting of a drill rod having a particular structure which will be described below with regard to Figures 2, 2A, 2B and 2C.

Sur la figure 2, on a représenté une tige de forage désignée de manière générale par le repère 12 et conçue de manière à constituer un élément de train de tige de forage suivant l'invention permettant de réduire les frottements et d'activer la circulation du fluide de forage et des débris à l'intérieur du trou de forage, lorsque la tige de forage 12 est intercalée sur un train de tiges utilisé pour le forage du trou.In Figure 2, there is shown a drill pipe designated so general by the reference 12 and designed so as to constitute an element drill string train according to the invention making it possible to reduce the friction and activate the circulation of drilling fluid and debris inside of the borehole, when the drill pipe 12 is interposed on a drill string used for drilling the hole.

L'élément de train de tiges selon l'invention peut être constitué soit par une tige de forage courante du train de tiges, soit par une tige lourde, une tige intermédiaire ou encore une tige de compression.The drill string element according to the invention can be constituted either by a common drill rod of the drill string, either by a heavy rod, an intermediate rod or a compression rod.

Dans tous les cas, la structure générale de la tige est analogue à la structure de la tige 12 représentée sur la figure 2.In all cases, the general structure of the stem is analogous to the structure of the rod 12 shown in FIG. 2.

La tige de forage 12 comporte un corps tubulaire allongé comportant, à l'une de ses extrémités ou extrémité supérieure, une ouverture taraudée tronconique 14a permettant de relier la tige 12 à une tige du train de tiges de forage située au-dessus de la tige 12, c'est-à-dire en direction de la surface depuis laquelle on réalise le forage.The drill pipe 12 comprises an elongated tubular body comprising, at one of its ends or upper end, a tapped opening frustoconical 14a making it possible to connect the rod 12 to a rod of the train of drill rods located above the rod 12, that is to say in the direction of the surface from which drilling is carried out.

La tige 12 comporte, à son extrémité opposée à l'ouverture taraudée 14a, une partie filetée tronconique 14b permettant d'assembler bout à bout la tige 12 à une tige du train de tiges située en-dessous de la tige 12, c'est-à-dire en direction de l'outil de forage. The rod 12 has, at its end opposite the tapped opening 14a, a frustoconical threaded portion 14b making it possible to assemble end to end the rod 12 to a rod of the drill string located below the rod 12, that is to say towards the drilling tool.

La tige 12 constituant un élément de train de tige de forage suivant l'invention comporte, suivant sa longueur, dans des positions sensiblement équidistantes par rapport aux extrémités et à la partie centrale de la tige, deux ensembles d'appui identiques 13a et 13b permettant de réduire les frottements et d'activer la circulation du fluide de forage dans l'annulaire du trou de forage.The rod 12 constituting a drill string train element following the invention comprises, along its length, in positions substantially equidistant from the ends and the central part of the stem, two identical support assemblies 13a and 13b making it possible to reduce the friction and activate the circulation of the drilling fluid in the ring finger of the borehole.

Chacun des ensembles d'appui 13a et 13b comporte une zone centrale d'appui sur la paroi du trou de forage et deux parties d'extrémité disposées de part et d'autre de la zone centrale dans lesquelles la tige de forage est usinée de manière à présenter des rainures hélicoïdales.Each of the support assemblies 13a and 13b has a central area bearing on the wall of the borehole and two end portions arranged on either side of the central area in which the drill pipe is machined so as to have helical grooves.

On décrira ci-dessous uniquement l'ensemble d'appui supérieur 13a, l'ensemble 13b étant identique à l'ensemble 13a.Only the upper support assembly 13a will be described below, the assembly 13b being identical to the assembly 13a.

L'ensemble d'appui 13a comporte une zone centrale constituée par une portée d'appui 15a dont la surface externe cylindrique est usinée de manière à présenter des rainures hélicoïdales 16.The support assembly 13a comprises a central zone constituted by a bearing surface 15a whose cylindrical outer surface is machined from so as to present helical grooves 16.

La portée d'appui 15a est réalisée de manière monobloc avec la tige de forage, par usinage de la surface externe de la tige de forage dans la zone centrale.The bearing surface 15a is made in one piece with the rod drilling, by machining the external surface of the drill pipe in the central area.

Les rainures 16 usinées dans la zone centrale présentent une profondeur sensiblement constante, comme il est visible sur la figure 2A et permettent d'assurer la circulation du fluide de forage au niveau de la portée d'appui 15a.The grooves 16 machined in the central zone have a depth substantially constant, as seen in Figure 2A and allow the circulation of drilling fluid at the level of the scope support 15a.

De part et d'autre de la portée d'appui 15a, la tige de forage est usinée de manière à constituer deux parties d'extrémité 17a et 17'a de l'ensemble d'appui 13a permettant d'activer la circulation du fluide de forage et des débris dans l'annulaire.On either side of the bearing surface 15a, the drill rod is machined so as to constitute two end parts 17a and 17'a of the assembly support 13a for activating the circulation of the drilling fluid and debris in the ring finger.

Les parties 17a et 17'a constituent des profils hydrauliques d'activation de la circulation du fluide qui sont de manière générale analogues à la zone du raccord intermédiaire représenté sur la figure 1, présentant des rainures 8.Parts 17a and 17'a constitute hydraulic activation profiles of fluid circulation which are generally analogous to the area of the intermediate fitting shown in Figure 1, showing grooves 8.

Comme il est visible sur les figures 2 et 2B, la partie 17'a de l'ensemble d'appui 13a comporte une pluralité de rainures 18'a dont la forme de la section transversale est analogue à la forme de la section des rainures 8 du raccord intermédiaire 1 représenté sur la figure 1A.As can be seen in Figures 2 and 2B, part 17'a of the assembly 13a support comprises a plurality of grooves 18'a whose shape of the cross section is similar to the shape of the section of the grooves 8 of the intermediate connector 1 shown in Figure 1A.

Il n'est donc pas nécessaire de décrire la section de la partie 17'a de la zone d'appui 13a représentée sur la figure 2B, cette section étant sensiblement analogue à la section de la partie 2a du raccord intermédiaire représenté sur la figure 1A, dans la zone comportant les rainures 8.It is therefore not necessary to describe the section of part 17'a of the support zone 13a shown in FIG. 2B, this section being substantially similar to the section of part 2a of the intermediate connector shown in FIG. 1A, in the zone comprising the grooves 8.

En particulier, la partie 17'a de la zone d'appui 13a comporte cinq rainures 18'a de forme hélicoïdale dont la direction générale fait un angle a avec l'axe 19 de la tige 12 et dont la section transversale présente une partie 20 en contre-dépouille, selon la définition donnée à ce terme dans le cas du raccord intermédiaire 1 représenté sur les figures 1, 1A et 1B.In particular, the part 17'a of the support zone 13a comprises five grooves 18'a of helical shape whose general direction makes an angle a with the axis 19 of the rod 12 and whose cross section has a part 20 undercut, according to the definition given to this term in the case of the intermediate connector 1 shown in Figures 1, 1A and 1B.

La section des rainures 18'a est limitée vers l'arrière par une ligne sensiblement droite faisant un angle aigu β, ou angle de contre-dépouille avec le rayon de la section de la tige passant par l'extrémité externe de la section de la rainure située à l'arrière de la rainure, cette extrémité externe de la rainure se trouvant sur la surface externe de la tige.The section of the grooves 18'a is limited towards the rear by a line substantially straight forming an acute angle β, or undercut angle with the radius of the section of the rod passing through the outer end of the groove section located at the back of the groove, this outer end of the groove on the outer surface of the rod.

La section de la partie 17a de la zone d'appui 13a est identique à la section de la partie 17'a et comporte des rainures hélicoïdales 18a dont la section est identique à la section des rainures 18'a.The section of the part 17a of the support zone 13a is identical to the section of the part 17'a and has helical grooves 18a, the section is identical to the section of grooves 18'a.

La surface externe de la tige 12, dans les zones d'extrémité 17a et 17'a de la zone d'appui 13a est une surface de révolution autour de l'axe 19 de la tige dont une partie au moins présente une courbe génératrice ayant la forme d'un arc de cercle. La partie d'extrémité 17a de la tige comporte ainsi une surface externe de révolution dont les courbes génératrices, au moins dans la zone de raccordement de la partie 17a avec la partie courante de la tige 12 de forme cylindrique, sont constituées par des arcs de cercle de rayon R1. De même, la partie 17'a de la tige 12 présente une surface externe ayant une forme de révolution autour de l'axe 19 de la tige dont les génératrices, au moins dans la zone de raccordement de la partie 17'a avec la partie centrale de la tige de forme cylindrique, sont constituées par des arcs de cercle de rayon R2. The external surface of the rod 12, in the end zones 17a and 17'a of the support zone 13a is a surface of revolution around the axis 19 of the stem, at least part of which has a generative curve having the shape of an arc. The end portion 17a of the rod has thus an external surface of revolution whose generating curves, at less in the connection area of part 17a with the current part of the rod 12 of cylindrical shape, are constituted by arcs of circle of radius R1. Similarly, the part 17 ′ a of the rod 12 has a external surface having a shape of revolution around the axis 19 of the rod whose generators, at least in the connection area of the part 17'a with the central part of the rod of cylindrical shape, are constituted by arcs of circle of radius R2.

Les rayons R1 et R2 qui peuvent être égaux ont une longueur au moins égale à un mètre.The radii R1 and R2 which may be equal have a length at less than one meter.

La partie centrale de la zone d'appui 13a constituant la portée d'appui 15a présente une forme cylindrique et un diamètre légèrement supérieur au diamètre des extrémités des parties 17a et 17'a de la tige se raccordant à la partie centrale 15a. Ce diamètre pourrait être également sensiblement égal au diamètre des extrémités de raccordement des parties 17a et 17'a.The central part of the support zone 13a constituting the support surface 15a has a cylindrical shape and a slightly larger diameter the diameter of the ends of the parts 17a and 17'a of the connecting rod to the central part 15a. This diameter could also be appreciably equal to the diameter of the connection ends of parts 17a and 17'a.

Il est également possible d'usiner la portée d'appui 15a de manière que sa surface exteme présente une forme de révolution et des génératrices constituées par des arcs de cercle ayant un rayon R3 qui peut être égal aux rayons R1 et R2 des arcs de cercle constituant les génératrices de la surface externe des parties d'extrémités 17a et 17'a.It is also possible to machine the bearing surface 15a so that its outer surface has a form of revolution and generators constituted by arcs of a circle having a radius R3 which can be equal to the radii R1 and R2 of the arcs of circle constituting the generatrices of the outer surface of the end portions 17a and 17'a.

De préférence, les rayons R1 et R2 sont égaux. Le rayon R3 des génératrices de la surface extérieure de la portée d'appui centrale 15a peut être égal au rayon R1 ou R2 ou encore, comme dans le mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 2, la surface externe peut présenter des génératrices droites, c'est-à-dire un rayon R3 infini.Preferably, the radii R1 and R2 are equal. The R3 radius of the generators of the outer surface of the central bearing surface 15a can be equal to radius R1 or R2 or again, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the outer surface may have generators straight lines, i.e. an infinite radius R3.

De manière générale, le diamètre extérieur de la portée d'appui 15a est au moins égal ou supérieur au diamètre maximal des parties 17a et 17'a et constitue le diamètre maximal de la tige de forage. Le diamètre de la portée d'appui 15a est lui-même légèrement inférieur au diamètre du trou de forage.Generally, the outside diameter of the bearing surface 15a is at least equal to or greater than the maximum diameter of parts 17a and 17'a and constitutes the maximum diameter of the drill pipe. The diameter of the bearing surface 15a is itself slightly less than the diameter of the drilling.

Lorsque le train de tiges comportant la tige 12 est mis en rotation à l'intérieur du trou de forage, la portée d'appui 15a des ensembles d'appui 13a permet de réduire le frottement entre la tige de forage et la paroi du trou de forage et les profils hydrauliques des parties 17a et 17'a qui viennent d'être décrits permettent d'activer la circulation du fluide de forage et de décoller les débris, ce qui permet de réaliser un nettoyage amélioré dans l'annulaire du trou de forage.When the drill string comprising the rod 12 is rotated at inside the borehole, the bearing surface 15a of the support assemblies 13a makes it possible to reduce the friction between the drill pipe and the wall of the borehole and the hydraulic profiles of the parts 17a and 17'a which come described will activate the circulation of drilling fluid and to remove debris, which allows for improved cleaning in the annular of the borehole.

Le second ensemble d'appui 13b de la tige de forage 12 remplit des fonctions identiques au premier ensemble d'appui 13a. En particulier, ce second ensemble d'appui comporte des parties d'extrémité 17b et 17'b constituées sous la forme de profils hydrauliques qui sont identiques, respectivement, aux parties 17a et 17'a, , du premier ensemble d'appui 13a.The second support assembly 13b of the drill rod 12 fills identical functions to the first support assembly 13a. In particular, this second support assembly comprises end portions 17b and 17'b formed in the form of hydraulic profiles which are identical, respectively, in parts 17a and 17'a, of the first support assembly 13a.

Les sections de ces profils hydrauliques 17b et 17'b sont identiques à la section représentée sur la figure 2B.The sections of these hydraulic profiles 17b and 17'b are identical to the section shown in Figure 2B.

Sur la figure 3, on a représenté une partie d'une tige de forage 22 réalisée suivant une variante du mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 2. La tige de forage 22 comporte deux ensembles d'appui identiques dont un seul a été représenté sur la figure 3.In Figure 3, a portion of a drill pipe 22 is shown produced according to a variant of the embodiment shown in the figure 2. The drill rod 22 has two identical support assemblies only one of which has been shown in Figure 3.

L'ensemble d'appui 23 comporte une partie centrale constituée par une manchette 25 rapportée sur la tige 22 qui est montée rotative à l'intérieur de la manchette 25. De part et d'autre de la manchette 25, l'ensemble d'appui 23 comporte deux parties 27 et 27' identiques aux parties 17a et 17'a ou 17b et 17'b de la tige 12 représentée sur la figure 2.The support assembly 23 comprises a central part constituted by a cuff 25 attached to the rod 22 which is rotatably mounted inside of the cuff 25. On either side of the cuff 25, the assembly support 23 has two parts 27 and 27 'identical to parts 17a and 17'a or 17b and 17'b of the rod 12 shown in FIG. 2.

Comme il est visible sur la figure 3A, la manchette 25 est réalisée en deux parties ayant la forme de deux pièces tubulaires semi-cylindriques 21 et 21' qui peuvent être engagés latéralement sur une partie de la tige 22 dont le diamètre est inférieur au diamètre des parties 27 et 27' et assemblés entre eux au niveau de zones de jonction, par des goupilles ou clavettes 26. La manchette 25 est ainsi immobilisée en translation axiale sur la tige 22.As can be seen in FIG. 3A, the cuff 25 is made in two parts in the form of two semi-cylindrical tubular parts 21 and 21 'which can be engaged laterally on a part of the rod 22 whose diameter is less than the diameter of parts 27 and 27 'and assembled between them at the junction zones, by pins or keys 26. The cuff 25 is thus immobilized in axial translation on the rod 22.

Lorsque le train de tiges comportant la tige 22 est mis en rotation à l'intérieur du trou de forage, la manchette 25 dont le diamètre est supérieur au diamètre maximal de la tige de forage vient en appui sur la paroi du trou de forage et se trouve immobilisée en rotation.When the drill string comprising the rod 22 is rotated at inside the borehole, the cuff 25 whose diameter is greater at the maximum diameter of the drill pipe comes to rest on the wall of the hole and is immobilized in rotation.

La tige 22 tourne à l'intérieur de la manchette 25 jouant le rôle d'un palier lisse. On réduit ainsi le frottement du train de tiges.The rod 22 rotates inside the cuff 25 playing the role of a plain bearing. This reduces the friction of the drill string.

Bien entendu, la manchette 25 peut comporter sur sa surface externe des rainures ou cannelures facilitant la circulation du fluide de forage et réduisant la surface de contact entre le train de tiges et la paroi du trou.Of course, the cuff 25 can have on its external surface grooves or grooves facilitating the circulation of drilling fluid and reducing the contact surface between the drill string and the wall of the hole.

La manchette 25 peut être réalisée de manière monobloc ou de manière composite comme il a été décrit plus haut en ce qui concerne la manchette 3 du raccord intermédiaire 1 selon le premier mode de réalisation de l'invention. The cuff 25 can be made as a single piece or so composite as described above with regard to the cuff 3 of the intermediate connector 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention.

Lorsqu'on réalise le dispositif selon l'invention sous la forme d'une tige de forage, cette tige de forage peut comporter un seul ensemble d'appui à la partie centrale de la tige ou encore plusieurs ensembles d'appui répartis suivant la longueur de la tige de forage.When the device according to the invention is produced in the form of a drill rod, this drill rod may have a single support assembly at the central part of the rod or several support assemblies distributed along the length of the drill pipe.

Généralement, on utilise deux ensembles d'appui disposés de manière symétrique par rapport au centre de la tige ou encore trois ensembles d'appui dont l'un est situé à la partie centrale de la tige et les deux autres ont des dispositions équidistantes par rapport aux extrémités de la tige.Generally, two support assemblies are used so arranged symmetrical about the center of the stem or three sets one of which is located at the central part of the rod and the other two have equidistant arrangements with respect to the ends of the rod.

Chacun des ensembles d'appui peut comporter une manchette dans laquelle la tige de forage est montée rotative ou encore une portée d'appui réalisée de manière monobloc avec la tige de forage.Each of the support assemblies may include a cuff in which the drill pipe is rotatably mounted or a bearing surface made in one piece with the drill pipe.

L'invention ne se limite pas aux modes de réalisation qui ont été décrits.The invention is not limited to the embodiments which have been described.

Les rainures usinées dans le ou les tronçons tubulaires constituant des profils hydrauliques pour l'activation de la circulation du fluide et le décollement des débris peuvent avoir une forme différente de celle qui a été décrite. Ces rainures peuvent avoir une profondeur variable ou sensiblement constante suivant leur longueur. La profondeur maximale des rainures peut être adaptée à l'effet d'activation recherché.The grooves machined in the tubular section or sections constituting hydraulic profiles for activation of fluid circulation and detachment debris may have a different shape from that which was described. These grooves can have a variable or substantially depth constant along their length. Maximum depth of grooves can be adapted to the desired activation effect.

Dans tous les cas, bien entendu, les rainures présentent une partie en contre-dépouille, cette partie en contre-dépouille occupant une fraction plus ou moins importante de la section transversale de la rainure, de manière à régler l'effet de décollement des débris par le profil hydraulique. L'angle négatif de contre-dépouille de la section des rainures peut être choisi de manière à optimiser l'effet d'entraínement du fluide de forage et de décollement des débris, en tenant compte de l'angle α d'inclinaison des rainures de forme hélicoïdale.In all cases, of course, the grooves have a part undercut, this undercut portion occupying a fraction more or less of the cross section of the groove, so to adjust the effect of detachment of debris by the hydraulic profile. The negative undercut angle of the groove section can be chosen so as to optimize the effect of entrainment of the drilling fluid and detachment of debris, taking into account the angle α of inclination of the grooves helical in shape.

Les tronçons de tige constituant des profils hydrauliques peuvent comporter un nombre de rainures différent de cinq, par exemple quatre rainures à 90° l'une de l'autre ou encore trois rainures à 120° autour de l'axe de la tige. The stem sections constituting hydraulic profiles can have a number of grooves other than five, for example four grooves 90 ° from each other or three grooves at 120 ° around the axis of the stem.

De manière générale, l'élément de train de tiges de forage selon l'invention comportant des profils hydrauliques d'entraínement du fluide de forage et des débris peut être constitué par un élément différent d'un raccord intermédiaire ou d'une tige de forage, comme décrit à titre d'exemples.In general, the drill string element according to the invention comprising hydraulic profiles for driving the drilling fluid and debris can be constituted by a different element from a fitting intermediate or a drill pipe, as described by way of examples.

Claims (14)

Elément d'un train de tiges de forage rotatif comportant au moins un tronçon de forme tubulaire (2a, 17a, 17'a, 17b, 17'b, 27, 27') dont la surface externe présente au moins une rainure (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 18a, 18'a) disposée suivant une hélice ayant pour axe l'axe (7, 19) du tronçon, caractérisé par le fait que la rainure (8, 18a, 18'a) présente une section transversale par un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe (7, 19) du tronçon (2a, 17a, 17'a, 17b, 17'b, 27, 27') ayant une partie (10, 20) en contre-dépouille, située à l'arrière d'un rayon (OA) de la section transversale du tronçon (2a, 17a, 17'a, 17b, 17'b, 27, 27') passant par l'extrémité externe (A) de la section de la rainure située à l'arrière de la rainure, en considérant le sens de rotation (Ω) du train de tiges, la section transversale de la rainure (8, 18a, 18'a) étant délimitée à l'arrière de la rainure par une ligne (9b) sensiblement droite faisant un angle de contre-dépouille négatif (β) avec le rayon (OA) de la section transversale du tronçon.Element of a rotary drill string having at least a tubular section (2a, 17a, 17'a, 17b, 17'b, 27, 27 ') whose surface external has at least one groove (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 18a, 18'a) arranged along a helix having as its axis the axis (7, 19) of the section, characterized by the fact that the groove (8, 18a, 18'a) has a cross section by a plane perpendicular to the axis (7, 19) of the section (2a, 17a, 17'a, 17b, 17'b, 27, 27 ') having an undercut part (10, 20), located at the rear of a radius (OA) of the cross section of the section (2a, 17a, 17'a, 17b, 17'b, 27, 27 ') passing through the outer end (A) of the section of the groove at the back of the groove, considering the direction of rotation (Ω) of the drill string, the cross section of the groove (8, 18a, 18'a) being delimited at the rear of the groove by a line (9b) substantially straight line making a negative undercut angle (β) with the radius (OA) of the cross section of the section. Elément de train de tiges de forage suivant la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que la rainure (8, 18a, 18'a) est inclinée d'un angle (α) par rapport à l'axe (7, 9) du tronçon (2a, 17a, 17'a, 17b, 17'b, 27, 27').Drill string train element according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the groove (8, 18a, 18'a) is inclined at an angle (α) relative to the axis (7, 9) of the section (2a, 17a, 17'a, 17b, 17'b, 27, 27 '). Elément de train de tiges de forage suivant la revendication 2, caractérisé par le fait que l'angle de contre-dépouille (β) est compris entre 10° et 80°.Drill string train element according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the undercut angle (β) is between 10 ° and 80 °. Elément de train de tiges de forage suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé par le fait que le tronçon (2a, 17a, 17'a, 17b, 17'b) comporte cinq rainures (8, 18a, 18'a) dont les positions suivant la circonférence du tronçon se déduisent l'une de l'autre par une rotation de 72° autour de l'axe (7, 9) du tronçon.Drill string train element according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the section (2a, 17a, 17'a, 17b, 17'b) has five grooves (8, 18a, 18'a) whose positions according to the circumference of the section are deduced from each other by a rotation of 72 ° around the axis (7, 9) of the section. Elément de train de tiges de forage suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé par le fait qu'il est constitué par un raccord intermédiaire (1) entre deux tiges de forage du train de tiges, comportant : un corps tubulaire (2) dont au moins un tronçon (2a) comporte au moins une rainure (8) dont la section transversale présente une partie (10) en contre-dépouille, le corps tubulaire (2) ayant, à ses extrémités longitudinales, des moyens (4a, 4b) de jonction du corps (2) du raccord intermédiaire (1) à une première et à une seconde tiges, respectivement, du train de tiges, et une manchette (3) montée rotative sur une partie du corps (2) du raccord intermédiaire (1) adjacente au tronçon tubulaire (2a) comportant la rainure (8) ayant une partie (10) en contre-dépouille, le diamètre extérieur de la manchette (3) étant au moins égal au diamètre du tronçon (2a) du corps (2) du raccord intermédiaire (1), dans sa partie adjacente à la manchette (3). Drill string element according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it consists of an intermediate connection (1) between two drill rods of the drill string, comprising: a tubular body (2), at least one section (2a) of which comprises at least one groove (8), the cross section of which has a part (10) undercut, the tubular body (2) having, at its longitudinal ends, means (4a, 4b) for joining the body (2) of the intermediate connector (1) to a first and to a second rod, respectively, of the rod train, and a cuff (3) rotatably mounted on a part of the body (2) of the intermediate connector (1) adjacent to the tubular section (2a) comprising the groove (8) having a part (10) undercut, the outside diameter of the cuff (3) being at least equal to the diameter of the section (2a) of the body (2) of the intermediate connector (1), in its part adjacent to the cuff (3). Elément de train de tiges suivant la revendication 5, caractérisé par le fait que la manchette (3) est immobilisée en translation axiale entre deux tronçons (2a, 2b) du corps (2) assemblés entre eux par vissage.Rod train element according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the cuff (3) is immobilized in axial translation between two sections (2a, 2b) of the body (2) assembled together by screwing. Elément de train de tiges de forage suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 5 et 6, caractérisé par le fait que le tronçon (2a) du corps (2) du raccord intermédiaire (1) est revêtu d'un matériau résistant à l'usure sur une partie (11) de sa surface externe non occupée par la rainure (8).Drill string train element according to any one of Claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the section (2a) of the body (2) of the intermediate fitting (1) is coated with a wear-resistant material on a part (11) of its external surface not occupied by the groove (8). Elément de train de tiges suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé par le fait qu'il est constitué par une tige de forage (12, 22) du train de tiges comportant au moins une zone d'appui (13a, 13b, 23) ayant une partie centrale d'appui (15a, 15b, 25) et deux tronçons d'extrémité (17a, 17'a, 17b, 17'b, 27, 27') de part et d'autre de la zone centrale d'appui (15a, 15b, 25) comportant, sur leurs surfaces externes, au moins une rainure (18a, 18'a) disposée suivant une hélice et ayant une partie (20) en contre-dépouille.Drill string element according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it consists of a drill rod (12, 22) of the drill string comprising at least one support zone (13a, 13b, 23) having a central support part (15a, 15b, 25) and two end sections (17a, 17'a, 17b, 17'b, 27, 27 ') on either side of the central area support (15a, 15b, 25) comprising, on their external surfaces, at least a groove (18a, 18'a) arranged in a helix and having a part (20) undercut. Elément de train de tiges de forage suivant la revendication 8, caractérisé par le fait que la zone centrale d'appui (15a, 15b) de l'ensemble d'appui (13a, 13b) de la tige de forage (12) est constituée par une portée d'appui réalisée de manière monobloc avec la tige de forage (12) et présentant un diamètre extérieur constituant le diamètre maximal de la tige de forage (12).Drill string train element according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the central support zone (15a, 15b) of the assembly support (13a, 13b) of the drill rod (12) is constituted by a bearing support made in one piece with the drill rod (12) and having an outside diameter constituting the maximum diameter of the rod drilling (12). Elément de train de tiges de forage suivant la revendication 8, caractérisé par le fait que la zone d'appui centrale (25) de l'ensemble d'appui (23) de la tige de forage (22) est constituée par une manchette tubulaire (25) rapportée et fixée contre la tige de forage (22), de manière que la tige de forage (22) soit rotative à l'intérieur de la manchette (25) et que la manchette (25) soit immobilisée en translation axiale par rapport à la tige (22).Drill string train element according to claim 8, characterized in that the central support area (25) of the support assembly (23) of the drill pipe (22) is constituted by a tubular cuff (25) attached and fixed against the drill pipe (22), so that the pipe drilling (22) is rotatable inside the cuff (25) and that the cuff (25) is immobilized in axial translation relative to the rod (22). Elément de train de tiges de forage suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 10, caractérisé par le fait les zones d'extrémité (17a, 17'a, 17b, 17'b, 27, 27') des ensembles d'appui (13a, 13b, 23) de la tige de forage (12, 22) comportant au moins une rainure (18a, 18b) dont la section présente une contre-dépouille, constituent des tronçons de la tige (12, 22) dont la surface extérieure ayant une forme de révolution présente des génératrices dont une partie au moins a la forme d'un arc de cercle dont le rayon est au moins égal à un mètre.Drill string train element according to any one of Claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the end regions (17a, 17'a, 17b, 17'b, 27, 27 ') of the support assemblies (13a, 13b, 23) of the rod borehole (12, 22) comprising at least one groove (18a, 18b) whose cross section has an undercut, constitute sections of the rod (12, 22) whose outer surface having a shape of revolution has generators at least part of which has the shape of an arc of a circle whose radius is at least one meter. Elément de train de tiges de forage suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 11, caractérisé par le fait que la zone centrale d'appui (15a, 15b, 25) des ensembles d'appui (13a, 13b, 23) de la tige de forage (22) présente une surface externe ayant une forme de révolution dont les génératrices ont la forme d'arcs de cercle dont le rayon est au moins égal à un mètre.Drill string train element according to any one of Claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the central support zone (15a, 15b, 25) support assemblies (13a, 13b, 23) of the drill pipe (22) has an outer surface having a shape of revolution whose generators have the shape of arcs of a circle whose radius is at least equal to one meter. Elément de train de tiges de forage suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 12, caractérisé par le fait que la tige de forage (12, 22) comporte deux ensembles d'appui (13a, 13b, 23) placés dans des dispositions équidistantes par rapport à la partie centrale de la tige (12, 22).Drill string train element according to any one of Claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the drill pipe (12, 22) comprises two support assemblies (13a, 13b, 23) placed in arrangements equidistant from the central part of the rod (12, 22). Elément de train de tige de forage suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 12, caractérisé par le fait que la tige de forage (12, 22) comporte trois ensembles d'appui dont l'un est situé à la partie centrale de la tige de forage (22) et les deux autres dans des dispositions équidistantes par rapport aux extrémités de la tige de forage (22).Drill rod train element according to any one of Claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the drill pipe (12, 22) has three support assemblies, one of which is located in the central part of the drill pipe (22) and the other two in equidistant arrangements relative to the ends of the drill pipe (22).
EP98400538A 1997-03-17 1998-03-06 Element for a rotating drill string Expired - Lifetime EP0866209B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9703207 1997-03-17
FR9703207A FR2760783B1 (en) 1997-03-17 1997-03-17 ELEMENT OF A ROTARY DRILL ROD TRAIN

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Publication Number Publication Date
EP0866209A1 true EP0866209A1 (en) 1998-09-23
EP0866209B1 EP0866209B1 (en) 2003-06-04

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EP98400538A Expired - Lifetime EP0866209B1 (en) 1997-03-17 1998-03-06 Element for a rotating drill string

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US (1) US6056073A (en)
EP (1) EP0866209B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE242419T1 (en)
DE (1) DE69815187T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2760783B1 (en)
NO (1) NO319236B1 (en)

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FR2824104A1 (en) * 2001-04-27 2002-10-31 Smf Internat Profiled element comprises zone pressing on shaft wall, deflection zone and turbulence zone to improve drilling fluid throughput and reduce cutter wear
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FR2789438A1 (en) * 1999-02-05 2000-08-11 Smf Int PROFILE ELEMENT FOR ROTARY DRILLING EQUIPMENT AND DRILLING ROD WITH AT LEAST ONE PROFILED SECTION
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69815187T2 (en) 2003-12-04
FR2760783A1 (en) 1998-09-18
EP0866209B1 (en) 2003-06-04
FR2760783B1 (en) 1999-07-30
US6056073A (en) 2000-05-02
DE69815187D1 (en) 2003-07-10
NO981140L (en) 1998-09-18
NO319236B1 (en) 2005-07-04
ATE242419T1 (en) 2003-06-15
NO981140D0 (en) 1998-03-13

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