EP0956424B1 - Method and device for driving bore holes, specially exploring and extraction drillings in the sea bottom - Google Patents

Method and device for driving bore holes, specially exploring and extraction drillings in the sea bottom Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0956424B1
EP0956424B1 EP97951814A EP97951814A EP0956424B1 EP 0956424 B1 EP0956424 B1 EP 0956424B1 EP 97951814 A EP97951814 A EP 97951814A EP 97951814 A EP97951814 A EP 97951814A EP 0956424 B1 EP0956424 B1 EP 0956424B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
drill string
platform
string portion
drilling head
drilling
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP97951814A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0956424A2 (en
Inventor
Fritz Tibussek
Hermann-Josef Von Wirth
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.)
Mhwirth GmbH
Original Assignee
Wirth Maschinen und Bohrgeraete Fabrik GmbH
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from DE19702984A external-priority patent/DE19702984C1/en
Application filed by Wirth Maschinen und Bohrgeraete Fabrik GmbH filed Critical Wirth Maschinen und Bohrgeraete Fabrik GmbH
Publication of EP0956424A2 publication Critical patent/EP0956424A2/en
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Publication of EP0956424B1 publication Critical patent/EP0956424B1/en
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Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B19/00Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
    • E21B19/08Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables; Apparatus for increasing or decreasing the pressure on the drilling tool; Apparatus for counterbalancing the weight of the rods
    • E21B19/09Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables; Apparatus for increasing or decreasing the pressure on the drilling tool; Apparatus for counterbalancing the weight of the rods specially adapted for drilling underwater formations from a floating support using heave compensators supporting the drill string
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B17/00Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
    • E21B17/02Couplings; joints
    • E21B17/04Couplings; joints between rod or the like and bit or between rod and rod or the like
    • E21B17/07Telescoping joints for varying drill string lengths; Shock absorbers
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B19/00Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
    • E21B19/08Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables; Apparatus for increasing or decreasing the pressure on the drilling tool; Apparatus for counterbalancing the weight of the rods
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B21/00Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor
    • E21B21/001Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor specially adapted for underwater drilling
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B21/00Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor
    • E21B21/14Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor using liquids and gases, e.g. foams
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/29Obtaining a slurry of minerals, e.g. by using nozzles
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B7/00Special methods or apparatus for drilling
    • E21B7/12Underwater drilling
    • E21B7/124Underwater drilling with underwater tool drive prime mover, e.g. portable drilling rigs for use on underwater floors
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B7/00Special methods or apparatus for drilling
    • E21B7/12Underwater drilling
    • E21B7/128Underwater drilling from floating support with independent underwater anchored guide base

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method and a device for drilling wells, in particular for prospecting and extraction drilling.
  • Digging holes are used for the purpose of investigation from deposits and are supposed to take a sample of the material available in the deposit.
  • Excavation holes are drilled in particular when the deposit is at greater depth and / or bodies of water above the deposit such as Lakes or oceans do not have to sink mines allow.
  • Extraction wells serve to extract the content of the deposit from soil layers.
  • Exemplary for extraction drilling be the degradation of those stored on the seabed marine sediments with diamond inclusions explained.
  • Such deposits that contain diamonds have mostly in front of estuaries in the form of not too big, layers formed on rocky ground.
  • To break down the diamond-containing sediment material mostly used devices that include a drill head, which with the help of a floating one Platform made of extending, extendable drill pipe is lowered to the sea floor. Under floating Platform is to understand every facility, its amount above the sea floor from the current water level depends. In particular, drill ships come in for this Consideration.
  • the overburden loosened during the drilling process becomes mostly by so-called "backwashing" - for example by using the known air lifting method - by conveyed the interior of the drill string down to the platform, where he has one at the top of the drill string provided, related to its internal volume Pipe bend is fed into facilities where the separation of diamonds and overburden in a known manner he follows.
  • the platform comprises a device the one caused, for example, by ocean swell allowed vertical movement of the platform without this the propulsive force fluctuates significantly or the Drill head is even lifted off the ground.
  • Such facilities usually include with a relatively large compensation volume connected pneumatic or hydro-pneumatic Piston / cylinder devices, for example on the cylinder side with the drill string, on the piston side with a the device carrying the drill string, for example a Derrick. Because of the cylinders connected compensation volume, the platform can be vertical Exercise movements without losing the strength with which Drilling tool on the ground, changed significantly. Is the attachment point of the piston / cylinder devices on the platform side below that on the drill string, this can be done by adjusting the pressure in the expansion tanks the contact pressure of the drill head on the Seabed of maximum the resulting weight can be set to a desired value.
  • From US-PS 3,319,726 is a device for Known drilling holes in the seabed in which the drill string to compensate for vertical movement the platform two axially displaceable relative to each other, telescopic interlocking drill string parts includes.
  • the storage of the inner and outer drill string part serves an elaborate, several seals and Floating piston device for pressure equalization, the filled with a hydraulic fluid and against that Penetration of sediment completely encapsulated to the outside is.
  • the disadvantage of this device is that it is complex in their manufacture and because of the complicated Construction is prone to failure.
  • the drill string includes a telescopic part, which, among other things, the Compensate for movement induced by ocean thinning should.
  • the drilling material is in these devices over the Interior of the drill string conveyed upwards by fresh water is supplied under pressure to the bore.
  • the drill string contains two concentrically arranged tubes, which form an annular gap between them. By the The fresh water supply and removal are carried out in an annular gap of the drilling material through the inner tube.
  • the drill strings too these devices are expensive to manufacture.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object Method and an apparatus of the type mentioned such further develop that these disadvantages are improved.
  • Drill string made of at least two telescopically interlocking Consists of strand parts which with a vertical, for example, motion induced by ocean swell the platform has a relative movement to one another it is no longer necessary for the drill string to be at least half the maximum vertical deflection to be expected the platform protrudes above it, but the upper one The end of the drill string can be directly above the platform surface lie.
  • the drill head is rotationally fixed to the drill string arranged.
  • a drive is provided on the platform that set the drill string in rotation (claim 2).
  • the drill string is rotatably on the Platform stored and the drill head is relative to the drill string set in rotation.
  • the drill string Management of electrical, hydraulic, etc. lines serve, without the need for complex rotating unions or coupling required.
  • This can also be done on the lower part of the drill string easily an end one to the platform guided rope are attached, making the lower Drill string part including drill head without much energy expenditure for example, raised from the bottom of the hole and to the Location can be relocated to the ground where one further drilling is to be carried out.
  • the invention is in terms of its device Aspect reproduced in claim 4.
  • the drill string includes an outer and an inner one Drill string part, the inner drill string part - thus the vertical movement of the platform can be compensated can - at least over a length that is the maximum by Ocean swell or similar expected vertical Movement of the platform corresponds to the normal position the platform pushed into the outer and at least by an amount equal to the maximum expected Deflection of the platform from its normal position downwards corresponds, can be pushed further into the outer drill string part is.
  • a particularly preferred technical configuration storage based on this principle is the subject of claims 7 to 10.
  • the outer part of the drill string with its upper end at the platform and at the lower Arrange the drill head at the end of the inner drill string part.
  • the arrangement provided in reverse because the upper, preferably longer, during drilling operations rigidly connected to the platform in the vertical direction upper drill string part from less expensive to manufacture Components.
  • Device is a device on the platform provided with which the drill string rotates can be provided around its longitudinal axis.
  • the drill head is then rotatably arranged on the drill string.
  • the drill string is rotatably mounted on the platform and a rotary drive is provided with which Help the drill head rotate in relation to the drill string is relocatable.
  • the non-rotatable mounting of the drill string on the platform takes place in accordance with this preferred embodiment Claim 14 preferably by a non-rotatable, gimbal Interception device ("gimbal").
  • gimbal a non-rotatable, gimbal Interception device
  • the drill head is preferably driven either electric or hydraulic (claims 15 and 16), the drive means preferably in the drill head integrated or arranged directly above it are.
  • the one required to use the air lifting method Pressure line can according to claim 17 on the outer circumference of the Drill string be fixed and parallel to it Longitudinal central axis run.
  • the Pressure line as a rollable from a winding drum Pressure hose formed (claim 18).
  • This Measure has the advantage that the pressure hose on both upper drill string part as well as on the lower drill string part can be easily connected.
  • An advantageous development of the invention Device is the subject of claim 19.
  • In this is at least on the drill string part carrying the drill head a buoyancy body arranged.
  • the Buoyancy volume of the buoyancy body can in the invention Device the desired contact pressure of the Drill head to be set on the seabed.
  • buoyancy body is a part of the weight load on the platform be compensated so that heavier and thus longer drill string parts can be held and the Device also for digging bores in greater depths is suitable.
  • the one designated as a whole by 100 in FIGS. 1 to 3 Device includes one on a floating platform 1 arranged mast 2, which is only hinted at in FIGS. 1 to 3 is shown. It is - as in Fig. 1 also only hinted at - equipped with a pulley 3, the raising or lowering of one or more Segments 4, 4 'one designated as a whole by 5 Drill string is used.
  • the - as already explained at the beginning - from removable Segments 4, 4 'existing drill string 5 includes a upper drill string part 6 and a lower drill string part 7.
  • the upper drill string part 6 opens telescopically at point 8 in the lower drill string part 7 and protrudes accordingly the representation in Fig. 1 up to point 9 in this inside.
  • the upper and lower drill string parts 6, 7 are in that for inserting the upper part of the drill string provided length range designed such that the drill string parts 6.7 in this length range with low friction in the longitudinal direction of the drill string relative to each other can move, twisting the two drill string parts 6.7 against each other around the longitudinal central axis of the drill string however is not possible.
  • One of these functional features bearing is shown below with reference to FIG. 4 and 5 will be described.
  • a Drill head 10 is arranged, which with the help of a the lower drill string part arranged rotary drive 11 relative to that in the embodiment rotatably in the Platform mounted, the reaction torque absorbing Drill string 5 is rotatable.
  • a hydraulic motor that via a hydraulic line 12 with pressurized Hydraulic fluid is supplied.
  • the hydraulic drive an electric drive to use and instead of the hydraulic line 12 to provide an electrical line.
  • Fig. 1 In the phase shown in Fig. 1 is the drill string 5 already by screwing individual segments 4 or 4 'mounted to its full length. At the top The end of the drill string is the outlet of the raised one Exhaust pipe elbows arranged. By synchronous Slackening of the pulley 3 and the winch 16 are the Drill string parts 6, 7 lowered until the upper area 18 of the upper drill string part 6 at the height of a gimbal suspended, in Fig. 1 schematically in the open Intercept device 19 shown in the state (“gimbal”) located.
  • the device 100 In the state shown in Fig. 2, the device 100 positioned so that the drill head located above the location of the seabed to be removed.
  • the Winch 16 subsided, causing the lower drill string part 7 by sliding down on the protruding into it Part of the upper drill string part 6 further lowered until the Drill head 10 rests on the seabed.
  • the ropes 16 ' are now further reduced so that - as in Fig. 3 shown - sag slack in a loop.
  • the resulting weight force of the lower drill string part 7 and the components connected to it determine the contact pressure between the face of the drill head and the Seabed.
  • the lower drill string part 7 can in the further Penetration of the drill head 10 into the seabed 20 continue to slide freely from the upper drill string part 6.
  • a buoyancy unit at the upper end of the lower drill string part 21 arranged.
  • the essentially tubular upper one Drill string part comprises a tubular part 23 circular Cross-section that is in by means of flanges with each other screwable segments 4 is divided.
  • About its in the lower length of drill string insertable are four Angular profiles 22 evenly distributed over the circumference parallel to the central longitudinal axis L on the tubular part 23 arranged.
  • Each angle profile 22 comprises two legs 22 ', 22' 'which form a right angle to one another.
  • the Angle profiles 22 are with the free edges of the legs 22 ', 22' 'with the tubular part 23 of the upper drill string part 6 over its length - at least in sections - welded.
  • Each Roller assembly 24 includes two pairs of rollers 25, 26, wherein the rollers 25.25 '; 26.26' belonging to a pair in the direction the central longitudinal axis are spaced from each other and whose axes of rotation run parallel to each other, however the axes of rotation of the pairs of rollers 25, 26 of a pair of rollers 24 are aligned perpendicular to each other.
  • Fig. 4 illustrated embodiment are in the longitudinal direction of the drill string two sets of four roller assemblies 24, 24 'provided to tilt the upper drill string part prevent in the lower drill string part can.
  • Each roll assembly 24 includes a roll holder 27, the one on the outer lateral surface essentially tubular segment 4 'of the lower drill string part 7 are arranged. According to the orientation and number of the rollers 28 belonging to a roller arrangement 24 27 holes in the reel seat for receiving reel shafts 29 incorporated. The holes are like this arranged that the axes of rotation S essentially outside the cross section of the lower drill string part 7 are, but the rollers 28 through machined openings 30 protrude into the inner cross section of the segment 4 ', so that the treads 31 of the rollers accordingly the outer surfaces of the angle profiles 22 are aligned and when the drill string parts are pushed together 6,7 roll on the outer surfaces of the angle profiles.
  • This type of storage is low-friction Movability of the upper and lower drill string part in the longitudinal direction relative to each other with simultaneous Transferability of high reaction moments around the central longitudinal axis L of the drill string guaranteed.
  • the dissolved sediment penetrates through this measure due to the in the internal volume of the upper drill string part negative pressure prevailing by using the air lifting method through the lower opening of the inner tube 36 into the Interior of the upper drill string part so that it already so far not with the roller assemblies 24 or angle profiles 22 can come into contact. Furthermore, the negative pressure prevailing inside the upper drill string part 6 to the fact that through the annular gap 49 from the upper end of lower drill string part 7 always a certain amount Ambient water is sucked up and the roller assembly 24th and washed around the angle profiles 22, so that any penetrated Sediment parts are always washed out.

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  • Geology (AREA)
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Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung zum Niederbringen von Bohrlöchern, insbesondere für Schürf- und Gewinnungsbohrungen.The invention relates to a method and a device for drilling wells, in particular for prospecting and extraction drilling.

Schürfbohrungen werden zum Zwecke der Untersuchung von Lagerstätten vorgenommen und sollen eine Probenentnahme des in der Lagerstätte vorhandenen Materials ermöglichen. Schürfbohrungen werden insbesondere dann niedergebracht, wenn die Lagerstätte in größerer Teufe ansteht und/oder über der Lagerstätte befindliche Gewässer wie Seen oder Meere das Abteufen von Schürfschächten nicht zulassen.Digging holes are used for the purpose of investigation from deposits and are supposed to take a sample of the material available in the deposit. Excavation holes are drilled in particular when the deposit is at greater depth and / or bodies of water above the deposit such as Lakes or oceans do not have to sink mines allow.

Gewinnungsbohrungen dienen dem Herauslösen des Lagerstätteninhalts aus Bodenschichten. Beispielhaft für Gewinnungsbohrungen sei der Abbau von auf dem Meeresboden lagernden marinen Sedimenten mit Diamanteinschlüssen erläutert. Solche Ablagerungen, die Diamanten enthalten, haben sich meist vor Flußmündungen in Gestalt nicht allzu großer, auf felsigem Grund ausgebreiteter Schichten gebildet. Zum Abbau des diamanthaltigen Sedimentmaterials werden meist Vorrichtungen eingesetzt, die einen Bohrkopf umfassen, welcher mit Hilfe eines sich von einer schwimmenden Plattform aus erstreckenden, verlängerbaren Bohrgestänges bis zum Meeresboden abgesenkt wird. Unter schwimmender Plattform ist jede Einrichtung zu verstehen, deren Höhe über dem Meeres- bzw. Seeboden von dem momentanen Wasserstand abhängt. Insbesondere kommen hierfür Bohrschiffe in Betracht.Extraction wells serve to extract the content of the deposit from soil layers. Exemplary for extraction drilling be the degradation of those stored on the seabed marine sediments with diamond inclusions explained. Such deposits that contain diamonds have mostly in front of estuaries in the form of not too big, layers formed on rocky ground. To break down the diamond-containing sediment material mostly used devices that include a drill head, which with the help of a floating one Platform made of extending, extendable drill pipe is lowered to the sea floor. Under floating Platform is to understand every facility, its amount above the sea floor from the current water level depends. In particular, drill ships come in for this Consideration.

Um den Bohrkopf in die für den Bohrvorgang benötigte Rotationsbewegung zu versetzen, ist dieser entweder drehfest an dem Bohrgestänge angeordnet und dieses wird mit Hilfe eines oberhalb der Plattform angeordneten Drehantriebes (Kraftdrehkopf) in Rotation versetzt, oder der Bohrstrang ist an der Plattform drehfest gelagert und es ist ein Antrieb vorgesehen, welcher den Bohrkopf gegenüber dem Bohrstrang in Rotation versetzt.To the drill head in the required for the drilling process To offset rotational movement, this is either non-rotatable arranged on the drill pipe and this is with With the help of a rotary drive arranged above the platform (Power turret) rotated, or the Drill string is rotatably mounted on the platform and it a drive is provided which faces the drill head set the drill string in rotation.

Der während des Bohrvorgangs gelockerte Abraum wird meist durch sogenanntes "Gegenspülen" - beispielsweise durch Anwendung des bekannten Lufthebeverfahrens - durch das Innere des Bohrstranges bis auf die Plattform gefördert, wo er über einen am oberen Ende des Bohrstranges vorgesehenen, mit dessen Innenvolumen in Verbindung stehenden Rohrkrümmer Einrichtungen zugeführt wird, in denen die Trennung von Diamanten und Abraum in bekannter Weise erfolgt.The overburden loosened during the drilling process becomes mostly by so-called "backwashing" - for example by using the known air lifting method - by conveyed the interior of the drill string down to the platform, where he has one at the top of the drill string provided, related to its internal volume Pipe bend is fed into facilities where the separation of diamonds and overburden in a known manner he follows.

Da ein befriedigendes Bohrergebnis voraussetzt, daß die mit mindestens einem Schneidwerkzeug ausgerüstete Stirnseite des Bohrkopfes während des Bohrvorganges stets mit einem etwa konstanten Vortriebsdruck an der Bohrungsstirnseite anliegt, umfaßt die Plattform eine Einrichtung, die eine beispielsweise durch Meeresdünung hervorgerufene vertikale Bewegung der Plattform erlaubt, ohne daß hierdurch die Vortriebskraft nennenswert schwankt oder der Bohrkopf gar von dem Boden abgehoben wird. Derartige Einrichtungen umfassen meist mit einem relativ großen Ausgleichsvolumen verbundene pneumatische oder hydro-pneumatische Kolben/Zylindereinrichtungen, die beispielsweise zylinderseitig mit dem Bohrstrang, kolbenseitig mit einer den Bohrstrang tragenden Einrichtung, beispielsweise einem Bohrturm, verbunden sind. Durch das mit den Zylindern verbundene Ausgleichsvolumen kann die Plattform vertikale Bewegungen ausüben, ohne daß sich die Kraft, mit der das Bohrwerkzeug an dem Boden anliegt, wesentlich verändert. Liegt der Befestigungspunkt der Kolben/Zylindereinrichtungen plattformseitig unterhalb derjenigen an dem Bohrstrang, so kann durch Einstellung des Druckes in den Ausgleichsbehältern der Anpreßdruck des Bohrkopfes auf den Meeresboden von maximal der resultierenden Gewichtskraft auf einen gewünschten Wert eingestellt werden.Since a satisfactory drilling result requires that the one equipped with at least one cutting tool Always face of the drill head during the drilling process with an approximately constant jacking pressure on the face of the bore is present, the platform comprises a device the one caused, for example, by ocean swell allowed vertical movement of the platform without this the propulsive force fluctuates significantly or the Drill head is even lifted off the ground. Such facilities usually include with a relatively large compensation volume connected pneumatic or hydro-pneumatic Piston / cylinder devices, for example on the cylinder side with the drill string, on the piston side with a the device carrying the drill string, for example a Derrick. Because of the cylinders connected compensation volume, the platform can be vertical Exercise movements without losing the strength with which Drilling tool on the ground, changed significantly. Is the attachment point of the piston / cylinder devices on the platform side below that on the drill string, this can be done by adjusting the pressure in the expansion tanks the contact pressure of the drill head on the Seabed of maximum the resulting weight can be set to a desired value.

Zwar finden derartige Einrichtungen zum Ausgleich von Vertikalbewegungen der Plattform vielfach seit längerem Anwendung, nachteilig ist jedoch, daß der Bohrstrang mindestens um den halben maximal zu erwartenden Hub der Vertikalbewegung der Plattform - bezogen auf ihre Mittellage - aus ihrer Oberseite herausragen muß, und auch erst in dieser Höhe der zur Abgabe des Abraums an die Trenneinrichtung erforderliche Rohrkrümmer angebracht werden kann. Denn hierdurch verlagert sich einerseits der Schwerpunkt der Plattform erheblich nach oben, wodurch das "Wetterfenster", in dem die Plattform zum Einsatz kommen kann, reduziert wird, zum anderen muß der Abraum bis in die Höhe des Rohrkrümmers gefördert werden. Dies ist insbesondere mit einem hohen Energieaufwand verbunden, wenn sich die Plattform gerade auf ihrem niedrigsten Niveau, beispielsweise in einem Wellental befindet, da der Energieaufwand von der Höhe des Rohrkrümmers über der Wasseroberfläche abhängt.Such facilities find compensation for Vertical movements of the platform have often been for a long time Application, however, is disadvantageous that the drill string at least by half the maximum expected vertical movement stroke the platform - based on its central position - must protrude from their top, and only in this amount of the to deliver the overburden to the separating device required pipe elbow can be attached. Because this shifts the focus on the one hand the platform significantly upwards, causing the "weather window", in which the platform can be used, reduced on the other hand, the overburden must reach the height of the Pipe elbow are promoted. This is particularly true with high energy consumption when the platform just at its lowest level, for example located in a wave trough, since the energy consumption of the Height of the elbow depends on the water surface.

Aus der US-PS 3,319,726 ist eine Vorrichtung zum Niederbringen von Bohrungen in den Meeresboden bekannt, bei welcher der Bohrstrang zum Ausgleich der Vertikalbewegung der Plattform zwei relativ zueinander axial verschiebbare, teleskopartig ineinandergreifende Bohrstrangteile umfaßt. Der Lagerung von innerem und äußerem Bohrstrangteil dient eine aufwendige, mehrere Dichtungen und Schwimmkolben zum Druckausgleich umfassende Einrichtung, die mit einer Hydraulikflüssigkeit gefüllt und gegen das Eindringen von Sediment vollständig nach außen gekapselt ist. Nachteilig ist bei dieser Vorrichtung, daß sie aufwendig in ihrer Herstellung und wegen des komplizierten Aufbaus störanfällig ist.From US-PS 3,319,726 is a device for Known drilling holes in the seabed in which the drill string to compensate for vertical movement the platform two axially displaceable relative to each other, telescopic interlocking drill string parts includes. The storage of the inner and outer drill string part serves an elaborate, several seals and Floating piston device for pressure equalization, the filled with a hydraulic fluid and against that Penetration of sediment completely encapsulated to the outside is. The disadvantage of this device is that it is complex in their manufacture and because of the complicated Construction is prone to failure.

Ferner sind aus der US-PS 3,259,198 und der US-PS 3,664,443 Vorrichtungen bekannt, bei welchen der Bohrstrang ein teleskopierbares Teil umfaßt, welches unter anderem die durch die Meeresdünung induzierte Bewegung ausgleichen soll. Das Bohrgut wird bei diesen Vorrichtungen über das Innere des Bohrstranges nach oben gefördert, indem Frischwasser unter Druck der Bohrung zugeführt wird. Der Bohrstrang enthält hierzu zwei konzentrisch angeordnete Röhren, die zwischeneinander einen Ringspalt bilden. Durch den Ringspalt erfolgt die Frischwasserzufuhr, der Abtransport des Bohrgutes durch die innere Röhre. Die Bohrstränge auch dieser Vorrichtungen sind aufwendig in ihrer Herstellung.Furthermore, from US-PS 3,259,198 and the US-PS 3,664,443 devices known in which the drill string includes a telescopic part, which, among other things, the Compensate for movement induced by ocean thinning should. The drilling material is in these devices over the Interior of the drill string conveyed upwards by fresh water is supplied under pressure to the bore. The drill string contains two concentrically arranged tubes, which form an annular gap between them. By the The fresh water supply and removal are carried out in an annular gap of the drilling material through the inner tube. The drill strings too these devices are expensive to manufacture.

Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung der genannten Art derart weiterzuentwickeln, daß diese Nachteile verbessert sind.The invention is therefore based on the object Method and an apparatus of the type mentioned such further develop that these disadvantages are improved.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch das im Anspruch 1 wiedergegebene Verfahren und durch die in Anspruch 4 wiedergegebene Vorrichtung gelöst.This object is achieved by what is stated in claim 1 Method and by the reproduced in claim 4 Device solved.

Dadurch, daß bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren der Bohrstrang aus mindestens zwei teleskopartig ineinandergreifenden Strangteilen besteht, die bei einer vertikalen, beispielsweise durch die Meeresdünung induzierten Bewegung der Plattform eine Relativbewegung zueinander ausüben, ist es nicht mehr erforderlich, daß der Bohrstrang um mindestens die halbe maximal zu erwartende vertikale Auslenkung der Plattform über dieselbe herausragt, sondern das obere Ende des Bohrstranges kann unmittelbar oberhalb der Plattformoberfläche liegen. Hierdurch verringert sich zum einen die Höhe des Schwerpunkts der Plattform erheblich, mit der Folge, daß diese im Vergleich zu solchen, bei denen der Ausgleich der Vertikalbewegung oberhalb der Plattform erfolgt, auch bei schwererer See einsetzbar ist, andererseits wird durch den nun ebenfalls niedriger liegenden Rohrkrümmer die zum Heben des Abraums erforderliche Förderhöhe wesentlich reduziert, so daß die Fördermenge bei gleichbleibendem Energiebedarf erhöht oder aber bei gleichbleibender Fördermenge deren Energiebedarf gesenkt werden kann. Durch den bei Anwendung des an sich beispielsweise aus der FR 2 523 205 bekannten Lufthebeverfahrens im Innern des Bohrstranges herrschenden Unterdruck wird stets durch den zwischen den teleskopartig ineinandergreifenden Strangteilen zwangsläufig bestehenden Ringspalt eine gewisse Menge an Umgebungswasser aufgesaugt, so daß dieser Bereich stets umspült wird, wodurch eventuell eingedrungene Sedimentteile stets herausgespült werden. Auf Dichtungen und besonders geschützte Lagereinrichtungen kann daher verzichtet werden.The fact that in the inventive method Drill string made of at least two telescopically interlocking Consists of strand parts, which with a vertical, for example, motion induced by ocean swell the platform has a relative movement to one another it is no longer necessary for the drill string to be at least half the maximum vertical deflection to be expected the platform protrudes above it, but the upper one The end of the drill string can be directly above the platform surface lie. This reduces on the one hand the height of the center of gravity of the platform with which Consequence that these compared to those in which the The vertical movement is compensated for above the platform, can also be used in heavier seas, on the other hand is due to the now lower pipe elbow the head required to lift the overburden significantly reduced, so that the flow rate at the same Energy requirements increased or at the same Flow rate whose energy consumption can be reduced. By using the per se for example from the FR 2 523 205 known air lifting method inside the The negative pressure prevailing in the drill string is always caused by the between the telescoping ones Strand parts inevitably existing ring gap a certain Amount of ambient water soaked up, so this Area is always washed around, which may have penetrated Sediment parts should always be rinsed out. On seals and specially protected storage facilities can therefore to be dispensed with.

Bei einer möglichen Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens ist der Bohrkopf drehfest an dem Bohrstrang angeordnet. Zur Erzeugung der Rotation des Bohrkopfes ist an der Plattform ein Antrieb vorgesehen, der den Bohrstrang in Rotation versetzt (Anspruch 2).In a possible embodiment of the invention The drill head is rotationally fixed to the drill string arranged. To generate the rotation of the drill head a drive is provided on the platform that set the drill string in rotation (claim 2).

Bei der bevorzugten Ausführungsform des Verfahrens gemäß Anspruch 3 ist jedoch der Bohrstrang drehfest an der Plattform gelagert und der Bohrkopf wird relativ zum Bohrstrang in Rotation versetzt. Durch diese Ausgestaltung wird einerseits der das Gewicht der Plattform erhöhende und gegebenenfalls deren Schwerpunkt nach oben verlagernde Antrieb überflüssig, andererseits kann der Bohrstrang der Führung von elektrischen, hydraulischen usw. Leitungen dienen, ohne daß es hierzu aufwendiger Drehdurchführungen oder -ankopplungen bedarf. Auch kann dann am unteren Bohrstrangteil auf einfache Weise ein Ende eines zur Plattform geführten Seiles angebracht werden, wodurch der untere Bohrstrangteil samt Bohrkopf ohne großen Energieaufwand beispielsweise von der Bohrungssohle angehoben und an den Ort über dem Boden verlagert werden kann, an dem eine weitere Bohrung niedergebracht werden soll.In the preferred embodiment of the method according to claim 3, however, the drill string is rotatably on the Platform stored and the drill head is relative to the drill string set in rotation. Through this configuration on the one hand increases the weight of the platform and possibly shifting their focus upwards Drive unnecessary, on the other hand, the drill string Management of electrical, hydraulic, etc. lines serve, without the need for complex rotating unions or coupling required. This can also be done on the lower part of the drill string easily an end one to the platform guided rope are attached, making the lower Drill string part including drill head without much energy expenditure for example, raised from the bottom of the hole and to the Location can be relocated to the ground where one further drilling is to be carried out.

Die Erfindung ist hinsichtlich ihres vorrichtungsgemäßen Aspekts in Anspruch 4 wiedergegeben.The invention is in terms of its device Aspect reproduced in claim 4.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform gemäß Anspruch 5 umfaßt der Bohrstrang einen äußeren und einen inneren Bohrstrangteil, wobei der innere Bohrstrangteil - damit die Vertikalbewegung der Plattform ausgeglichen werden kann - zumindest über eine Länge, die der maximal durch Meeresdünung oder ähnlichen zu erwartenden vertikalen Bewegungen der Plattform nach oben entspricht, in Normallage der Plattform in den äußeren hineingeschoben und zumindest um einen Betrag, der der maximal zu erwartenden Auslenkung der Plattform aus ihrer Normallage nach unten entspricht, weiter in den äußeren Bohrstrangteil hineinschiebbar ist.In a preferred embodiment according to claim 5, the drill string includes an outer and an inner one Drill string part, the inner drill string part - thus the vertical movement of the platform can be compensated can - at least over a length that is the maximum by Ocean swell or similar expected vertical Movement of the platform corresponds to the normal position the platform pushed into the outer and at least by an amount equal to the maximum expected Deflection of the platform from its normal position downwards corresponds, can be pushed further into the outer drill string part is.

Da die inneren und äußeren Bohrstrangteile drehfest miteinander verbunden sein müssen, um das Antriebsdrehmoment bzw. das Reaktionsmoment übertragen zu können, empfiehlt sich eine Ausgestaltung des Bohrstranges gemäß Anspruch 6. Hierdurch wird sichergestellt, daß trotz der Drehfestigkeit eine reibungsarme Relativbewegung zwischen den beiden Bohrstrangteilen erfolgen kann.Because the inner and outer drill string parts are non-rotatable must be interconnected to drive torque or to be able to transmit the reaction torque is recommended a configuration of the drill string according to Claim 6. This ensures that despite the Torsional resistance is a low-friction relative movement between the two drill string parts can be done.

Eine besonders bevorzugte technische Ausgestaltung der nach diesem Prinzip arbeitenden Lagerung ist Gegenstand der Ansprüche 7 bis 10.A particularly preferred technical configuration storage based on this principle is the subject of claims 7 to 10.

Es ist einerseits möglich, den äußeren Bohrstrangteil mit seinem oberen Ende an der Plattform und am unteren Ende des inneren Bohrstrangteils den Bohrkopf anzuordnen. Bei der bevorzugten Ausführungsform gemäß Anspruch 11 ist jedoch die Anordnung in umgekehrter Weise vorgesehen, da der obere vorzugsweise längere, während des Bohrbetriebs in vertikaler Richtung starr mit der Plattform verbundene obere Bohrstrangteil aus weniger aufwendig herzustellenden Bauteilen besteht.On the one hand, it is possible to use the outer part of the drill string with its upper end at the platform and at the lower Arrange the drill head at the end of the inner drill string part. In the preferred embodiment according to claim 11 however, the arrangement provided in reverse because the upper, preferably longer, during drilling operations rigidly connected to the platform in the vertical direction upper drill string part from less expensive to manufacture Components.

Bei einer ersten möglichen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung ist an der Plattform eine Einrichtung vorgesehen, mit der der Bohrstrang in eine Rotation um seine Längsachse versehen werden kann. Der Bohrkopf ist dann drehfest an dem Bohrstrang angeordnet.In a first possible embodiment of the invention Device is a device on the platform provided with which the drill string rotates can be provided around its longitudinal axis. The drill head is then rotatably arranged on the drill string.

Bei der bevorzugten Ausführungsform gemäß Anspruch 13 ist jedoch der Bohrstrang drehfest an der Plattform gelagert und es ist ein Drehantrieb vorgesehen, mit dessen Hilfe der Bohrkopf gegenüber dem Bohrstrang in Rotation versetzbar ist.In the preferred embodiment according to claim 13 however, the drill string is rotatably mounted on the platform and a rotary drive is provided with which Help the drill head rotate in relation to the drill string is relocatable.

Die drehfeste Lagerung des Bohrstranges an der Plattform erfolgt bei dieser bevorzugten Ausführungsform gemäß Anspruch 14 vorzugsweise durch eine drehfeste, kardanische Abfangvorrichtung ("Gimbal").The non-rotatable mounting of the drill string on the platform takes place in accordance with this preferred embodiment Claim 14 preferably by a non-rotatable, gimbal Interception device ("gimbal").

Der Antrieb des Bohrkopfes erfolgt vorzugsweise entweder elektrisch oder hydraulisch (Ansprüche 15 und 16), wobei die Antriebseinrichtungen vorzugsweise in den Bohrkopf integriert oder unmittelbar oberhalb desselben angeordnet sind.The drill head is preferably driven either electric or hydraulic (claims 15 and 16), the drive means preferably in the drill head integrated or arranged directly above it are.

Die zur Anwendung des Lufthebeverfahrens benötigte Druckleitung kann gemäß Anspruch 17 am Außenumfang des Bohrstranges festgelegt sein und parallel zu dessen Längsmittelachse verlaufen.The one required to use the air lifting method Pressure line can according to claim 17 on the outer circumference of the Drill string be fixed and parallel to it Longitudinal central axis run.

Bei einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform ist die Druckleitung jedoch als ein von einer Wickeltrommel abrollbarer Druckschlauch ausgebildet (Anspruch 18). Diese Maßnahme hat den Vorteil, daß der Druckschlauch sowohl am oberen Bohrstrangteil als auch am unteren Bohrstrangteil problemlos angeschlossen werden kann.In an advantageous embodiment, the Pressure line, however, as a rollable from a winding drum Pressure hose formed (claim 18). This Measure has the advantage that the pressure hose on both upper drill string part as well as on the lower drill string part can be easily connected.

Eine vorteilhafte Weiterbildung der erfingungsgemäßen Vorrichtung ist Gegenstand des Anspruchs 19. Bei dieser ist an dem den Bohrkopf tragenden Bohrstrangteil mindestens ein Auftriebskörper angeordnet. Durch die Wahl des Auftriebsvolumens der Auftriebskörper kann bei der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung der gewünschte Anpreßdruck des Bohrkopfes auf den Meeresboden eingestellt werden.An advantageous development of the invention Device is the subject of claim 19. In this is at least on the drill string part carrying the drill head a buoyancy body arranged. By choosing the Buoyancy volume of the buoyancy body can in the invention Device the desired contact pressure of the Drill head to be set on the seabed.

Um zu vermeiden, daß der untere Bohrstrangteil durch ein zu hohes Auftriebsvolumen der Auftriebskörper druckbelastet wird, ist es von Vorteil, gemäß Anspruch 20 den mindestens einen Auftriebskörper nahe des oberen Endes des unteren Bohrstrangteils anzuordnen.To avoid that the lower part of the drill string through too high a buoyancy volume of the buoyancy bodies is under pressure is, it is advantageous, according to claim 20 at least one buoyancy body near the top of the to arrange the lower drill string part.

Eine einfache, auch nach dem Herunterbringen des Bohrkopfes auf den Meeresboden mögliche Einstellung des Anpreßdruckes ist gegeben, wenn die Auftriebskörper als flutbare Tanks ausgebildet sind, welche gegebenenfalls durch einen auf der Plattform befindlichen Kompressor über entsprechende Druckluftleitungen nach Bedarf mit Druckluft befüllbar sind (Anspruch 21). A simple one, even after bringing down the Drilling head on the seabed possible adjustment of the Contact pressure is given when the buoyancy body as floodable tanks are formed, which if necessary through a compressor located on the platform appropriate compressed air lines with compressed air as required can be filled (claim 21).

Wenn gemäß Anspruch 22 auch an dem an der Plattform gelagerten Bohrstrangteil ein Auftriebskörper vorgesehen ist, kann ein Teil der an der Plattform lastenden Gewichtskraft kompensiert werden, so daß schwerere und damit längere Bohrstrangteile gehaltert werden können und die Vorrichtung auch zum Niederbringen von Schürfbohrungen in größeren Tiefen geeignet ist.If according to claim 22 also on the platform stored drill string part provided a buoyancy body is a part of the weight load on the platform be compensated so that heavier and thus longer drill string parts can be held and the Device also for digging bores in greater depths is suitable.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren sowie ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung sind in der Zeichnung dargestellt.The inventive method and an embodiment a device according to the invention are in the Drawing shown.

Es zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 in Seitenansicht eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung, bei der der Bohrstrang zwar bereits auf seine volle Länge zusammengesetzt, jedoch noch nicht in seine Betriebsstellung abgesenkt wurde;
  • Fig. 2 dieselbe Ausführungsform mit einem auf der Plattform in seiner Betriebsstellung befindlichen Bohrstrang, jedoch mit vom Meeresboden abgehobenem Bohrkopf;
  • Fig. 3 dieselbe Ausführungsform am Ende eines Bohrvorgangs;
  • Fig. 4 eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Ausschnitts IV in Fig. 3;
  • Fig. 5 einen Querschnitt gemäß Schnitt V-V in Fig. 4 sowie eine Darstellung des Bohrstranges in dem Bereich, in dem der innere Bohrstrangteil in den äußeren hineinragt - ausschnittsweise - im Längsschnitt.
  • Show it:
  • 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention, in which the drill string has already been assembled to its full length, but has not yet been lowered into its operating position;
  • 2 shows the same embodiment with a drill string located on the platform in its operating position, but with a drill head raised from the seabed;
  • 3 shows the same embodiment at the end of a drilling process;
  • Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of section IV in Fig. 3;
  • 5 shows a cross section according to section VV in FIG. 4 and a representation of the drill string in the area in which the inner drill string part projects into the outer one - in sections - in longitudinal section.
  • Die in den Fig. 1 bis 3 als Ganzes mit 100 bezeichnete Vorrichtung umfaßt einen auf einer schwimmenden Plattform 1 angeordneten Mast 2, der in Fig. 1 bis 3 nur andeutungsweise dargestellt ist. Er ist - wie in Fig. 1 ebenfalls lediglich angedeutet - mit einem Flaschenzug 3 ausgerüstet, der dem Anheben oder Absenken eines oder mehrerer Segmente 4, 4' eines als Ganzes mit 5 bezeichneten Bohrstranges dient.The one designated as a whole by 100 in FIGS. 1 to 3 Device includes one on a floating platform 1 arranged mast 2, which is only hinted at in FIGS. 1 to 3 is shown. It is - as in Fig. 1 also only hinted at - equipped with a pulley 3, the raising or lowering of one or more Segments 4, 4 'one designated as a whole by 5 Drill string is used.

    Der Bereitstellung und Übergabe der Bohrstrangsegmente 4, 4' an den Flaschenzug 3 dienen zu diesem Zwecke bekannte, in der Zeichnung nicht dargestellte Vorrichtungen, die üblicherweise mit "pipe erector" oder "pipe handling system" bezeichnet werden.The provision and delivery of the drill string segments 4, 4 'on the block and tackle 3 serve for this purpose known devices, not shown in the drawing, usually with "pipe erector" or "pipe handling system ".

    Der - wie bereits eingangs erläutert - aus demontierbaren Segmenten 4, 4' bestehende Bohrstrang 5 umfaßt einen oberen Bohrstrangteil 6 und einen unteren Bohrstrangteil 7. Der obere Bohrstrangteil 6 mündet an der Stelle 8 teleskopartig in den unteren Bohrstrangteil 7 und ragt gemäß der Darstellung in Fig. 1 etwa bis zur Stelle 9 in diesen hinein. Der obere und der untere Bohrstrangteil 6, 7 sind in dem für das Einschieben des oberen Bohrstrangteils vorgesehenen Längenbereich derart ausgestaltet, daß sich die Bohrstrangteile 6,7 in diesem Längenbereich reibungsarm in Längsrichtung des Bohrstranges relativ zueinander bewegen können, ein Verdrehen der beiden Bohrstrangteile 6,7 gegeneinander um die Längsmittelachse des Bohrstranges jedoch nicht möglich ist. Eine diese funktionalen Merkmale aufweisende Lagerung wird weiter unten anhand der Fig. 4 und 5 noch beschrieben werden.The - as already explained at the beginning - from removable Segments 4, 4 'existing drill string 5 includes a upper drill string part 6 and a lower drill string part 7. The upper drill string part 6 opens telescopically at point 8 in the lower drill string part 7 and protrudes accordingly the representation in Fig. 1 up to point 9 in this inside. The upper and lower drill string parts 6, 7 are in that for inserting the upper part of the drill string provided length range designed such that the drill string parts 6.7 in this length range with low friction in the longitudinal direction of the drill string relative to each other can move, twisting the two drill string parts 6.7 against each other around the longitudinal central axis of the drill string however is not possible. One of these functional features bearing is shown below with reference to FIG. 4 and 5 will be described.

    Am unteren Ende des unteren Bohrstrangteils ist ein Bohrkopf 10 angeordnet, welcher mit Hilfe eines darüber an den unteren Bohrstrangteil angeordneten Drehantriebes 11 relativ zu dem in dem Ausführungsbeispiel drehfest in der Plattform gelagerten, das Reaktionsdrehmoment aufnehmenden Bohrstranges 5 rotierbar ist. In dem dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel dient als Kraftquelle ein Hydromotor, der über eine Hydraulikleitung 12 mit unter Druck stehender Hydraulikflüssigkeit versorgt wird. Es ist aber ebenfalls möglich, anstatt des Hydraulikantriebes einen Elektroantrieb zu verwenden und anstelle der Hydraulikleitung 12 eine elektrische Leitung vorzusehen.At the lower end of the lower drill string part is a Drill head 10 is arranged, which with the help of a the lower drill string part arranged rotary drive 11 relative to that in the embodiment rotatably in the Platform mounted, the reaction torque absorbing Drill string 5 is rotatable. In the illustrated embodiment serves as a power source a hydraulic motor that via a hydraulic line 12 with pressurized Hydraulic fluid is supplied. But it is also possible, instead of the hydraulic drive an electric drive to use and instead of the hydraulic line 12 to provide an electrical line.

    Am oberen Ende des unteren Bohrstrangteils sind zwei Ösen 13 vorgesehen, an welchen zwei Seile 16' befestigt sind, die durch eine in der Plattform vorgesehene Öffnung 14, durch welche sich auch der Bohrstrang 5 erstreckt, verlaufen und über Umlenkrollen 15 einer Winde 16 zugeführt sind. Durch Betätigung der Winde 16 ist der untere Bohrstrangteil somit heb- und senkbar.At the top of the lower part of the drill string are two Eyelets 13 are provided, to which two ropes 16 'are attached are through an opening provided in the platform 14, through which the drill string 5 also extends, run and fed via pulleys 15 to a winch 16 are. By operating the winch 16 is the lower one Drill string part can thus be raised and lowered.

    Im Folgenden soll zunächst die prinzipielle Funktionsweise der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung anhand der Fig. 1 bis 3 beschrieben werden.The basic principle of operation is as follows the device according to the invention using the 1 to 3 are described.

    In der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Phase ist der Bohrstrang 5 bereits durch Verschraubung einzelner Segmente 4 bzw. 4' zu seiner vollständigen Länge montiert. Am oberen Ende des Bohrstrangs ist der dem Austritt von gehobenem Abraum dienende Rohrkrümmer angeordnet. Durch synchrones Nachlassen des Flaschenzugs 3 und der Winde 16 werden die Bohrstrangteile 6, 7 abgesenkt, bis sich der obere Bereich 18 des oberen Bohrstrangteils 6 in der Höhe einer kardanisch aufgehängten, in Fig. 1 schematisch im geöffneten Zustand dargestellten Abfangvorrichtung 19 ("Gimbal") befindet.In the phase shown in Fig. 1 is the drill string 5 already by screwing individual segments 4 or 4 'mounted to its full length. At the top The end of the drill string is the outlet of the raised one Exhaust pipe elbows arranged. By synchronous Slackening of the pulley 3 and the winch 16 are the Drill string parts 6, 7 lowered until the upper area 18 of the upper drill string part 6 at the height of a gimbal suspended, in Fig. 1 schematically in the open Intercept device 19 shown in the state (“gimbal”) located.

    Durch Schließen der Abfangvorrichtung 19 wird der obere Bohrstrangteil in dieser Position fixiert. Dieser Zustand ist in Fig. 2 dargestellt. Der Rohrkrümmer 17 mündet nun in einen an seinem Ende trichterförmig erweiterten Einlaß 20, der den Abraum einer bekannten, in der Zeichnung nicht dargstellten Einrichtung zum Abtrennen von in dem Abraum enthaltenden Diamanten zuführt.By closing the intercepting device 19 upper part of the drill string fixed in this position. This State is shown in Fig. 2. The pipe bend 17 now flows into a funnel-shaped widened at its end Inlet 20, the spoil of a known, in the Drawing not shown device for separating in the overburden containing diamonds.

    In dem in Fig. 2 dargestellten Zustand wird die Vorrichtung 100 derart positioniert, daß sich der Bohrkopf oberhalb der abzutragenden Stelle des Meeresbodens befindet.In the state shown in Fig. 2, the device 100 positioned so that the drill head located above the location of the seabed to be removed.

    Bevor der eigentliche Bohrvorgang beginnt, wird die Winde 16 nachgelassen, wodurch sich der untere Bohrstrangteil 7 durch Hinabgleiten an dem in ihn hineinragenden Teil des oberen Bohrstrangteils 6 weiter absenkt, bis der Bohrkopf 10 auf dem Meeresgrund aufliegt. Die Seile 16' werden nun weiter nachgelassen, so daß sie - wie in Fig. 3 dargestellt - schlaff in einer Schlaufe durchhängen. Die resultierende Gewichtskraft des unteren Bohrstrangteils 7 und der mit diesem verbundenen Bauteile bestimmt den Anpreßdruck zwischen der Stirnseite des Bohrkopfes und dem Meeresboden. Der untere Bohrstrangteil 7 kann beim weiteren Vordringen des Bohrkopfes 10 in den Meeresboden 20 ungehindert von dem oberen Bohrstrangteil 6 weiter abgleiten.Before the actual drilling process begins, the Winch 16 subsided, causing the lower drill string part 7 by sliding down on the protruding into it Part of the upper drill string part 6 further lowered until the Drill head 10 rests on the seabed. The ropes 16 ' are now further reduced so that - as in Fig. 3 shown - sag slack in a loop. The resulting weight force of the lower drill string part 7 and the components connected to it determine the contact pressure between the face of the drill head and the Seabed. The lower drill string part 7 can in the further Penetration of the drill head 10 into the seabed 20 continue to slide freely from the upper drill string part 6.

    Führt die Plattform - beispielsweise von der Meeresdünung induziert - eine vertikale Bewegung, wie durch den Doppelpfeil in Fig. 3 symbolisiert sein soll, durch, die je nach Wetterlage etliche Meter betragen kann, so wird hierdurch der Anpreßdruck des Bohrkopfes 10 auf den Meeresboden 40 nicht beeinflußt, da der innere Bohrstrangteil 6 entsprechend der Vertikalbewegung der Plattform sich reibungsarm in den unteren Bohrstrangteil 7 hinein- und herausverlagern kann.Guides the platform - for example from the ocean swell induced - a vertical movement, as by the Double arrow should be symbolized in Fig. 3, by that depending on the weather conditions can be several meters, so hereby the contact pressure of the drill head 10 on the sea floor 40 not affected because the inner drill string part 6 according to the vertical movement of the platform itself low friction in and into the lower drill string part 7 can shift out.

    Um den stirnseitigen Anpreßdruck des Bohrkopfes 10 an den Meeresboden 40 einstellen zu können, ist im Bereich des oberen Endes des unteren Bohrstrangteils eine Auftriebseinheit 21 angeordnet. Diese umfaßt mehrere in der Zeichnung nicht erkennbare Tanks, welche wahlweise flutbar oder mit Hilfe von über in der Zeichnung nicht dargestellte Druckluftleitungen entleerbar sind, so daß der Auftrieb einstellbar und somit der resultierende Anpreßdruck zwischen dem Bohrkopf und dem Meeresboden auf den im Einzelfall erforderlichen Wert reduzierbar ist.Around the front contact pressure of the drill head 10 To be able to set the seabed 40 is in the range a buoyancy unit at the upper end of the lower drill string part 21 arranged. This includes several in the Drawing not recognizable tanks, which are optionally floodable or with the help of over not shown in the drawing Compressed air lines can be emptied, so that the buoyancy adjustable and thus the resulting contact pressure between the drilling head and the seabed in the individual case required value can be reduced.

    Anhand der Fig. 4 und 5 soll im folgenden eine bevorzugte technische Ausgestaltung der Lagerung zwischen dem oberen und dem unteren Bohrstrangteil 6, 7 erläutert werden.4 and 5 is a preferred in the following technical design of the storage between the upper and lower drill string part 6, 7 will be explained.

    Der im wesentlichen rohrförmig ausgestaltete obere Bohrstrangteil umfaßt einen rohrförmigen Teil 23 kreisrunden Querschnitts, der in mittels Flanschen miteinander verschraubbarer Segmente 4 unterteilt ist. Über seine in den unteren Bohrstrangteil einführbare Länge sind vier über den Umfang gleichmäßig verteilte Winkelprofile 22 parallel zur Mittellängsachse L an dem rohrförmigen Teil 23 angeordnet. Jedes Winkelprofil 22 umfaßt zwei Schenkel 22', 22'', die zueinander einen rechten Winkel bilden. Die Winkelprofile 22 sind mit den freien Kanten der Schenkel 22', 22'' mit dem rohrförmigen Teil 23 des oberen Bohrstrangteils 6 über ihre Länge - jedenfalls abschnittsweise - verschweißt.The essentially tubular upper one Drill string part comprises a tubular part 23 circular Cross-section that is in by means of flanges with each other screwable segments 4 is divided. About its in the lower length of drill string insertable are four Angular profiles 22 evenly distributed over the circumference parallel to the central longitudinal axis L on the tubular part 23 arranged. Each angle profile 22 comprises two legs 22 ', 22' 'which form a right angle to one another. The Angle profiles 22 are with the free edges of the legs 22 ', 22' 'with the tubular part 23 of the upper drill string part 6 over its length - at least in sections - welded.

    Der in Achsrichtung eine Relativbewegung zwischen dem oberen und dem unteren Bohrstrangteil zulassenden, der Übertragung von um die Mittellängsachse L gerichteter Drehmomente geeigneten Lagerung des oberen Bohrstrangteils 6 in dem unteren Bohrstrangteil 7 dienen entsprechend den Winkelprofilen 22 über den Umfang verteilte, an dem unteren Bohrstrangteil 7 angeordnete Rollenanordnungen 24, die mit den Winkelprofilen in Wirkverbindung stehen. Jede Rollenanordnung 24 umfaßt zwei Paar Rollen 25, 26, wobei die zu einem Paar gehörenden Rollen 25,25';26,26' in Richtung der Mittellängsachse voneinander beabstandet sind und deren Drehachsen parallel zueinander verlaufen, hingegen die Drehachsen der Rollenpaare 25, 26 eines Rollenpaares 24 senkrecht zueinander ausgerichtet sind. Bei dem in Fig. 4 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel sind in Längsrichtung des Bohrstranges zwei Satz von je vier Rollenanordnungen 24, 24' vorgesehen, um ein Verkanten des oberen Bohrstrangteils in dem unteren Bohrstrangteil verhindern zu können. Es ist jedoch ebenfalls möglich, eine größere Anzahl von Rollenpaaren vorzusehen.The in the axial direction a relative movement between the upper and lower drill string part, the Transfer of directed around the central longitudinal axis L. Torques suitable storage of the upper drill string part 6 in the lower drill string part 7 serve accordingly Angle profiles 22 distributed over the circumference, at the lower Drill string part 7 arranged roller assemblies 24, the are in active connection with the angle profiles. Each Roller assembly 24 includes two pairs of rollers 25, 26, wherein the rollers 25.25 '; 26.26' belonging to a pair in the direction the central longitudinal axis are spaced from each other and whose axes of rotation run parallel to each other, however the axes of rotation of the pairs of rollers 25, 26 of a pair of rollers 24 are aligned perpendicular to each other. In the case of Fig. 4 illustrated embodiment are in the longitudinal direction of the drill string two sets of four roller assemblies 24, 24 'provided to tilt the upper drill string part prevent in the lower drill string part can. However, it is also possible to use a larger one To provide number of pairs of rollers.

    Jede Rollenanordnung 24 umfaßt einen Rollenhalter 27, der an der äußeren Mantelfläche eines im wesentlichen rohrförmigen Segments 4' des unteren Bohrstrangteils 7 angeordnet sind. Entsprechend der Ausrichtung und Anzahl der zu einer Rollenanordnung 24 gehörenden Rollen 28 sind in den Rollenhalter 27 Bohrungen zur Aufnahme von Rollenwellen 29 eingearbeitet. Dabei sind die Bohrungen derart angeordnet, daß sich die Drehachsen S im wesentlichen außerhalb des Querschnitts des unteren Bohrstrangteils 7 befinden, die Rollen 28 jedoch durch eingearbeitete Öffnungen 30 in den Innenquerschnitt des Segments 4' hineinragen, so daß die Laufflächen 31 der Rollen entsprechend der Außenflächen der Winkelprofile 22 ausgerichtet sind und im ineinandergeschobenen Zustand der Bohrstrangteile 6,7 auf den Außenflächen der Winkelprofile abrollen.Each roll assembly 24 includes a roll holder 27, the one on the outer lateral surface essentially tubular segment 4 'of the lower drill string part 7 are arranged. According to the orientation and number of the rollers 28 belonging to a roller arrangement 24 27 holes in the reel seat for receiving reel shafts 29 incorporated. The holes are like this arranged that the axes of rotation S essentially outside the cross section of the lower drill string part 7 are, but the rollers 28 through machined openings 30 protrude into the inner cross section of the segment 4 ', so that the treads 31 of the rollers accordingly the outer surfaces of the angle profiles 22 are aligned and when the drill string parts are pushed together 6,7 roll on the outer surfaces of the angle profiles.

    Durch diese Art der Lagerung wird eine reibungsarme Verlagerbarkeit des oberen und des unteren Bohrstrangteils in Längsrichtung relativ zueinander bei gleichzeitiger Übertragbarkeit hoher Reaktionsmomente um die Mittellängsachse L des Bohrstranges gewährleistet.This type of storage is low-friction Movability of the upper and lower drill string part in the longitudinal direction relative to each other with simultaneous Transferability of high reaction moments around the central longitudinal axis L of the drill string guaranteed.

    Die Förderung des Abraums von der Sohle der Bohrung zu der Plattform erfolgt nach dem bekannten, in der Zeichnung nicht dargestellten Lufthebeverfahren, bei welchem über eine entsprechende Zuleitung Luft in das Innere des Bohrstranges eingeblasen wird.The extraction of overburden from the bottom of the well to the platform is done according to the known, in the drawing Air lifting method, not shown, in which via an appropriate air supply line into the interior of the Drill string is blown.

    Um zu verhindern, daß das in den Bohrstrang eingetretene Sediment in die Lagerung zwischen oberem und unterem Bohrstrangteil 6, 7 eindringt und die reibungsarme Bewegbarkeit der Teile relativ zueinander behindert, ist - wie aus Fig. 6 ersichtlich - am unteren Ende des in den unteren Bohrstrangteil 7 hineinragenden oberen Bohrstrangteil ein Innenrohr 36 ("Degenrohr") angeflanscht, welches in den darunter befindlichen Teil des unteren Bohrstrangteils 7 hineinragt und kurz oberhalb des Drehantriebs 11 offen endet. Der untere Bohrstrangteil 7 ist in diesem Bereich doppelwandig ausgebildet, wobei die Innenwandung 47 von einem Innenrohr 48 gebildet wird, dessen Innendurchmesser so bemessen ist, daß dieser mit dem Außendurchmesser des Innenrohres 46 einen schmalen Ringspalt 49 bildet.To prevent that which has entered the drill string Sediment in the storage between the upper and lower Drill string part 6, 7 penetrates and the low-friction mobility the parts hindered relative to each other is - how 6 - at the lower end of the in the lower Drill string part 7 protruding upper drill string part an inner tube 36 ("epee tube") flanged, which in the part of the lower part of the drill string underneath 7 protrudes and is open just above the rotary drive 11 ends. The lower drill string part 7 is in this area double-walled, the inner wall 47 of an inner tube 48 is formed, the inner diameter is dimensioned so that this with the outer diameter of the Inner tube 46 forms a narrow annular gap 49.

    Durch diese Maßnahme dringt das gelöste Sediment infolge des in dem Innenvolumen des oberen Bohrstrangteils durch Anwendung des Lufthebeverfahrens herrschenden Unterdruck durch die untere Öffnung des Innenrohres 36 in das Innere des oberen Bohrstrangteils ein, so daß es bereits insoweit nicht mit den Rollenanordnungen 24 oder Winkelprofilen 22 in Berührung kommen kann. Weiterhin führt der im Innern des oberen Bohrstrangteils 6 herrschende Unterdruck dazu, daß durch den Ringspalt 49 vom oberen Ende des unteren Bohrstrangteils 7 stets eine gewisse Menge an Umgebungswasser aufgesaugt wird und die Rollenanordnung 24 und die Winkelprofile 22 umspült, so daß eventuell eingedrungene Sedimentanteile stets herausgewaschen werden.The dissolved sediment penetrates through this measure due to the in the internal volume of the upper drill string part negative pressure prevailing by using the air lifting method through the lower opening of the inner tube 36 into the Interior of the upper drill string part so that it already so far not with the roller assemblies 24 or angle profiles 22 can come into contact. Furthermore, the negative pressure prevailing inside the upper drill string part 6 to the fact that through the annular gap 49 from the upper end of lower drill string part 7 always a certain amount Ambient water is sucked up and the roller assembly 24th and washed around the angle profiles 22, so that any penetrated Sediment parts are always washed out.

    Claims (22)

    1. Method of drilling bore holes, in particular of exploratory and extraction bores, in the seabed (40), in which the seabed is loosened with the aid of a rotating drilling head (10) mounted on the lower end of a drill string (5) designed to transmit a torque and of which the upper end is mounted on a floating platform (1), the drill string (5) comprising at least two telescopically inter-engaging string portions (6, 7) which perform a relative movement on the vertical movement of the platform induced for example by swell in the sea, so that the drilling head (10) engages the surface which is to be removed with a substantially constant force,
      characterised in that
      the loosened seabed is delivered out of the bore through the interior of the drill string by the use of the pneumatic lifting method.
    2. Method according to Claim 1, characterised in that the drilling head (10) is rigidly connected to the drill string preventing relative rotation and to achieve the rotation of the drilling head (10) the drill string is rotated with the aid of a rotary drive (11) provided on the platform.
    3. Method according to Claim 1, characterised in that the drill string (5) is fixed to the platform (1) in a manner preventing relative rotation and the drilling head (10) is rotated relative to the drill string (5).
    4. Device for drilling bore holes, in particular exploratory and extraction bores, in the seabed,
      with a drill string designed for the transmission of a torque and of which the upper end is mounted on a floating platform and of which the lower end carries a rotatably driven drilling head and comprises a number of drill string portions (6, 7) which are slidable relative to one another with low friction in the direction of the drill string,
      characterised in that
      an air inlet is provided in communication with the interior of the string, through which compressed air is blown, supplied through a pressure pipe.
    5. Device according to Claim 4, characterised in that the drill string (5) includes an outer and an inner drill string portion (6, 7), the inner drill string portion (6) engaging in the outer one (7) at least over a length which corresponds to the maximum upward vertical movement of the platform to be expected through swell of the sea or the like and is displaceable further into the outer string portion (7) at least by an amount which corresponds to the maximum displacement to be expected of the platform downwards from its normal position.
    6. Device according to Claim 5, characterised in that the inner drill string portion (6) includes, as least over its maximum length projecting into the outer drill string portion, rails arranged distributed around its periphery and on which run slide pieces, preferably rollers (28) distributed correspondingly over the interior of the outer drill string portion.
    7. Device according to Claim 6, characterised in that the inner drill string portion (6) is made of tubular form and the rails comprise angle sections (22) extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the inner drill string portion (6) with their free longitudinal edges welded to the outer surface of the inner drill string portion.
    8. Device according to Claim 7, characterised in that the outer drill string portion (7) has in its longitudinal direction at least one pair of running rollers (25, 26'; 25', 26') which is arranged in such a way that the two rollers of the running roller pair are each associated respectively with an outer surface of an angle section (22) and engage it in a rolling manner.
    9. Device according to Claim 8, characterised in that each of the angle sections has two limbs (22', 22 ") at right angles to one another and each angle section has associated with it at least two pairs of rollers spaced apart in a longitudinal direction and running on a respective outer surface of a limb.
    10. Device according to Claim 9, characterised in that the outer drill string portion (7) is made of tubular shape and has attached to its outer surface roller carriers (27) which each receive at least one roller (28) in such a way that its axis (S) lies outside the cross-section of the outer drill string portion (7) and of which the running surface projects into the interior of the outer drill string portion through an opening (30) machined in the outer drill string portion.
    11. Device according to one of Claims 5 to 10, characterised in that the inner drill string portion (6) has its upper end mounted on the platform (1) and the outer drill string portion (7) carries the drilling head (10) on its lower end.
    12. Device according to one of Claims 5 to 11, characterised in that mounted on the platform (1) is a device for rotating the drill string about its longitudinal axis (power drive head) and the drilling head is mounted on the drill string to rotate with it.
    13. Device according to one of Claims 5 to 11, characterised in that the drill string (5) is mounted in a fixed manner on the platform (1) and a rotary drive (11) is provided, with the aid of which the drilling head (10) is rotated with respect to the drill string (5).
    14. Device according to Claim 13, characterised in that the mounting of the drill string (5) on the platform is achieved by a cardanic receiving device (19) (gimbal), which is preferably made in two-part form.
    15. Device according to Claim 13 or 14, characterised in that the rotary drive (11) is electrically driven.
    16. Device according to Claim 13 or 14, characterised in that the rotary drive (11) is hydraulically driven.
    17. Device according to one of Claims 4 to 16, characterised in that the pressure pipe for blowing the compressed air into the interior of the drill string is secured to the outside of the drill string and runs parallel to its longitudinal central axis.
    18. Device according to one of Claims 4 to 16, characterised in that a pressure hose capable of being wound up on a reel is provided as the pressure pipe.
    19. Device according to one of Claims 4 to 18, characterised in that a lifting unit (21) is mounted on the drill string portion which carries the drilling head.
    20. Device according to Claim 19, characterised in that the lifting unit (21) is mounted near the upper end of the lower drill string portion (7).
    21. Device according to Claim 19 or 20, characterised in that the lifting unit (21) includes at least one tank capable of being filled at will with compressed air.
    22. Device according to one of Claims 4 to 21, characterised in that at least one lifting body (70) is provided on the drill string portion of which the upper end is mounted on the platform.
    EP97951814A 1996-12-10 1997-11-27 Method and device for driving bore holes, specially exploring and extraction drillings in the sea bottom Expired - Lifetime EP0956424B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (5)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    DE19651303 1996-12-10
    DE19651303 1996-12-10
    DE19702984 1997-01-28
    DE19702984A DE19702984C1 (en) 1996-12-10 1997-01-28 Method and device for drilling boreholes, in particular for prospecting and extraction drilling, into the seabed
    PCT/DE1997/002770 WO1998026151A2 (en) 1996-12-10 1997-11-27 Method and device for driving bore holes, specially exploring and extraction drillings in the sea bottom

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP0956424A2 EP0956424A2 (en) 1999-11-17
    EP0956424B1 true EP0956424B1 (en) 2001-01-24

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    ID=26032067

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP97951814A Expired - Lifetime EP0956424B1 (en) 1996-12-10 1997-11-27 Method and device for driving bore holes, specially exploring and extraction drillings in the sea bottom

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    US (1) US6422324B1 (en)
    EP (1) EP0956424B1 (en)
    AU (1) AU730041B2 (en)
    WO (1) WO1998026151A2 (en)

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    CN110159210A (en) * 2019-04-25 2019-08-23 中国地质大学(武汉) A kind of wave displacement compensation device
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    CN116771352B (en) * 2023-07-13 2023-12-29 中国海洋大学 Collecting equipment and method for collapsed sea sand extraction

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    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    WO1998026151A2 (en) 1998-06-18
    US6422324B1 (en) 2002-07-23
    WO1998026151A3 (en) 1998-10-01
    EP0956424A2 (en) 1999-11-17
    AU730041B2 (en) 2001-02-22
    AU5548398A (en) 1998-07-03

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