EP1514995B1 - Drilling rig with rotating head - Google Patents

Drilling rig with rotating head Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1514995B1
EP1514995B1 EP20040292099 EP04292099A EP1514995B1 EP 1514995 B1 EP1514995 B1 EP 1514995B1 EP 20040292099 EP20040292099 EP 20040292099 EP 04292099 A EP04292099 A EP 04292099A EP 1514995 B1 EP1514995 B1 EP 1514995B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
rods
stabilizer
string
rotation
fact
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EP20040292099
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1514995A1 (en
Inventor
Patrick c/o Compagnie du Sol Lagrange
Bernard c/o Compagnie du Sol Flaugere
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Compagnie du Sol SARL
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Compagnie du Sol SARL
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    • 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
    • E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
    • E21B7/04—Directional drilling
    • E21B7/06—Deflecting the direction of boreholes
    • E21B7/062—Deflecting the direction of boreholes the tool shaft rotating inside a non-rotating guide travelling with the shaft

Definitions

  • the subject of the present invention is a rotary head drilling installation comprising means for correcting the trajectory of the head and in particular means for verticality correction when the drilling is vertical.
  • the present invention relates to such a drilling installation that can be controlled automatically, with regard to the correction of possible errors in drilling trajectory and in particular verticality.
  • non-vertical drilling for example drilling having their full depth an inclination noted relative to the vertical or drilling with several portions, each portion having a proper inclination relative to the vertical .
  • drilling performed respects the inclination or inclination defined by the specifications of the structure.
  • the term "trajectory error” means that the drilling actually carried out using the rotary tool is at an angle to the path planned for drilling. Most often, the planned path of the drilling is vertical and one will thus be led to detect errors of verticality.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown an installation of known type drilling rotary cutting head.
  • the borehole 10 in progress with its casing 12.
  • a head 16 for rotating and translational movement of the cutting head.
  • the rotation and displacement head 16 is connected to the cutting tool 18 by a rotating rod train 20.
  • the drill string 20 is preferably equipped with stabilizing fins such as 22 which ensure a certain centering of the drill string 20 in the borehole.
  • the lower end 20a of the drill string is connected to the cutting tool 18 via two stabilizing drums 24 and 26. Of course, there could be only one stabilizing drum. In the following description, the stabilizing drums 24 or 26 will be called “stabilizers”.
  • the stabilizing drums 24 or 26 are parts constituted by an outer cylindrical skirt whose diameter is slightly smaller than that of the cutting tool 18 but much greater than that of the drill string. As will be explained in more detail later, the stabilizer 24 or 26 is rotatably mounted around the drill string 20 but immobilized in translation. The drum or stabilizers 24 or 26 allow (s) to provide a certain orientation or trajectory to the cutting tool 18. However, even with the presence of these stabilizers, the path of the cutting tool can not be most often provided with the required tolerance.
  • the rods have a diameter of 200 to 400 millimeters and the diameter of the borehole is at least 1000 millimeters and most often at least 1500 millimeters.
  • the diameter of the stabilizing drums is also at least 1,000 to 1,500 millimeters and thus at least three times greater than that of the rods.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a drilling rig with rotary cutting head of the type described in particular with reference to Figure 1 but which comprises tool path correction means for respecting the desired theoretical path.
  • the drilling installation equipped with trajectory correction means is designed as in claim 1.
  • WO-A-0236924, US-A-5931239, US-A-5547031 and US-A-5467834 all relate to drilling rigs in which the drill bit, and thus the drilling itself, has a diameter only slightly greater than that of the drill string.
  • Claim 1 differs from said documents not only in the diameter of the borehole but also in the fact that the stabilizer is close to the drill head and has a diameter smaller than that of the rotary drill head and at least three times greater than that of the drill string.
  • the drill string is stopped. Then, it controls the rotation of the drill string to bring the support pad in the angular orientation corresponding to the path correction to be made. This orientation having been achieved, the displacement means are controlled to apply the support pad against the wall of the borehole.
  • the pad constitutes a part of the side wall of the stabilizer, it can fully fulfill its guiding role outside the error correction phases of trajectory.
  • the means for angular orientation of the pad comprise first abutment means, integral in rotation, said stabilizer and second abutment means integral in rotation of the drill string and movable relative to the drill string to assume a first operative position in which the first and second abutment means can cooperate to transmit the rotation of the drill string to said stabilizer.
  • said second stop means comprise an orientation cylinder whose body is integral with the drill string and whose rod is movable parallel to the axis of the drill string. In the extended position, the end of the rod of said jack is able to cooperate in rotation with the first stop means.
  • the orientation cylinder when the orientation cylinder is not activated, there is no connection in rotation between the drill string and the stabilizer.
  • the jack when the jack is activated, the end of its rod cooperates with the stop carried by the stabilizer, which makes it possible to give the stabilizer and thus the support pad the desired orientation.
  • the orientation cylinder is deactivated and the mechanical connection in rotation between the drill string and the stabilizer is eliminated.
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B a first embodiment of the trajectory error correction system will be described. This system as already explained is made from the stabilizer 40 which is mounted on the drill string 20 near the cutting tool not shown in these figures.
  • the stabilizer 40 consists essentially of a cylindrical outer wall 42 of axis X, X '.
  • the side wall 42 is completed by two annular end portions 44 and 45.
  • the stabilizer 40 also comprises in simplified manner an axial sleeve 46 which is engaged around the rods 20 of the drill string. This sleeve is mechanically connected to the side wall 42 for example by radial arms not shown in the figures.
  • the rod 20 on which the stabilizer 40 is mounted comprises two fixed annular rings 48 and 50 which act as a stop to limit the possibilities of translational movement of the stabilizer 40 along the rod 20.
  • the stabilizer 40 is free to rotate around the rod 20.
  • a part of the side wall 42 of the stabilizer 40 constitutes a separate part 52 which therefore has the shape of a cylindrical surface portion.
  • This separate portion 52 which forms a support pad on the borehole wall is movably mounted relative to the rest of the stabilizer by means of displacement cylinders, for example the four jacks referenced 54 in the figures.
  • These cylinders preferably hydraulic, have a body 55 which is secured by any suitable means of the main part of the stabilizer 40 and whose ends 56a of the rods 56 are integral with the pad 52 also by any suitable means.
  • the rods 56 of the cylinders 54 can move in planes orthogonal to the axis X, X 'and in directions y, y' parallel to the median plane P, P 'of the stabilizer.
  • the shoe 52 can be moved using the jacks 54 between a retracted position shown in Figure 2B in which the shoe 52 constitutes a continuity of the side wall 42 of the stabilizer itself and an output position shown in dotted line on the Figure 2B.
  • the pad 52 is applied with pressure against the wall of the borehole or against the casing when it is provided. It is understood that this action of the shoe 52 against the bore wall transmits a force to the drill string 20 and therefore to the axis of rotation of the cutting tool 18 to modify the path of the cutting tool and thus correct the axis of the drilling performed.
  • This orientation of the shoe 52 that is to say the stabilizer 40 is obtained by performing a temporary mechanical connection in rotation between the drill string and the stabilizer 40.
  • this temporary connection is made, by controlling the rotation of the train of stems of a predetermined angle, the same rotation is communicated to the stabilizer 40 and therefore to the support pad 52.
  • the mechanical connection between the drill string and the stabilizer is interrupted.
  • the rotary cutting tool is then restarted.
  • the action of the pad 52 on the tool makes it possible to correct the error of trajectory.
  • the following operations must be performed: disable the pad 52 to allow the descent of the stabilizer 40 along the rod 20 until it bears on the lower annular ring; proceed to a new orientation of the pad 52; and restoring the pad on the wall of the borehole after the pad has been reoriented.
  • the orientation cylinder 60 is a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. We can thus use the same liquid supply under pressure than for the cylinders 54 which will be described later a preferred embodiment of their supply.
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B also schematically show the control of the jacks 54 for moving the shoe 52.
  • the supply of liquid under pressure is carried out via a pipe connected to the rods. 20.
  • the rod 20 on which the stabilizer 40 is mounted is equipped with a rotary joint 70.
  • This rotary joint comprises a first portion 72 secured to the rod 20 and connected to the pressurized liquid supply line and a moving part. 74.
  • This mobile part 74 is equipped with a pipe 76 which enters the stabilizer 40.
  • the pipe 76 is divided into four supply lines such as 78 to supply each of the cylinders 54.
  • the initial orientation of the support pad 52 is achieved by the temporary mechanical connection in rotation resulting from the action of the rod 64 of the steering cylinder 60 on the mechanical stop 66 secured to the stabilizer 40 .
  • FIG. 3 is a simplified representation of an alternative embodiment in which the temporary rotational connection always comprises the orientation jack 60, but this latter can cooperate in the extended position with a mechanical stop 80 integral in rotation with the part
  • This mechanical connection may be of any suitable type and for example by metal rods such as 82 connecting the movable portion 74 of the rotary joint to the wall at the upper portion 44 of the wall of the stabilizer 40.
  • the connecting pipe 76 for supplying the cylinders 54 in liquid under pressure.
  • the fixed mechanical stop 66 is removed.
  • the steering cylinder 60 is a hydraulic cylinder. We would not go beyond the invention if this cylinder was pneumatic. In this case, the rods 20 must be equipped with pressurized air supply lines 67 and 68 connected to the anterior chambers 60a and posterior 60b of the jack.
  • control members of the correction system are cylinders. They can therefore be controlled automatically and remotely.
  • the stabilizer has a diameter which is at least three times greater than that of the rods.
  • the outer diameter of the stabilizer is close to that of the rotary cutting tool and therefore that of the drilling.
  • the trajectory correction pad is a part of the side wall of the stabilizer.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)

Description

La présente invention a pour objet une installation de forage par tête rotative comportant des moyens de correction de trajectoire de la tête et notamment de moyens de correction de verticalité lorsque le forage réalisé est vertical.The subject of the present invention is a rotary head drilling installation comprising means for correcting the trajectory of the head and in particular means for verticality correction when the drilling is vertical.

De façon plus précise, la présente invention concerne une telle installation de forage qui peut être commandée automatiquement, en ce qui concerne la correction des erreurs éventuelles de trajectoire du forage et notamment de verticalité.More specifically, the present invention relates to such a drilling installation that can be controlled automatically, with regard to the correction of possible errors in drilling trajectory and in particular verticality.

Lors de la réalisation de pieux forés à l'aide d'une tête de forage rotative entraînée par un train de tiges, de nombreux paramètres peuvent influer sur la verticalité du forage effectivement réalisé. Ces paramètres sont notamment l'inhomogénéité du terrain que rencontre à une même profondeur la tête de forage ou encore la rigidité nécessairement limitée du train de tiges. Lorsque le forage doit être réalisé à une grande profondeur, par exemple de l'ordre de 100 mètres, on comprend qu'une déviation même d'un angle réduit par rapport à la verticale peut entraîner une erreur de positionnement du fond du forage important. Or, dans un grand nombre de cas, il est impossible de tolérer de tels écarts, en raison des tolérances imposées par les spécifications de l'ouvrage.When drilling bored piles using a rotating drill head driven by a drill string, many parameters can affect the verticality of the drilling actually performed. These parameters are in particular the inhomogeneity of the ground that meets at the same depth the drilling head or the necessarily limited stiffness of the drill string. When the drilling must be performed at a great depth, for example of the order of 100 meters, it is understood that a deviation even at a reduced angle relative to the vertical can cause a positioning error of the bottom of the borehole. However, in a large number of cases, it is impossible to tolerate such differences, because of the tolerances imposed by the specifications of the work.

Plus généralement, on peut être amené à réaliser des forages non verticaux, par exemple des forages présentant sur toute leur profondeur une inclinaison constatée par rapport à la verticale ou encore des forages comportant plusieurs portions, chaque portion présentant une inclinaison propre par rapport à la verticale. Dans ces situations, il est important que le forage effectué respecte l'inclinaison ou les inclinaisons définies par les spécifications de l'ouvrage.More generally, it may be necessary to carry out non-vertical drilling, for example drilling having their full depth an inclination noted relative to the vertical or drilling with several portions, each portion having a proper inclination relative to the vertical . In these situations, it is important that the drilling performed respects the inclination or inclination defined by the specifications of the structure.

Il est donc très souhaitable de disposer d'une installation de forage du type à tête rotative qui permette de corriger les erreurs éventuelles de trajectoire.It is therefore very desirable to have a drilling rig of the rotary head type which makes it possible to correct any errors of trajectory.

Dans le présent texte, par "erreur de trajectoire", il faut entendre le fait que le forage effectivement réalisé à l'aide de l'outil rotatif fait un angle avec le tracé prévu pour le forage. Le plus souvent, le tracé prévu du forage est vertical et on sera donc amené à détecter des erreurs de verticalité.In the present text, the term "trajectory error" means that the drilling actually carried out using the rotary tool is at an angle to the path planned for drilling. Most often, the planned path of the drilling is vertical and one will thus be led to detect errors of verticality.

On comprend également qu'il est très souhaitable que les moyens utilisés pour corriger cette erreur de trajectoire n'entraînent pas des périodes d'indisponibilité de la tête de forage significatives.It is also understood that it is highly desirable that the means used to correct this trajectory error do not lead to periods of unavailability of the drilling head significant.

Sur la figure 1 annexée, on a représenté une installation de type connu de forage par tête de coupe rotative. Sur cette figure, on a représenté le forage 10 en cours de réalisation avec son tubage 12. A la partie supérieure 14 du tubage 12 est montée une tête 16 de mise en rotation et de déplacement en translation de la tête de coupe. La tête de mise en rotation et de déplacement 16 est reliée à l'outil de coupe 18 par un train de tiges rotatives 20. A intervalles réguliers, le train de tiges 20 est équipé, de préférence, d'ailettes de stabilisation telles que 22 qui assurent un certain centrage du train de tiges 20 dans le forage. L'extrémité inférieure 20a du train de tiges est reliée à l'outil de coupe 18 par l'intermédiaire de deux tambours stabilisateurs 24 et 26. Bien entendu, il pourrait n'y avoir qu'un seul tambour stabilisateur. Dans la suite de la description, les tambours stabilisateurs 24 ou 26 seront appelés "stabilisateurs". Les tambours stabilisateurs 24 ou 26 sont des pièces constituées par une jupe cylindrique externe dont le diamètre est légèrement inférieur à celui de l'outil de coupe 18 mais très supérieur à celui du train de tiges. Comme on l'expliquera plus en détail ultérieurement, le stabilisateur 24 ou 26 est monté libre en rotation autour du train de tiges 20 mais immobilisé en translation. Le ou les tambours ou les stabilisateurs 24 ou 26 permette(nt) d'assurer une certaine orientation ou trajectoire à l'outil de coupe 18. Cependant, même avec la présence de ces stabilisateurs, la trajectoire de l'outil de coupe ne peut être le plus souvent assurée avec la tolérance requise.In Figure 1 attached, there is shown an installation of known type drilling rotary cutting head. In this figure, there is shown the borehole 10 in progress with its casing 12. At the upper portion 14 of the casing 12 is mounted a head 16 for rotating and translational movement of the cutting head. The rotation and displacement head 16 is connected to the cutting tool 18 by a rotating rod train 20. At regular intervals, the drill string 20 is preferably equipped with stabilizing fins such as 22 which ensure a certain centering of the drill string 20 in the borehole. The lower end 20a of the drill string is connected to the cutting tool 18 via two stabilizing drums 24 and 26. Of course, there could be only one stabilizing drum. In the following description, the stabilizing drums 24 or 26 will be called "stabilizers". The stabilizing drums 24 or 26 are parts constituted by an outer cylindrical skirt whose diameter is slightly smaller than that of the cutting tool 18 but much greater than that of the drill string. As will be explained in more detail later, the stabilizer 24 or 26 is rotatably mounted around the drill string 20 but immobilized in translation. The drum or stabilizers 24 or 26 allow (s) to provide a certain orientation or trajectory to the cutting tool 18. However, even with the presence of these stabilizers, the path of the cutting tool can not be most often provided with the required tolerance.

Dans le cas de la réalisation de pieux forés, cas de l'invention, les tiges ont un diamètre de 200 à 400 millimètres et le diamètre du forage est au moins de 1 000 millimètres et le plus souvent d'au moins 1 500 millimètres. Le diamètre des tambours de stabilisation est aussi d'au moins 1 000 à 1 500 millimètres et donc au moins trois fois supérieur à celui des tiges.In the case of the production of bored piles, the case of the invention, the rods have a diameter of 200 to 400 millimeters and the diameter of the borehole is at least 1000 millimeters and most often at least 1500 millimeters. The diameter of the stabilizing drums is also at least 1,000 to 1,500 millimeters and thus at least three times greater than that of the rods.

Un objet de la présente invention est de fournir une installation de forage à tête de coupe rotative du type décrit notamment en référence à la figure 1 mais qui comporte des moyens de correction de trajectoire d'outil permettant de respecter la trajectoire théorique souhaitée.An object of the present invention is to provide a drilling rig with rotary cutting head of the type described in particular with reference to Figure 1 but which comprises tool path correction means for respecting the desired theoretical path.

Pour atteindre ce but, selon l'invention, l'installation de forage équipée de moyens de correction de trajectoire est conçue comme dans la revendication 1.To achieve this object, according to the invention, the drilling installation equipped with trajectory correction means is designed as in claim 1.

WO-A-0236924, US-A-5931239, US-A-5547031 et US-A-5467834 concernent tous des installations de forage dans lesquelles l'outil de forage, et donc le forage lui-mime, a un diamètre seulement légèrement supérieur à celui du train de tiges.WO-A-0236924, US-A-5931239, US-A-5547031 and US-A-5467834 all relate to drilling rigs in which the drill bit, and thus the drilling itself, has a diameter only slightly greater than that of the drill string.

En consequence, aucun de ces documents ne concerne le problème que vise a résoudre invention définie par la revendication 1, à savoir la correction de la trajectoire de l'outil de forage dans le cas d'un forage de diamètre supérieur à 1000 mm.Accordingly, none of these documents relates to the problem that aims to solve the invention defined by claim 1, namely the correction of the trajectory of the drill bit in the case of drilling diameter greater than 1000 mm.

La revendication 1 se distingue desdits documents non seulement par le diamètre de forage mais aussi par le fait que le stabilisateur est à proximité de la tête de forage et a un diamètre inférieur à celui de la tête rotative de forage et au moins trois fois supérieur à celui du train de tiges.Claim 1 differs from said documents not only in the diameter of the borehole but also in the fact that the stabilizer is close to the drill head and has a diameter smaller than that of the rotary drill head and at least three times greater than that of the drill string.

On comprend que lorsque l'erreur de trajectoire est détectée par exemple à l'aide de capteurs montés sur l'outil de coupe, le train de tiges est arrêté. Puis, on commande la rotation du train de tiges pour amener le patin d'appui dans l'orientation angulaire correspondant à la correction de trajectoire à apporter. Cette orientation ayant été réalisée, on commande les moyens de déplacement pour appliquer le patin d'appui contre la paroi du forage.It is understood that when the path error is detected for example by means of sensors mounted on the cutting tool, the drill string is stopped. Then, it controls the rotation of the drill string to bring the support pad in the angular orientation corresponding to the path correction to be made. This orientation having been achieved, the displacement means are controlled to apply the support pad against the wall of the borehole.

La rotation et le déplacement du train de tiges et donc de l'outil de coupe sont alors commandés à nouveau, l'action du patin d'appui permettant de corriger la trajectoire de l'outil rotatif de coupe.The rotation and movement of the drill string and thus of the cutting tool are then reordered, the action of the bearing pad to correct the path of the rotary cutting tool.

Il faut de plus souligner que le patin constituant une partie de la paroi latérale du stabilisateur, celui-ci peut remplir intégralement son rôle de guidage en dehors des phases de correction d'erreur de trajectoire.It should further be emphasized that since the pad constitutes a part of the side wall of the stabilizer, it can fully fulfill its guiding role outside the error correction phases of trajectory.

Selon un premier mode de mise en oeuvre, de préférence, les moyens d'orientation angulaire du patin comprennent des premiers moyens formant butée, solidaires en rotation, dudit stabilisateur et des deuxièmes moyens formant butée solidaires en rotation du train de tiges et mobiles par rapport au train de tiges pour prendre une première position active dans laquelle les premiers et deuxièmes moyens formant butée peuvent coopérer pour transmettre la rotation du train de tiges audit stabilisateur.According to a first mode of implementation, preferably, the means for angular orientation of the pad comprise first abutment means, integral in rotation, said stabilizer and second abutment means integral in rotation of the drill string and movable relative to the drill string to assume a first operative position in which the first and second abutment means can cooperate to transmit the rotation of the drill string to said stabilizer.

De préférence encore, lesdits deuxièmes moyens formant butée comprennent un vérin d'orientation dont le corps est solidaire du train de tiges et dont la tige est mobile parallèlement à l'axe du train de tiges. En position sortie, l'extrémité de la tige dudit vérin est apte à coopérer en rotation avec les premiers moyens formant butée.More preferably, said second stop means comprise an orientation cylinder whose body is integral with the drill string and whose rod is movable parallel to the axis of the drill string. In the extended position, the end of the rod of said jack is able to cooperate in rotation with the first stop means.

Selon ce mode préféré de mise en oeuvre, on comprend que lorsque le vérin d'orientation n'est pas activé, il n'y a aucune liaison en rotation entre le train de tiges et le stabilisateur. En revanche, lorsque le vérin est activé, l'extrémité de sa tige vient coopérer avec la butée portée par le stabilisateur, ce qui permet de donner au stabilisateur et donc au patin d'appui l'orientation souhaitée. Lorsque cette orientation est obtenue, le vérin d'orientation est désactivé et la liaison mécanique en rotation entre le train de tiges et le stabilisateur est supprimé.According to this preferred embodiment, it is understood that when the orientation cylinder is not activated, there is no connection in rotation between the drill string and the stabilizer. On the other hand, when the jack is activated, the end of its rod cooperates with the stop carried by the stabilizer, which makes it possible to give the stabilizer and thus the support pad the desired orientation. When this orientation is obtained, the orientation cylinder is deactivated and the mechanical connection in rotation between the drill string and the stabilizer is eliminated.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront mieux à la lecture de la description qui suit de plusieurs modes de réalisation de l'invention donnés à titre d'exemple non limitatif. La description se réfère aux figures annexées sur lesquelles :

  • la figure 1 déjà décrite montre une installation de forage à tête rotative de coupe de type connu ;
  • la figure 2A montre en coupe verticale un premier mode de réalisation du système de correction d'erreur de trajectoire ;
  • la figure 2B est une vue en coupe horizontale selon la ligne B-B de la figure 2A ; et
  • la figure 3 illustre une variante de réalisation du système de correction d'erreur de trajectoire.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear better on reading the following description of several embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example. The description refers to the appended figures in which:
  • Figure 1 already described shows a drilling rig rotary head cutting known type;
  • FIG. 2A shows in vertical section a first embodiment of the trajectory error correction system;
  • Figure 2B is a horizontal sectional view along line BB of Figure 2A; and
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the trajectory error correction system.

En se référant maintenant aux figures 2A et 2B, on va décrire un premier mode de réalisation du système de correction d'erreur de trajectoire. Ce système comme on l'a déjà expliqué est réalisé à partir du stabilisateur 40 qui est monté sur le train de tiges 20 à proximité de l'outil de coupe non représenté sur ces figures.Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a first embodiment of the trajectory error correction system will be described. This system as already explained is made from the stabilizer 40 which is mounted on the drill string 20 near the cutting tool not shown in these figures.

Le stabilisateur 40 est constitué essentiellement par une paroi externe cylindrique 42 d'axe X, X'. La paroi latérale 42 est complétée par deux portions annulaires d'extrémité 44 et 45. Le stabilisateur 40 comprend également de façon simplifiée un manchon axial 46 qui est engagé autour des tiges 20 du train de tiges. Ce manchon est relié mécaniquement à la paroi latérale 42 par exemple par des bras radiaux non représentés sur les figures. Comme le montre la figure 2A, la tige 20 sur laquelle est monté le stabilisateur 40 comporte deux bagues annulaires fixes 48 et 50 qui jouent le rôle de butée pour limiter les possibilités de déplacement en translation du stabilisateur 40 le long de la tige 20. En revanche, comme on l'a déjà expliqué le stabilisateur 40 est libre en rotation autour de la tige 20.The stabilizer 40 consists essentially of a cylindrical outer wall 42 of axis X, X '. The side wall 42 is completed by two annular end portions 44 and 45. The stabilizer 40 also comprises in simplified manner an axial sleeve 46 which is engaged around the rods 20 of the drill string. This sleeve is mechanically connected to the side wall 42 for example by radial arms not shown in the figures. As shown in Figure 2A, the rod 20 on which the stabilizer 40 is mounted comprises two fixed annular rings 48 and 50 which act as a stop to limit the possibilities of translational movement of the stabilizer 40 along the rod 20. However, as already explained, the stabilizer 40 is free to rotate around the rod 20.

Selon l'invention, une partie de la paroi latérale 42 du stabilisateur 40 constitue une pièce séparée 52 qui a donc la forme d'une portion de surface cylindrique. Cette portion séparée 52 qui forme un patin d'appui sur la paroi du forage est montée mobile par rapport au reste du stabilisateur par l'intermédiaire de vérins de déplacement par exemple les quatre vérins référencés 54 sur les figures. Ces vérins, de préférence hydrauliques, ont un corps 55 qui est solidaire par tout moyen convenable de la partie principale du stabilisateur 40 et dont les extrémités 56a des tiges 56 sont solidaires du patin 52 également par tout moyen convenable. Les tiges 56 des vérins 54 peuvent se déplacer dans des plans orthogonaux à l'axe X, X' et selon des directions y, y' parallèles au plan médian P, P' du stabilisateur. Ainsi, le patin 52 peut être déplacé à l'aide des vérins 54 entre une position rentrée représentée sur la figure 2B dans laquelle le patin 52 constitue une continuité de la paroi latérale 42 du stabilisateur proprement dit et une position sortie représentée en pointillé sur la figure 2B. Dans cette position sortie, le patin 52 est appliqué avec pression contre la paroi du forage ou contre le tubage lorsqu'il est prévu. On comprend que cette action du patin 52 contre la paroi du forage transmet une force au train de tiges 20 et donc à l'axe de rotation de l'outil de coupe 18 pour modifier la trajectoire de l'outil de coupe et corriger ainsi l'axe du forage réalisé.According to the invention, a part of the side wall 42 of the stabilizer 40 constitutes a separate part 52 which therefore has the shape of a cylindrical surface portion. This separate portion 52 which forms a support pad on the borehole wall is movably mounted relative to the rest of the stabilizer by means of displacement cylinders, for example the four jacks referenced 54 in the figures. These cylinders, preferably hydraulic, have a body 55 which is secured by any suitable means of the main part of the stabilizer 40 and whose ends 56a of the rods 56 are integral with the pad 52 also by any suitable means. The rods 56 of the cylinders 54 can move in planes orthogonal to the axis X, X 'and in directions y, y' parallel to the median plane P, P 'of the stabilizer. Thus, the shoe 52 can be moved using the jacks 54 between a retracted position shown in Figure 2B in which the shoe 52 constitutes a continuity of the side wall 42 of the stabilizer itself and an output position shown in dotted line on the Figure 2B. In this extended position, the pad 52 is applied with pressure against the wall of the borehole or against the casing when it is provided. It is understood that this action of the shoe 52 against the bore wall transmits a force to the drill string 20 and therefore to the axis of rotation of the cutting tool 18 to modify the path of the cutting tool and thus correct the axis of the drilling performed.

Pour obtenir la correction de la trajectoire souhaitée, il est bien sûr nécessaire, avant de provoquer la sortie du patin d'appui 52, de donner à celui-ci l'orientation angulaire correspondant à la correction de trajectoire à apporter. Cette orientation du patin 52, c'est-à-dire du stabilisateur 40 est obtenue en réalisant une liaison temporaire mécanique en rotation entre le train de tiges et le stabilisateur 40. Lorsque cette liaison temporaire est réalisée, en commandant la rotation du train de tiges d'un angle prédéterminé, on communique la même rotation au stabilisateur 40 et donc au patin d'appui 52. Une fois que cette orientation est réalisée, la liaison mécanique entre le train de tiges et le stabilisateur est interrompue. L'outil rotatif de coupe est alors remis en marche. L'action du patin 52 sur l'outil permet de corriger l'erreur de trajectoire. Si la longueur de déplacement relatif du patin par rapport au train de tiges, définie par les bagues annulaires 48 et 50 et qui est par exemple de l'ordre de un mètre est insuffisante pour obtenir la correction souhaitée, il faut accomplir les opérations suivantes : désactiver le patin 52 pour permettre la descente du stabilisateur 40 le long de la tige 20 jusqu'à ce qu'il arrive en appui sur la bague annulaire inférieure ; procéder à une nouvelle orientation du patin 52 ; et remettre en appui le patin sur la paroi du forage après que le patin ait été réorienté.To obtain the correction of the desired trajectory, it is of course necessary, before causing the exit of the support pad 52, to give the latter the angular orientation corresponding to the correction of the trajectory to bring. This orientation of the shoe 52, that is to say the stabilizer 40 is obtained by performing a temporary mechanical connection in rotation between the drill string and the stabilizer 40. When this temporary connection is made, by controlling the rotation of the train of stems of a predetermined angle, the same rotation is communicated to the stabilizer 40 and therefore to the support pad 52. Once this orientation is achieved, the mechanical connection between the drill string and the stabilizer is interrupted. The rotary cutting tool is then restarted. The action of the pad 52 on the tool makes it possible to correct the error of trajectory. If the relative displacement length of the pad with respect to the drill string defined by the annular rings 48 and 50 and which is for example of the order of one meter is insufficient to obtain the desired correction, the following operations must be performed: disable the pad 52 to allow the descent of the stabilizer 40 along the rod 20 until it bears on the lower annular ring; proceed to a new orientation of the pad 52; and restoring the pad on the wall of the borehole after the pad has been reoriented.

Dans le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 2A et 2B, la liaison mécanique temporaire est obtenue de la manière suivante :

  • un vérin d'orientation 60 est rendu solidaire de la tige 20 sur laquelle est monté le stabilisateur. Ce vérin d'orientation comporte un corps 62 qui est donc solidaire de la tige 20 et dont l'axe est parallèle à l'axe de la tige 20. La tige 64 du vérin d'orientation 60 peut donc se déplacer entre une position rentrée représentée sur la figure 2A en traits pleins et une position sortie représentée en pointillé sur la figure 2A, position dans laquelle l'extrémité 64a de la tige 64 du vérin, peut venir par rotation en butée sur une butée mécanique fixe 66 montée sur la partie 44 du stabilisateur 40. Ainsi, lorsque la tige 64 du vérin 60 est sortie, on réalise une liaison mécanique temporaire en rotation du stabilisateur et donc du patin 52 avec la tige 20. On réalise ainsi l'orientation angulaire du patin. Lorsque le patin 52 est amené en position d'appui contre la paroi du forage à l'aide des vérins 54, la tige 64 du vérin d'orientation 60 peut être rentrée de telle manière que le stabilisateur 40 soit à nouveau libre en rotation autour de la tige 20.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the temporary mechanical connection is obtained as follows:
  • an orientation cylinder 60 is made integral with the rod 20 on which is mounted the stabilizer. This steering cylinder comprises a body 62 which is thus secured to the rod 20 and whose axis is parallel to the axis of the rod 20. The rod 64 of the steering cylinder 60 can therefore move between a retracted position 2A in solid lines and an output position shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2A, in which position the end 64a of the rod 64 of the jack can come to rotate in abutment with a fixed mechanical stop 66 mounted on the part 44 of the stabilizer 40. Thus, when the rod 64 of the cylinder 60 is output, a temporary mechanical connection is made in rotation of the stabilizer and therefore the pad 52 with the rod 20. The angular orientation of the pad is thus carried out. When the shoe 52 is brought into a bearing position against the wall of the bore using the jacks 54, the rod 64 of the steering cylinder 60 can be retracted in such a way that the stabilizer 40 is free to rotate again around of the stem 20.

De préférence, le vérin d'orientation 60 est un vérin hydraulique à double effet. On peut ainsi utiliser la même alimentation en liquide sous pression que pour les vérins 54 dont on décrira ultérieurement un mode préféré de réalisation de leur alimentation.Preferably, the orientation cylinder 60 is a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. We can thus use the same liquid supply under pressure than for the cylinders 54 which will be described later a preferred embodiment of their supply.

Sur les figures 2A et 2B, on a représenté également schématiquement la commande des vérins 54 de déplacement du patin 52. Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, l'alimentation en liquide sous pression est réalisée par l'intermédiaire d'une conduite liée aux tiges 20. La tige 20 sur laquelle est monté le stabilisateur 40 est équipée d'un joint tournant 70. Ce joint tournant comporte une première partie 72 solidaire de la tige 20 et reliée à la conduite d'alimentation en liquide sous pression et une partie mobile 74. Cette partie mobile 74 est équipée d'une conduite 76 qui pénètre dans le stabilisateur 40. La conduite 76 est divisée en quatre conduites d'alimentation telles que 78 pour alimenter chacun des vérins 54.FIGS. 2A and 2B also schematically show the control of the jacks 54 for moving the shoe 52. In the embodiment shown, the supply of liquid under pressure is carried out via a pipe connected to the rods. 20. The rod 20 on which the stabilizer 40 is mounted is equipped with a rotary joint 70. This rotary joint comprises a first portion 72 secured to the rod 20 and connected to the pressurized liquid supply line and a moving part. 74. This mobile part 74 is equipped with a pipe 76 which enters the stabilizer 40. The pipe 76 is divided into four supply lines such as 78 to supply each of the cylinders 54.

Sur les figures 2A et 2B, l'orientation initiale du patin d'appui 52 est réalisée par la liaison mécanique temporaire en rotation résultant de l'action de la tige 64 du vérin d'orientation 60 sur la butée mécanique 66 solidaire du stabilisateur 40.In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the initial orientation of the support pad 52 is achieved by the temporary mechanical connection in rotation resulting from the action of the rod 64 of the steering cylinder 60 on the mechanical stop 66 secured to the stabilizer 40 .

Sur la figure 3, on a représenté de façon simplifiée une variante de réalisation dans laquelle la solidarisation temporaire en rotation comporte toujours le vérin d'orientation 60 mais celui-ci peut coopérer en position sortie avec une butée mécanique 80 solidaire en rotation de la partie mobile 74 du joint tournant 70. Dans ce cas, il faut bien sûr qu'il existe une liaison mécanique suffisante entre le stabilisateur 40 et la partie mobile 74 du joint tournant. Cette liaison mécanique peut être de toute nature convenable et par exemple par des tiges métalliques telles que 82 reliant la partie mobile 74 du joint tournant à la paroi à la partie supérieure 44 de la paroi du stabilisateur 40. Bien entendu, entre la partie mobile du joint tournant 70 et le stabilisateur 40, il demeure la conduite de liaison 76 pour l'alimentation des vérins 54 en liquide sous pression. En revanche, la butée mécanique fixe 66 est supprimée.FIG. 3 is a simplified representation of an alternative embodiment in which the temporary rotational connection always comprises the orientation jack 60, but this latter can cooperate in the extended position with a mechanical stop 80 integral in rotation with the part In this case, of course, there must be a sufficient mechanical connection between the stabilizer 40 and the mobile part 74 of the rotary joint. This mechanical connection may be of any suitable type and for example by metal rods such as 82 connecting the movable portion 74 of the rotary joint to the wall at the upper portion 44 of the wall of the stabilizer 40. Of course, between the movable portion of the rotary joint 70 and the stabilizer 40, there remains the connecting pipe 76 for supplying the cylinders 54 in liquid under pressure. In contrast, the fixed mechanical stop 66 is removed.

Dans la description précédente, le vérin d'orientation 60 est un vérin hydraulique. On ne sortirait pas de l'invention si ce vérin était pneumatique. Dans ce cas, les tiges 20 doivent être équipées des conduites 67 et 68 d'alimentation en air sous pression reliées aux chambres antérieure 60a et postérieure 60b du vérin.In the foregoing description, the steering cylinder 60 is a hydraulic cylinder. We would not go beyond the invention if this cylinder was pneumatic. In this case, the rods 20 must be equipped with pressurized air supply lines 67 and 68 connected to the anterior chambers 60a and posterior 60b of the jack.

On comprend également que, de préférence, les organes de commande du système de correction sont des vérins. Ils peuvent donc être commandés automatiquement et à distance.It is also understood that, preferably, the control members of the correction system are cylinders. They can therefore be controlled automatically and remotely.

Ainsi qu'on l'a déjà expliqué, dans le cadre de l'invention, le stabilisateur a un diamètre qui est au moins trois fois supérieur à celui des tiges. En outre, le diamètre externe du stabilisateur est proche de celui de l'outil rotatif de coupe et donc de celui du forage.As already explained, in the context of the invention, the stabilizer has a diameter which is at least three times greater than that of the rods. In addition, the outer diameter of the stabilizer is close to that of the rotary cutting tool and therefore that of the drilling.

De plus, au repos, le patin de correction de trajectoire est une partie de la paroi latérale du stabilisateur.In addition, at rest, the trajectory correction pad is a part of the side wall of the stabilizer.

En conséquence, la course du patin de correction pour passer de sa position de repos à la position active est donc très réduite. Il va de même de celle des vérins qui commandent le patin. Les efforts mécaniques auxquels ces vérins sont soumis sont donc réduits.As a result, the stroke of the correction pad to move from its rest position to the active position is very small. It is the same for the cylinders that control the skate. The mechanical forces to which these cylinders are subjected are reduced.

Claims (9)

  1. Drilling apparatus provided with trajectory correction means comprising, to create bore-holes having a diameter equal to at least 1 000 mm:
    - a rotary drilling head (18);
    - a string of rods (20) to cause the rotation and raising/lowering of the said drilling head;
    - means (16) for controlling the rotation of the string of rods; and
    - a stabilizer (40) mounted to freely rotate about the string of rods in the proximity of the said drilling head, the said stabilizer having a substantially cylindrical lateral wall the diameter of which is smaller than that of the rotary drilling head and at least three times greater than that of the string of rods,
    a part of the said lateral wall (42) of the stabilizer (40) forming an abutment part (52) moveable relative to the remainder of the stabilizer in a radial direction relative to the string of rods,
    - means (54) for displacing the said abutment part (52) between a rest position in which it is substantially arranged in the lateral wall (42) of the stabilizer and an active position in which it projects from the said lateral wall to come into abutment against the wall of the bore-hole;
    - means for controlling the means for displacement of the abutment part; and
    - means (64, 66, 80) to temporarily give the abutment part a predetermined angular orientation.
  2. Drilling apparatus as described in claim 1, characterised by the fact that the said stabilizer (40) is mounted freely in translation relative to the string of rods (20) between two stops (48, 50) attached to the string of rods.
  3. Drilling apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 and 2, characterised by the fact that the means for angular orientation comprise first means forming a stop (66, 80) attached in rotation to the said stabilizer (40); and second means forming a stop (60, 64) attached in rotation to the string of rods (20) and moveable relative to the string of rods to adopt a first active position in which the first and second means forming a stop can co-operate to transmit the rotation of the string of rods to the said stabilizer.
  4. Drilling apparatus as described in claim 3, characterised by the fact that the said second means forming a stop comprise a ram (60) the body (62) of which is attached to the string of rods (20) and the rod (64) of which is moveable parallel with the axis of the string of rods, in the extended position, the end of the rod (64a) of the said ram being able to co-operate in rotation with the first means forming a stop (66, 80).
  5. Apparatus as described in claim 4, characterised by the fact that the said ram (60) is an hydraulic ram.
  6. Apparatus as described in claim 4, characterised by the fact that the said ram (60) is a double acting pneumatic ram.
  7. Drilling apparatus as described in any one of claims 3 and 6, characterised by the fact that the said first means (66) forming a stop are mounted on the said stabilizer.
  8. Drilling apparatus as described in any one of claims 3 to 6, characterised by the fact that the said means for displacement of the abutment part comprise at least an hydraulic ram (54) the body of which is attached to the stabilizer (40) and the end of the rod (56) of which is attached to the abutment part (52).
  9. Drilling apparatus as described in claim 8, characterised by the fact that the hydraulic ram (54) is supplied with liquid by a circuit comprising the rods (20) of the said string of rods, a swivel-joint (70) comprising a first part (72) attached to the string of rods and a second part (74) moveable relative to the first part and attached in rotation to the said stabilizer and by a pipe (76) connecting the said second part of the swivel-joint to the said hydraulic ram.
EP20040292099 2003-09-15 2004-08-27 Drilling rig with rotating head Expired - Fee Related EP1514995B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0310786A FR2859751B1 (en) 2003-09-15 2003-09-15 DRILLING SYSTEM WITH ROTATING HEAD
FR0310786 2003-09-15

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EP1514995A1 EP1514995A1 (en) 2005-03-16
EP1514995B1 true EP1514995B1 (en) 2006-09-27

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FR (1) FR2859751B1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112983276B (en) * 2021-03-19 2023-08-29 中建四局第一建设有限公司 Deviation correcting device based on large-diameter ultra-long pile hole forming drilling machine, drilling machine and deviation correcting method

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1483750B1 (en) * 1966-07-07 1970-07-02 Smith Ind Internat Inc Alignment element for deep drilling equipment
US5467834A (en) * 1994-08-08 1995-11-21 Maverick Tool Company Method and apparatus for short radius drilling of curved boreholes
US5547031A (en) * 1995-02-24 1996-08-20 Amoco Corporation Orientation control mechanism
US5931239A (en) * 1995-05-19 1999-08-03 Telejet Technologies, Inc. Adjustable stabilizer for directional drilling
US6470974B1 (en) * 1999-04-14 2002-10-29 Western Well Tool, Inc. Three-dimensional steering tool for controlled downhole extended-reach directional drilling
WO2002036924A2 (en) * 2000-11-03 2002-05-10 Canadian Downhole Drill Systems Inc. Rotary steerable drilling tool and method for directional drilling
FR2817904B1 (en) * 2000-12-07 2003-04-18 Inst Francais Du Petrole DIRECTIONAL ROTARY DRILLING DEVICE HAVING A NACELLE BENDING MEANS
FR2817905B1 (en) * 2000-12-07 2003-01-10 Inst Francais Du Petrole ROTARY DIRECTIONAL DRILLING DEVICE COMPRISING A SLIDE BENDING MEANS

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EP1514995A1 (en) 2005-03-16
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