EP2935758A1 - Composants de train de tiges de forage résistants au calage - Google Patents

Composants de train de tiges de forage résistants au calage

Info

Publication number
EP2935758A1
EP2935758A1 EP13865824.0A EP13865824A EP2935758A1 EP 2935758 A1 EP2935758 A1 EP 2935758A1 EP 13865824 A EP13865824 A EP 13865824A EP 2935758 A1 EP2935758 A1 EP 2935758A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
thread
drill string
leading end
string component
male
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP13865824.0A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2935758A4 (fr
Inventor
Christopher L. Drenth
Keith William Littlely
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.)
Longyear TM Inc
Original Assignee
Longyear TM Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=50979103&utm_source=***_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP2935758(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Priority claimed from US13/717,885 external-priority patent/US20130220636A1/en
Application filed by Longyear TM Inc filed Critical Longyear TM Inc
Publication of EP2935758A1 publication Critical patent/EP2935758A1/fr
Publication of EP2935758A4 publication Critical patent/EP2935758A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
    • E21B17/02—Couplings; joints
    • E21B17/04—Couplings; joints between rod or the like and bit or between rod and rod or the like
    • E21B17/042—Threaded

Definitions

  • aspects of the present invention relate generally to components and system for drilling.
  • aspects of the present invention relate to drill components that resist jamming during make-up.
  • Threaded connections have been well known for ages, and threads provide a significant advantage in that a helical structure of the thread can convert a rotational movement and force into a linear movement and force.
  • Threads exist on many types of elements, and can be used in limitless applications and industries. For instance, threads are essential to screws, bolts, and other types of mechanical fasteners that may engage a surface (e.g., in the case of a screw) or be used in connection with a nut (e.g., in the case of a bolt) to hold multiple elements together, apply a force to an element, or for any other suitable purpose. Threading is also common in virtually any industry in which elements are mechanically fastened together.
  • Pipes are used to deliver liquids or gasses under pressure.
  • Pipes may have threaded ends that mate with corresponding threads of an adjoining pipe, plug, adaptor, connector, or other structure. The threads can be used in creating a fluid-tight seal to guard against fluid leakage at the connection site.
  • Oilfield, exploration, and other drilling technologies also make extensive use of threading.
  • casing elements may be placed inside the well.
  • the casings generally have a fixed length and multiple casings are secured to each other in order to produce a casing of the desired height.
  • the casings can be connected together using threading on opposing ends thereof.
  • a drill rod or other similar device may be used as drilling elements are used to create a well or to place objects inside a well.
  • multiple drill rods may be connected together, which can be facilitated using mating threads on opposing ends of the drill rod.
  • threads may be created using existing cross-sectional shapes— or thread form— and different combinations of thread lead, pitch, and number of starts.
  • lead refers to the linear distance along an axis that is covered in a complete rotation.
  • Pitch refers to the distance from the crest of one thread to the next, and start refers to the number of starts, or ridges, wrapped around the cylinder of the threaded fastener.
  • a single-start connector is the most common, and includes a single ridge wrapped around the fastener body.
  • a double-start connector includes two ridges wrapped around the fastener body. Threads-per-inch is also a thread specification element, but is directly related to the thread lead, pitch, and start.
  • Jamming is the abnormal interaction between the start of a thread and a mating thread, such that in the course of a single turn, one thread partially passes under another, thereby becoming wedged therewith. Jamming can be particularly common where threaded connectors are tapered.
  • the opposing ends of male and female components may be different sizes.
  • a male threaded component may taper and gradually increase in size as distance from the end increases.
  • the female thread may be larger at the end.
  • the difference in size of tapered threads also makes tapered threads particularly prone to jamming, which is also referred to as cross-threading.
  • Cross- threading in tapered or other threads can result in significant damage to the threads and/or the components that include the threads. Damage to the threads may require replacement of the threaded component, result in a weakened connection, reduce the fluid-tight characteristics of a seal between components, or have other effects, or any combination of the foregoing.
  • tail-type thread starts have crests with a joint taper. If the male and female components are moved together without rotation, the tail crests can wedge together. If rotated, the tail crests can also wedge when fed based on relative alignment of the tails.
  • a thread tail is typically about one-half the circumference in length, and since the thread has a joint taper, there is less than half of the circumference of the respective male and female components providing rotational positioning for threading without wedging.
  • Such positional requirements may be particularly difficult to obtain in applications where large feed and rotational forces are used to mate corresponding components. For instance, in the automated making of coring rod connections in the drilling industry, the equipment may operate with sufficient forces such that jamming, wedging, or cross-threading is an all too common occurrence.
  • tail-type connections may also be prone to cross-threading, jamming, and wedging. Accordingly, when the male and female components are fed without rotation, the tail can wedge into a mating thread. Under rotation, the tail may also wedge into a mating thread. Wedging may be reduced, but after a threading opportunity (e.g., mating the tip of the tail in opening adjacent a mating tail), wedging may still occur due to the missed threading opportunity and misalignment.
  • Off-center threads may be configured such that a mid-tail crest on the mail component has equal or corresponding geometry relative to the female thread crest.
  • threaded connectors having tail-type thread starts can be particularly prone to thread jamming, cross-threading, wedging, joint seizure, and the like. Such difficulties may be particularly prevalent in certain industries, such as in connection with the designs of coring drill rods.
  • the thread start provides a leading end, or first end, of a male or female thread and mates with that of a mating thread to make a rod or other connection. If the tail-type thread starts jam, wedge, cross-thread, and the like, the rods may need to be removed from a drill site, and can require correction that requires a stop in drilling production.
  • drill rods commonly make use of tapered threads, which are also prone to cross-threading difficulties. Since a coring rod may have a tapered thread, the tail at the start of the male thread may be smaller in diameter than that of the start of the female thread. As a result, there may be transitional geometry at the start of each thread to transition from a flush to a full thread profile. Because the thread start and transitional geometry may have sizes differing from that of the female thread, the transitional geometry and thread start may mate abnormally and wedge into each other.
  • the start of the male thread may have some clearance to the start of the female thread, such as where the mid-tail geometry corresponds to the geometry of the female thread.
  • the transitional geometry of the start of the thread may nonetheless interact abnormally with turns of the thread beyond the thread start, typically at subsequent turns of mating thread crests, thereby also resulting in jamming, cross-threading, wedging, and the like.
  • the presence of a tail generally acts as a wedge with a mating tail, thereby increasing the opportunity and probability of thread jamming.
  • multiple drill rods, casings, and the like can be made up. As more rods or casings are added, interference due to wedging or cross-threading can become greater. Indeed, with sufficient power (e.g., when made up using hydraulic power of a drill rig) a rod joint can be destroyed.
  • Coring rods in drilling applications also often have threads that are coarse with wide, flat threaded crests parallel to mating crests due to a mating interference fit or slight clearance fit dictated by many drill rod joint designs. The combination of thread tails and flat, parallel thread crests on coarse tapered threads creates an even larger potential for cross-threading interaction, which may not otherwise be present in other applications.
  • tail-type thread designs are typically brought about by limitations of existing machining lathes.
  • threads are typically cut by rotational machining lathes which can only gradually apply changes in thread height or depth with rotation of the part.
  • threads are generally formed to include tails having geometry and tails identical or similar to other portions of the thread start.
  • traditional lathes are not capable of applying an abrupt vertical or near vertical transition from a flush to full thread profile to rotation of the part during machining. The gradual change is also required to remove sharp, partial feature edges of material created where the slight lead, or helix angle, of the thread meets the material being cut.
  • one or more aspects of the present invention overcome one or more of the foregoing or other problems in the art with drilling components, tools, and systems that provide for effective and efficient making of threaded joints.
  • one or more aspects of the present invention include drill string components resistant to jamming and cross-threading. Such drill string components can reduce or eliminate damage to threads due to jamming and cross-threading.
  • one or more aspects include drill string components having threads with a leading end or thread start oriented at an acute angle relative to the central axis of the drill string component. Additionally or alternatively, the leading end of the thread can provide an abrupt transition to full thread depth and/or width.
  • the drill string component also includes a thread positioned on the first end of the hollow body.
  • the thread comprises a plurality of helical turns extending along the first end of the hollow body.
  • the thread has a thread depth and a thread width.
  • the thread comprises a leading end proximate the first end of the hollow body.
  • the leading end of the thread is orientated at an acute angle relative to the central axis of the hollow body.
  • the leading end of the thread faces toward an adjacent turn of the thread.
  • the leading end of the thread faces toward the first end of the hollow body.
  • the drill string component also includes a female thread positioned on the box end of the body.
  • the female thread has a depth and a width.
  • the drill string component also includes a male thread positioned on the pin end of the body.
  • the male thread has a depth and a width.
  • Each of the female thread and the male thread comprises a leading end.
  • the leading end of each of the female thread and the male thread comprises a planar surface extending normal to the body.
  • the planar surface of the leading end of the female thread can extend along the entire width and the entire depth of the female thread.
  • the planar surface of the leading end of the male thread can extend along the entire width and the entire depth of the male thread.
  • an aspect of a method of making a joint in a drill string without jamming or cross threading involves inserting a pin end of a first drill string component into a box end of a second drill string component.
  • the method also involves rotating the first drill sting component relative to the second drill string component; thereby abutting a planar leading end of a male thread on the pin end of the first drill string component against a planar leading end of a female thread on the box end of the second drill string component.
  • the planar leading end of the male thread is oriented at an acute angle relative to a central axis of the first drill string component.
  • planar leading end of the female thread is oriented at an acute angle relative to a central axis of the second drill string component. Additionally, the method involves sliding the planar leading end of the male thread against and along the planar leading end of the female thread to guide the male thread into a gap between turns of the female thread.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a male end of a drill string component and a cross-sectional view of a female end of another drill string component each having a thread with a leading end in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention
  • Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a male end of a drill string component and a cross-sectional view of a female end of another drill string component each having a thread with a leading end in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention
  • Figure 3 illustrates a side view of an exploded drill string having drill string components having leading ends in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a drilling system including drill string components having leading ends in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.
  • aspects of the present invention are directed toward drilling components, tools, and systems that provide for effective and efficient making of threaded joints.
  • one or more aspects of the present invention include drill string components resistant to jamming and cross-threading. Such drill string components can reduce or eliminate damage to threads due to jamming and cross-threading.
  • one or more aspects include drill string components having threads with a leading end or thread start oriented at an acute angle relative to the central axis of the drill string component. Additionally or alternatively, the leading end of the thread can provide an abrupt transition to full thread depth and/or width.
  • Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to "about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. [0033] As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
  • a first drill string component 102 can comprise a body 103 and a male connector or pin end 104.
  • a second drill string component 106 can include a body 107 and a female connector or box end 108.
  • the pin end 104 of the first drill string component 106 can be configured to connect to the box end 108 of the second drill string component 106.
  • each drill string component 102, 106 can comprise a hollow body having a central axis 126 extending there through as shown in Figures 1 and 2.
  • one or more of the drill string components 102, 106 can comprise a solid body (such as a percussive drill rod or drill bit) or a partially hollow body.
  • the pin end 104 can include a male thread 1 10 (i.e., a thread that projects radially outward from outer surface of the pin end 104).
  • the box end 108 can include a female thread 1 12 (i.e., a thread that projects radially inward from an inner surface of the box end 108).
  • the male thread 1 10 and the female thread 1 12 can have generally corresponding characteristics (e.g., lead, pitch, threads per inch, number of thread starts, pitch diameter, etc.).
  • the male and female threads 110, 1 12 include straight threads, in alternative aspects, the male and female threads 1 10, 1 12 are tapered.
  • male and female threads 1 10, 1 12 may have corresponding characteristics, it is not necessary that threads 110, 1 12 be uniform along their entire length. Indeed, male thread 1 10 may have characteristics corresponding to those of female thread 112 despite the characteristics changing along the respective lengths of pin end 104 or box end 108.
  • the male and female threads 110, 112 can include characteristics the same as or similar to those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,788,401, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.
  • the male and female threads 1 10, 1 12 can comprise single start, helical tapered threads.
  • the male and female threads 110, 112 can have frusta-conical crests and roots with the taper being about 0.75 to 1.6 degrees.
  • the male and female threads 110, 1 12 can have a pitch of about 2.5 to 4.5 threads/inc.
  • the male and female threads 110, 1 12 can also have negative pressure flank angles of about 7.5 to 15 degrees relative to a perpendicular to drill string central axis and clearance flanks of an angle of at least 45 degrees to aid in maintaining the joint in a coupled condition, even under overload, and facilitate joint make up.
  • the box end and pin end can have shoulders tapered at about 5 to 10 degrees.
  • the pin crests can have an interference fit with the box roots while the box crests are radially spaced from the pin roots to provide a rigid joint while leaving a space for debris and pressurized lubricant.
  • threads 1 10, 1 12 are illustrated as having a generally rectangular thread form.
  • Such thread form is merely one possible thread form that may be used.
  • threads consistent with the disclosure herein may have other thread forms.
  • a thread form may include a square, triangular, trapezoidal, or other shape.
  • the pin end 104 and/or the box end 108 may include straight or tapered threads.
  • the box end 108 includes tapered threads 112.
  • the size of the thread 112 at or near the trailing edge 120 of the box end 108 may be larger than the size of male threads 1 10, and the female threads 112 may taper to a reduced size more similar to the size of male threads 1 10.
  • the male thread 110 can begin proximate a leading edge 1 14 of the pin end 104.
  • Figures 1 and 2 illustrate that the male thread 110 can be offset a distance (shown has a linear distance 1 16) from the leading edge 114 of the pin end 104.
  • the offset distance 116 may vary as desired, and can particularly be different based on the size of the drill string component 102, configuration of the thread 1 10, or based on other factors.
  • the offset distance 1 16 is between about one-half and about twice the width 118 of the male thread 110.
  • the offset distance 1 16 may be greater or lesser.
  • the offset distance 116 is zero such that the male thread 110 begins at the leading edge 1 14 of the pin end 104.
  • female thread 1 12 can begin proximate a trailing edge 120 of the box end 108.
  • Figures 1 and 2 illustrate that the female thread 1 12 can be offset a distance (shown has a linear distance 122) from the trailing edge 120 of the box end 108.
  • the offset distance 122 may vary as desired, and can particularly be different based on the size of the drill string component 106, configuration of the female thread 1 12, or based on other factors. In at least one aspect, the offset distance 122 is between about one-half and about twice the width 124 of the female thread 1 12. Alternatively, the offset distance 122 may be greater or lesser. For example, in one or more aspects the offset distance 122 is zero such that the female thread 1 12 begins at the trailing edge 120 of the pin end 104.
  • the offset distance 116 can be equal to the offset distance 122 as shown in Figure 1. In alternative aspects, the offset distance 122 may be greater or smaller than the offset distance 1 16. In any event, as the leading edge 1 14 of the pin end 104 is inserted into the box end 108 and rotated, the male thread 110 may engage the female thread 112, and the pin end 104 may advance linearly along a central axis 126 of the box end 108.
  • the male and female threads 110, 112 can be helically disposed relative to the respective pin and box ends 104, 108.
  • each of the male thread 110 and the female thread 112 can comprise a plurality of helical turns extending along the respective drill string component 102, 106.
  • the threads may therefore rotate relative to each other and fit within gaps between corresponding threads.
  • the male thread 1 10 generally winds around pin end 104 at an angle 128, which can also be measured relative to the leading edge 114 of the pin end 114.
  • the male thread 1 10 can include a thread width 118 and the female thread 1 12 can include a thread width 124 as previously mentioned.
  • thread width can comprise the linear distance between edges of a thread crest as measured along a line normal to the edges of the thread crest.
  • the thread widths 118, 124 can vary depending upon the configuration of the threads 110, 112.
  • the thread width 118 of the male thread 110 is equal to the thread width 124 of the female thread 1 12.
  • the thread width 1 18 of the male thread 110 is larger or smaller than the thread width 124 of the female thread 112.
  • the male thread 1 10 can include a thread depth 130 and the female thread 1 12 can include a thread depth 132.
  • thread depth can comprise the linear distance from the surface from which the thread extends (i.e., the outer surface of the pin end 104 or inner surface of the box end 108) to most radially distal point on the thread crest as measured along a line normal to the surface from which the thread extends.
  • the thread depths 130, 132 can vary depending upon the configuration of the threads 1 10, 1 12 and/or the size of the drill string components 102, 106.
  • the thread depth 130 of the male thread 110 is equal to the thread depth 132 of the female thread 112.
  • the thread depth 130 of the male thread 110 is larger or smaller than the thread depth 132 of the female thread 112.
  • the thread width 118, 124 of each thread 110, 112 is greater than the thread depth 130, 132 of each thread 1 10, 1 12.
  • the thread width 1 18, 124 of each thread 110, 112 is at least two times the thread depth 130, 132 of each thread 1 10, 1 12.
  • the thread width 1 18, 124 of each thread 110, 112 is approximately equal to or less than the thread depth 130, 132 of each thread 110, 112.
  • both the male and female threads 1 10, 1 12 can include a leading end or thread start.
  • Figures 1 and 2 illustrate that the male thread 110 can include a thread start or leading end 134.
  • the female thread 1 12 can include a thread start or leading end 136.
  • the leading end 134 of the male thread 110 can comprise a planar surface that extends from the outer surface of the pin end 104.
  • the leading end 134 of the male thread 110 can comprise a planar surface that extends radially outward from the outer surface of the pin end 104, thereby forming a face surface.
  • the leading end 134 can extend in a direction normal to the outer surface of the pin end 104.
  • the leading end 134 can extend in a direction substantially normal to the outer surface of the pin end 104 (i.e., in a direction oriented at an angle less than about 15 degrees to a direction normal to the outer surface of the pin end 104).
  • the leading end 134 can comprise a surface that curves along at least a portion of one or more of its height or width.
  • the leading end 134 of the male thread 110 can extend the full thread width 118 of the male thread 110.
  • the leading end 134 of the male thread 1 10 can extend from a leading edge 140 to a trailing edge 138 of the male thread 110.
  • the planar surface forming the leading end 134 can span the entire thread width 118 of the male thread 1 10. It is optionally contemplated that the leading end 134 can span less than the entire thread width 118 of the male thread 110.
  • the leading end 134 of the male thread 1 10 can extend the full thread depth 130 of the male thread 110. In other words, a height of the leading end 134 of the male thread 1 10 can be equal to the thread depth 130.
  • the planar surface forming the leading end 134 can span the entire thread depth 130 of the male thread 110.
  • the leading end 134 or thread start can comprise an abrupt transition to the full depth and/or width of the male thread 1 10.
  • the male thread 110 does not include a tail end that tapers gradually to the full depth of the male thread 110.
  • the planar surface forming the leading end 134 can span less than the entire thread depth 130 of the male thread 1 10.
  • the leading end 136 of the female thread 112 can comprise a planar surface that extends from the inner surface of the box end 108.
  • the leading end 136 of the female thread 112 can comprise a planar surface that extends radially inward from the inner surface of the box end 108, thereby forming a face surface.
  • the leading end 136 extends in a direction normal to the inner and/or outer surface of the box end 108.
  • the leading end 136 extends in a direction substantially normal to the inner or outer surface of the box end 108 (i.e., in a direction oriented at an angle less than about 15 degrees to a direction normal to the inner and/or outer surface of the box end 108).
  • the leading end 136 can comprise a surface that curves along one or more of its height or width.
  • the leading end 134 and the leading end 136 can comprise cooperating curved surfaces.
  • leading end 136 of the female thread 1 12 can extend the full thread width 124 of the female thread 112.
  • leading end 136 of the female thread 1 12 can extend from a leading edge 142 to a trailing edge 144 of the female thread 112.
  • planar surface forming the leading end 136 can span the entire thread width 124 of the female thread 1 12.
  • the leading end 136 of the female thread 112 can extend the full thread depth 132 of the female thread 112. In other words, a height of the leading end 136 of the female thread 112 can be equal to the thread depth 132.
  • the planar surface forming the leading end 136 can span the entire thread depth 132 of the female thread 112.
  • the leading end 136 or thread start can comprise an abrupt transition to the full depth and/or width of the female thread 1 12.
  • the female thread 112 does not include a tail end that tapers gradually to the full depth of the female thread 1 12.
  • leading end or thread start 136 of the female thread 112 is illustrated as being formed by material that remains after machining or another process used to form the threads.
  • the leading end or thread start 136 may be, relative to the interior surface of the box end 108, embossed rather than recessed.
  • the leading end 134 of the male thread 110 can have a size and/or shape equal to the leading end 136 of the female thread 112.
  • the size and/or shape of the leading end 134 of the male thread 1 10 can differ from the size and/or shape of the leading end 136 of the female thread 112.
  • the leading end 134 of the male thread 110 can be larger than the leading end 136 of the female thread 112.
  • the leading ends 134, 136 of the male and female threads 110, 112 can each have an off-axis orientation.
  • the planar surfaces of the leading ends 134, 136 of the male and female threads 1 10, 1 12 can each extend in a direction offset or non-parallel to a central axis 126 of the drill string components 102, 106.
  • the planar surface of the leading end 134 of the male thread 110 can face an adjacent turn of the male thread 1 10.
  • the planar surface of the leading end 136 of the female thread 1 12 can face an adjacent turn of the female thread 112.
  • the planar surface of the leading end 134 of the male thread 1 10 can face toward the leading edge 1 14 of the pin end 104.
  • the planar surface of the leading end 136 of the female thread 1 12 can face toward the trailing edge 120 of the box end 108.
  • the planar surface of the leading end 134 of the male thread 110 can face toward the leading edge 114 of the pin end 104 and the planar surface of the leading end 136 of the female thread 1 12 can face an adjacent turn of the female thread 1 12.
  • planar surface of the leading end 134 of the male thread 110 can face an adjacent turn of the male thread 110 and the planar surface of the leading end 136 of the female thread 112 can face toward the trailing edge 120 of the box end 108.
  • the planar surface of the leading end 134 of the male thread 110 can extend at an angle relative to the leading edge 114 or the central axis 126 of the pin end 104.
  • the planar surface of the leading end 134 of the male thread 110 can be oriented at an angle 146 relative to the central axis 126 of the drill string component 102, although the angle may also be measured relative to the leading edge 114.
  • the illustrated orientation and existence of a planar surface of the leading end 134 is particularly noticeable when compared to traditional threads, which taper to a point such that there is virtually no distance between the leading and trailing edges of a thread, thereby providing no face surface.
  • the leading end 136 of the female thread 112 can extend at an angle relative to the trailing edge 120 or the central axis 126 of the pin end 104.
  • the planar surface of the leading end 136 of the female thread 112 is oriented at an angle 148 relative to the central axis 126 of the drill string component 106, although the angle may also be measured relative to the trailing edge 120.
  • angles 146, 148 can be varied in accordance with the present disclosure and include any number of different angles.
  • the angles 146, 148 may be varied based on other characteristics of the threads 1 10, 1 12, or based on a value that is independent of thread characteristics.
  • angle 146 is equal to angle 148.
  • the angle 146 can differ from angle 148.
  • angles 146, 148 are each acute angles.
  • each of the angles 146, 148 can comprise an angle between about 10 degrees and 80 degrees, about 15 degrees and about 75 degrees, about 20 degrees and about 70 degrees, about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees, about 40 degrees and about 50 degrees.
  • the angles 146, 148 can comprise about 45 degrees.
  • a leading end 134 of the male thread 1 10 can mate with the leading end 136 of the female thread 112 to aid in making a joint between the first drill string component 102 and the second drill string component 106.
  • a leading ends 134, 136 or thread start face can thus be provided.
  • the leading ends 134, 136 may be angled or otherwise oriented with respect to an axis 126, the thread start face may also be normal to the major and/or minor diameters of cylindrical surfaces of the corresponding pin and box ends 104, 108.
  • Such geometry eliminates a tail-type thread start that can act as a wedge, thereby eliminating geometry that leads to wedging upon mating of the pin and box ends 104, 108.
  • the leading ends 134, 136 or thread starts may have corresponding surfaces that, when mated together, create a sliding interface in a near thread-coupled condition.
  • the leading ends 134, 136 are each oriented at acute angles, the leading ends 134, 136 or thread start faces may engage each other and cooperatively draw threads into a fully thread-coupled condition.
  • the leading ends 134, 136 can engage and direct each other into corresponding recesses between threads. Such may occur during rotation and feed of one or both of the drill string components 102, 106.
  • thread start tails are eliminated, there are few— if any— limits on rotational positions for mating.
  • the pin and box ends 104, 108 can have the full circumference available for mating, with no jamming prone positions.
  • a thread 1 10 may be formed with a tail using conventional machining processes.
  • the tail may be least partially removed to form the leading end 134.
  • a tail may extend around approximately half the circumference of a given pin end 104. Consequently, if the entire tail of the thread 1 10 is removed, the thread 1 10 may have a leading end 134 aligned with the axis 126. If, however, more of the thread 1 10 beyond just the tail is removed, leading end 134 may be offset relative to the axis 126.
  • the tail may be removed by a separate machining process.
  • a thread start face may be formed in the absence of creation and/or subsequent removal of a tail-type thread start.
  • the thread is formed using electrical discharge machining. Electrical discharge machining can allow for the formation of the leading end 134 since metal can be consumed during the process. Alternatively, electrochemical machining or other processes that consume material may also be used to form the leading ends 134, 136 of the threads 110, 1 12.
  • the drill string components 102, 106 can comprise hollow bodies. More specifically, in one or more aspects the drill string components can be thin-walled.
  • the drill string component 106 can include an outer diameter 150, an inner diameter 152, and a wall thickness 154.
  • the wall thickness 154 can equal one half of the outer diameter 150 minus the inner diameter 152.
  • the drill string component 106 has a wall thickness 154 between about approximately 5 percent and 15 percent of the outer diameter 150.
  • the drill string component 106 has a wall thickness 154 between about approximately 6 percent and 8 percent of the outer diameter 150.
  • a thin-walled drill string components can limit the geometry of the threads 112. However, a thin-walled drill string component can nonetheless includes a leading end 134, 136 as described hereinabove despite such limitations.
  • the drill string components 102, 106 can comprise any number of different types of tools.
  • any threaded member used on a drill string can include one or more of a box end 108 and a pin end 104 having leading ends or thread starts as described in relation to Figures 1 and 2.
  • drill string components can include a locking coupling 201, an adaptor coupling 202, a drill rod 204, and a reamer 206 can each include both a pin end 104 and a box end 108 with leading ends 134, 136 that resist or reduce jamming and cross-threading as described above in relation to Figure 1.
  • drill string components can include a stabilizer 203, a landing ring 205 and a drill bit 207 including a box end 108 with a leading end 136 that resists or reduces jamming and cross-threading as described above in relation to Figure 1.
  • the drill string components 102, 106 can comprise casings, reamers, core lifters, or other drill string components.
  • a drilling system 300 may be used to drill into a formation 304.
  • the drilling system 300 may include a drill string 302 formed from a plurality of drill rods 204 or other drill string components 201-207.
  • the drill rods 204 may be rigid and/or metallic, or alternatively may be constructed from other suitable materials.
  • the drill string 302 may include a series of connected drill rods that may be assembled section-by-section as the drill string 302 advances into the formation 304.
  • a drill bit 207 (for example, an open-faced drill bit or other type of drill bit) may be secured to the distal end of the drill string 302.
  • the terms “down,” “lower,” “leading,” and “distal end” refer to the end of the drill string 302 including the drill bit 207. While the terms “up,” “upper,” “trailing,” or “proximal” refer to the end of the drill string 302 opposite the drill bit 207.
  • the drilling system 300 may include a drill rig 301 that may rotate and/or push the drill bit 207, the drill rods 204 and/or other portions of the drill string 302 into the formation 304.
  • the drill rig 301 may include a driving mechanism, for example, a rotary drill head 306, a sled assembly 308, and a mast 310.
  • the drill head 306 may be coupled to the drill string 302, and can rotate the drill bit 207, the drill rods 204 and/or other portions of the drill string 302. If desired, the rotary drill head 306 may be configured to vary the speed and/or direction that it rotates these components.
  • the sled assembly 308 can move relative to the mast 310.
  • the sled assembly 308 may provide a force against the rotary drill head 306, which may push the drill bit 207, the drill rods 204 and/or other portions of the drill string 302 further into the formation 304, for example, while they are being rotated.
  • the drill rig 301 does not require a rotary drill head, a sled assembly, a slide frame or a drive assembly and that the drill rig 301 may include other suitable components. It will also be appreciated that the drilling system 300 does not require a drill rig and that the drilling system 300 may include other suitable components that may rotate and/or push the drill bit 207, the drill rods 204 and/or other portions of the drill string 302 into the formation 304. For example, sonic, percussive, or down hole motors may be used.
  • the drilling system 300 can further include a drill rod drill rod clamping device 312.
  • the driving mechanism may advance the drill string 302 and particularly a first drill rod 204 until a trailing portion of the first drill rod 204 is proximate an opening of a borehole formed by the drill string 302.
  • the drill rod clamping device 312 may grasp the first drill rod 204, which may help prevent inadvertent loss of the first drill rod 204 and the drill string 302 down the borehole. With the drill rod clamping device 312 grasping the first drill rod 204, the driving mechanism may be disconnected from the first drill rod 204.
  • An additional or second drill rod 204 may then be connected to the driving mechanism manually or automatically using a drill rod handling device, such as that described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0021271, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
  • Next driving mechanism can
  • a joint between the first drill rod 204 and the second drill rod 204 may be made by threading the second drill rod 204 into the first drill rod 204.
  • the leading ends 134, 136 of the male and female threads 110, 1 12 of the drill rods 204 can prevent or reduce jamming and cross-threading even when the joint between the drill rods 204 is made automatically by the drill rig 301.
  • the drill rod clamping device 312 may release the drill 302.
  • the driving mechanism may advance the drill string 302 further into the formation to a greater desired depth. This process of grasping the drill string 302, disconnecting the driving mechanism, connecting an additional drill rod 204, releasing the grasp, and advancing the drill string 302 to a greater depth may be repeatedly performed to drill deeper and deeper into the formation.
  • Figures 1-4 provide a number of different components and mechanisms for making joints between drill string components while reducing or eliminating jamming and cross-threading.
  • aspects of the present invention can also be described in terms acts and steps in a method for accomplishing a particular result. For example, a method of a method of making a joint in a drill string without jamming or cross threading is described below with reference to the components and diagrams of Figures 1 through 4.
  • the method can involve inserting a pin end 104 of a first drill string component 102 into a box end 108 of a second drill string component 106.
  • the method can also involve rotating the first drill sting component 102 relative to the second drill string component 108.
  • the method can further involve abutting a planar leading end 134 of a male thread 110 on the pin end 104 of the first drill string component 102 against a planar leading end 136 of a female thread 1 12 on the box end 108 of the second drill string component 106.
  • planar leading end 134 of the male thread 110 can be oriented at an acute angle 146 relative to a central axis 26 of the first drill string component 102.
  • planar leading end 136 of the female thread 112 can be oriented at an acute angle 148 relative to a central axis 26 of the second drill string component 106.
  • the method can further involve sliding the planar leading end 134 of the male thread 110 against and along the planar leading end 136 of the female thread 112 to guide the male thread 1 10 into a gap between turns of the female thread 112. Sliding the planar leading end 134 of the male thread 1 10 against and along the planar leading end 136 of the female thread 112 can cause the first drill string component 102 to rotate relative to the second drill string component 106 due to the acute angles 146, 148 of the planar leading ends 134, 136 of the male and female threads 110, 112.
  • the method can involve automatically rotating and advancing the first drill sting component 102 relative to the second drill string component 106 using a drill rig 301 without manually handling the drill string components 106, 108.
  • the planar leading end 136 of the female thread 1 12 can extend along an entire depth 132 of the female thread 1 10.
  • the planar leading end 134 of the male thread 1 10 can extend along an entire depth 130 of the male thread 1 10.
  • the tail- type thread start can be eliminated, thereby allowing: (a) substantially full circumference rotational positioning for threading; and (b) a guiding surface for placing mating threads into a threading position.
  • the angled start face can engage a corresponding thread or thread start face and direct the corresponding thread into a threading position between helical threads.
  • the tail has been eliminated to virtually eliminate wedging prone geometry.
  • a line intersecting a thread crest and a thread start face may include a joint taper. Under feed, the thread start face can mate with the mating thread crest in a manner that reduces or eliminates wedging as the intersection and subsequent thread resist wedging, jamming, and cross-threading.
  • a joint taper may be sufficient to reduce the major diameter at a smaller end of a male thread to be less than a minor diameter at a large end of a female thread.
  • off- center threading may be used for tapered threads.
  • the threads of the present disclosure may be formed in any number of suitable manners. For instance, as described previously, turning devices such as lathes may have difficultly creating an abrupt thread start face such as those disclosed herein. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a thread may be formed to include a tail. A subsequent grinding, milling, or other process may then be employed to remove a portion of the tail and create a thread start such as those described herein, or may be learned from a review of the disclosure herein. In other embodiments, other equipment may be utilized, including a combination of turning and other machining equipment. For instance, a lathe may produce a portion of the thread while other machinery can further process a male or female component to add a thread start face. In still other embodiments, molding, casting, single point cutting, taps and dies, die heads, milling, grinding, rolling, lapping, or other processes, or any combination of the foregoing, may be used to create a thread in accordance with the disclosure herein.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
  • Road Signs Or Road Markings (AREA)
  • Drilling And Boring (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte, selon des aspects, à des composants de train de tiges de forage qui comportent un filetage qui s'étend autour d'un corps. L'extrémité de tête du filetage peut présenter une configuration qui résiste au calage et à une déformation du filetage. En particulier, l'extrémité de tête du filetage peut présenter une surface plane perpendiculaire au corps. L'extrémité de tête peut produire une transition abrupte vers une profondeur de passe maximale qui aide à réduire ou à éliminer la déformation du filetage. L'extrémité de tête du filetage peut être orientée selon un certain angle par rapport à l'axe du composant de train de tiges de forage. Lorsque les filetages mâles et femelles complémentaires sont structurés de manière similaire, les filetages homologues sont structurés de manière similaire, les filetages homologues coulissent ensemble le long d'une interface au niveau de la face de départ du filetage et sont tirés dans un état couplé par filetage total. Les départs du filetage peuvent présenter une correspondance sur toute la circonférence sans positions de calage.
EP13865824.0A 2012-12-18 2013-12-17 Composants de train de tiges de forage résistants au calage Withdrawn EP2935758A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/717,885 US20130220636A1 (en) 2011-01-26 2012-12-18 Drill string components resistant to jamming
PCT/US2013/075646 WO2014099902A1 (fr) 2012-12-18 2013-12-17 Composants de train de tiges de forage résistants au calage

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EP2935758A1 true EP2935758A1 (fr) 2015-10-28
EP2935758A4 EP2935758A4 (fr) 2017-01-18

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EP (1) EP2935758A4 (fr)
CN (1) CN104919129A (fr)
AU (1) AU2013362987A1 (fr)
BR (1) BR112015013326A2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2890468A1 (fr)
CL (1) CL2015001717A1 (fr)
PE (1) PE20151102A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2014099902A1 (fr)

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US9850723B2 (en) 2011-01-26 2017-12-26 Bly Ip Inc. Drill string components having multiple-thread joints
US9810029B2 (en) 2011-01-26 2017-11-07 Bly Ip Inc. Drill string components resistant to jamming
US10557316B2 (en) 2011-01-26 2020-02-11 Bly Ip Inc. Drill string components having multiple-thread joints
US10344541B2 (en) * 2014-10-08 2019-07-09 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Downhole tool connection assembly and method
TWI728455B (zh) * 2019-09-04 2021-05-21 艋庫拉制震股份有限公司 車刀出水裝置

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US4630690A (en) * 1985-07-12 1986-12-23 Dailey Petroleum Services Corp. Spiralling tapered slip-on drill string stabilizer
US5358289A (en) * 1992-03-13 1994-10-25 Nkk Corporation Buttress-threaded tubular connection
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CL2015001717A1 (es) 2015-10-30
CA2890468A1 (fr) 2014-06-26
AU2013362987A1 (en) 2015-04-30
EP2935758A4 (fr) 2017-01-18
WO2014099902A1 (fr) 2014-06-26
PE20151102A1 (es) 2015-08-06
CN104919129A (zh) 2015-09-16
BR112015013326A2 (pt) 2017-07-11

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