US20230417107A1 - Drill Bore Protection Device and Method - Google Patents
Drill Bore Protection Device and Method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230417107A1 US20230417107A1 US18/462,982 US202318462982A US2023417107A1 US 20230417107 A1 US20230417107 A1 US 20230417107A1 US 202318462982 A US202318462982 A US 202318462982A US 2023417107 A1 US2023417107 A1 US 2023417107A1
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- Prior art keywords
- sleeve
- drill
- protection device
- elongated member
- bore
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 15
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 18
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 12
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 5
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002457 bidirectional effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011900 installation process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001050 lubricating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
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
- E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
- E21B7/04—Directional drilling
- E21B7/046—Directional drilling horizontal drilling
-
- 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
- E21B10/00—Drill bits
- E21B10/26—Drill bits with leading portion, i.e. drill bits with a pilot cutter; Drill bits for enlarging the borehole, e.g. reamers
-
- 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
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/02—Subsoil filtering
- E21B43/10—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells
- E21B43/103—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells of expandable casings, screens, liners, or the like
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an improvement to the typical process of horizontal directional drilling. Specifically, the present invention provides an improved method for protecting a conduit that is being installed using a horizontal direction drilling process.
- Directional drilling processes such as horizontal directional drilling, are utilized to assist workers in creating underground bores that may house utility lines, such as network lines, electrical lines, or the like. By allowing workers to drill underground without having to significantly disrupt roadways, buildings and other structures, utility line installation is safer and more efficient.
- horizontal directional drilling consists of three primary steps.
- the first step is drilling a pilot bore, during which a drill head, operated by a drill rig, is directed along a pathway that will eventually be utilized in utility line installation.
- the drill head is remotely directed from the entry site to the exit site of the planned pathway.
- a drill pipe is situated behind the drill head, such that drill fluid may be pumped to the pathway to assist in removing debris, lubricating the drill pipe, and cooling the drill bit.
- the second step is to ream the pilot bore using a reamer.
- a reamer is a cutting mechanism designed to enlarge the pilot bore to a desired size in order to accommodate the intended pathway size.
- the reamer is attached to a tail string, so that it may be pulled back once it returns to the entry site of the pathway. Multiple reamers may be passed through the pathway, such that a desired diameter may be reached.
- a swab pass is conducted.
- a swab pass involves passing a reamer (roughly the size of the desired diameter) is passed through the pathway to clear out any remaining cuttings or debris.
- the conduit may be of any suitable construction.
- the conduit may be steel or plastic tubing.
- the conduit may be vulnerable to damage from drill bore cuttings, drill bore collapses, or hydro-lock.
- the pathway itself may be susceptible to structural damage, especially in the presence of certain types of soils. Therefore, there is a defined need amongst the known methods of horizontal directional drilling for a device to provide additional protection to a conduit that is being installed.
- the present invention provides a drill bore protection device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when installing an underground pathway for the installation of a desired conduit.
- the present system comprises an elongated member.
- the elongated member defines a first end opposite a second end.
- a first sleeve is disposed on the elongated member proximally to the first end of the elongated member.
- a second sleeve is disposed on the elongated member proximally to the second end of the elongated member.
- the first sleeve and the second sleeve define a closed end opposite an open end.
- the closed ends of each of the first sleeve and the second sleeve face the front end of the elongated member.
- the open ends of each of the first sleeve and the second sleeve face the rear end of the elongated member.
- a liner is disposed in a first interior cavity defined by the first sleeve.
- the present system further includes a method of using a drill bore protection device in a process for installing a conduit using horizontal directional drilling technology.
- the method for protecting a drill bore includes defining a pilot bore utilizing a pilot drill in operable connection with a drill rig. Once the pilot bore is defined, the pilot bore is then reamed, extending the circumference of the pilot bore to a desired circumference.
- the reamer is, like the pilot drill, operably connected to the drill rig.
- the drill bore protection device is utilized in combination with the conduit itself.
- the conduit is affixed to the drill bore protection device, such that when the drill bore protection device is pulled, the liner is disposed along the pilot bore to protect the conduit.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the drill bore protection device.
- FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the drill bore protection device.
- FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional demonstrative view of an embodiment of the drill bore protection device.
- FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional demonstrative view of an embodiment of the drill bore protection device.
- FIG. 5 shows a demonstrative view of an embodiment of the drill bore protection device.
- the drill bore protection device 10 comprises an elongated member 11 .
- the elongated member 11 defines a front end 14 provided opposite of a rear end 15 .
- the elongated member 11 is linear in orientation, such as to provide components placed upon the elongated member 11 in a linear alignment.
- the elongated member 11 is cylindrical in orientation.
- the elongated member 11 is made of any suitable material for use in horizontal directional drilling, such as a hard plastic like polyvinyl chloride or a metal like aluminum.
- the elongated member 11 comprises a first sleeve 12 .
- the first sleeve 12 is disposed on the elongated member 11 proximal to the front end 14 of the elongated member 11 .
- the first sleeve 12 defines a closed end 17 and an open end 18 .
- the closed end 17 of the first sleeve 12 faces the front end 14 of the elongated member 11 .
- the open end 18 of the first sleeve 12 faces the rear end 15 of the elongated member 11 .
- a portion of the elongated member 11 extends beyond the closed end 17 of the first sleeve 12 .
- the first sleeve 12 defines a first interior cavity (shown in FIG. 2 ).
- the first sleeve 12 is made of any suitable material for use in horizontal directional drilling, such as a hard plastic like polyvinyl chloride or a metal like aluminum.
- the elongated member 11 comprises a second sleeve 13 .
- the second sleeve 13 is disposed on the elongated member 11 proximal to the rear end 15 of the elongated member.
- the second sleeve 13 defines a closed end 17 and an open end 18 .
- the closed end 17 of the second sleeve 13 faces the front end 14 of the elongated member 11 .
- the open end 18 of the second sleeve 13 faces the rear end 15 of the elongated member 11 .
- the second sleeve 13 defines a second interior cavity (shown in FIG. 2 ).
- the second sleeve 13 is made of any suitable material for use in horizontal directional drilling, such as a hard plastic like polyvinyl chloride or a metal like aluminum.
- the drill bore protection device 10 further comprises a liner 16 .
- the liner 16 is disposed in the first interior cavity of the first sleeve 12 , between the first sleeve 12 and the second sleeve 13 .
- the liner 16 is configured to extend as the drill bore protection device 10 is pulled through a pilot bore during horizontal directional drilling.
- the liner 16 is affixed to the elongated member 11 within the first interior cavity of the first sleeve 12 .
- the liner 16 is secured in the first interior cavity by any suitable means, such as by structural affixation or by use of an adhesive.
- the liner 16 is of any suitable material for protecting a conduit being installed underground.
- the liner 16 may be made of a flexible, but durable plastic material.
- the liner 16 is tubular in construction such as to allow for a conduit to be entirely surrounded by the liner 16 as the conduit is being pulled through the passageway.
- each of the first sleeve 12 and the second sleeve 13 comprises a head 23 .
- the head 23 is configured to form the closed ends 17 of each of the first sleeve 12 and the second sleeve 13 .
- the heads 23 are angled.
- the head 23 of the first sleeve 12 being angled enables the flow of drilling fluid or drill mud over the remaining portion of the drill bore protection device 10 .
- the head 23 of the second sleeve 13 being angled enables the liner 16 to easily slide over the second sleeve 13 as the drill bore protection device 10 is pushed or pulled through a drill bore.
- the head 23 is of a greater diameter than the remaining portion of the first sleeve 12 and the second sleeve 13 .
- the elongated member 11 is hollow in construction. Among other reasons, the hollow construction of the elongated member 11 allows for the passage of drilling fluid or drill mud through the elongated member 11 into the liner 16 .
- the elongated member 11 comprises a plurality of apertures 27 .
- the plurality of apertures 27 are disposed on the elongated member 11 between the first sleeve 12 and the second sleeve 13 . The plurality of apertures 27 will enable more efficient flow of drilling fluid or drilling mud through the drill bore protection device 10 .
- the liner 16 is disposed within the first interior volume 19 of the first sleeve 12 .
- the liner 16 may be secured within the first interior volume 19 by any suitable means or mechanism.
- the liner 16 may be stored in a rolling mechanism, such as to enable storage and transport of the drill bore protection device 10 within the liner 16 extending beyond the open end 18 of the first sleeve 12 .
- first sleeve 12 and the second sleeve 13 are of an identical diameter. In alternate embodiments, the first sleeve 12 and the second sleeve 13 are of different diameters.
- the second sleeve 13 must be of a suitable diameter, relative to the first sleeve 12 to enable the liner 16 to slide over the second sleeve 13 as the liner 16 is removed from the first interior cavity 19 .
- the closed end 17 of the second sleeve 13 is angled such as to assist the liner 16 in sliding over the second sleeve 13 .
- the elongated member 11 is configured to secure to a stinger 20 of a reamer 21 .
- the drill bore protection device 10 may be utilized as the reamer 21 is being utilized to ream a pilot bore.
- the drill bore protection tool 10 can be affixed to the reamer 21 to protect a conduit 22 that is being pulled or pushed in operable connection with the reamer 21 .
- the conduit 22 is securable to the rear end of the elongated member 11 via the open end 18 of the second sleeve 13 .
- the drill bore protection device 10 will protect the conduit 22 as well as ensuring that the conduit 22 is secured to the reamer 21 .
- the drill bore protection device 10 comprises a pull cable 24 .
- the pull cable 24 is disposed through the elongated member 11 such that the pull cable 24 may be utilized to move the drill bore protection device 10 through a pilot bore.
- the pull cable 24 comprises a stopper 25 .
- the stopper 25 is configured to secure to the rear end 15 of the elongated member. As such, force applied to the pull cable 24 will be applied to the elongated member 11 via the stopper 25 .
- the stopper 25 is of a greater diameter than the elongated member 11 .
- the pull cable 24 comprises a front ring 25 and a rear ring 26 such as to enable bidirectional movement of the drill bore protection device 10 when utilized with a pull cable 24 .
- FIG. 5 there is shown a demonstrative view of an embodiment of the drill bore protection device.
- the drill bore protection device 10 will assist individuals during the horizontal directional drilling process.
- a pilot bore 28 is first defined utilizing a pilot drill in operable connection with a drill rig 29 . Once the pilot bore 28 is defined, the circumference of the pilot bore is increased to a desired size using a reamer 21 .
- the elongated member 11 of the drill bore protection device 10 is installed on the stinger of the reamer 21 , such that as the reamer 21 is pulled through the pilot bore 28 , the drill bore protection device 10 is also pulled through the pilot bore 28 .
- the drill bore protection device 10 may be pulled through the pilot bore 28 by itself, using a pull cable (as shown and described in FIG. 4 ). As the drill bore protection device 10 is pulled through the pilot bore, with or without the reamer 21 , the liner 16 will unravel, protecting the conduit 22 as it is being installed in the bore.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (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)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
Abstract
A drill bore protection device and method for protecting a drill bore are provided. The drill bore protection device includes an elongated member. The elongated member is defined by a front end and a rear end. A first sleeve is placed on the elongated member next to the front end of the elongated member. Additionally, a second sleeve is placed on the elongated member next to the rear end of the elongated member. The first sleeve and the second sleeve each have an open end and a closed end. The closed ends of the first sleeve and the second sleeve face the front end of the elongated member, while the open ends of the first sleeve and the second sleeve face the rear end of the elongated member. The first sleeve defines a first interior cavity. A liner is disposed in the first interior cavity of the first sleeve.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/876,749 filed on Sep. 3, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/876,747 filed on Sep. 5, 2019 and to U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 17/011,736 filed on Sep. 3, 2020. The above identified patent applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.
- The present invention relates to an improvement to the typical process of horizontal directional drilling. Specifically, the present invention provides an improved method for protecting a conduit that is being installed using a horizontal direction drilling process.
- Directional drilling processes, such as horizontal directional drilling, are utilized to assist workers in creating underground bores that may house utility lines, such as network lines, electrical lines, or the like. By allowing workers to drill underground without having to significantly disrupt roadways, buildings and other structures, utility line installation is safer and more efficient.
- Typically, horizontal directional drilling consists of three primary steps. The first step is drilling a pilot bore, during which a drill head, operated by a drill rig, is directed along a pathway that will eventually be utilized in utility line installation. The drill head is remotely directed from the entry site to the exit site of the planned pathway. A drill pipe is situated behind the drill head, such that drill fluid may be pumped to the pathway to assist in removing debris, lubricating the drill pipe, and cooling the drill bit.
- The second step is to ream the pilot bore using a reamer. Typically, once the drill head arrives at the exit site of the pathway, a reamer is attached to the drill pipe. A reamer is a cutting mechanism designed to enlarge the pilot bore to a desired size in order to accommodate the intended pathway size. The reamer is attached to a tail string, so that it may be pulled back once it returns to the entry site of the pathway. Multiple reamers may be passed through the pathway, such that a desired diameter may be reached. Once the reaming is completed, a swab pass is conducted. Typically, a swab pass involves passing a reamer (roughly the size of the desired diameter) is passed through the pathway to clear out any remaining cuttings or debris.
- Finally, a conduit is fed through the pathway to complete the installation process. The conduit may be of any suitable construction. For example, the conduit may be steel or plastic tubing. Typically, as the conduit is pulled through the pathway, the conduit may be vulnerable to damage from drill bore cuttings, drill bore collapses, or hydro-lock. Furthermore, the pathway itself may be susceptible to structural damage, especially in the presence of certain types of soils. Therefore, there is a defined need amongst the known methods of horizontal directional drilling for a device to provide additional protection to a conduit that is being installed.
- In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of directional drilling components now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a drill bore protection device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when installing an underground pathway for the installation of a desired conduit.
- The present system comprises an elongated member. The elongated member defines a first end opposite a second end. A first sleeve is disposed on the elongated member proximally to the first end of the elongated member. A second sleeve is disposed on the elongated member proximally to the second end of the elongated member. The first sleeve and the second sleeve define a closed end opposite an open end. The closed ends of each of the first sleeve and the second sleeve face the front end of the elongated member. The open ends of each of the first sleeve and the second sleeve face the rear end of the elongated member. A liner is disposed in a first interior cavity defined by the first sleeve.
- The present system further includes a method of using a drill bore protection device in a process for installing a conduit using horizontal directional drilling technology. The method for protecting a drill bore includes defining a pilot bore utilizing a pilot drill in operable connection with a drill rig. Once the pilot bore is defined, the pilot bore is then reamed, extending the circumference of the pilot bore to a desired circumference. The reamer is, like the pilot drill, operably connected to the drill rig. The drill bore protection device is utilized in combination with the conduit itself. The conduit is affixed to the drill bore protection device, such that when the drill bore protection device is pulled, the liner is disposed along the pilot bore to protect the conduit.
- Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.
-
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the drill bore protection device. -
FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the drill bore protection device. -
FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional demonstrative view of an embodiment of the drill bore protection device. -
FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional demonstrative view of an embodiment of the drill bore protection device. -
FIG. 5 shows a demonstrative view of an embodiment of the drill bore protection device. - Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the drill bore protection device. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the drill bore protection device. The drillbore protection device 10 comprises anelongated member 11. Theelongated member 11 defines afront end 14 provided opposite of arear end 15. In the illustrated embodiment, theelongated member 11 is linear in orientation, such as to provide components placed upon theelongated member 11 in a linear alignment. Additionally, in the demonstrated embodiment, theelongated member 11 is cylindrical in orientation. Theelongated member 11 is made of any suitable material for use in horizontal directional drilling, such as a hard plastic like polyvinyl chloride or a metal like aluminum. - The
elongated member 11 comprises afirst sleeve 12. Thefirst sleeve 12 is disposed on theelongated member 11 proximal to thefront end 14 of theelongated member 11. Thefirst sleeve 12 defines a closedend 17 and anopen end 18. The closedend 17 of thefirst sleeve 12 faces thefront end 14 of theelongated member 11. Theopen end 18 of thefirst sleeve 12 faces therear end 15 of theelongated member 11. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of theelongated member 11 extends beyond the closedend 17 of thefirst sleeve 12. Thefirst sleeve 12 defines a first interior cavity (shown inFIG. 2 ). Thefirst sleeve 12 is made of any suitable material for use in horizontal directional drilling, such as a hard plastic like polyvinyl chloride or a metal like aluminum. - Furthermore, the
elongated member 11 comprises asecond sleeve 13. Thesecond sleeve 13 is disposed on theelongated member 11 proximal to therear end 15 of the elongated member. Thesecond sleeve 13 defines aclosed end 17 and anopen end 18. Theclosed end 17 of thesecond sleeve 13 faces thefront end 14 of theelongated member 11. Theopen end 18 of thesecond sleeve 13 faces therear end 15 of theelongated member 11. Thesecond sleeve 13 defines a second interior cavity (shown inFIG. 2 ). Thesecond sleeve 13 is made of any suitable material for use in horizontal directional drilling, such as a hard plastic like polyvinyl chloride or a metal like aluminum. - The drill bore
protection device 10 further comprises aliner 16. Theliner 16 is disposed in the first interior cavity of thefirst sleeve 12, between thefirst sleeve 12 and thesecond sleeve 13. Theliner 16 is configured to extend as the drill boreprotection device 10 is pulled through a pilot bore during horizontal directional drilling. As such, theliner 16 is affixed to theelongated member 11 within the first interior cavity of thefirst sleeve 12. Theliner 16 is secured in the first interior cavity by any suitable means, such as by structural affixation or by use of an adhesive. Theliner 16 is of any suitable material for protecting a conduit being installed underground. For example, theliner 16 may be made of a flexible, but durable plastic material. Theliner 16 is tubular in construction such as to allow for a conduit to be entirely surrounded by theliner 16 as the conduit is being pulled through the passageway. - In the illustrated embodiment, each of the
first sleeve 12 and thesecond sleeve 13 comprises ahead 23. Thehead 23 is configured to form the closed ends 17 of each of thefirst sleeve 12 and thesecond sleeve 13. In the illustrated embodiments, theheads 23 are angled. Thehead 23 of thefirst sleeve 12 being angled enables the flow of drilling fluid or drill mud over the remaining portion of the drill boreprotection device 10. Thehead 23 of thesecond sleeve 13 being angled enables theliner 16 to easily slide over thesecond sleeve 13 as the drill boreprotection device 10 is pushed or pulled through a drill bore. As shown, thehead 23 is of a greater diameter than the remaining portion of thefirst sleeve 12 and thesecond sleeve 13. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , there is shown a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the drill bore protection device. In the illustrated embodiment, theelongated member 11 is hollow in construction. Among other reasons, the hollow construction of theelongated member 11 allows for the passage of drilling fluid or drill mud through theelongated member 11 into theliner 16. In the illustrated embodiment, theelongated member 11 comprises a plurality ofapertures 27. The plurality ofapertures 27 are disposed on theelongated member 11 between thefirst sleeve 12 and thesecond sleeve 13. The plurality ofapertures 27 will enable more efficient flow of drilling fluid or drilling mud through the drill boreprotection device 10. - As shown, the
liner 16 is disposed within the firstinterior volume 19 of thefirst sleeve 12. Theliner 16 may be secured within the firstinterior volume 19 by any suitable means or mechanism. For example, theliner 16 may be stored in a rolling mechanism, such as to enable storage and transport of the drill boreprotection device 10 within theliner 16 extending beyond theopen end 18 of thefirst sleeve 12. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
first sleeve 12 and thesecond sleeve 13 are of an identical diameter. In alternate embodiments, thefirst sleeve 12 and thesecond sleeve 13 are of different diameters. Thesecond sleeve 13 must be of a suitable diameter, relative to thefirst sleeve 12 to enable theliner 16 to slide over thesecond sleeve 13 as theliner 16 is removed from the firstinterior cavity 19. In the illustrated embodiment, theclosed end 17 of thesecond sleeve 13 is angled such as to assist theliner 16 in sliding over thesecond sleeve 13. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , there is shown a cross-sectional demonstrative view of an embodiment of the drill bore protection device. In the demonstrated embodiment, theelongated member 11 is configured to secure to astinger 20 of areamer 21. As such, the drill boreprotection device 10 may be utilized as thereamer 21 is being utilized to ream a pilot bore. As thereamer 21 is pulled or pushed by a drill rig, the drill boreprotection tool 10 can be affixed to thereamer 21 to protect aconduit 22 that is being pulled or pushed in operable connection with thereamer 21. Specifically, theconduit 22 is securable to the rear end of theelongated member 11 via theopen end 18 of thesecond sleeve 13. The drill boreprotection device 10 will protect theconduit 22 as well as ensuring that theconduit 22 is secured to thereamer 21. - Referring now to
FIG. 4 , there is shown a cross-sectional demonstrative view of an embodiment of the drill bore protection device. In the illustrated embodiment, the drill boreprotection device 10 comprises apull cable 24. Thepull cable 24 is disposed through theelongated member 11 such that thepull cable 24 may be utilized to move the drill boreprotection device 10 through a pilot bore. In the illustrated embodiment, thepull cable 24 comprises astopper 25. Thestopper 25 is configured to secure to therear end 15 of the elongated member. As such, force applied to thepull cable 24 will be applied to theelongated member 11 via thestopper 25. Thestopper 25 is of a greater diameter than theelongated member 11. Furthermore, in the demonstrated embodiment, thepull cable 24 comprises afront ring 25 and arear ring 26 such as to enable bidirectional movement of the drill boreprotection device 10 when utilized with apull cable 24. - Referring now to
FIG. 5 , there is shown a demonstrative view of an embodiment of the drill bore protection device. In use, the drill boreprotection device 10 will assist individuals during the horizontal directional drilling process. A pilot bore 28 is first defined utilizing a pilot drill in operable connection with adrill rig 29. Once the pilot bore 28 is defined, the circumference of the pilot bore is increased to a desired size using areamer 21. In the illustrated embodiment, theelongated member 11 of the drill boreprotection device 10 is installed on the stinger of thereamer 21, such that as thereamer 21 is pulled through the pilot bore 28, the drill boreprotection device 10 is also pulled through the pilot bore 28. Alternatively, the drill boreprotection device 10 may be pulled through the pilot bore 28 by itself, using a pull cable (as shown and described inFIG. 4 ). As the drill boreprotection device 10 is pulled through the pilot bore, with or without thereamer 21, theliner 16 will unravel, protecting theconduit 22 as it is being installed in the bore. - It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
- Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
Claims (12)
1) A drill bore protection device, comprising:
an elongated member defining a front end opposite of a rear end;
a first sleeve defined on the front end of the elongated member;
the first sleeve defining a first interior cavity;
a second sleeve defined on the rear end of the elongated member;
the first sleeve and the second sleeve each defining a closed end and an open end;
the closed end of each of the first sleeve and the second sleeve facing the front end of the elongated member;
the open end of each of the first sleeve and the second sleeve facing the rear end of the elongated member;
a liner disposed in the first interior cavity of the first sleeve;
wherein the liner is affixed to the elongated member only within the first interior cavity of the first sleeve;
wherein the liner is stored in a rolling mechanism to enable storage and transport of the drill bore protection device within the liner extending beyond the open end of the first sleeve;
wherein the elongated member, the first sleeve and the second sleeve are made of a plastic material; and
wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve are identical in diameter.
2) The drill bore protection device of claim 1 , wherein the elongated member is hollow in construction.
3) The drill bore protection device of claim 1 , wherein the elongated member configured to secure to a stinger of a reamer.
4) The drill bore protection device of claim 1 , wherein the rear end of the elongated member is configured to secure to a conduit.
5) The drill bore protection device of claim 1 , wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve comprise a head, wherein the head is of a greater diameter than a remainder portion of each of the first sleeve and the second sleeve.
6) The drill bore protection device of claim 1 , wherein a pull cable comprising a stopper is disposed through the elongated member.
7) The drill bore protection device of claim 1 , wherein a plurality of apertures are disposed on the elongated member between the first sleeve and the second sleeve.
8) The drill bore protection device of claim 1 , wherein the liner is made of a lightweight and durable material.
9) A method for protecting a drill bore, comprising:
providing a pilot bore using a pilot drill operably connected to a drill rig;
reaming the pilot bore to a desired circumference using a reamer operably connected to the drill rig;
affixing a conduit to a drill bore protection device;
the drill bore protection device comprising an elongated member having a first sleeve and a second sleeve and a liner disposed between the first sleeve and the second sleeve;
pulling the conduit and the drill bore protection device through the enlarged pilot bore.
10) The method for protecting a drill bore of claim 9 , further comprising the step of supplying drill fluid between the first sleeve and the second sleeve of the drill protection device.
11) A method for protecting a drill bore, comprising:
providing a pilot bore using a pilot drill operably connected to a drill rig;
providing a drill bore protection device;
the drill bore protection device comprising an elongated member having a first sleeve on and a second sleeve and a liner disposed between the first sleeve and the second sleeve;
sliding a front end of the elongated member of the drill bore protection device over a stinger of a reamer;
attaching a conduit to a rear end of the drill bore protection device;
reaming the pilot bore to a desired circumference using the reamer operably connected to the drill rig, pulling the conduit and the drill bore protection device through the enlarged pilot bore.
12) The method for protecting a drill bore of claim 11 , further comprising the step of supplying drill fluid between the first sleeve and the second sleeve of the drill protection device.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US18/462,982 US20230417107A1 (en) | 2019-09-03 | 2023-09-07 | Drill Bore Protection Device and Method |
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US201962876749P | 2019-09-03 | 2019-09-03 | |
US201962876747P | 2019-09-05 | 2019-09-05 | |
US17/011,736 US11781381B2 (en) | 2019-09-03 | 2020-09-03 | Drill bore protection device and method |
US18/462,982 US20230417107A1 (en) | 2019-09-03 | 2023-09-07 | Drill Bore Protection Device and Method |
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US2927775A (en) * | 1957-12-10 | 1960-03-08 | Jersey Prod Res Co | Unconsolidated formation core barrel |
EP0171574B1 (en) | 1984-07-13 | 1989-09-20 | WELLACH, Adolf | Reamer holder |
US5889217A (en) * | 1996-05-13 | 1999-03-30 | Rossabi; Joseph | Process and apparatus for obtaining samples of liquid and gas from soil |
US20020088649A1 (en) | 2001-01-08 | 2002-07-11 | Morris Donald G. | Hole opener having interchangeable sleeve reamer |
US7036611B2 (en) | 2002-07-30 | 2006-05-02 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Expandable reamer apparatus for enlarging boreholes while drilling and methods of use |
JP4270493B2 (en) * | 2003-03-26 | 2009-06-03 | 株式会社小松製作所 | Reaming device for ground drilling machine |
GB0320979D0 (en) * | 2003-09-08 | 2003-10-08 | Bp Exploration Operating | Method |
US7900717B2 (en) | 2006-12-04 | 2011-03-08 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Expandable reamers for earth boring applications |
US9341027B2 (en) | 2013-03-04 | 2016-05-17 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Expandable reamer assemblies, bottom-hole assemblies, and related methods |
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US20210062587A1 (en) | 2021-03-04 |
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