Patent US3633686A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3633686A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for directional drilling
Assignee: Sperry Sun Inc
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Filing: 1970-04-29
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Granted: 1972-01-11
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Expires: 1990-04-29
Abstract
Abstract Method and apparatus for directional drilling using explosive devices. The drill bit used for directional drilling has a bottom opening which is orientated on the side of the wellbore in the radial direction to which the borehole is to be deflected. An explosive device is carried by the drilling fluid out the bottom opening whereupon it explodes upon contacting the formation. When drilling commences, the drill bit will follow the path of least resistance, that being the area fragmented by the explosive device.
Inventors
- 👤 John D Bennett
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 23:19
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B7/00; E21B7/007; E21B7/04; E21B7/06; E21B7/065
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
A method of directional drilling in earth formations including the steps of: suspending an earth boring apparatus, including drill pipe having a restricted bottom opening, in a borehole; orienting the bottom opening to the side of the wellbore to which the wellbore is to be directed; passing a drilling fluid through the drill pipe and out the bottom opening; and passing an explosive device with the drilling fluid through the bottom opening for generating an explosion below such opening upon contact of the explosive device with the borehole bottom.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
89 words
A method of directional drilling in earth formations including the steps of: suspending an earth boring apparatus, including drill pipe having a restricted bottom opening, in a borehole; orienting the bottom opening to the side of the wellbore to which the wellbore is to be directed; passing a drilling fluid through the drill pipe and out the bottom opening; and passing an explosive device with the drilling fluid through the bottom opening for generating an explosion below such opening upon contact of the explosive device with the borehole bottom.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the earth boring apparatus includes a drill bit having the restricted opening and further including the steps or rotating the drill bit to drill the earth formation and subsequently measuring the inclination of the wellbore to determine if the wellbore direction is satisfactory.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 2 including repeating the steps of orienting the bottom opening, detonating the explosive device, drilling, and borehole inclination measurement, until the proper well direction is attained.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
110 words
A method for deflecting the direction of a wellbore including the steps of: lowering into the wellbore on drill pipe a drill bit, having a bottom opening; locating the drill bit adjacent the point where the borehole is to be deflected; orienting the bottom opening so that the opening is on the side of the borehole to which the borehole is to be deflected; passing a drilling fluid through the drill pipe and out the bottom opening; and injecting an explosive device into the drilling fluid so that it passes with the fluid out the bottom opening for generating an explosion upon contact of the explosive device with the wellbore.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
110 words
A method for deflecting the direction of a wellbore including the steps of: lowering into the wellbore on drill pipe a drill bit, having a bottom opening; locating the drill bit adjacent the point where the borehole is to be deflected; orienting the bottom opening so that the opening is on the side of the borehole to which the borehole is to be deflected; passing a drilling fluid through the drill pipe and out the bottom opening; and injecting an explosive device into the drilling fluid so that it passes with the fluid out the bottom opening for generating an explosion upon contact of the explosive device with the wellbore.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 4 including the steps of rotating the drill bit for drilling of the wellbore area contacted by the explosive device, and surveying the wellbore drilled after said drilling to determine the direction and inclination of the borehole.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 5 including repeating the steps of orienting the bottom opening, generation of an explosion, drilling and surveying the new drilled wellbore until desired wellbore deflection is achieved.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
90 words
In a directional drilling apparatus, the combination of means for orienting the apparatus and directing explosives into earth formations at an oriented positional attitude, which means comprises: drill pipe having a drill bit attached to its lower end, said drill bit having a plurality of bottom openings; means for guiding explosive device into one of said bottom openings; means for directing drilling fluids through all of said openings; and means for receiving an orientating device located within said pipe and having a predetermined positional relationship with one of said openings.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
90 words
In a directional drilling apparatus, the combination of means for orienting the apparatus and directing explosives into earth formations at an oriented positional attitude, which means comprises: drill pipe having a drill bit attached to its lower end, said drill bit having a plurality of bottom openings; means for guiding explosive device into one of said bottom openings; means for directing drilling fluids through all of said openings; and means for receiving an orientating device located within said pipe and having a predetermined positional relationship with one of said openings.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The drill bit of claim 7 wherein the guide means is funnel shaped, spaced from the bottom of the drill bit interior and secured to the interior wall of the drill bit.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
76 words
A drill bit for use in explosive directional drilling of earth formations including: a housing having a plurality of bottom openings; cutting members attached to said housing; guide means in said housing arranged so that there is a substantially smooth direct passageway to one of said bottom openings; means for permitting drilling fluid to exit through the remainder of said bottom openings; and means for receiving an orienting device which is located above the guide means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
76 words
A drill bit for use in explosive directional drilling of earth formations including: a housing having a plurality of bottom openings; cutting members attached to said housing; guide means in said housing arranged so that there is a substantially smooth direct passageway to one of said bottom openings; means for permitting drilling fluid to exit through the remainder of said bottom openings; and means for receiving an orienting device which is located above the guide means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-01-10 | 1975-07-12 | 1976-01-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-01-10 | 1979-07-12 | 1980-01-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-01-10 | 1983-07-12 | 1984-01-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |