US3667554A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for handling column of drill pipe during drilling operations
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-11-30
•
Granted: 1972-06-06
•
Expires: 1990-11-30
Abstract
Abstract A method for removing or installing a column of drill pipe or tubing relative to a well bore during drilling or workover operations wherein the drill string is moved from the well bore preferably in one continuous piece without breaking it into shorter sections, and is moved in an upwardly and radially outwardly curved path from the well bore to a substantially horizontal attitude for storage preferably in a generally circular configuration on the ground or support means for later return to the well bore moving approximately along the same path, and as one piece.
Inventors
- 👤 Eugene A Smitherman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 14:19
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B19/00; E21B19/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
190 words
A method of handling a column of drill pipe suspended beneath a conventional drilling rig which incorporates a rotary drilling mechanism, a draw works for supporting the column of drill pipe, and a mud supply connected to the column of drill pipe for circulating mud through the drill bit connected at the lower end which advances the well bore on rotation, and wherein the column of drill pipe is sufficient in length to extend toward the bottom of the well bore, and wherein it becomes necessary on occasion to interrupt the drilling process and remove the column of drill pipe from the well bore, the method comprising the steps of disengaging the column of drill pipe from the rotary drilling mechanism and thereafter moving the column of drill pipe upwardly from the well bore in a continuous piece, said upward movement being continued upwardly and arcuately, comprising at least several joints of drill pipe curved to a substantially horizontal attitude extending from the upper end of the well bore, and placing the continuous piece at a storage place near the well bore and substantially horizontal with respect to the ground.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
190 words
A method of handling a column of drill pipe suspended beneath a conventional drilling rig which incorporates a rotary drilling mechanism, a draw works for supporting the column of drill pipe, and a mud supply connected to the column of drill pipe for circulating mud through the drill bit connected at the lower end which advances the well bore on rotation, and wherein the column of drill pipe is sufficient in length to extend toward the bottom of the well bore, and wherein it becomes necessary on occasion to interrupt the drilling process and remove the column of drill pipe from the well bore, the method comprising the steps of disengaging the column of drill pipe from the rotary drilling mechanism and thereafter moving the column of drill pipe upwardly from the well bore in a continuous piece, said upward movement being continued upwardly and arcuately, comprising at least several joints of drill pipe curved to a substantially horizontal attitude extending from the upper end of the well bore, and placing the continuous piece at a storage place near the well bore and substantially horizontal with respect to the ground.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 including the method step of placing the upper portion of the column of drill pipe in a closed loop arrangement at the storage place.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 2 including the method step of Placing two or more portions of the column of drill pipe adjacent to one another in the closed loop arrangement at the storage place.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 1 including the step of disconnecting the conventional mud supply from the column of drill pipe and connecting thereto another mud supply which is adapted to maintain connection and mud flow through the column of drill pipe during the step of moving the column of drill pipe upwardly from the well bore.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 1 including the step of coiling the column of drill pipe in a circle, and the further step of connecting an alternative mud supply to the column of drill pipe as the column of drill pipe is coiled.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the upward movement of the column of drill pipe is accomplished by bending the drill pipe an amount less than that required to exceed the elastic limit of the material of which the drill pipe is made.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 1 including the method steps of disconnecting the column of drill pipe from the conventional mud supply, connecting a lead line to the upper end of the column of drill pipe, and lifting the upper end of the column of drill pipe, and pulling the upper end of the column of pipe into a circle through manipulation of the lead line.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
78 words
The method of claim 1 including the step of connecting a lead line to the upper end of the column of drill pipe, manipulating the lead line to pull the column of drill pipe into a circle, and connecting an alternative mud supply to the upper end of the column of drill pipe, and thereafter coiling at least another circle of drill pipe while continuing mud circulation into the column of drill pipe with the alternative mud supply.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the method step of moving the column of drill pipe upwardly from the well bore is continued until the lower end of the column of drill pipe is exposed at the upper end of the well bore.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method of claim 1 including the method step of moving the upper end of the column of drill pipe essentially in a circle in the near vicinity to the well bore and continuing said movement to store the column of drill pipe in a plurality of generally circular loops approximately equal to one another in radius, and all approximately parallel to one another.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-06-06 | 1975-12-06 | 1976-06-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-06-06 | 1979-12-06 | 1980-06-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-06-06 | 1983-12-06 | 1984-06-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |