Patent US2478481A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3667555A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Air drilling method using controlled split stream
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-05-11
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Granted: 1972-06-06
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Expires: 1990-05-11
Abstract
Abstract Method and apparatus for drilling and for obtaining uncontaminated formation samples with an air hammer by flowing compressed air down through the tubing annulus of a dual pupe string to a novel sub, where the flow divides to enable part of the air to power the air hammer while the remaining air flow is directed into the hole annulus. The spent air exhausts from the bit face and carries cuttings back into the sub and into the inner tubing string. An enlargement formed on the sub exterior prevents comingling of the samples with material from the borehole annulus.
Inventors
- 👤 Wayland D Elenburg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 13:21
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B21/00; E21B21/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 44
Claim 1
Independent Claim
238 words
In an earth boring operation wherein there is provided a dual pipe string, with the dual pipes being concentrically arranged to provide a central flow passageway and a drill string annulus, passageway and with a formation cutting bit being supported by the lower end of the pipe string, and wherein the pipe string is adaptEd to cooperate with the borehole to form a borehole annulus, the method of forming a borehole comprising the steps of: 1. flowing drilling fluid through the drill string annulus passageway downhole towards the formation cutting bit; 2. splitting the flow of drilling fluid of step (1) into two different flow paths prior to the drilling fluid reaching the bit; 3. connecting one flow path of step (2) to the bit so as to remove cuttings from the bottom of the borehole as they are formed by the bit; 4. flowing the cuttings and drilling fluid of step (3) a limited distance up the borehole annulus, into the central passageway where the cuttings continue to flow uphole to the surface of the ground; 5. connecting the remaining flow path of step (2) to the borehole annulus at a location above the flow path described in step (4) so as to preclude contamination of the cuttings of step (4) with other formation particles remaining in the borehole annulus; 6. maintaining the flow paths set forth in steps (1), (4), and (5) separated from one another.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
238 words
In an earth boring operation wherein there is provided a dual pipe string, with the dual pipes being concentrically arranged to provide a central flow passageway and a drill string annulus, passageway and with a formation cutting bit being supported by the lower end of the pipe string, and wherein the pipe string is adaptEd to cooperate with the borehole to form a borehole annulus, the method of forming a borehole comprising the steps of: 1. flowing drilling fluid through the drill string annulus passageway downhole towards the formation cutting bit; 2. splitting the flow of drilling fluid of step (1) into two different flow paths prior to the drilling fluid reaching the bit; 3. connecting one flow path of step (2) to the bit so as to remove cuttings from the bottom of the borehole as they are formed by the bit; 4. flowing the cuttings and drilling fluid of step (3) a limited distance up the borehole annulus, into the central passageway where the cuttings continue to flow uphole to the surface of the ground; 5. connecting the remaining flow path of step (2) to the borehole annulus at a location above the flow path described in step (4) so as to preclude contamination of the cuttings of step (4) with other formation particles remaining in the borehole annulus; 6. maintaining the flow paths set forth in steps (1), (4), and (5) separated from one another.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
splitting the flow of drilling fluid of step (1) into two different flow paths prior to the drilling fluid reaching the bit;
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
splitting the flow of drilling fluid of step (1) into two different flow paths prior to the drilling fluid reaching the bit;
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 1 and further including the step of interposing a flow obstruction between the flow paths set forth in steps (4) and (5) so as to maintain the two flow paths essentially separated from each other.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
connecting a formation cutting bit to the bit sub by a fluid actuated motor which powers the bit;
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
connecting a formation cutting bit to the bit sub by a fluid actuated motor which powers the bit;
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
flowing part of the drilling fluid from the bit sub into the hole annulus and up the hole annulus towards the surface of the ground;
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
flowing part of the drilling fluid from the bit sub into the hole annulus and up the hole annulus towards the surface of the ground;
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 and further including the steps of:
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
connecting one flow path of step (2) to the bit so as to remove cuttings from the bottom of the borehole as they are formed by the bit;
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
connecting one flow path of step (2) to the bit so as to remove cuttings from the bottom of the borehole as they are formed by the bit;
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
33 words
flowing the cuttings and drilling fluid of step (3) a limited distance up the borehole annulus, into the central passageway where the cuttings continue to flow uphole to the surface of the ground;
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
33 words
flowing the cuttings and drilling fluid of step (3) a limited distance up the borehole annulus, into the central passageway where the cuttings continue to flow uphole to the surface of the ground;
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
flowing another part of the drilling fluid from the bit sub to the fluid actuated motor to cause the motor to actuate the bit;
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
flowing another part of the drilling fluid from the bit sub to the fluid actuated motor to cause the motor to actuate the bit;
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 1 wherein an air hammer is connected between the drill pipe string and the drill bit, and using the flow path of step (3) to provide power for the air hammer, with the spent drilling fluid from the air hammer being used in carrying out step (4).
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 1, and further including forming an enlargement within the borehole annulus at a location between the flow path set forth in step (5) and the flow path set forth in step (4) so as to provide a flow restriction therebetween which prevents the two flow paths from mixing together.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
flowing the spent drilling fluid from the fluid actuated motor to the bit so as to remove cuttings therefrom;
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
flowing the spent drilling fluid from the fluid actuated motor to the bit so as to remove cuttings therefrom;
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
43 words
connecting the remaining flow path of step (2) to the borehole annulus at a location above the flow path described in step (4) so as to preclude contamination of the cuttings of step (4) with other formation particles remaining in the borehole annulus;
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
43 words
connecting the remaining flow path of step (2) to the borehole annulus at a location above the flow path described in step (4) so as to preclude contamination of the cuttings of step (4) with other formation particles remaining in the borehole annulus;
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
maintaining the flow paths set forth in steps (1), (4), and (5) separated from one another.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
16 words
maintaining the flow paths set forth in steps (1), (4), and (5) separated from one another.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
41 words
flowing the spent drilling fluid and cuttings obtained in step (5) from the bit, up a limited length of the borehole annulus, and back into the sub at a location spaced apart from and below the flow path of step (3);
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
41 words
flowing the spent drilling fluid and cuttings obtained in step (5) from the bit, up a limited length of the borehole annulus, and back into the sub at a location spaced apart from and below the flow path of step (3);
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the drilling fluid of step (1) is air, and further including the step of connecting an air hammer between the bit and the end of the pipe string; and, using the flow path of step (3) for actuating the air hammer; and, using the spent power fluid from the air hammer as the fluid medium of step (4).
Claim 28
Independent Claim
9 words
The method of forming boreholes by the following steps:
Claim 29
Independent Claim
9 words
The method of forming boreholes by the following steps:
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
17 words
interposing an enlargement within the borehole annulus and between the spaced apart flow paths of step (6);
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
17 words
interposing an enlargement within the borehole annulus and between the spaced apart flow paths of step (6);
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
11 words
interposing an air hammer between the drill string and bit; and,
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
11 words
interposing an air hammer between the drill string and bit; and,
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
33 words
using the flow path of step (3) to actuate an air hammer, and using the air hammer to power the bit, prior to connecting the air flow of step (3) to the bit.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
33 words
using the flow path of step (3) to actuate an air hammer, and using the air hammer to power the bit, prior to connecting the air flow of step (3) to the bit.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
flowing the spent drilling fluid and cuttings of step (6) from the sub and uphole to the surface of the ground;
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
21 words
flowing the spent drilling fluid and cuttings of step (6) from the sub and uphole to the surface of the ground;
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 7 and further including the step of using air as the drilling fluid; and, using an air hammer as the fluid actuated motor.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the fluid actuated motor is an air hammer; and further including:
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
maintaining the flow paths of steps (1), (3), and (8 ) separate from each other by providing three concentrically arranged flow paths which are isolated from one another.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
28 words
maintaining the flow paths of steps (1), (3), and (8 ) separate from each other by providing three concentrically arranged flow paths which are isolated from one another.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
7 words
using compressed air as the drilling fluid.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
7 words
using compressed air as the drilling fluid.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of claim 7, and further including the step of locating the fluid actuated motor below the sub; and flow conducting the spent fluid from the motor through a cross-over means located in the sub, so that the flowing material of steps (1) and (8) flow countercurrent along the recited concentric flow paths.
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) | 1975-06-06 | 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 |