US5679894A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for drilling boreholes
Assignee: Baker Hughes Holdings LLC
•
Filing: 1995-10-10
•
Granted: 1997-10-21
•
Expires: 2015-10-10
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides a drilling system for directional drilling of boreholes. The system contains a drill string having a drill bit driven by a positive displacement mud motor. Sensors placed at selected locations in the drill string continually measure various downhole operating parameters, including the differential pressure across the mud motor, rotational speed of the mud motor, torque, temperature, pressure differential between the fluid passing through the mud motor and the annulas between the drill string and the borehole, and temperature of the circulating fluid. A downhole control circuit having a microprocessor and nonvolatile memory processes signals from these sensors and transmits the processed data uphole to a surface control unit via a suitable telemetry system. The surface control unit is programmed to operate the drilling system or aid an operator to control the drilling operations in any number of modes in response to the information provided by the various sensors. The system also provides means for monitoring the wear condition of the mud motor and to estimate the remaining life of the mud motor during the drilling operations. The drill string also preferably contains formation evaluation and testing devices, such as a resistivity device for determining the formation resistivity, gamma ray device for determining the gamma ray intensity of the formation, an inclinometer for determining the inclination of the drill string near the drill bit and a device for determining the drill string azimuth. The present invention provides method for controlling the drilling operations that contains the steps of: (a) placing a drill string at the borehole bottom, (b) passing a pressurized fluid through the mud motor rotate the drill bit, (c) measuring differential pressure across the mud motor; and (d) controlling the drilling of the boreholes as a function of the differential pressure.
Inventors
- 👤 Volker Kruger
- 👤 John W. Harrell
- 👤 Herbert W. Beimgraben
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 08:27
CPC Classifications
F; F04; F04C; F04C2/00; F04C2/08; F04C2/10; F04C2/107; F04C2/1071; F04C2/1073; E; E21; E21B; E21B4/00; E21B4/02; E21B44/00; E21B44/005; E21B47/00; E21B47/01; E21B47/017; E21B47/06; E21B47/12; E21B7/00; E21B7/04; E21B7/06; E21B7/068
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 93
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
A mud motor for use in drilling a borehole, comprising: (a) a stator having a helically contoured inner surface; (b) a rotor having a helically contoured outer surface rotatably disposed in the stator to rotate along a common axis of the stator and motor, said rotor cooperating with the stator when a pressurized fluid at a known fluid flow rate is passed between the stator and the rotor to generate rotary force; and (c) a sensor within the mud motor for determining pressure differential across the rotor at the known fluid flow rate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
A mud motor for use in drilling a borehole, comprising: (a) a stator having a helically contoured inner surface; (b) a rotor having a helically contoured outer surface rotatably disposed in the stator to rotate along a common axis of the stator and motor, said rotor cooperating with the stator when a pressurized fluid at a known fluid flow rate is passed between the stator and the rotor to generate rotary force; and (c) a sensor within the mud motor for determining pressure differential across the rotor at the known fluid flow rate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 1, wherein the sensor is a differential pressure sensor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 1, wherein the sensor for determining the differential pressure comprises a pair of pressure sensors for determining pressure across a fixed distance along a length of the rotor axis.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 1, wherein the sensor for determining the differential pressure comprises a first pressure sensor for determining pressure of the fluid above the rotor and a second pressure sensor for determining pressure of the fluid below the rotor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 1 further having a sensor associated therewith for determining rotary speed of the rotor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 2 further having a sensor associated therewith for determining rotor torque.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 1 further having a sensor associated therewith for determining vibration of the mud motor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 1 further having a sensor associated therewith for determining temperature at a suitable place on the mud motor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 8, wherein the temperature sensor measures the stator temperature.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
101 words
A mud motor for use in drilling a borehole, comprising: a) a stator having a helically contoured inner surface; b) a rotor having a helically contourer outer surface rotatably disposed in the stator to rotate along a common axis of the stator and motor, said rotor cooperating with the stator when a pressurized fluid is passed between the stator and the rotor to generate rotary force; and c) at least one temperature sensor within the mud motor for measuring the temperature of a mud motor element for determining an operating parameter of the mud motor during the drilling of the borehole.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
101 words
A mud motor for use in drilling a borehole, comprising: a) a stator having a helically contoured inner surface; b) a rotor having a helically contourer outer surface rotatably disposed in the stator to rotate along a common axis of the stator and motor, said rotor cooperating with the stator when a pressurized fluid is passed between the stator and the rotor to generate rotary force; and c) at least one temperature sensor within the mud motor for measuring the temperature of a mud motor element for determining an operating parameter of the mud motor during the drilling of the borehole.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mud motor as specified in claim 10, wherein the mud motor element is the stator.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The mud motor as specified in claim 10, wherein the at least one temperature sensor includes a plurality of sensors.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
52 words
The mud motor as specified in claim 10, wherein the operating parameter is selected from a group comprising (a) an indication of thermal decay of the stator; (b) an indication of high friction due to moving parts of the mud motor; and (c) an indication of operating life of the mud motor.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
107 words
A mud motor assembly for use in drilling a borehole, comprising: a) a mud motor having a stator having a helically contoured inner surface, a rotor having a helically contoured outer surface rotatably disposed in the stator, said rotor cooperating with the stator when a pressurized fluid is passed between the stator and the rotor to generate rotary force; and (b) a bearing assembly having a drive shaft rotatably disposed in a housing, said drive shaft adapted to be rotated by the mud motor, said bearing assembly further having a sensor associated therewith for measuring radial displacement of the drive shaft when said drive shaft is rotated.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
107 words
A mud motor assembly for use in drilling a borehole, comprising: a) a mud motor having a stator having a helically contoured inner surface, a rotor having a helically contoured outer surface rotatably disposed in the stator, said rotor cooperating with the stator when a pressurized fluid is passed between the stator and the rotor to generate rotary force; and (b) a bearing assembly having a drive shaft rotatably disposed in a housing, said drive shaft adapted to be rotated by the mud motor, said bearing assembly further having a sensor associated therewith for measuring radial displacement of the drive shaft when said drive shaft is rotated.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 14, wherein the bearing assembly has one or more radial bearings for providing radial support to the drive shaft.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 15 further having an axial bearing for providing axial support to the drive shaft.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 15 further having a sensor associated with the bearing assembly for determining axial displacement of the drive shaft when the drive shaft is rotated.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 15 further having a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the bearing assembly.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein the radial bearings are sealed and lubricated by a suitable oil.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein the radial bearings and axial bearings are sealed and lubricated by a suitable oil.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 19, wherein the oil is placed in a reservoir.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 21 further having a sensor associated therewith for measuring the oil level in the reservoir.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 14 further having a sensor associated therewith for determining weight on bit (WOB).
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 14 further having a sensor associated with the mud motor for determining pressure differential across the rotor when the pressurized fluid passes between the rotor and the stator.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 24, wherein the sensor is a differential pressure sensor.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 25, wherein the differential pressure sensor is placed within the rotor.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 24, wherein the sensor for determining the differential pressure comprises a pair of pressure sensors for determining pressure across a fixed distance.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 1 further having a sensor associated therewith for determining temperature at a suitable place on the mud motor.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 1 further having a sensor associated therewith for determining the motor rotational speed.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
130 words
A drilling tool assembly for use in drilling a borehole, comprising: (a) a drill bit; (b) a mud motor coupled to the drill for rotating the drill bit, said mud motor having: (i) a stator having a helically contoured inner surface, (ii) a rotor having a helically contoured outer surface rotatably disposed in the stator to rotate along a common axis of the stator and motor, said rotor cooperating with the stator when a pressurized fluid is passed through the mud motor to generate rotary force, (iii) a sensor within the mud motor for providing signals representative of the pressure differential across the mud motor when the pressurized fluid passes through the mud motor; and (c) a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) device for determining a formation parameter during drilling of the borehole.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
130 words
A drilling tool assembly for use in drilling a borehole, comprising: (a) a drill bit; (b) a mud motor coupled to the drill for rotating the drill bit, said mud motor having: (i) a stator having a helically contoured inner surface, (ii) a rotor having a helically contoured outer surface rotatably disposed in the stator to rotate along a common axis of the stator and motor, said rotor cooperating with the stator when a pressurized fluid is passed through the mud motor to generate rotary force, (iii) a sensor within the mud motor for providing signals representative of the pressure differential across the mud motor when the pressurized fluid passes through the mud motor; and (c) a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) device for determining a formation parameter during drilling of the borehole.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 30, wherein the MWD device is a resistivity device placed between the mud motor and the drill bit.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 30, wherein the MWD device is an inclinometer placed between the mud motor and the drill bit for determining the inclination of the drilling tool assembly during drilling of the borehole.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 30, wherein the MWD device is a device for determining the azimuth of a portion of the drill string.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 30, wherein a gamma ray device placed between the drill bit and the mud motor for determining the gamma ray intensity of the formation is utilized as the MWD device.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 30, wherein the MWD device includes a resistivity device for measuring the formation resistivity and a gamma ray device for measuring the gamma ray intensity of the formation.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 30, wherein the MWD device includes devices for determining the borehole inclination and the drill tool azimuth.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 30, wherein the MWD device includes a resistivity device for measuring the formation resistivity, a gamma ray device for measuring the gamma ray intensity of the formation, device for determining the borehole inclination and a device for determining the drill tool azimuth.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 37, wherein the resistivity, gamma and inclination measuring devices are all placed in a single modular section disposed between the drill bit and the mud motor.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
123 words
A drilling tool assembly for use in drilling a borehole, comprising: (a) a mud motor having a stator having a helically contoured inner surface, a rotor having a helically contoured outer surface rotatably disposed in the stator, said rotor cooperating with the stator when a pressurized fluid is passed through the mud motor to generate rotary force, and a sensor within the mud motor for providing signals representative of the pressure differential across the rotor when the pressurized fluid passes through the mud motor at a known fluid flow rate; (b) a control circuit for receiving and processing signals from the sensor; and (d) a telemetry system for receiving signals from the control circuit and for transmitting such received signals to other devices.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
123 words
A drilling tool assembly for use in drilling a borehole, comprising: (a) a mud motor having a stator having a helically contoured inner surface, a rotor having a helically contoured outer surface rotatably disposed in the stator, said rotor cooperating with the stator when a pressurized fluid is passed through the mud motor to generate rotary force, and a sensor within the mud motor for providing signals representative of the pressure differential across the rotor when the pressurized fluid passes through the mud motor at a known fluid flow rate; (b) a control circuit for receiving and processing signals from the sensor; and (d) a telemetry system for receiving signals from the control circuit and for transmitting such received signals to other devices.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 39, wherein the control circuit includes a microprocessor.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 40, wherein the control circuit includes a memory for storing therein programmed instructions.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 41, wherein the telemetry system transmits signals utilizing a mud pulse technique.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 41, wherein the telemetry system transmits signals utilizing acoustic signals.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 39 further having sensor for determining the motor rotational speed and torque during drilling of the borehole.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 39 further having a resistivity device placed between the mud motor and the drill bit for determining the formation resistivity.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 39 further having an inclinometer placed between the mud motor and the drill bit for determining the inclination of the drilling tool assembly during drilling of the borehole.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 39 further having a device for determining the azimuth of a portion of the drill string.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 39 further having a gamma ray device placed between the drill bit and the mud motor for determining the gamma ray intensity of the formation.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 39 further having a resistivity device for measuring the formation resistivity and a gamma ray device for measuring the gamma ray intensity of the formation.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 39 further having additional drill string-installed sensor devices for determining the borehole inclination and the drill tool azimuth.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 39 further having a resistivity device for measuring the formation resistivity, a gamma ray device for measuring the gamma ray intensity of the formation, device for determining the borehole inclination and a device for determining the drill tool azimuth.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 51, wherein the resistivity, gamma and inclination measuring devices are all placed in a single modular section disposed between the drill bit and the mud motor.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
140 words
A system for drilling boreholes, comprising: (a) a drill string having a drill bit at a bottom end; (b) a mud motor coupled to the drill bit, said mud motor rotating the drill bit when a pressurized fluid is passed through the mud motor, said mud motor developing pressure differential across the mud motor when the mud motor is rotating the drill bit, said mud motor including a sensor within the mud motor for providing signals representative of the pressure differential across the mud motor; (c) a drawworks coupled to the drill string for controlling weight on bit (WOB) during the drilling of the boreholes; and (d) a surface control system for receiving signals representative of the differential pressure across the motor and in response thereto for controlling the WOB during drilling of the boreholes for minimizing mud motor wear.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
140 words
A system for drilling boreholes, comprising: (a) a drill string having a drill bit at a bottom end; (b) a mud motor coupled to the drill bit, said mud motor rotating the drill bit when a pressurized fluid is passed through the mud motor, said mud motor developing pressure differential across the mud motor when the mud motor is rotating the drill bit, said mud motor including a sensor within the mud motor for providing signals representative of the pressure differential across the mud motor; (c) a drawworks coupled to the drill string for controlling weight on bit (WOB) during the drilling of the boreholes; and (d) a surface control system for receiving signals representative of the differential pressure across the motor and in response thereto for controlling the WOB during drilling of the boreholes for minimizing mud motor wear.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 53 further having a sensor coupled to the mud motor for providing signals representative of the rotational speed of the mud motor.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 54 wherein the surface control system receives signals representative of the rotational speed of the motor and controls the pressure of the fluid passing through the mud motor during the drilling of the boreholes.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 55 further having a sensor coupled to the mud motor for providing signals representative of the torque on a shaft coupled to the motor.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 56, wherein the surface control system receives signals representative of the torque and controls the pressure of the fluid passing through the mud motor during the drilling of the boreholes.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 56, wherein the surface control system controls the WOB so as to maintain the differential pressure across the motor within a predetermined range.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 53 further having a module containing resistivity, inclination and azimuth measuring devices placed between the drill bit and the mud motor.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 59 further having a logging-while-drilling device placed between the mud motor and the surface control system for determining a characteristic of the earth formation surrounding the borehole being drilled.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
127 words
A method of drilling a borehole utilizing a drill string having a drill bit at a bottom end and a mud motor coupled to the drill bit for rotating the drill bit when a pressurized fluid is passed through the mud motor, said method comprising the steps of: (a) placing the drill string in the wellbore with the drill bit at the borehole bottom; (b) passing the pressurized fluid through the mud motor at a known fluid flow rate to rotate the drill bit; (c) measuring differential pressure across the mud motor with a sensor in the mud motor; and (d) controlling the drilling of the borehole by controlling weight on the drill bit so as to maintain the differential pressure within a predetermined range of values.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
127 words
A method of drilling a borehole utilizing a drill string having a drill bit at a bottom end and a mud motor coupled to the drill bit for rotating the drill bit when a pressurized fluid is passed through the mud motor, said method comprising the steps of: (a) placing the drill string in the wellbore with the drill bit at the borehole bottom; (b) passing the pressurized fluid through the mud motor at a known fluid flow rate to rotate the drill bit; (c) measuring differential pressure across the mud motor with a sensor in the mud motor; and (d) controlling the drilling of the borehole by controlling weight on the drill bit so as to maintain the differential pressure within a predetermined range of values.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method as specified in claim 61, wherein the range of values constitute a single value.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method as specified in claim 61 further containing the step of controlling the flow of the pressurized fluid so as to maintain the rotational speed of the mud motor below a maximum value.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method as specified in claim 63 further comprising the steps: (a) measuring rotor torque of the mud motor; and (b) controlling weight on bit so as to also maintain the rotor torque below a maximum value.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
168 words
A method of determining the wear condition of a first mud motor during drilling of a borehole by a drill string having a drill bit at a bottom end that is rotated by the first mud motor when a pressurized fluid is passed through the first mud motor, said first mud motor developing pressure differential across the first mud motor when the pressurized fluid passes therethrough, said method comprising: (a) placing the drill string in the borehole; (b) drilling the borehole for a period of time at an known value of weight on the drill bit (WOB); (c) reducing WOB to a relatively small value compared to the known WOB; (c) measuring differential pressure across the first mud motor at the reduced WOB and at a known fluid flow rate through the first mud motor; and (d) comparing the measured differential pressure with a differential pressure measurement made at the known fluid flow rate of a second mud motor to determine the wear condition of the mud motor.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
168 words
A method of determining the wear condition of a first mud motor during drilling of a borehole by a drill string having a drill bit at a bottom end that is rotated by the first mud motor when a pressurized fluid is passed through the first mud motor, said first mud motor developing pressure differential across the first mud motor when the pressurized fluid passes therethrough, said method comprising: (a) placing the drill string in the borehole; (b) drilling the borehole for a period of time at an known value of weight on the drill bit (WOB); (c) reducing WOB to a relatively small value compared to the known WOB; (c) measuring differential pressure across the first mud motor at the reduced WOB and at a known fluid flow rate through the first mud motor; and (d) comparing the measured differential pressure with a differential pressure measurement made at the known fluid flow rate of a second mud motor to determine the wear condition of the mud motor.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 65, wherein the relatively low WOB is substantially equal to zero.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method according to claim 65, wherein the differential pressure across the first mud motor is measured by a sensor selected from the group comprising a differential pressure sensor within the first mud motor and a pair of spaced apart pressure sensors in the first mud motor.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 65, wherein the second mud motor is relatively new and substantially identical in design to the first mud motor.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
186 words
A drilling assembly for use in drilling a wellbore, comprising: (a) a drilling motor for generating rotary force in response to the flow of a pressurized fluid through the drilling motor; and (b) a bearing assembly having: (i) a housing; (ii) a drive shaft rotatably disposed in the housing, said drive shaft adapted to be rotated by the drilling motor; (iii) at least one radial bearing between the drive shaft and the housing for providing lateral restraint to the drive shaft; (iv) a thrust bearing in the bearing assembly for restricting axial movement of the drive shaft during drilling of the wellbore; and (v) at least one sensor in the bearing assembly that is selected from a group of sensors comprising a radial displacement sensor for determining the radial displacement of the drive shaft, an axial displacement sensor for determining the axial displacement of the drill shaft, at least one temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the bearing assembly at a selected location in the bearing assembly, and a pressure sensor for determining weight on bit during drilling of the wellbore with the drilling assembly.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
186 words
A drilling assembly for use in drilling a wellbore, comprising: (a) a drilling motor for generating rotary force in response to the flow of a pressurized fluid through the drilling motor; and (b) a bearing assembly having: (i) a housing; (ii) a drive shaft rotatably disposed in the housing, said drive shaft adapted to be rotated by the drilling motor; (iii) at least one radial bearing between the drive shaft and the housing for providing lateral restraint to the drive shaft; (iv) a thrust bearing in the bearing assembly for restricting axial movement of the drive shaft during drilling of the wellbore; and (v) at least one sensor in the bearing assembly that is selected from a group of sensors comprising a radial displacement sensor for determining the radial displacement of the drive shaft, an axial displacement sensor for determining the axial displacement of the drill shaft, at least one temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the bearing assembly at a selected location in the bearing assembly, and a pressure sensor for determining weight on bit during drilling of the wellbore with the drilling assembly.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
24 words
The drilling assembly according to claim 69, wherein the at least one radial bearing comprises a first and a second spaced apart radial bearings.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
20 words
The drilling assembly according to claim 70, wherein the thrust bearing is disposed between the first and second radial bearings.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
25 words
The drilling assembly according to claim 69, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one radial displacement sensor and an axial displacement sensor.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
68 words
The drilling assembly according to claim 71, wherein the at least one sensor comprises (a) a first radial displacement sensor for measuring the radial displacement of the drill shaft adjacent the first radial bearing, (b) a second radial displacement sensor for measuring the displacement of the drill shaft adjacent the second radial bearing, and (c) an axial displacement sensor for measuring the axial displacement of the drill shaft.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
32 words
The drilling assembly according to claim 73, wherein the at least one sensor further comprises at least one temperature sensor for determining the temperature at a selected location of the bearing assembly.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
30 words
The drilling assembly according to claim 73, wherein the at least one sensor further comprises at least one load sensor for determining weight on bit during drilling of the wellbore.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
102 words
A drilling assembly for use in drilling of a wellbore, comprising: (a) a drilling motor for generating rotary force in response to the flow of a pressurized fluid through the drilling motor; and (b) a bearing assembly comprising: (i) a housing; (ii) a drive shaft rotatably disposed in said housing, said drive shaft adapted to be rotated by the drilling motor, and wherein said drive shaft and said housing defining an inclining gap therebetween; and (c) a sensor associated with the inclining gap for determining radial and axial displacements of the drill shaft relative to the housing during drilling of the wellbore.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
102 words
A drilling assembly for use in drilling of a wellbore, comprising: (a) a drilling motor for generating rotary force in response to the flow of a pressurized fluid through the drilling motor; and (b) a bearing assembly comprising: (i) a housing; (ii) a drive shaft rotatably disposed in said housing, said drive shaft adapted to be rotated by the drilling motor, and wherein said drive shaft and said housing defining an inclining gap therebetween; and (c) a sensor associated with the inclining gap for determining radial and axial displacements of the drill shaft relative to the housing during drilling of the wellbore.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
34 words
The drilling assembly according to claim 76 further comprising at least one radial bearing assembly for restricting radial movement the drive shaft and a thrust bearing for restricting axial movement of the drill shaft.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
58 words
The drilling assembly according to claim 77 further comprising a second sensor in the bearing assembly that is selected from a group of sensors comprising at least one temperature sensor for determining the temperature at a selected location of the bearing assembly and at least one load sensor for determining weight on bit during drilling of the wellbore.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
170 words
A bearing assembly for use in drilling of a wellbore, comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a drive shaft rotatably disposed in the housing for rotating a drill bit during drilling of the wellbore; (c) at least one radial bearing between the drive shaft and the housing for providing lateral restraint to the drive shaft; (d) a thrust bearing in the bearing assembly for restricting axial movement of the drive shaft during drilling of the wellbore; (e) a source of lubricating fluid for providing the lubricating fluid to the at least one radial bearing and the thrust bearing to lubricate such bearings during drilling of the wellbore; and (f) a sensor disposed within or adjacent to said housing which is associated with the source of the lubricating fluid for providing a measurement for determining at least one of the (i) presence of a leak between the source and the bearing, (b) wear condition of the at least one radial bearing, or the remaining life of the at least one radial bearing.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
170 words
A bearing assembly for use in drilling of a wellbore, comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a drive shaft rotatably disposed in the housing for rotating a drill bit during drilling of the wellbore; (c) at least one radial bearing between the drive shaft and the housing for providing lateral restraint to the drive shaft; (d) a thrust bearing in the bearing assembly for restricting axial movement of the drive shaft during drilling of the wellbore; (e) a source of lubricating fluid for providing the lubricating fluid to the at least one radial bearing and the thrust bearing to lubricate such bearings during drilling of the wellbore; and (f) a sensor disposed within or adjacent to said housing which is associated with the source of the lubricating fluid for providing a measurement for determining at least one of the (i) presence of a leak between the source and the bearing, (b) wear condition of the at least one radial bearing, or the remaining life of the at least one radial bearing.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
44 words
The bearing assembly according to claim 79, wherein the at least one radial bearing includes a first and second spaced apart radial bearings, each said first and second radial bearings and wherein the thrust bearing is disposed between said first and second radial bearings.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
35 words
The bearing assembly according to claim 79, wherein the sensor is a differential pressure sensor for providing signals corresponding to the difference in pressure between the source of the lubricating fluid and the outside environment.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
25 words
The bearing assembly according to claim 81, wherein the differential pressure sensor is disposed in a line placed between the source and the outside environment.
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Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-10-20 | 2001-04-21 | 2001-10-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-10-20 | 2005-04-21 | 2005-10-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-10-20 | 2009-04-21 | 2009-10-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |