公开(公告)号：US08132630B2

公开(公告)日：2012-03-13

申请号：US11693574

申请日：2007-03-29

申请人： Sven Krueger ,  Volker Krueger ,  Jens Bruns ,  Roger Fincher ,  Larry Watkins ,  Peter Aronstam ,  Peter Fontana

发明人： Sven Krueger ,  Volker Krueger ,  Jens Bruns ,  Roger Fincher ,  Larry Watkins ,  Peter Aronstam ,  Peter Fontana

IPC分类号： E21B21/08

CPC分类号： E21B21/08 ,  E21B21/00 ,  E21B2021/006

摘要： A system for reverse circulation in a wellbore includes equipment for supplying drilling fluid into the wellbore bit via at least an annulus of the wellbore and returning the drilling fluid to a surface location via at least a bore of a wellbore tubular. The system also includes devices for controlling the annulus pressure associated with this reverse circulation. An active pressure differential device may increase the pressure wellbore annulus to at least partially offset a circulating pressure loss. Alternatively, the system may include devices for decreasing the pressure in the annulus of the wellbore.

摘要翻译： 用于在井筒中反向循环的系统包括用于经钻孔的至少一个环形孔向井筒钻头提供钻井液的设备，并且通过井筒管的至少一个孔将钻井液返回到表面位置。 该系统还包括用于控制与该反向循环相关联的环空压力的装置。 主动压差装置可以增加井筒的压力环，至少部分地抵消循环压力损失。 或者，该系统可以包括用于降低井眼的环空中的压力的​​装置。

公开(公告)号：US07823689B2

公开(公告)日：2010-11-02

申请号：US10643030

申请日：2003-08-18

申请人： Peter S. Aronstam ,  Larry Watkins ,  Roger Fincher ,  James E. Goodson, Jr. ,  Michael Carmody

发明人： Peter S. Aronstam ,  Larry Watkins ,  Roger Fincher ,  James E. Goodson, Jr. ,  Michael Carmody

IPC分类号： G04V1/40

CPC分类号： G01V1/42 ,  G01V1/133

摘要： An apparatus for generating seismic body waves in a hydrocarbon reservoir includes a closed-loop borehole source having a resonant cavity for generating resonant energy, a drive source and a control unit. The drive source injects pressure pulses to the resonant cavity at a predetermined or selectable pressure and frequency. The fluid circulates between the cavity and the drive source in a closed-loop fashion. In another embodiment, the borehole source utilizes a smart or controllable material that is responsive to an applied excitation field. The cavity includes an excitation coil for providing an excitation field that changes a material property of the smart fluid. The control unit is programmed to adjust operating parameters to produce seismic waves having a selected frequency and amplitude. In one embodiment, a control unit adjusts operating parameters in response to measured parameters of interest or surface commands.

摘要翻译： 用于在烃储层中产生地震体波的装置包括具有用于产生共振能量的谐振腔的闭环钻孔源，驱动源和控制单元。 驱动源以预定或可选择的压力和频率将压力脉冲注入谐振腔。 流体以闭环方式在空腔和驱动源之间循环。 在另一个实施例中，钻孔源使用响应于施加的激励场的智能或可控材料。 空腔包括用于提供改变智能流体的材料特性的激发场的激励线圈。 控制单元被编程以调整操作参数以产生具有所选频率和振幅的地震波。 在一个实施例中，控制单元响应于测量的感兴趣的参数或表面命令来调节操作参数。

公开(公告)号：US07757784B2

公开(公告)日：2010-07-20

申请号：US11166471

申请日：2005-06-24

申请人： Roger Fincher ,  Allen Sinor ,  Larry Watkins ,  Joel Wilmes

发明人： Roger Fincher ,  Allen Sinor ,  Larry Watkins ,  Joel Wilmes

IPC分类号： E21B7/00

CPC分类号： E21B7/20

摘要： A novel well bore drilling system and method utilizes independently deployable multiple tubular strings to drill, line and cement multiple hole sections without intervening trips to the surface. In one embodiment, the drilling system includes two or more independent, telescoping, tubular members that form a nested tubular assembly and one or more sensors disposed on the nested tubular assembly. The nested tubular string is deployed in the wellbore in conjunction with a Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA). In some embodiments, a drilling motor for rotating a drill bit is also positioned in the tubular assembly. The sensors can be disposed in a stator of the drilling motor or adjacent the motor. Also, in embodiments, the sensors can be positioned on extensible members that can position the sensor or sensors adjacent the wellbore wall.

摘要翻译： 一种新颖的井筒钻井系统和方法利用独立可展开的多个管柱来钻孔，管线和粘结多个孔段，而不需要在表面进行干预。 在一个实施例中，钻井系统包括形成嵌套管状组件和设置在嵌套管状组件上的一个或多个传感器的两个或多个独立的伸缩管状构件。 嵌套的管状柱与底孔组件（BHA）一起部署在井眼中。 在一些实施例中，用于旋转钻头的钻孔马达也位于管状组件中。 传感器可以布置在钻孔马达的定子中或与马达相邻。 而且，在实施例中，传感器可以定位在可将传感器或传感器邻近井筒壁定位的可延伸构件上。

公开(公告)号：US07748474B2

公开(公告)日：2010-07-06

申请号：US11471231

申请日：2006-06-20

申请人： Larry Watkins ,  Roger W. Fincher ,  Peter Aronstam

发明人： Larry Watkins ,  Roger W. Fincher ,  Peter Aronstam

IPC分类号： E21B7/27

CPC分类号： E21B28/00 ,  E21B44/00

摘要： An active vibration control device improves drilling by actively applying a dampening profile and/or a controlled vibration to a drill string and/or bottomhole assembly (BHA). Embodiments of the present invention control the behavior of a drill string and/or BHA in order to prevent or minimize the occurrence of harmful drill string/BHA motion and/or to apply a vibration to the drill string/BHA that improves one or more aspects of the drilling process. Measurements of one or more selected parameters of interest are processed to determine whether the undesirable vibration or motion is present in the drill string or BHA and/or whether the drill string and/or BHA operation can be improved by the application of a controlled vibration. If either or both conditions are detected, corrective action is formulated and appropriate control signals are transmitted to one or more devices in the drill string and/or BHA.

摘要翻译： 主动振动控制装置通过主动地向钻柱和/或井底组件（BHA）施加润湿轮廓和/或受控振动来改善钻孔。 本发明的实施例控制钻柱和/或BHA的行为，以便防止或最小化有害钻柱/ BHA运动的发生和/或对改进一个或多个方面的钻柱/ BHA施加振动 的钻井过程。 处理感兴趣的一个或多个所选择的参数的测量以确定在钻柱或BHA中是否存在不期望的振动或运动，和/或可以通过施加受控振动来改善钻柱和/或BHA操作。 如果检测到任一条件或两者条件，则制定纠正措施，并将合适的控制信号传送到钻柱和/或BHA中的一个或多个装置。

公开(公告)号：US20080053705A1

公开(公告)日：2008-03-06

申请号：US11929247

申请日：2007-10-30

申请人： Peter Aronstam ,  Roger Fincher ,  Larry Watkins

发明人： Peter Aronstam ,  Roger Fincher ,  Larry Watkins

IPC分类号： E21B47/024 ,  E21B10/00 ,  E21B7/08

CPC分类号： E21B10/61 ,  E21B7/062 ,  E21B7/067 ,  E21B10/62 ,  E21B17/1014

摘要： A drilling system includes a steerable bottomhole assembly (BHA) having a steering unit and a control unit that provide dynamic control of drill bit orientation or tilt. Exemplary steering units can adjust bit orientation at a rate that approaches or exceeds the rotational speed of the drill string or drill bit, can include a dynamically adjustable articulated joint having a plurality of elements that deform in response to an excitation signal, can include adjustable independently rotatable rings for selectively tilting the bit, and/or can include a plurality of selectively extensible force pads. The force pads are actuated by a shape change material that deforms in response to an excitation signal. A method of directional drilling includes continuously cycling the position of the steering unit based upon the rotational speed of the drill string and/or drill bit and with reference to an external reference point.

公开(公告)号：US20070045006A1

公开(公告)日：2007-03-01

申请号：US11372803

申请日：2006-03-10

申请人： Sven Krueger ,  Volker Krueger ,  Harald Grimmer ,  Roger Fincher ,  Larry Watkins ,  Peter Aronstam ,  Peter Fontana

发明人： Sven Krueger ,  Volker Krueger ,  Harald Grimmer ,  Roger Fincher ,  Larry Watkins ,  Peter Aronstam ,  Peter Fontana

IPC分类号： E21B21/08

CPC分类号： E21B21/08 ,  E21B2021/006

摘要： Methods and control systems are provided for a wellbore drilling system having an active differential pressure device (APD device) in fluid communication with a returning fluid. The APD Device creates a differential pressure across the device, which reduces the pressure below or downhole of the device. In embodiments, a control unit controls the APD Device in real time via a data transmission system. In one arrangement, the data transmission system includes data links formed by conductors associated with the drill string. The conductors, which may include electrical wires and/or fiber optic bundles, couple the control unit to the APD Device and other downhole tools such as sensors. In other arrangements, the data link can include data transmission stations that use acoustic, EM, and/or RF signals to transfer data. In still other embodiments, a mud pulse telemetry system can be used in transfer data and command signals.

摘要翻译： 为具有与返回流体流体连通的主动差压装置（APD装置）的井眼钻井系统提供方法和控制系统。 APD装置在整个装置上产生压差，从而将装置的压力降低或降低。 在实施例中，控制单元通过数据传输系统实时地控制APD设备。 在一种布置中，数据传输系统包括由与钻柱相关联的导体形成的数据链。 可以包括电线和/或光纤束的导体将控制单元耦合到APD装置和诸如传感器的其它井下工具。 在其他布置中，数据链路可以包括使用声学，EM和/或RF信号来传输数据的数据传输站。 在其它实施例中，泥浆脉冲遥测系统可用于传送数据和命令信号。

公开(公告)号：US20060272805A1

公开(公告)日：2006-12-07

申请号：US11409687

申请日：2006-04-24

申请人： Edward O'Malley ,  Bennett Richard ,  Paul McElfresh ,  Aftab Khokhar ,  Daniel Crosby ,  Vu Thieu ,  Roger Fincher ,  Larry Watkins

发明人： Edward O'Malley ,  Bennett Richard ,  Paul McElfresh ,  Aftab Khokhar ,  Daniel Crosby ,  Vu Thieu ,  Roger Fincher ,  Larry Watkins

IPC分类号： E21B28/00 ,  E21B43/00

CPC分类号： E21B28/00 ,  E21B37/00 ,  E21B43/00 ,  Y10S166/902

摘要： Gas hydrates, particularly natural gas hydrates e.g. methane hydrates, may be formed and controlled within conduits and vessels by imparting energy to gas and water, for instance using agitation or vibration. The systems and methods allow for improved flow characteristics for fluids containing the gases, e.g. hydrocarbon fluids being transported, and for improved overall efficiencies. The gas and water within a gas flow path may be perturbed or agitated to initiate formation of relatively small hydrate particles. The hydrate particles continue to form as long as energy is imparted and water and hydrate guest molecules are available. High amplitude agitation of the gas and water will repeatedly break up agglomerated hydrate particles that form and encourage the formation of more and smaller particles. As more hydrate forms in this manner, less and less free water may be available proximate the gas and water contact.

公开(公告)号：US20060065402A9

公开(公告)日：2006-03-30

申请号：US10191152

申请日：2002-07-09

申请人： Peter Fontana ,  Larry Watkins ,  Peter Aronstam

发明人： Peter Fontana ,  Larry Watkins ,  Peter Aronstam

IPC分类号： E21B7/12

CPC分类号： E21B47/0001 ,  E21B7/12 ,  E21B21/001 ,  E21B21/08 ,  E21B33/076 ,  E21B43/12

摘要： A drilling system for drilling subsea wellbores includes a tubing-conveyed drill bit that passes through a subsea wellhead. Surface supplied drilling fluid flows through the tubing, discharges at the drill bit, returns to the wellhead through a wellbore annulus, and flows to the surface via a riser extending from the wellhead. A flow restriction device positioned in the riser restricts the flow of the returning fluid while an active fluid device controllably discharges fluid from a location below to just above the flow restriction device in the riser, thereby controlling bottomhole pressure and equivalent circulating density (“ECD”). Alternatively, the fluid is discharged into a separate return line thereby providing dual gradient drilling while controlling bottomhole pressure and ECD. A controller controls the energy and thus the speed of the pump in response to downhole measurement(s) to maintain the ECD at a predetermined value or within a predetermined range.

公开(公告)号：US20050274547A1

公开(公告)日：2005-12-15

申请号：US11166471

申请日：2005-06-24

申请人： Roger Fincher ,  Allen Sinor ,  Larry Watkins ,  Joel Wilmes

发明人： Roger Fincher ,  Allen Sinor ,  Larry Watkins ,  Joel Wilmes

IPC分类号： E21B7/00 ,  E21B7/20 ,  E21B10/64

CPC分类号： E21B7/20

摘要： A novel well bore drilling system and method utilizes independently deployable multiple tubular strings to drill, line and cement multiple hole sections without intervening trips to the surface. In one embodiment, the drilling system includes two or more independent, telescoping, tubular members that form a nested tubular assembly and one or more sensors disposed on the nested tubular assembly. The nested tubular string is deployed in the wellbore in conjunction with a Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA). In some embodiments, a drilling motor for rotating a drill bit is also positioned in the tubular assembly. The sensors can be disposed in a stator of the drilling motor or adjacent the motor. Also, in embodiments, the sensors can be positioned on extensible members that can position the sensor or sensors adjacent the wellbore wall.

摘要翻译： 一种新颖的井筒钻井系统和方法利用独立可展开的多个管柱来钻孔，管线和粘结多个孔段，而不需要在表面进行干预。 在一个实施例中，钻井系统包括形成嵌套管状组件和设置在嵌套管状组件上的一个或多个传感器的两个或多个独立的伸缩管状构件。 嵌套的管状柱与底孔组件（BHA）一起部署在井眼中。 在一些实施例中，用于旋转钻头的钻孔马达也位于管状组件中。 传感器可以布置在钻孔马达的定子中或与马达相邻。 而且，在实施例中，传感器可以定位在可将传感器或传感器邻近井筒壁定位的可延伸构件上。

公开(公告)号：US06854532B2

公开(公告)日：2005-02-15

申请号：US10716106

申请日：2003-11-17

申请人： Roger W. Fincher ,  Roland May ,  Peter Fontana ,  Larry Watkins ,  James W. Macfarlane

发明人： Roger W. Fincher ,  Roland May ,  Peter Fontana ,  Larry Watkins ,  James W. Macfarlane

IPC分类号： B63B21/50 ,  E21B7/00 ,  E21B7/12 ,  E21B7/128 ,  E21B7/28 ,  E21B17/20 ,  E21B19/00 ,  E21B19/09 ,  E21B19/22 ,  E21B21/00 ,  E21B21/08 ,  E21B33/076 ,  E21B43/12

CPC分类号： E21B21/00 ,  B63B21/502 ,  E21B7/002 ,  E21B7/128 ,  E21B7/28 ,  E21B17/206 ,  E21B19/002 ,  E21B19/09 ,  E21B19/22 ,  E21B21/001 ,  E21B21/08 ,  E21B33/076 ,  E21B43/121 ,  E21B43/122 ,  E21B2021/006

摘要： The present invention provides drilling systems for drilling subsea wellbores. The drilling system includes a tubing that passes through a sea bottom wellhead and carries a drill bit. A drilling fluid system continuously supplies drilling fluid into the tubing, which discharges at the drill bit bottom and returns to the wellhead through an annulus between the tubing and the wellbore carrying the drill cuttings. A fluid return line extending from the wellhead equipment to the drilling vessel transports the returning fluid to the surface. In a riserless arrangement, the return fluid line is separate and spaced apart from the tubing. In a system using a riser, the return fluid line may be the riser or a separate line carried by the riser. The tubing may be coiled tubing with a drilling motor in the bottom hole assembly driving the drill bit. A suction pump coupled to the annulus is used to control the bottom hole pressure during drilling operations, making it possible to use heavier drilling muds and drill to greater depths than would be possible without the suction pump. An optional delivery system continuously injects a flowable material, whose fluid density is less than the density of the drilling fluid, into the returning fluid at one or more suitable locations the rate of such lighter material can be controlled to provide supplementary regulation of the pressure. Various pressure, temperature, flow rate and kick sensors included in the drilling system provide signals to a controller that controls the suction pump, the surface mud pump, a number of flow control devices, and the optional delivery system.

摘要翻译： 本发明提供了用于钻井海底井筒的钻井系统。 钻井系统包括通过海底井口并承载钻头的管道。 钻井液系统将钻井液连续地供应到管道中，该钻井液在钻头底部排放，并通过管道和承载钻屑的井筒之间的环形空间返回到井口。 从井口设备延伸到钻井船的流体回流管将返回的流体输送到表面。 回流流体管线以不连续的方式分开并与管道间隔开。 在使用提升管的系统中，返回流体管线可以是提升管或由提升管携带的单独管线。 管道可以是在驱动钻头的底孔组件中的钻井马达的连续油管。 耦合到环空的抽吸泵用于控制钻井操作期间的井底压力，使得可以使用较重的钻井泥浆和钻头比没有抽吸泵更大的深度。 可选的输送系统将流体密度小于钻井液密度的可流动材料在一个或多个合适的位置连续地喷射到返回流体中，可以控制这种较轻材料的速率以提供对压力的补充调节。 包括在钻井系统中的各种压力，温度，流量和踢脚传感器向控制抽吸泵，表面泥浆泵，多个流量控制装置和可选输送系统的控制器提供信号。