摘要:
A control apparatus for use in controlling the fluid pressure in a borehole during drilling of the borehole, the apparatus including an inlet suitable for connection to a pump, a main outlet suitable for connection to a drill pipe, and an overflow outlet suitable for connection to a fluid reservoir, the inlet being connected to the main outlet by a main flow conduit, and the overflow outlet being connected to the main flow conduit by means of an overflow conduit, wherein the overflow conduit is provided with a pressure regulator by means of which the pressure of fluid in the main flow conduit may be maintained at or around a predetermined pressure value.
摘要:
A valve assembly (10) for use controlling flow of fluid into a drill pipe (42), the valve assembly (10) having a valve body (12), a valve member (20) and a valve seat (14), wherein a) the valve body (12) has a main passage b) the valve member (20) is movable between a closed position in which the valve member (20) engages with a seat face (16) of the valve seat (14) to substantially prevent flow of fluid along the main passage, and an open position in which the valve member (20) is spaced from the seat face (16), c) the valve seat (14) is a separate part to the valve body (12).
摘要:
An apparatus for continuous circulation drilling comprising a tubular body having a main passage extending along a longitudinal axis of the tubular body from a first end of the tubular body to a second end of the tubular body, a side passage and a control passage, the side passage and control passage both extending through the tubular body into the main passage, the tubular body containing a valve assembly which is operable to close the main passage when the side passage is open and to close the side passage when the main passage is open, the assembly further comprising a hydraulic connector which is operable to clamp around the tubular body, the connector comprising a housing with an interior surface which is provided with first and second grooves which, when the connector is clamped around the tubular body, each form a channel which extends in continuous loop around the exterior of the tubular body, there being at least one passage extending through the housing from an exterior surface of the housing into each of the channels, wherein the tubular body is further provided with two grooves which extend around an exterior surface of the body so that, when the connector is clamped around the tubular body, the connector housing engages with the grooves, the grooves thus restricting longitudinal movement of the connector relative to the tubular body, and the side passage and control passage each connect the main passage with one of the channels formed by the connector.
摘要:
A method of drilling a subterranean wellbore using a drill string including the steps of estimating or determining a reduced static density of a drilling fluid based on the equivalent circulating density of the drilling fluid in a section of the wellbore, providing a drilling fluid having substantially that reduced static density, introducing the drilling fluid having said reduced static density into the wellbore, and removing the drilling fluid from the wellbore via a return line.