Rotary Drilling Rig Split Bushing

Abstract

A bushing of the type used to limit wobble in drill pipe, the improvement comprising a bushing defined by two halves, each half having two ends adapted to buttingly engage corresponding ends of the other, and each further defining a receiver section along one of its ends; a flexible hinge piece matingly joined to the receiver sections with the opposite ends of the halves remaining free to move relative to one another, whereby the halves are rotatably affixed together at one end, but the opposite ends remain free to open. The bushing may be comprised of a first polymeric material, and the hinge piece comprised of a second, more flexible, polymeric material. Each half of the bushing may have mounted thereto a handle projecting upwardly.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]None.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to the field of drilling equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to articles for use during operation of rotary drilling equipment.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0003]Drilling equipment is subjected to tremendous forces during drilling operations. The torque required to turn a drill string in a rotary rig is tremendous. In addition, during drilling operations various strata are encountered which place variable stress on the drilling bit and consequently on the drill string. When the bit encounters rock, it can cause a jarring of the drill string. The routine torque couples with periodic shocks tends to cause the drill string to bend or buckle. Downhole, the tendency of the string to bend or buckle is limited by the surrounding casing and / or strata, which prevent it from moving too far in any direction. However, the portion of the drill string that is above ground is not so const...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is about improving the durability and performance of polymer halves used in drilling. The halves are in direct contact with the drill string and are subject to wear and tear. The strength and durability of the polymer for the halves is critical. A handle is preferably provided on each half for easy gripping and to prevent sparking. The handle is made of a polymer material that has a definitive shape and retains its upright form. The handle can also be made of flexible polymer material like rope, but care should be taken to ensure it does not interfere with the drill string's operation.

Problems solved by technology

Drilling equipment is subjected to tremendous forces during drilling operations.

The torque required to turn a drill string in a rotary rig is tremendous.

In addition, during drilling operations various strata are encountered which place variable stress on the drilling bit and consequently on the drill string.

When the bit encounters rock, it can cause a jarring of the drill string.

The routine torque couples with periodic shocks tends to cause the drill string to bend or buckle.

Absent some mechanical limits, the forces on the drill string tend to cause it wobble excessively and, in extreme cases, can even result in failure of the drill string.

Metal bushings can be used, but they can damage the drill string and / or cause sparks, which can create a fire hazard on a drilling rig.

This process was undesirable since, on a rotary drilling rig, time is money.

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