Stabilizer Assembly and Method

Abstract

A stabilizer assembly for a tubular member includes a stabilizing body dimensioned to fit around the tubular member, a central portion having a radial projection, and a first end having a first threaded outer surface and a set of integral first elastic members. A first nut member includes a proximal end with a threaded inner surface configured to engage the first threaded outer surface of the stabilizing body and a central portion with a first tapered inner surface configured to engage the first elastic members of the stabilizing body. Threading the first nut member onto the first end of the stabilizing body forces the first elastic members to engage the first tapered inner surface of the first nut member thereby radially flexing the first elastic members to engage the tubular member. An inner surface of a distal end of each first elastic member may include a grip section.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]In the drilling of oil and gas wells, downhole drilling motors may be connected to a drill string to rotate and steer a drill bit. Conventional drilling motors typically include a power assembly, a transmission assembly, and a bearing assembly. Rotation is provided by the power assembly. The transmission assembly transmits torque and speed from the power assembly to a drill bit disposed at a lower end of the drilling motor. The bearing assembly takes up the axial and radial loads imparted on the drill string during drilling.[0002]A releasable drilling stabilizer may be attached to a portion of a drill string or a drilling motor in order to stabilize the drill string or drilling motor within the wellbore. The releasable drilling stabilizer prevents unintentional key seating and reduces vibrations. Conventional releasable stabilizers include a central stiff stabilizing member having projections configured to engage an inner surface of the wellbore; sli...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a stabilizer assembly for use in drilling oil and gas wells. The assembly includes a stabilizing body that is placed over a drill string or drilling motor, and two nut members that are securely attached to the stabilizing body. The stabilizing body has radial projections that are designed to engage with the inner surface of the wellbore. The assembly also includes a releasable drilling stabilizer that can be attached to the drill string or drilling motor to stabilize the drill bit within the wellbore. The releasable stabilizer has multiple contacting surfaces that increase the chance of failure during use. The technical effect of the invention is to provide a more stable and reliable releasable drilling stabilizer that can better transmit torque and axial load during drilling operations.

Problems solved by technology

Because the releasable stabilizer must transmit torque and axial load through frictional forces at the contact points, each set of contacting surfaces increases the chance of the releasable stabilizer not transmitting torque during use (i.e., failing, slipping, or otherwise becoming disconnected from the drill string).

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