Advanced stabilizing system for deep drilling

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stabilizing system (100) adapted to be used in a deep drilling system. The stabilizing system (100) comprises a longitudinal housing (110) and a spring (140) preferably a helical spring, arranged inside the housing (110). Thereby, the stabilizing system (100) is contracted and the spring (140) is compressed along the longitudinal axis of the stabilizing system (100) when an external load is applied in longitudinal direction onto the stabilizing system (100). The transversal diameter of the stabilizing system (100) increases when the stabilizing system (100) is contracted. Further, the transversal diameter of the stabilizing system (100) decreases when the stabilizing system (100) expands along the longitudinal axis.

Description

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a deep drilling system, and in particular to a stabilizing system to be used in such a deep drilling system, and a method for drilling a hole utilizing such a deep drilling system.2. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND[0002]In a deep drilling system, a drill bit is typically connected via several drill pipes, forming a drill string, to a drilling motor. Such a setup is also generally illustrated in FIG. 1. The drilling motor, provided on the earth's surface, applies drilling forces (the longitudinal and rotational forces as illustrated by arrows in FIG. 1) onto the drill string 1 such that the drill bit 3 advances further into the ground 4, thereby creating a bore hole 5. Since bore holes can reach depths of up to several kilometers, it is desired that the drill string 1 is centered in the bore hole. Particularly, the sections close to the drill bit are centered such that the drill bit 3 advances in a defined direction into the ground...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is for a system that stabilizes drill pipes and drill bit during drilling and rental equipment operations. It allows for easy and faster operation, particularly in POOH and RIH operations. The system uses an external load to change the transversal diameter of the stabilizing system, which allows for weakening or even breaking away of mud cakes around the system. This allows for smooth removal of the drill string from the borehole. The system also includes a spring that can reliably decrease the transversal diameter, restoring the extended state of the system. By alternating between increasing and decreasing the transversal diameter, the system facilitates losing mud cakes and ensures reliable operation. In summary, the invention provides stability and efficient handling of mud cakes during drilling and rental equipment operations.

Problems solved by technology

This balling can create problems, in particular during pulling-out-of-hole (POOH) and / or running-in-hole (RIH) operations.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, when trying to retrieve the drill string out of the hole (POOH), problems arise: The accumulated mud cake 7 can cause a severe drag, and even jam the movement of the drill string.

Accordingly, POOH operations can take much longer due to balling, or in the worst case, the drill string cannot be removed from the hole at all and has to be cut off.

However, these techniques are either expensive in cost, suited for one-time use only, or are ineffective in solving the issue.

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