Pull-back System for Drilling Tools

Abstract

A rotary drill bit (200A) for use with a horizontal directional drill string. A coupler (206) at a proximal axial end is configured to attach the rotary drill bit to a gyrator at a distal end of the drill string. A cutting portion at the distal axial end is provided with a plurality of blades (204) having corresponding cones that operate to cut a borehole in the ground as the rotary drill bit rotates about a central axis. The plurality of blades protrude radially outward from a surface of the cutting portion such that the surface forms corresponding grooves (214) that are circumferentially staggered with the plurality of blades. A plurality of engagement features (212a) are axially positioned within the cutting portion and radially positioned inboard of an outer cutting diameter to facilitate attachment of a production device pullback device (1000) between the plurality of blades without requiring removal of the rotary drill bit or any portion of the rotary drill bit from the gyrator.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 889,717, filed on August 21, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Horizontal directional drilling operations typically use a rotary drill bit to drill a generally horizontal wellbore in the earth. Typically, the rotary drill bit is mounted at the distal end of a drill string, which includes a plurality of drill rods (e.g., drill pipes) strung together end to end. The drill string transmits thrust and torque from a drive mechanism (e.g., an above-ground drive mechanism) to the rotary drill bit. The drill string rotates the rotary drill bit about the longitudinal axis of the drill string and simultaneously applies thrust to the rotary drill bit in a distal direction.

[0004] Once the wellbore is completed, production devices such as cables, pipes, conduits, etc. are attached to the drill string, and the drill string is pulled back through the wellbore to install the production device in the wellbore. In order to pull the production device through the wellbore, the rotary drill bit or at least a portion of the rotary drill bit is removed from the drill string to allow attachment of a pullback device that connects the production device to the drill string. This process is time consuming and requires additional tools to remove or partially remove the rotary drill bit to complete the pullback process. Therefore, improvements are needed. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to a rotary drill bit and a pullback device for a rotary drill bit used in horizontal directional drilling operations. In one possible configuration, and by way of non-limiting example, the pullback device is removably secured to the rotary drill bit without removing the drill bit or any portion of the drill bit from the drill string.

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention provides a rotary drill bit for use with a horizontal directional drill string. A connector at the proximal axial end is configured to attach the rotary drill bit to a drillhead at the distal end of the drill string. A cutting portion at the distal axial end is provided with a plurality of blades having corresponding cones that operate to cut a wellbore in the ground as the rotary drill bit rotates about a central axis. A plurality of blades protrude radially outward from the surface of the cutting portion so that the surface forms corresponding grooves that are circumferentially staggered with the plurality of blades. A plurality of engagement features are axially positioned within the cutting portion and radially positioned inboard of an outer cutting diameter so as to facilitate attachment of a production device pullback device between the plurality of blades without the need to remove the rotary drill bit or any portion of the rotary drill bit from the drillhead.

[0007] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method that includes operating a horizontal directional drilling machine to push a drill string having a rotary bit into the ground to drill an underground wellbore from a starting position to an ending position, the rotary bit having a cutting portion defined by a plurality of blades that project radially outward from a surface to define an outer cutting diameter. At the ending position, a pulling-back device is attached to a plurality of engagement features at respective positions along the surface of the rotary bit, the plurality of engagement features being axially located within the cutting portion and radially located inside the outer cutting diameter. At the ending position, a production device is attached to an attachment portion of the pulling-back device. The drill string including the rotary bit, the pulling-back device, and the production device is pulled from the ending position through the underground wellbore back to the starting position to install the production device in the underground wellbore. At the starting position, the production device is detached from the pulling-back device.

[0008] One aspect relates to a pulling-back device for attaching to a rotary bit without the need to disassemble or remove the rotary bit from the drill string. The pulling-back device includes: a frame member; a collar configured to attach the pulling-back device to the rotary bit; and arms, each arm having a first end and a second end, the first end slidably engaging the frame member and the second end slidably engaging the collar.

[0009] Another aspect relates to a pulling-back system for installing a production device in a wellbore. The system includes a rotary bit and a pulling-back device, the rotary bit having a plurality of blades and a base, the plurality of blades carrying cones, the base being located between the plurality of blades and a connector configured to attach the rotary bit to a swivel; the pulling-back device attaching to the rotary bit without the need to disassemble or remove the rotary bit from the swivel, the pulling-back device including: a frame member; a collar that attaches the pulling-back device to the rotary bit; a plurality of arms, each arm having a first end and a second end, the first end slidably engaging the frame member and the second end slidably engaging the collar; and at least one attachment position configured to attach the production device to the pulling-back device.

[0010] On the other hand, it relates to a method of installing a production device in a wellbore, the method comprising: drilling a wellbore from a starting position to an ending position using a rotary drill bit having a plurality of blades with cone bits; at the ending position, attaching a pulling-back device to the base of the rotary drill bit; at the ending position, attaching a production device to the pulling-back device; pulling the rotary drill bit back from the ending position to the starting position, and at the starting position, detaching the production device from the pulling-back device.

[0011] On the other hand, it relates to a pulling-back device for attaching to a rotary drill bit without the need to disassemble or remove the rotary drill bit from a drill string. The pulling-back device includes a production device attachment portion and an anchoring portion. The production device attachment portion is configured to align with the central axis of the rotary drill bit and attach a production device to the pulling-back device; the anchoring portion is for fixing the production device attachment portion to the rotary drill bit. The anchoring portion engages the base of the rotary drill bit to attach the pulling-back device to the rotary drill bit.

[0012] On the other hand, it relates to a method of pulling back a production device located in a wellbore drilled by a rotary drill bit coupled to a drill string. The rotary drill bit has a base defining a central axis and a plurality of blades extending from the base, and the rotary drill bit rotates about the central axis during drilling. Each blade has a plurality of cone bits. The method includes: attaching the anchoring portion of the pulling-back device to the base; attaching the production device to the production device attachment portion of the pulling-back device; and pulling the production device back through the wellbore by transmitting a pulling-back load to the base through the anchoring portion.

[0013] A variety of different additional aspects will be set forth in the following description. These aspects may relate to individual features and combinations of features. It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory, and do not limit the broad inventive concept on which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. Description of the Drawings

[0014] The following drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present disclosure and thus do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended to be used in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals represent like elements.

[0015] Figure 1 is a side view of a pulling-back system.

[0016] Figure 2 is an isometric view of a pulling-back device attached to a rotary drill bit according to a first example of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 3 Is an isometric view of a rotary drill bit.

[0018] Figure 4 Is another isometric view of a rotary drill bit.

[0019] Figure 5 Is a side view of a rotary drill bit.

[0020] Figure 6 Is a front view of a rotary drill bit.

[0021] Figure 7 Is a rear view of a rotary drill bit.

[0022] Figure 8 Is an isometric view of a pullback device.

[0023] Figure 9 Is another isometric view of a pullback device.

[0024] Figure 10 Is a side view of a pullback device.

[0025] Figure 11 Is another side view of a pullback device.

[0026] Figure 12 Is a top view of a pullback device.

[0027] Figure 13 Is a bottom view of a pullback device.

[0028] Figure 14 Is an exploded view of a pullback device.

[0029] Figure 15 Is another exploded view of a pullback device.

[0030] Figure 16 Is an isometric view of the arm of a pullback device.

[0031] Figure 17 Is an isometric view of the collar of a pullback device.

[0032] Figure 18 Is a side view of a pullback device attached to a rotary drill bit.

[0033] Figure 19 Is a front view of a pullback device attached to a rotary drill bit.

[0034] Figure 20 Is a rear view of a pullback device attached to a rotary drill bit.

[0035] Figure 21 Is an isometric view of a pullback device attached to a rotary drill bit according to another example of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 22 Is Figure 21 An isometric view of the retraction device.

[0037] Figure 23 Is Figure 21 An isometric view of the collar of the retraction device, shown in the open position.

[0038] Figure 24 Is an isometric view of a retraction device attached to a rotary drill according to another example of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 25 Is Figure 24 An isometric view of the retraction device.

[0040] Figure 26 Is Figure 24 An isometric view of the collar of the retraction device.

[0041] Figure 27 Is an isometric view of a retraction device attached to a rotary drill according to another example of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 28 Is Figure 27 An isometric view of the retraction device.

[0043] Figure 29 Is Figure 27 An isometric view of the collar of the retraction device.

[0044] Figure 30 Is Figure 27 An isometric view of another collar of the retraction device, shown in the open position.

[0045] Figure 31 Is Figure 30 An isometric view of the collar in the closed position.

[0046] Figure 32 Is an isometric view of a retraction device attached to a rotary drill according to another example of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 33 Is Figure 32 A side view of the retraction device and the rotary drill.

[0048] Figure 34 Is Figure 32 An isometric view of the retraction device, where the collar is shown in the open position.

[0049] Figure 35 Is an isometric view of a retraction device attached to a rotary drill according to another example of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 36 IsFigure 35 Isometric view of a pull-back device in the open position.

[0051] Figure 37 Is Figure 35 View of the pull-back device in the closed position.

[0052] Figure 38 Is Figure 35 Another view of the pull-back device in the closed position.

[0053] Figure 39 Is Figure 35 Top view of the pull-back device in the locked position.

[0054] Figure 40 Is Figure 35 Bottom view of the pull-back device in the locked position.

[0055] Figure 41 Illustrates a method of installing a production device in a wellbore.

[0056] Figure 42 Illustrates a method of pulling back a production device in a wellbore drilled by a rotary bit located at the distal end of a drill string.

[0057] Figure 43 Isometric view of a pull-back system including a pull-back device and a rotary bit according to another example of the present disclosure.

[0058] Figure 44 Is Figure 43 First isometric view of the rotary bit of the pull-back system.

[0059] Figure 45 Is Figure 43 Second isometric view of the rotary bit of the pull-back system.

[0060] Figure 46 Is Figure 44 And Figure 45 Front view of the rotary bit.

[0061] Figure 47 Is along Figure 46 Cross-sectional view of the rotary bit taken along line 47-47.

[0062] Figure 48 Side view of the pull-back device in the open configuration, in which the collar assembly is in the unlocked position and the respective arms of the pull-back device are released from the rotary bit.

[0063] Figure 49 Isometric view of the pull-back device in the closed configuration, in which the collar assembly is in the locked position. The rotary bit is removed for clarity.

[0064] Figure 50 is Figures 43 to 49 a view of an exploded component of a pullback device.

[0065] Figure 51 is an isometric view of a pullback system including a portion of a pullback device and a rotary drill according to another example of the present disclosure.

[0066] Figure 52 is Figure 51 a side view of the pullback system of

[0067] Figure 53 is Figures 51 to 52 an isometric view of a portion of the pullback system of

[0068] Figure 54 is Figures 51 to 52 a side view of a portion of the pullback system of

[0069] Figure 55 is an isometric view of a pullback system including a portion of a pullback device and a rotary drill according to another example of the present disclosure.

[0070] Figure 56 is Figure 55 a side view of the pullback system of

[0071] Figure 57 is Figures 55 to 56 an isometric view of a portion of the pullback system of

[0072] Figure 58 is Figures 55 to 56 a side view of a portion of the pullback system of

[0073] Figure 59 is an isometric view of a pullback system including a portion of a pullback device and a rotary drill according to another example of the present disclosure.

[0074] Figure 60 is Figure 59 a side view of the pullback system of

[0075] Figure 61 is Figures 59 to 60 an isometric view of a portion of the pullback system of

[0076] Figure 62 is Figures 59 to 60 a side view of a portion of the pullback system of

[0077] Figure 63 is an isometric view of a pullback system including a portion of a pullback device and a rotary drill according to another example of the present disclosure.

[0078] Figure 64 is Figure 63 a side view of a pullback system of

[0079] Figure 65 is Figures 63 to 64 an isometric view of a portion of a pullback system of

[0080] Figure 66 is Figures 63 to 64 a side view of a portion of a pullback system of DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] Various different embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals throughout the several views represent like parts and components. The reference to various different embodiments does not limit the scope of the appended claims. In addition, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments of the appended claims.

[0082] The present disclosure relates to a pullback device for installing a production device in a wellbore. The pullback device is capable of being attached to a rotary drill bit without disassembling or removing the rotary drill bit from the drill string. The pullback device does not require a special tool for attachment to the rotary drill bit and thus allows the pullback device to be easily attached to the rotary drill bit. The pullback system may include a similar concept described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 526,032, filed on July 30, 2019, and assigned to VERMEER MANUFACTURING COMPANY, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0083] Figure 1 is a side view of a pullback system 10. The pullback system 10 includes a pullback device 100 attached to a rotary drill bit 200. The rotary drill bit 200 is used for horizontal directional drilling operations and is described in Figures 3 to 6 more detail below. The rotary drill bit 200 is attached to the distal end of a swivel 50.

[0084] The swivel 50 includes a wellbore lower end 52 and a wellbore upper end 54. As Figure 1 shown, the rotary drill bit 200 is attached at the wellbore lower end 52. The swivel 50 is connectable at the wellbore upper end 54 to an outer drill pipe and an inner drill pipe of a drill string.

[0085] The swivel 50 includes a drill pipe axis DR that has a bend at a boundary 56. In some examples, the bend of the drill pipe axis DR is about 2 degrees.

[0086] The rotary device 50 is configured to withstand a large pulling force during a pullback operation. In some examples, the pullback device 100 is designed to fail or yield before damaging the rotary device 50 during a pullback operation.

[0087] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the pullback device 100 attached to the rotary bit 200. The pullback device 100 is designed to be attached to the rotary bit 200 without the need to disassemble or remove the rotary bit 200 from the drill string. The pullback device 100 is also designed to be attached to the base 202 of the rotary bit 200 and is designed to transfer the pulling force to the base 202 during a pullback operation.

[0088] Figures 3 to 7 are an isometric view, a side view, a front view, and a rear view of the rotary bit 200. The rotary bit 200 includes a base 202, a plurality of blades 204, and a connector 206. As shown, the base 202 is located between the plurality of blades 204 and the connector 206.

[0089] The rotary bit 200 can be used in various different drill pipe drilling systems. In one exemplary embodiment, the rotary bit 200 is used in a dual drill pipe drilling system. The dual drill pipe drilling system is used for directional drilling and is generally configured to drive a series of drill pipes that are end-to-end connected to form a drill string into the ground. The rotary bit 200 is attached to the well bottom end of the drill string. The dual drill pipe drilling system is described in more detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0313157, which is assigned to VERMEER MANUFACTURING COMPANY, and the disclosure of the U.S. patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0090] The connector 206 is used to attach the rotary bit 200 to the rotary device 50 of the drill string (see Figure 1 ). The connector 206 includes threads 208 that mate with corresponding threads on the rotary device 50 to attach the rotary bit 200 to the rotary device 50. As described above, during a drilling operation, the rotary device 50 transfers torque and thrust from the drive mechanism to cause the rotary bit 200 to rotate about the central axis RDB and to push the rotary bit 200 in a forward direction, thereby causing the plurality of blades 204 to remove debris (e.g., rock, dirt, mud, etc.).

[0091] The plurality of blades 204 define the cutting portion of the rotary bit 200 and project radially outward from a surface that forms corresponding grooves 214 that are circumferentially staggered with the plurality of blades 204. Whether the plurality of blades 204 also have (one or more) inclination angles or complex curvatures, the plurality of blades 204 can project radially outward (as Figure 6(as shown in the end view of). Each blade 204 includes a plurality of cones 216. In some examples, the cones 216 on the plurality of blades 204 are polycrystalline diamond (PDC) composite cones. In the depicted example, the rotary drill bit 200 has five blades 204 separated by five grooves 214. It is contemplated that the rotary drill bit 200 can have a variety of different configurations, including a variety of different numbers, shapes, and layouts of the blades 204, grooves 214, and cones 216.

[0092] In some examples, the base 202 includes at least one anchor 218 that engages an anchoring portion of the pullback device 100 to secure the pullback device 100 to the base 202 of the rotary drill bit 200. In such examples, the at least one anchor 218 can be used to mount the rotary drill bit 200 to the swivel 50, for example, by providing one or more surfaces for a wrench or similar tool to latch onto threads and screw the rotary drill bit 200 onto the swivel 50. The at least one anchor 218 on the rotary drill bit 200 is robust and capable of withstanding loads during the pullback operation. In alternative examples, the base 202 does not include an anchor 218, and the anchoring portion of the pullback device 100 is secured to the base 202 without the need to engage an anchor 218.

[0093] In the depicted example, the base includes two anchors 218 that are located on opposite sides of the central axis RDB of the rotary drill bit 200. In the example depicted in the drawings, the anchors 218 are cutout portions of the base 202 and include surfaces 220, 222 that are flat and orthogonal to the central axis RDB of the rotary drill bit 200 (see Figure 5 ). The pullback device 100 is configured to engage at least one of the surfaces 220, 222 of each anchor 218 to transfer the pullback force to the base 202 during the pullback operation.

[0094] The anchors 218 can have a variety of different configurations, shapes, and layouts on the base 202. For example, the base 202 can include a single anchor 218, can include more than two anchors 218, or can not include an anchor 218. In one example, the base 202 can include a single anchor 218, such as a groove that wraps around the base 202.

[0095] Figure 8 and Figure 9 is an isometric view of the pullback device 100. Figure 10 and Figure 11 are side views of the pullback device 100. As shown in these figures, the pullback device 100 includes a frame member 102, a collar 104, and a plurality of arms 106.

[0096] The frame member 102 has at least one attachment location 108. This attachment location 108 can be used to attach a production device to the pullback device 100. In some examples, the frame member 102 and the at least one attachment location 108 are part of a production device attachment portion of the pullback device 100 that is aligned with the central axis RDB of the rotary drill bit 200 and is used to attach the production device to the pullback device 100.

[0097] In the example depicted in the figures, the attachment location 108 is an orifice that can attach a production device directly or indirectly. It is contemplated that the frame member 102 can have a variety of different configurations, including more than one attachment location 108. Additionally, it is contemplated that the attachment location 108 can have a variety of different shapes and layouts on the frame member 102.

[0098] In some examples, the collar 104 and the plurality of arms 106 are part of an anchoring portion of the pullback device 100 that secures the production device attachment portion to the rotary drill bit 200 by engaging the base 202 of the rotary drill bit 200. In some examples, the collar 104 engages at least one anchor 218 on the base 202 to secure the pullback device 100 to the rotary drill bit 200. In such examples, the collar 104 transfers the pullback force to the base 202 through at least one anchor 218 during the pullback operation. For example, as Figure 2 shown in the example depicted, the collar 104 is configured to fit between the orthogonal surfaces 220, 222 such that during the pullback operation, the collar 104 engages at least one of the orthogonal surfaces 220, 222 and transfers the pullback force to the base 202 through the orthogonal surfaces 220, 222.

[0099] In an alternative example where the base 202 does not include at least one anchor 218, the anchoring portion of the pullback device 100 can be tightly clamped to the outer face of the base 202. In some examples, the anchoring portion of the pullback device 100 can grip the back of the blade 204. In such examples, the anchoring portion can be configured to have a gripper with pivot arms that can grip the blade 204, such as in the pullback device described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 526,032, filed on July 30, 2019, and assigned to VERMEER MANUFACTURING COMPANY, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0100] Figure 12 and Figure 13 are a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of the pullback device 100. Figure 14 and Figure 15is an exploded view of the retraction device 100. Now refer to Figures 8 to 15 , each arm 106 has a first end 110 and a second end 112, the first end 110 is slidably engaged with the frame member 102, and the second end 112 is slidably engaged with the collar 104. The arm 106 can slide around the frame member 102 and the collar 104 such that the arm 106 can rotate about the central axis PBD of the retraction device 100 (see Figure 10 and Figure 11 ). When the retraction device 100 is attached to the rotary drill bit 200, as shown in, for example, Figure 2 , the central axis PBD of the retraction device 100 coincides with the central axis RDB of the rotary drill bit 200, and thus the arm 106 can also rotate about the central axis RDB of the rotary drill bit 200. As provided herein, the plurality of arms 106 includes at least two arms 106, three arms 106, or more than three arms 106.

[0101] Figure 16 is an isometric view of the arm 106 of the retraction device 100. As shown in Figure 16 , the first end 110 includes a first surface 114, a second surface 116, a third surface 118, and a fourth surface 119. Now refer to Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figures 12 to 16 , the first surface 114 is configured to slidably engage the outer surface of the frame member 102, the second surface 116 is configured to slidably engage the flange 132 extending from the frame member 102, the third surface 118 is configured to slidably engage the inner surface of the locking device 140, and the fourth surface 119 is configured to engage the side surface of the locking device 140 that is orthogonal to the inner surface of the locking device 140. The frame member 102, the flange 132, and the locking device 140 prevent axial and radial movement of the first end 110 relative to the central axis PBD of the retraction device 100 while allowing the first end 110 to rotate about the central axis PBD.

[0102] As further shown in Figure 16 , the second end 112 of the arm 106 includes a groove 120. In some examples, the groove 120 has a width corresponding to the width of the sliding portion 130 of the collar 104. For example, the groove 120 can have a width equal to or greater than the width of the sliding portion 130 of the collar 104. Now refer to Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figures 12 to 16, the collar 104 prevents both axial and radial movement of the second end 112 of the arm 106 relative to the central axis PBD of the retraction device 100, while allowing the second end 112 of the arm 106 to rotate at least partially about the central axis PBD of the retraction device 100 on the sliding portion 130.

[0103] Now referring to Figures 8 to 15 , the retraction device 100 includes a locking device 140 that engages the frame member 102 and the first end 110 of the arm 106. The locking device 140 is combined with the flange 132 to prevent both axial and radial movement of the first end 110 of the arm 106 relative to the central axis PBD of the retraction device 100, while allowing the first end 110 of the arm 106 to rotate about the central axis PBD of the retraction device 100. In the depicted example, the first end 110 of the arm 106 is clamped between the flange 132 and the locking device 140.

[0104] In Figures 8 to 15 the example described, the locking device 140 is a hollow cylinder that is sleeved on the frame member 102 and the first end 110 of the arm 106. The locking device 140 includes an aperture 142, and the frame member includes a corresponding aperture 146. A pin 144 can be inserted into the aperture 142 of the locking device 140 and the corresponding aperture 146 of the frame member 102 to restrict the locking device 140 relative to the frame member 102. Thus, when the locking device 140 is restricted by the pin 144, it prevents both axial and radial movement of the first end 110 of the arm 106 relative to the central axis PBD of the retraction device 100, while allowing the first end 110 of the arm 106 to rotate about the central axis PBD.

[0105] In an alternative example, the locking device 140 is a solid washer. In such an example, a pin 144 can be inserted into the aperture 146 of the frame member 102 to restrict the locking device relative to the frame member 102.

[0106] Figure 17 is an isometric view of the collar 104 of the retraction device 100. As Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 17As shown, the sliding portions 130 of the collar 104 are attached together by a connecting member 134. The connecting member 134 includes holes 136 at opposite ends, and the sliding portions 130 include corresponding holes 138. A fixing device such as a bolt 150 is inserted through the holes 136 in the connecting member 134 and the corresponding holes 138 in the sliding portions 130, and a nut 152 is screwed onto the bolt 150 to fix the sliding portions 130 and the connecting member 134 together. In this way, the collar 104 can be fixed around the base 202 of the rotary drill 200 (see Figure 2 ).

[0107] The anchor 218 on the base 202 can have a variety of different configurations, shapes and layouts on the base 202. Accordingly, the sliding portions 130 and the connecting member 134 can also have a variety of different configurations and shapes other than those shown in the drawings, so as to match the configuration, shape and layout of the anchor 218 on the base 202. Moreover, the collar 104 can have more than two sliding portions 130, or can have a single sliding portion 130. Moreover, a variety of different fixing devices in place of the bolt 150 and the nut 152 can be used to fix the sliding portions 130 and the connecting member 134 together.

[0108] Figure 18 is a side view of the pullback device 100 attached to the rotary drill 200. During the pullback operation, the pullback force F from the production device attached to at least one attachment location 108 PB is transmitted to the rotary drill 200 through the collar 104. The collar 104 clamps around the base 202 of the rotary drill 200. The collar 104 can be fitted tightly or loosely around the base 202 of the rotary drill 200 to engage portions (such as the surfaces 220, 222 in the anchor 218) on the base 202 of the rotary drill 200 that are orthogonal to the central axis RDB of the rotary drill 200. Advantageously, by engaging the anchor 218, since the collar 104 prevents the rotation of the pullback device 100, the stability of the pullback device 100 during pullback is improved. Additionally, by engaging the base 202, since the base 202 is a rigid part of the rotary drill 200, the collar 104 transmits the pullback force F PB from the production device to the base 202, which also improves the stability during pullback.

[0109] Figure 19 and Figure 20 are a front view and a rear view, respectively, of the pullback device 100 attached to the rotary drill 200. As Figure 19 and Figure 20As shown, a plurality of arms 106 are assembled between a plurality of vanes 204 on a rotary drill bit 200. As described above, when the pulling device 100 is attached to the rotary drill bit 200, the central axis PBD of the pulling device 100 coincides with the central axis RDB of the rotary drill bit 200. The locking device 140 and the collar 104 enable the plurality of arms 106 to slide and rotate about the central axis RDB of the rotary drill bit 200 between the vanes 204. This is advantageous because rotary drill bits can have a variety of different configurations, and the vanes of the rotary drill bit can have a variety of different configurations, including a variety of different numbers, shapes, and sizes. Thus, the ability to slide and rotate the arms 106 enhances the adaptability of the pulling device 100 to a variety of different rotary drill bits.

[0110] As Figure 19 Further shown, the plurality of arms 106 define a diameter D2 that is less than or equal to the diameter D1 of the rotary drill bit 200. As Figure 20 shown, the collar 104 defines a diameter D3 that is less than or equal to the diameter D1 of the rotary drill bit 200. The diameter D2 of the plurality of arms 106 and the diameter D3 of the collar 104 ensure that no part of the pulling device 100 extends beyond the diameter D1 of the rotary drill bit 200. Advantageously, this ensures that the pulling device 100 does not scrape against the wall of the wellbore during the pulling operation, where such scraping can cause wear, friction, and possible failure or malfunction of the pulling device 100. Thus, as Figure 19 and Figure 20 shown, the arms 106 are assembled between adjacent vanes 204 in the rotary drill bit 200 and do not extend beyond the distance that the vanes 204 project from the rotary drill bit 200. Similarly, the collar 104 does not project beyond the diameter D1 of the rotary drill bit 200.

[0111] Figure 21 is an isometric view of a pulling device 300 according to another example of the present disclosure. As Figure 21 shown, the collar 304 of the pulling device 300 is attached to the base 202 of the rotary drill bit 200. Moreover, the arms 306 of the pulling device 300 are positioned between the vanes 204 of the rotary drill bit 200.

[0112] Figure 22 is an isometric view of the pulling device 300. As Figure 22 shown, the pulling device 300 includes a frame member 302, a collar 304, and arms 306.

[0113] The frame member 302 has at least one attachment location 308. The attachment location 308 can be used to attach a production device to the pulling device 300.

[0114] The collar 304 attaches the pullback device 300 to the base 202 of the rotary drill bit 200. In some examples where the rotary drill bit 200 includes one or more anchors 218, the collar 304 can engage at least one anchor 218 on the base 202. In other examples where the rotary drill bit 200 does not include an anchor 218, the collar 304 can grip around the outer surface of the base 202 to attach the pullback device 300 to the base 202.

[0115] Each arm 306 has a first end 310 and a second end 312. The first end 310 is slidably engaged between the locking device 340 and the frame member 302, and the second end 312 is slidably engaged with the collar 304. The arm 306 is capable of sliding around the frame member 302 and the collar 304 such that the arm 306 can rotate about the central axis PBD of the pullback device 300. The locking device 340 is a solid washer, and the pin 344 can be inserted into the orifice 346 of the frame member 302 to restrict the locking device 340 relative to the frame member 302.

[0116] Figure 23 is an isometric view of the collar 304 in the open position. The collar 304 includes a pivot arm 320 that can be used to hook and fasten the collar 304 around the base 202 of the rotary drill bit 200. The pivot arm 320 is attached to the collar 304 at one end by a hinge 322. An additional hinge 323 allows the first portion 325 of the pivot arm 320 to pivot relative to the second portion 327 of the pivot arm 320 to provide further flexibility while allowing the collar 304 to wrap around the base 202. The pivot arm 320 includes a latch 324 at the end of the first portion 325 that hooks onto the chain box 326 to fix the collar 304 around the base 202 in the closed position (see Figure 21 ).

[0117] The pivot arm 320 further includes a rotating arm 328. Since the pivot arm 320 is connected to the rotating arm 328 at the hinge 332, the rotating arm 328 pivots about the hinge 330 in a first direction to pull the latch 324 onto the chain box 326. In this way, the rotating arm 328 can be used to fix the collar 304 around the base 202 in the closed position. The rotating arm 328 pivots about the hinge 330 in a second direction to push the latch 324 away from the chain box 326 and allow the collar 304 to open.

[0118] In some examples, the rotating arm 328 includes a hole 334 that receives a locking device such as a pin 336 to lock the rotating arm 328 in place relative to the collar 304 and thereby prevent the rotating arm 328 from pivoting about the hinge 330. The pin 336 is an example of one type of locking device that can be used to secure the rotating arm 328 in place, and a variety of different locking devices such as simple bolts and nuts can be used to secure the rotating arm 328. In some examples, the collar 304 does not include the pin 336.

[0119] In Figures 21 to 23 the depicted example, the collar 304 has a generally circular shape to surround the base 202 of the rotary drill 200 and engage at least one surface (such as one or more anchors 218) on the base 202. However, the collar 304 can have a variety of different configurations, shapes, and sizes to match the configuration, shape, size, and layout of the base 202 of the rotary drill 200.

[0120] Figure 24 is an isometric view of a pullback device 400 according to another example of the present disclosure. As Figure 24 shown, the collar 404 of the pullback device 400 is attached to the base 202 of the rotary drill 200. Additionally, the arm 406 of the pullback device 400 is positioned between the vanes 204 of the rotary drill 200.

[0121] Figure 25 is an isometric view of the pullback device 400. As Figure 25 shown, the pullback device 400 includes a frame member 402, a collar 404, and an arm 406.

[0122] The frame member 402 has at least one attachment location 408. The attachment location 408 can be used to attach a production device to the pullback device 400.

[0123] The collar 404 attaches the pullback device 400 to the base 202 of the rotary drill 200. In certain examples where the rotary drill 200 includes one or more anchors 218, the collar 404 can engage at least one anchor 218 on the base 202. In other examples where the rotary drill 200 does not include anchors 218, the collar 404 can clamp around the outer surface of the base 202 to attach the pullback device 400 to the base 202.

[0124] Each arm 406 has a first end 410 and a second end 412. The first end 410 is slidably engaged between the locking device 440 and the frame member 402, and the second end 412 is slidably engaged with the collar 404. The arm 406 is slidable around the frame member 402 and the collar 404 such that the arm 406 can rotate about the central axis PBD of the pull-back device 400. The locking device 440 is fixed to the frame member 402 by a pin 444 inserted into the orifice 442.

[0125] Figure 26 is an isometric view of the collar 404. As Figure 26 shown, the collar 404 includes two halves 420, 422 that are fixed together at corresponding attachment locations 430, 432 by a fixing means such as a bolt 424. Each of the halves 420, 422 has a semi-circular shape with a circular arc, and the semi-circular shape has a generally C-shaped configuration that is fitted around the base 202 of the rotary drill 200. It is contemplated that the collar 404 (including the halves 420, 422) may have a variety of different configurations, shapes, and sizes to match the configuration, shape, size, and layout of the anchor 218 on the base 202 of the rotary drill 200. Additionally, a variety of different fixing means and methods alternative to the bolt 424 may be used to fix the halves 420, 422 together.

[0126] Figure 27 is an isometric view of a pull-back device 500 according to another example of the present disclosure. As Figure 27 shown, the collar 504 of the pull-back device 500 is attached to the base 202 of the rotary drill 200. Moreover, the arms 506 of the pull-back device 500 are positioned between the blades 204 of the rotary drill 200.

[0127] Figure 28 is an isometric view of the pull-back device 500. As Figure 28 shown, the pull-back device 500 includes a frame member 502, a collar 504, and arms 506.

[0128] The frame member 502 has at least one attachment location 508. The attachment location 508 can be used to attach a production device to the pull-back device 500.

[0129] Each arm 506 has a first end 510 and a second end 512. The first end 510 is slidably engaged between the locking device 540 and the frame member 502, and the second end 512 is engaged with the collar 404. The locking device 540 is fixed to the frame member 502 by a pin 544 inserted into the orifice 542. The collar 504 surrounds the second end 512 of the arm 506.

[0130] Figure 29 Is an isometric view of collar 504. In this example, collar 504 is similar to a hose clamp and can be secured around the base 202 of the rotary drill 200 to secure the pullback device 500 to the base 202. The collar 504 can be tightened by a locking mechanism 520 to constrict the circumference of the collar 504 around the base 202 and secure the pullback device 500 to the base 202. The locking mechanism 520 can include a screw 522 that can be turned to constrict the circumference of the collar 504. In some examples, the locking mechanism 520 operates similar to a zipper.

[0131] Figure 30 and Figure 31 Is an isometric view of an alternative collar 550 that can be used with the pullback device 500. In this example, collar 550 is a cable that can be opened (see Figure 30 ) to loop around the second end 512 of the arm 506 and the base 202. The collar 550 can be tightened around the second end 512 and the base 202 by a locking mechanism 560, where the locking mechanism 560 can be used to constrict the circumference of the collar 550 around the base 202 to secure the pullback device 500 to the base 202. In some examples, the locking mechanism 560 operates similar to a zipper.

[0132] Figure 32 Is an isometric view of a pullback device 600 according to another example of the present disclosure. Figure 33 Is a side view of the pullback device 600 attached to the base 202. As Figure 32 and Figure 33 shown, the collar 604 of the pullback device 600 is attached to the base 202 of the rotary drill 200. Moreover, the arm 606 of the pullback device 600 is positioned between the vanes 204 of the rotary drill 200.

[0133] Figure 34 Is an isometric view of the pullback device 600. As Figures 32 to 34 shown, the pullback device 600 includes a collar 604 and a plurality of arms 606. In this example, the arms 606 are cables that are attached at an attachment location 608 that includes a first end. The attachment location 608 can be used to attach a production device to the pullback device 600. In alternative examples, the pullback device 600 can include a collar 604 and the frame member 102, the locking device 140, and the arm 106 of the pullback device 100. Additionally, in alternative embodiments, the arms 606 can be used with collars (e.g., 104, 304, 404, and 504) in the embodiments of the pullback devices described above.

[0134] Still referring to Figures 32 to 34, the arm 606 includes an attachment location 612 at an opposite second end. The attachment location 612 engages a corresponding attachment location on the collar 604 to secure the arm 606 to the collar 604.

[0135] In this example, the collar 604 is a chain. The collar 604 surrounds the base 202 of the rotary drill 200 (see Figure 32 and Figure 33 ) to secure the pullback device 600 to the base 202 of the rotary drill 200. The collar 604 is secured around the base 202 by attaching the two ends of the collar 604 together.

[0136] In some examples, the collar 604 may include a latch 620 having a shape and size corresponding to the shape and size of an anchor 218 in the base 202. Advantageously, the latch 620 aligns and mates with orthogonal surfaces 220, 222 in the base 202 of the rotary drill 200 and ensures that the collar 604 does not rotate or move relative to the base 202 during pullback.

[0137] Figure 35 is an isometric view of a pullback device 700 according to another example of the present disclosure. As Figure 35 shown, the collar 704 of the pullback device 700 is attached to the base 202 of the rotary drill 200. Additionally, the arm 706 of the pullback device 700 is positioned between the vanes 204 of the rotary drill 200.

[0138] Figure 36 is an isometric view of the pullback device 700 in an open position. Figure 37 and Figure 38 are isometric views of the pullback device 700 in a closed position. Figure 39 and Figure 40 are a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of the pullback device 700 in a closed position. Now referring to Figures 35 to 40 , the pullback device 700 includes a frame member 702, a collar 704, and an arm 706. Each arm 706 has a first end 710 and a second end 712. The first end 710 engages in a groove 726 in the frame member 702 in a pivotable and slidable manner, and the second end 712 is capable of engaging in a groove 724 in opposite halves 720, 722 of the collar 704 in a slidable manner.

[0139] The first end 710 of the arm 706 includes a ball pivot joint that engages the groove 726, thereby allowing the arm 706 to pivot relative to the frame member 702. The ball pivot joint is also capable of sliding in the groove 726 around the frame member 702 such that the arm 706 can rotate about the central axis PBD of the pullback device 700.

[0140] When the retraction device 700 is in the closed position, the locking device 740 can be inserted through the orifice 746 of the frame member 702 and mounted around the extension 728 of each arm 706 to form a locking portion (e.g., hook-shaped) for restricting the pivotal movement of the arm 706 relative to the frame member 702. Thus, the frame member 702 is formed as a collar that can slide along the locking device 740. The pin 744 can be inserted through the locking device 740 to fix the locking device 740 relative to the frame member 702 in the axial direction relative to the central axis PBD of the retraction device 700. In addition, the locking device 740 has at least one attachment position 708. This attachment position 708 can be used to attach the production device to the retraction device 700 when the locking device 740 is fixed to the frame member 702 by the pin 744.

[0141] The collar 704 attaches the retraction device 700 to the base 202 of the rotary drill 200. In some examples where the rotary drill 200 includes one or more anchors 218, the collar 404 can engage at least one anchor 218 on the base 202. In other examples where the rotary drill 200 does not include anchors 218, the collar 404 can clamp around the outer face of the base 202 to attach the retraction device 400 to the base 202.

[0142] The collar 704 includes halves 720, 722 that pivot between an open position and a closed position when the first end 710 of the arm 706 pivots in the groove 726 of the frame member 702. In the closed position, the locking device 740 can be inserted through the frame member 702 to fit over the extension 728, thereby preventing the arm 706 from pivoting and thus locking the halves 720, 722 of the collar 704 together. In this way, the collar 704 can be locked around the base 202 of the rotary drill 200.

[0143] Each of the halves 720, 722 includes a groove 724 that allows the arm 706 to slide relative to the collar 704 while preventing the arm 706 from pivoting relative to the frame member 702 by the locking device 740. As shown, the second end 712 of the arm 706 is fixed in the groove 724 by a fixing device 730 such as bolts and nuts.

[0144] Each of the halves 720, 722 has a semi-circular shape with an arched profile, such as a generally C-shaped configuration, that fits around the base 202 of the rotary drill 200. It is contemplated that the collar 704 (including the halves 720, 722) can have a variety of different configurations, shapes, and sizes to match the configuration, shape, and layout of the anchors 218 on the base 202 of the rotary drill 200.

[0145] Figure 41 Illustrated is a method 800 of installing a production device in a wellbore. Method 800 includes step 802 of using a rotary drill bit having multiple blades and cones to drill a wellbore from a starting position at the upper end of the well to a termination position at the lower end of the well.

[0146] Next, method 800 includes step 804 of attaching a pullback device to the base of the rotary drill bit at the termination position. After the wellbore drilling operation is completed, a trench can be dug at the lower end of the well to facilitate attaching the pullback device to the rotary drill bit such that the pullback device can be used to install the production device in the ground during a pullback operation. In some examples, the trench is the termination position.

[0147] Step 804 includes: positioning multiple arms of the pullback device between the multiple blades before attaching a collar of the pullback device to the base. In some examples, step 804 includes inserting a locking device onto the pullback device that allows the multiple arms to rotate about a central axis of the pullback device while preventing radial and axial movement between the multiple arms and the pullback device. In some examples, step 804 includes inserting a pin through an orifice in the pullback device to restrict the locking device relative to the pullback device.

[0148] Next, method 800 includes step 806 of attaching a production device to the pullback device at the termination position. In step 806, the production device can be directly attached to an attachment position on the pullback device or can be indirectly attached to the attachment position on the pullback device by first connecting the production device to a rotating device and then connecting the rotating device to the attachment position on the pullback device. When the pullback device is pulled back through the wellbore, the rotating device can prevent the production device from rotating about a central axis of the rotary drill bit inside the wellbore.

[0149] Next, method 800 includes step 808 of pulling the rotary drill bit from the termination position back to the starting position. During the pullback, as the drill string is pulled back through the wellbore, drill pipe assemblies are removed from the drill string.

[0150] Next, method 800 includes step 810 of detaching the production device from the pullback device at the starting position. After the production device is detached, the production device remains installed in the wellbore. In some examples, step 810 of method 800 can include: removing a pin from the pullback device; removing the locking device from the pullback device; disengaging the collar from the base of the rotary drill bit; and removing the pullback device from the rotary drill bit.

[0151] Figure 42Illustrated is a method 900 of pulling back a production device located in a wellbore drilled by a rotary drill bit coupled to a distal end of a drill string. The rotary drill bit has a base and a plurality of blades, the base defining a central axis about which the rotary drill bit rotates during drilling of the wellbore, and the plurality of blades extending from the base. Each blade has a plurality of cones. Method 900 includes a step 902 of positioning an anchoring portion of a pulling-back device between the plurality of blades on the rotary drill bit. Next, method 900 includes a step 904 of attaching the anchoring portion to the rotary drill bit. Next, method 900 includes a step 906 of attaching a production device to a production-device attachment portion of the pulling-back device. Next, method 900 includes a step 908 of pulling the production device back through the wellbore by transferring a pulling-back load from the anchoring portion of the pulling-back device to the base of the rotary drill bit. In some examples, the pulling-back load is transferred from the anchoring portion to at least one surface on the base that is orthogonal to the central axis of the rotary drill bit.

[0152] Figures 43 to 50 Illustrated is another embodiment of a pulling-back system 10A, the pulling-back system 10A including a pulling-back device 1000 and a rotary drill bit 200A. Similar to the foregoing embodiment, an attachment location 1008 may be positioned along a central axis PBD of the pulling-back device 1000, the central axis PBD coinciding with a central axis RDB of the rotary drill bit 200A. The rotary drill bit 200A is similar to the drill bit 200 of the foregoing description and drawings, including a base 202, a plurality of blades 204 at a front end, and a connector 206 (e.g., having threads, not shown) at a rear end. However, the drill bit 200A may or may not be provided with the anchor 218 of the drill bit 200. Whether or not the anchor 218 is provided, the pulling-back device 1000 does not use a separate collar fixed to the anchor. Instead, respective arms 1006 of the pulling-back device 1000 are provided as grappling arms to engage an arm-engagement feature 212A, as illustrated, the arm-engagement feature 212A being provided in a groove 214 between the blades 204 of the rotary drill bit 200A. The arms 1006 are attached to the rotary drill bit 200A, thereby forming an anchoring portion of the pulling-back device 1000. As shown in the drawings, the arm-engagement feature 212A is located within an axial extent of the blade 204. Being located within the axial extent of the blade 204 only means that the engagement feature 212A is positioned within an axial span defined between a front or distal end of the rotary drill bit 200A (e.g., of the blade 204) and an opposite edge or rear edge of the blade 204. In other configurations, the arm-engagement feature 212A may be located on the base 202 beyond the rear edge of the blade 204 (i.e., to the left as Figure 44 and Figure 45 shown). In either case, when a second end 1012 of the arm 1006 engages the arm-engagement feature 212A and the pulling-back device 1000 is in the position asFigure 43 In the assembled state shown, the arm 1006 of the pullback device 1000 extends through the groove 214. In the assembled state, the outer radial edge of the arm 1006 (which may be the radially outermost portion of the pullback device 1000) is positioned radially inward of the diameter D1 defined by the vanes 204 of the rotary drill bit 200A.

[0153] As Figure 47 shown in the cross-sectional view of, in the groove 214 between the vanes 204, each arm engagement feature 212A is formed by a local lack of material at a specific location along the outer peripheral wall of the rotary drill bit 200A. The arm engagement feature 212A may be a recess, cavity, undercut, or other recess, or in some configurations an orifice. As Figure 47 shown, the end face 213 of each arm engagement feature 212A that is closest to the distal (drilling) end of the rotary drill bit 200A may be inclined rather than perpendicular to the axis RDB. The end face 213 may be inclined in a direction that increases the firmness of the engagement between the rotary drill bit 200A and the pullback device 1000 during the pullback operation. Additionally, as can be seen in Figures 48 to 50 , the second end 1012 of the arm may be formed as a hook that projects radially inwardly toward the axis RDB. In some configurations, each hooked second end 1012 may define a hook surface 1013 having a similar inclination angle that is configured such that when the pullback device 1000 is assembled to the rotary drill bit 200A, the hook surface 1013 is disposed along the end face 213.

[0154] Although in many respects similar to the pullback device 700 of Figures 35 to 40 , unlike many of the other arms disclosed in the foregoing embodiments, the arm 1006 is pivotally coupled to the frame member 1002 at the first end 1010 of the arm such that the frame member 1002 forms an axially slidable collar that is part of the collar assembly 1048, the collar assembly being referenced in Figure 50The exploded component view is best described. Thus, the pullback device 1000 can form a grappling component. In the illustrated construction, a pivot connection is established by passing through the aperture of the first end 1010 along with the portion of the collar assembly 1048 that forms the U-shaped clamp structure 1049 and the U-shaped clamp pin 1051 (e.g., a threaded bolt assembled with the U-shaped clamp structure 1049, e.g., having (one or more) washers and nuts as shown). The pivot connection of each arm 1006 is configured to allow: the second end 1012 of the arm 1006 to pivot radially inwardly towards the axis RDB for assembly, and pivot radially outwardly away from the axis RDB for disassembly, while the arm is held to the collar assembly 1048. As illustrated, the collar assembly 1048 includes a frame member 1002 and a separate ring or washer 1055, the frame member 1002 providing a main collar body having a ring portion 1054 and respective U-shaped clamp structures 1049, and the separate ring or washer 1055 forming an abutment surface of the collar assembly 1048. The collar assembly 1048 is arranged around the locking device 1040 of the pullback device 1000 and is axially slidable along the locking device 1040 between a locked position and an unlocked position, as described in further detail below. The abutment surface provided by the washer 1055 faces and abuts the pin 1044, which is removably received in the aperture 1042 of the locking device 1040 to hold the collar assembly 1048 in the locked position ( Figure 43 and Figure 49 ), thereby holding the pullback device 1000 on the rotary drill bit 200A in the assembled state.

[0155] Between the first end 1010 and the second end 1012, each arm 1006 further includes a radially inwardly projecting portion or extension, thereby forming a locking portion 1062. The locking portion 1062 can be generally hook-shaped. As illustrated, each of the locking portions 1062 includes a radially inwardly extending portion and a connected axially extending portion, which extends in a direction towards the collar assembly 1048 and away from the rotary drill bit 200A.

[0156] From the unassembled state, just after the drilling operation and before the pullback operation, move the pullback device 1000 axially closer to the rotary drill bit 200A such that the pullback device 1000 and the rotary drill bit 200A overlap each other, as Figure 48As shown. The second end 1012 of the arm is aligned with the arm engagement feature 212A in the rotary drill bit 200A. The pin 1044 is removed and the collar assembly 1048 is in the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the collar assembly 1048 can slide relatively away from the attachment position 1008 and can abut against the shoulder formed at the edge of the locking device 1040. Each arm 1006 pivots about the first end 1010 of the arm such that the second end 1012 of the arm engages (e.g., inserts into) the corresponding arm engagement feature 212A on the rotary drill bit 200A. It should be noted that the arm engagement features 212A can be provided in a number matching the number of arms 1006 (e.g., three), or alternatively, additional arm engagement features 212A can be provided (e.g., one in each groove 214). In some configurations, the pull-back device 1000 has additional arms 1006, such as four or five.

[0157] As the arms 1006 are pivoted to engage the arm engagement features 212A, the arm locking portions 1062 pivot towards or pivot into the locking device 1040. The locking device 1040 is formed as a ring (e.g., a ring integral with the attachment position 1008, or a ring firmly attached to the attachment position 1008) and is open at the end facing the rotary drill bit 200A. Once all of the second ends 1012 of the arms 1006 are inserted into the arm engagement features 212A, the collar assembly 1048 moves along the locking device 1040 towards the attachment position 1008 and away from the rotary drill bit 200A into the locked position of the collar assembly 1048 such that all of the arm locking portions 1062 are pulled or further pulled into the locking device 1040, as Figure 43 and 49 shown. With the collar assembly 1048 in the locked position, the insertion of the arm locking portions 1062 prevents outward pivoting of the arms 1006, which in turn prevents the second ends 1012 of the arms from being released from the rotary drill bit 200A. Once the collar assembly 1048 is moved into the locked position, the pin 1044 is inserted into the orifice 1042 directly below the collar assembly 1048 (e.g., washer 1055) to hold the collar assembly 1048 in the locked position. One or more pin retainers 1064 are used to hold the pin 1044 in place. The pin retainer 1064 can be a set screw as shown, for example, oriented perpendicular to the pin 1044. However, the (one or more) pin retainers 1064 can take other forms, including by way of non-limiting example a cotter pin, a snap ring, a wire, or a nut.

[0158] The pullback system 10A provides an example of a pullback device 1000 having a plurality of arms 1006, each of the plurality of arms interfacing or engaging (e.g., directly) with an engagement feature 212A disposed in a rotary drill bit 200A to form an anchoring portion of the pullback device 1000. The second ends 1012 of the arms 1006 that directly engage the rotary drill bit 200A are not nested or interconnected with each other. The second ends 1012 of the arms form respective joints with the rotary drill bit 200A that transfer a pullback load from the rotary drill bit 200A to the pullback device 1000 during installation of the production device into the wellbore.

[0159] Figures 51 to 54 A pullback system 10B including a pullback device 1100 and a rotary drill bit 200B is illustrated. The pullback system 10B is similar in most respects to Figures 43 to 50 the pullback system 10A and thus relies on the preceding disclosure when referring to similarities, while the following description focuses on those aspects that distinguish the pullback system 10B. First, note that Figures 51 to 54 only a portion of the pullback device 1100 is illustrated, and it is to be understood that, similar to Figures 43 to 50 the pullback device 1000, the pullback device 1100 includes a plurality (e.g., three) of arms 1106. Additionally, as shown, the arms 1106 may be coupled to the pullback device 1000 via a collar assembly 1048 (at the first ends 1110) including a frame member 1002 and a locking device 1040 (at the locking portion 1162).

[0160] At the second end 1112 of each arm 1106 of the pullback device 1100, instead of forming a hook portion that engages a concave cavity or recess in the groove 214 between the drill bits 204, an eyelet 1166 is formed to provide an aperture. In other configurations, the aperture can be provided by other structures without the eyelet itself. The aperture of the eyelet 1166 is configured to align with a corresponding engagement feature 212B and receive a corresponding fastener 1168. In some configurations, the engagement feature 212B is a threaded aperture and the fastener 1168 is a threaded fastener. The fastener 1168 can be received in the engagement feature 212B in a radially inward direction. In other configurations, the fastener 1168 can be received along an inclined direction having a radially inward component. The threaded aperture or other engagement feature 212B is provided at some or all of the grooves 214 between the blades 204. Although the details are not repeated here, when the collar assembly 1048 is moved into the locked position, the respective arms 1106 can be held by the locking device 1040 and the pin 1044 holds the collar assembly 1048 in place during use. It is also contemplated that a modified version of the pullback system 10B can dispense with the slidable, lockable collar assembly 1048. Similarly, the arms 1106 can be provided without the locking portion 1162. In some configurations, the arms 1106 are not pivotally supported at the first end 1110 of the arm. For example, the arm 1106 can be fixed to a frame member and an attachment location.

[0161] Figures 55 to 58 A pullback system 10C is illustrated that includes a pullback device 1200 and a rotary drill bit 200C. The pullback system 10C is similar in most respects to Figures 43 to 50 the pullback system 10A and Figures 51 to 54 the pullback system 10B, and thus relies on the previous disclosure when referring to similarities, and the following description focuses on those aspects that distinguish the pullback system 10C. First, note that Figures 55 to 58 only a portion of the pullback device 1200 is illustrated, and it is to be understood that, similar to Figures 43 to 50 the pullback device 1000, the pullback device 1200 includes a plurality (e.g., three) of arms 1206. Additionally, as shown, the arms 1206 can be coupled to the pullback device 1000 via a collar assembly 1048 (at the first end 1210) that includes a frame member 1002 and a locking device 1040 (at the locking portion 1262).

[0162] At the second end 1212 of each arm 1206 of the pullback device 1200, instead of a hook portion configured to engage a concave cavity or recess in the groove 214 between the drill bits 204, an aperture 1266 is provided. The arm 1206 may form an eyelet at the location of the aperture 1266 or may be structurally unchanged as shown. The aperture 1266 is configured to align with a corresponding engagement feature 212C formed in the corresponding blade 204 (e.g., adjacent the rear end of the blade 204) rather than in the groove 214. The aperture 1266 receives a corresponding fastener 1268 to secure the arm 1206 to the rotary drill 200C. In some configurations, the engagement feature 212C is a through-hole and the fastener 1268 is a retaining pin, such as a split cotter pin. The illustrated split cotter pin 1268 has a head at one end and a through-hole at the opposite end for receiving an open-ended cotter pin 1270. However, the retaining pin or other fastener 1268 may take other specific forms in other embodiments. In particular, either the aperture 1266 of the arm or the engagement feature 212C may be threaded for receiving a threaded fastener. As illustrated, the engagement feature 212C is a cross-hole. In particular, the fastener 1268 may be received through the engagement feature 212C in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction. For example, the fastener 1268 may extend tangentially through the engagement feature 212C, perpendicular to the central axis RDB of the rotary drill 200C. In other configurations, the fastener 1268 may be received along an inclined direction having a tangential component. Although not attached within the groove 214, the arm 1206 occupies the groove 214 and does not extend radially outward beyond the blade 204. The through-hole or other engagement feature 212C is provided in some or all of the blades 204. Although the details are not repeated here, when the collar assembly 1048 is moved to the locked position, the respective different arms 1206 are held by the locking device 1040 and the pin 1044 holds the collar assembly 1048 in place during use. In a modified embodiment, the engagement feature 212C may be formed in the groove 214 by a separate structure that projects radially from the hub or body portion of the rotary drill 200C between the blades 204. It is also contemplated that a modified version of the pullback system 10C may dispense with the slidable, lockable collar assembly 1048. Similarly, the arm 1206 may be provided without the locking portion 1262. In some configurations, the arm 1206 is not pivotally supported at the first end 1210 of the arm. For example, the arm 1206 may be fixed to a frame member and an attachment location.

[0163] Figures 59 to 62Illustrated is a pullback system 10D that includes a pullback device 1300 and a rotary drill bit 200D. This pullback system 10D is similar in most respects to pullback systems 10A, 10B, and 10C, and thus relies on the previous disclosure when referring to similarities, while the following description focuses on those aspects that distinguish this pullback system 10D. First, note that Figures 59 to 62 only a portion of the pullback device 1300 is illustrated, and it is to be understood that, similar to Figures 43 to 50 the pullback device 1000, this pullback device 1300 includes a plurality (e.g., three) of arms 1306. Additionally, as shown, the arms 1306 may be coupled to the pullback device 1000 via a collar assembly 1048 (at the first end 1310) that includes a frame member 1002 and a locking device 1040 (at the locking portion 1362).

[0164] An orifice 1366 is provided through the second end 1312 of each arm 1306 of the pullback device 1300. The arms 1306 may be associated with Figures 55 to 58is the same as arm 1206 shown, or may have an aperture or another alternative configuration like arm 1106. The apertures 1366 of the various different arms 1306 are configured to align (circumferentially) with a corresponding plurality of engagement features 212D formed in the blade 204 (e.g., adjacent the rear end of the blade 204) rather than in the groove 214. As illustrated, the engagement feature 212D is a circumferentially extending "carriage" or concave groove. The engagement feature 212D is formed as a recess or undercut in the trailing edge of the blade 204. However, the engagement feature 212D may take different forms, such as an aperture through the blade 204, and of course other shaped grooves or recesses. The illustrated shape of the engagement feature 212D is an arcuate groove (e.g., "U" shaped), but the engagement feature 212D may be shaped as a "V" shape or even a rectangular groove. The aperture 1366 receives a corresponding fastener 1368 to commonly secure the arms 1306 to the rotary drill bit 200D. The fastener 1368 may be one or more loops of a flexible (e.g., wire, cable, chain, etc.) that passes through all of the apertures 1366 of all of the arms 1306 and also lies or nests within all of the grooves forming the engagement feature 212D. The illustrated fastener 1368 has two opposed ends 1368A (e.g., loop ends) that are secured together by a connector (e.g., cable tie, padlock, locking ring, not shown) to keep the fastener 1368 in place on the rotary drill bit 200D. The fastener 1368 forms an integral circumferential loop or ring for holding the arms 1306 rather than having a separate connection to the rotary drill bit 200D for each arm 1306. Although not attached within the groove 214, the arms 1306 occupy the groove 214 and do not radially extend beyond the blade 204. The engagement feature 212D is provided in some or all of the blades of the blade 204. Although the details are not repeated here, when the collar assembly 1048 is moved to the locked position, the various different arms 1306 may be held by the locking device 1040, and the pin 1044 holds the collar assembly 1048 in place during use. It is also contemplated that a modified version of the pullback system 10D may dispense with the slidable, lockable collar assembly 1048. Similarly, the arms 1306 may be provided without the locking portion 1362. In some configurations, the arms 1306 are not pivotally supported at the first end 1310 of the arm. For example, the arm 1306 may be fixed to a frame member and an attachment location.

[0165] Figures 63 to 66Illustrated is a pullback system 10E that includes a pullback device 1400 and a rotary drill bit 200E. The pullback system 10E is similar in most respects to pullback systems 10A, 10B, and 10C and thus relies on the previous disclosures when referring to similarities, while the following description focuses on those aspects that distinguish the pullback system 10E. First, note that Figures 63 to 66 only a portion of the pullback device 1400 is illustrated, and it is to be understood that, similar to Figures 43 to 50 the pullback device 1000, the pullback device 1400 includes a plurality (e.g., three) of arms 1406. Additionally, as shown, the arms 1406 can be coupled to the pullback device 1000 via a collar assembly 1048 (at the first end 1410) that includes a frame member 1002 and a locking device 1040 (at the locking portion 1462).

[0166] The second end 1412 of each arm 1406 of the pullback device 1400 includes a flange portion having an aperture 1466. Due to the configuration of the second end 1412 (bent 90 degrees or otherwise formed with a flange portion), the aperture 1466 extends through the arm 1406 in a direction parallel to the arm 1406. The aperture 1466 is configured to align with a corresponding engagement feature 212E formed as a boss or mounting block with an aperture. The engagement feature 212E is positioned within a groove 214 but, as shown, can be combined with an adjacent vane 204. The engagement feature 212E can be provided along the latter half of the axial length of the vane 204. The aperture 1466 receives a corresponding fastener 1468 to secure the arm 1206 to the rotary drill bit 200E. In some configurations, the aperture of the engagement feature 212E is a through-hole and the fastener 1468 is a threaded fastener secured with a nut, as shown. However, in other configurations, the engagement feature 212E can be threaded. The fastener 1468 can be received through the engagement feature 212E in a direction parallel to the central axis RDB of the rotary drill bit 200E. As with other embodiments, the arms 1406 occupy the groove 214 and do not extend radially beyond the vane 204. The engagement feature 212E is provided between each pair of adjacent vanes 204 or only between selected ones of the vanes. Although the details are not repeated here, when the collar assembly 1048 is moved to the locked position, the various different arms 1406 are held by the locking device 1040 and the pin 1044 holds the collar assembly 1048 in place during use. It is also contemplated that a modified version of the pullback system 10E can dispense with the slidable, lockable collar assembly 1048. Similarly, the arms 1406 can be provided without a locking portion 1462. In some configurations, the arms 1406 are not pivotally supported at the first end 1410 of the arm. For example, the arms 1406 can be fixed to the frame member and attachment location.

[0167] The various different embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various different modifications and variations can be made without following the exemplary embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rotary drill bit for use with a horizontal directional drill string, the rotary drill bit comprising: a coupler disposed at the proximal axial end and configured to attach the rotary drill bit to a gyrator at the distal end of the drill string; a cutting portion disposed at a distal axial end and provided with a plurality of blades having corresponding cones that operate to cut a borehole in the earth when the rotary drill bit rotates about a central axis, wherein the plurality of blades project radially outwardly from a surface of the cutting portion such that the surface forms corresponding grooves that are circumferentially staggered with the plurality of blades; A plurality of engagement features are positioned axially within the cutting portion and radially inboard of an outer cutting diameter to facilitate attachment of a production device pullback device between the plurality of blades without requiring removal of the rotary drill bit or any portion of the rotary drill bit from the rotator.

2. The rotary drill according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of engagement features are disposed on the surface.

3. The rotary drill bit according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of engagement features includes three engagement features.

4. The rotary drill bit according to claim 3, wherein, The three engagement features are unevenly spaced about the central axis.

5. The rotary drill bit according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of engagement features are holes extending through corresponding blades of the plurality of blades.

6. The rotary drill according to claim 5, wherein, Each of the holes extends perpendicular to the central axis.

7. The rotary drill according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of engagement features are mounting blocks that protrude from respective circumferential side surfaces of respective blades of the plurality of blades.

8. The rotary drill bit according to claim 7, wherein, Each of the mounting blocks includes an aperture configured to receive a fastener parallel to the central axis.

9. The rotary drill bit according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of engagement features are concave pockets extending inwardly from the surface and configured to receive hooks of a pullback device.

10. The rotary drill bit according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of engagement features include threaded apertures.

11. The rotary drill bit according to claim 10, wherein, Each of the threaded apertures is configured to receive a threaded fastener in a radially inward direction toward the central axis.

12. The rotary drill bit according to claim 1, wherein, The engagement feature includes a groove formed in respective axial rearward ends of the plurality of blades.

13. The rotary drill according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of blades includes a plurality of individual cones.

14. The rotary drill according to claim 13, wherein, The plurality of individual roller cutters are polycrystalline diamond (PDC) compact roller cutters.

15. A pullback system comprising: The rotary drill bit according to claim 1; and A pullback device is removably attached to the rotary drill bit and includes a plurality of arms engageable with corresponding engagement features, the plurality of arms being positioned inboard of the outer cutting diameter when attached.

16. A pullback method, comprising: operating a horizontal directional drilling machine to push a drill string having a rotary drill bit according to any one of claims 1 to 14 into the ground to drill a subterranean wellbore from a starting position to a terminal position, the rotary drill bit having a cutting portion defined by a plurality of blades projecting radially outwardly from a surface to define an outer cutting diameter; At the termination position, attach a pullback device to a plurality of engagement features of the rotary drill bit at corresponding positions along a surface of the rotary drill bit, the plurality of engagement features being axially located within the cutting portion and radially located inside the outer cutting diameter; At the termination position, attach a production device to an attachment portion of the pullback device; Pull the drill string including the rotary drill bit, the pullback device, and the production device from the termination position through the subterranean wellbore back to the starting position to install the production device in the subterranean wellbore; And At the starting position, remove the production device from the pullback device.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, Attaching the pullback device includes: Engaging hooks of respective arms of the pullback device with the plurality of engagement features, the plurality of engagement features being formed as concave cavities extending inwardly from the surface.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein, Attaching the pullback device includes: Fastening respective arms of the pullback device to the plurality of engagement features, the plurality of engagement features being formed as through holes extending through respective ones of the plurality of vanes.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein Attaching the pullback device includes: Fastening respective arms of the pullback device to the plurality of engagement features, the plurality of engagement features being formed as threaded orifices.

20. The method according to claim 16, wherein, Attaching the pullback device includes: Engaging respective arms of the pullback device with the plurality of engagement features, the plurality of engagement features being formed as grooves in respective rear axial ends of the plurality of vanes.

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