Portable Auger Drive Unit for Auxiliary Hole Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore drilling operations face challenges in accurately and efficiently drilling auxiliary holes such as conductor holes, ratholes, and mouseholes due to difficulties in transporting portable rigs to remote locations and the use of kelly drilling, which can lead to inaccurate angles and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A portable auger drive unit mounted on a support frame, allowing for precise drilling of auxiliary holes at desired angles without the need for a mud system, using cables to apply downward force and enabling easy transportation and setup on non-flat ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a portable rig is used to drill auxiliary holes, then drilling precision and angle control are improved, but transportation difficulty increases due to the rig's size and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling system is divided into separate modular components: a drill string assembly, a drive mechanism, and a support frame. These segments can be disassembled for transportation and reassembled at the drilling location, maintaining precision while improving transportability.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable rig is designed to perform multiple functions: drilling auxiliary holes at various angles, supporting different drill string configurations, and adapting to different wellbore locations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices, improving ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If kelly drilling is used to drill auxiliary holes, then equipment availability is improved, but drilling accuracy and worker safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A guide structure or template is introduced as an intermediary element between the kelly and the drill bit. This intermediary component provides mechanical guidance and constraint, ensuring the drill bit maintains the correct angle while still using the available kelly drilling equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling approach changes from free-hand kelly drilling to a constrained drilling method using a template or guide. This parameter change in the drilling process maintains equipment availability while significantly improving angle accuracy through mechanical guidance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If kelly drilling is used to drill auxiliary holes, then equipment availability is improved, but safety hazards increase due to manual handling and weight
Solution Approach 1:
Manual handling of the kelly is replaced with a mechanical drive system that rotates the drill string. The drive mechanism, powered by the rig's engine or motor, eliminates the need for workers to manually pull and position heavy equipment, significantly reducing safety hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling system is designed to be self-positioning and self-driven. The drive mechanism automatically rotates the drill string, and the guide structure automatically maintains the correct angle, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing exposure to harmful factors.
4Reliability
If a mud system is required for auxiliary hole drilling, then drilling capability is improved, but system complexity and operational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mud system is extracted or removed from the auxiliary hole drilling process. The invention uses dry drilling or alternative cooling/lubrication methods that do not require a complex mud circulation system, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate drilling capability for auxiliary holes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution increases precision, accuracy, and portability in drilling auxiliary holes, allowing for efficient and safe drilling of precise holes at the correct spot and angle, reducing the need for a mud system and enhancing overall drilling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
rotating an auger with the drive unit to drill the auxiliary hole
Implementation Method 2
pulling on the cable(s) to force the drive unit and connected structures downwardly
Implementation Method 3
The weight of the auger drive unit and connected structures provides downward force on the auger for drilling
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for drilling auxiliary holes such as conductor holes, ratholes, and mouseholes useful in drilling operations. The systems and methods include the use of a portable drilling apparatus that is selectively mountable on a rig's drill floor and is removable after an auxiliary hole has been drilled. A movable drive unit is pulled down by a cable system forcing the drive unit down and thereby facilitating drilling of the auxiliary hole.