Component of bottom hole assembly having upwardly-directed fluid cleaning flow and methods of using same

Abstract

A stabilizer, drill bit, or other component of a bottom hole assembly for use in drilling a borehole includes an elongate and generally cylindrical body, a flow bore in the body, a plurality of outwardly-extending blades, with a valley disposed between adjacent blades. A ring segment that is spaced from the body and extends across at least one valley to define a flow passage through which cuttings-laden drilling mud is conveyed with an upwardly-direct trajectory. The body includes a hole or passageway for conveying drilling mud from the flow bore to between the blades. The passageway terminates in an exit directed toward the flow passage so as to provide fresh drilling mud with a trajectory such that the fluid passes through the flow passage.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]NoneBACKGROUND[0002]The field of endeavour relates to a stabilizer and a drill bit for use in a drill string. The stabilizer and drill bit preferably, but not exclusively, forms part of a bottom hole assembly of the drill string.[0003]In the drilling of a borehole in the construction of an oil or gas well, a drill bit is arranged at a lower end of a drill string, which is rotated to bore the borehole through a formation. A drilling fluid, referred to herein as “drilling mud,” is pumped through the drill string to the drill bit to lubricate the drill bit and returns carrying drill cuttings in an annulus between an outer wall of the drill string and the borehole. As the drill bit progresses through the formation, stands of drill pipe are added to the drill string. Stands of drill pipe typically comprise two, three or four joints of drill pipe threadedly connected together in a mousehole in a drilling rig floor using an iron roughneck. The s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a device called a stabilizer that is used in drilling oil wells. The device has a hole that allows fresh drilling mud to flow out of it and direct it to prevent clumps of drill cuttings and other solids from forming around the device. The hole has an entrance and an exit, and it is lined with a protective material to prevent erosion. The device also has a nozzle that helps to control the direction and speed of the mud flow. The stabilizer has a wall that is thicker in certain areas to provide strength without excessive reduction of flow area. The device also has a ring segment that is positioned between the blades to increase stability. The blades are curved to create a complete ring around the stabilizer, which helps to achieve better contact with the borehole. Overall, the device helps to improve the performance of drilling operations.

Problems solved by technology

The clumps stick to the stabilizer, possibly blocking flow passages and can also fall into the well.

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