Alignable Connector

Abstract

Connections between drill pipe sections and drill bits used for boring into the earth may comprise two elements threadably attachable one to another. A first element may comprise a rotor rotatable with respect to a stator. A second element may thread to the stator. As it does so, the second element may rotationally fix itself to the rotor allowing for connecting elements on the second element and the rotor to align. These connecting elements may remain aligned while the second element and rotor rotate with respect to the stator. Such alignment may allow for a connection to be kept clean and free from contamination in otherwise wet and dirty environments.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]When exploring for or extracting subterranean resources such as oil, gas, or geothermal energy, it is common to form boreholes in the earth. Such boreholes are often formed by suspending a specialized drill bit from a derrick or offshore platform and rotating the drill bit to engage and degrade the earth as it turns. The drill bit may be suspended by coiled tubing or a series of drill pipe sections connected end-to-end forming a drill string, and rotated at the derrick / platform or by a downhole motor disposed towards an end of the drill string.[0002]In many situations, it may be desirable to pass power or commands down a drill string to control tools or other devices disposed along the drill string. Such commands may attempt to alter drilling parameters to increase a rate of penetration of the drill bit or to steer the drill bit towards an attractive destination. It may also be desirable to gather information about an earthen formation being drilled and pass it up a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about a way to keep drill pipe sections or drill bits aligned when they are connected. It involves a rotor and stator, with the second element (the drill bit) connecting to the rotor. This makes sure that the two parts align properly, even when they are rotating. This alignment helps to keep the connection clean and free from contamination in wet and dirty environments.

Problems solved by technology

Transmitting power, commands or information along a drill string or to and from a drill bit may prove challenging.

First, connections between drill pipe sections and drill bits are often made in wet and dirty environments where drilling mud and greases may be prevalent.

Contamination of connections by such materials may lead to faulty and unreliable communication.

Such a stab connector may not work properly, however, if the projection and receptacle are not continuously aligned.

Such threaded rotational connections may make keeping a stab connector aligned difficult.

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