Advanced stabilizing system for deep drilling

Abstract

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

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 252,078, filed Dec. 14, 2020, which is a national phase of International Patent Application No. PCT / IB2018 / 054235, filed Jun. 12, 2018, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a deep drilling system, and in particular to a stabilizing system to be used in such a deep drilling system, and a method for drilling a hole utilizing such a deep drilling system.TECHNICAL BACKGROUND[0003]In a deep drilling system, a drill bit is typically connected via several drill pipes, forming a drill string, to a drilling motor. Such a setup is also generally illustrated in FIG. 1. The drilling motor, provided on the earth's surface, applies drilling forces (the longitudinal and rotational forces as illustrated by arrows in FIG. 1) onto the drill string 1 such that the drill bit 3 advances further into the ground 4, thereby creatin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a way to stabilize drill pipes and drill bit during drilling and repair operations, and to effectively handle and remove mud cakes formed around the stabilizing system. This is achieved by using an external load in combination with a spring, which allows for easy and reliable operation of the drilling system. The invention allows for both the increase and decrease of the transversal diameter of the stabilizing system as needed, making it easy to break loose mud cakes and ensure smooth operation of the drilling system.

Problems solved by technology

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

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

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

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

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