WO2001029373A1 - Method of drilling a wellbore with disengageable couplers - Google Patents

Method of drilling a wellbore with disengageable couplers Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2001029373A1
WO2001029373A1 PCT/EP2000/010150 EP0010150W WO0129373A1 WO 2001029373 A1 WO2001029373 A1 WO 2001029373A1 EP 0010150 W EP0010150 W EP 0010150W WO 0129373 A1 WO0129373 A1 WO 0129373A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
drill string
coupler
disengaged
sections
mode
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2000/010150
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Bruno Best
Original Assignee
Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V.
Shell Canada Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V., Shell Canada Limited filed Critical Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V.
Priority to AU11386/01A priority Critical patent/AU763082B2/en
Priority to CA002384811A priority patent/CA2384811C/en
Priority to EP00972768A priority patent/EP1220974B1/en
Publication of WO2001029373A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001029373A1/en
Priority to NO20021741A priority patent/NO20021741D0/en

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
    • E21B47/09—Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wells, e.g. the position of an extending arm; Identifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
    • E21B17/02—Couplings; joints
    • E21B17/04—Couplings; joints between rod or the like and bit or between rod and rod or the like
    • E21B17/05—Swivel joints
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
    • E21B17/02—Couplings; joints
    • E21B17/04—Couplings; joints between rod or the like and bit or between rod and rod or the like
    • E21B17/06—Releasing-joints, e.g. safety joints

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of drilling a wellbore in an earth formation using a drill string connected at the upper end thereof to a rotary drive and being provided with a drill bit.
  • the invention further- more relates to a drill string for use in the method.
  • a frequently encountered problem during drilling of a wellbore is sticking of the drill string in the wellbore. Such sticking can be, for example, due to differential sticking of drill string joints to the wellbore wall as a result of a pressure difference between the drilling fluid pressure in the wellbore and the pressure of earth formation fluid present in the pores of the formation. The problem is more frequently encountered in depleted oil/gas reservoirs where the pore pressure has decreased significantly.
  • Each coupler is operable in an engaged mode in which the coupler transmits rotation between the two drill string sections interconnected by the coupler, and a disengaged mode in which the couplers allows free rotation of the two drill string sections interconnected by the coupler relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the drill string.
  • coupler 10 transmits rotation from section 18 to section 20
  • coupler 12 transmits rotation from section 20 to section 22
  • coupler 14 transmits rotation from section 22 to section 24
  • coupler 16 transmits rotation from section 24 to section 26.
  • each coupler 10, 12, 14, 16 is in the engaged mode.
  • the fluid pump is operated to induce the first pressure variation to the column of fluid.
  • the control system of coupler 10 responses so as to switch the coupler 10 to the disengaged mode, while the other couplers remain in the engaged mode.
  • the rotary table 7 is then rotated, and as a result drill string section 18 is rotated due to the fact that only a limited amount of torque is needed to free drill string section 18 when compared to the torque which would be needed to free the entire drill string 1.
  • the pump is operated to produce again the first pressure variation to the fluid column thereby inducing the control system of coupler 10 to switch the coupler 10 back to the engaged mode.
  • the pump is operated to produce the second pressure variation in the fluid column.
  • the control system of coupler 12 responses so as to switch the coupler 12 to the disengaged mode, while the other couplers remain in the engaged mode.
  • the rotary table 7 is then rotated, and as a result drill string sections 18 and 20 are simultaneously rotated. It is thereby relevant to note that no differential sticking of drill string section 18 has occurred in the short period of time between engaging coupler 10 and disengaging coupler 12.
  • the pump is operated to produce again the second pressure variation to the fluid column thereby inducing the control system of coupler 12 to switch the coupler 12 back to the engaged mode.
  • the pump is operated to produce the third pressure variation in the fluid column.
  • the control system of coupler 14 responses so as to switch the coupler 14 to the disengaged mode, while the other couplers remain in the engaged mode.
  • the rotary table 7 is then rotated, and as a result drill string sections 18, 20 and 22 are simultaneously rotated. No differential sticking of drill string sections 18 and 20 has occurred in the short period of time between engaging coupler 12 and disengaging coupler 14.
  • the pump is operated to produce again the fourth pressure variation to the fluid column thereby inducing the control system of coupler 16 to switch the coupler 16 back to the engaged mode.
  • the rotary table 7 is then rotated, and as a result the entire drill string 1 is rotated. In this manner the drill string 1 has been freed from differential sticking in a stepwise manner .

Abstract

A method is provided of drilling a wellbore in an earth formation using a drill string connected at the upper end thereof to a rotary drive and being provided with a drill bit. The drill string comprises a plurality of couplers arranged at selected drill string intervals, each coupler interconnecting two adjacent sections of the drill string and being operable in an engaged mode in which the coupler transmits torque between the adjacent drill string sections and a disengaged mode in which the adjacent drill string sections are free to rotate relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the drill string, each coupler being controllable by control means for moving the coupler between said engaged mode and said disengaged mode.

Description

METHOD OF DRILLING A WELLBORE WITH DISENGAGABLE COUPLERS
The present invention relates to a method of drilling a wellbore in an earth formation using a drill string connected at the upper end thereof to a rotary drive and being provided with a drill bit. The invention further- more relates to a drill string for use in the method.
A frequently encountered problem during drilling of a wellbore is sticking of the drill string in the wellbore. Such sticking can be, for example, due to differential sticking of drill string joints to the wellbore wall as a result of a pressure difference between the drilling fluid pressure in the wellbore and the pressure of earth formation fluid present in the pores of the formation. The problem is more frequently encountered in depleted oil/gas reservoirs where the pore pressure has decreased significantly.
It is an objective of the invention to provide an improved method of drilling whereby the problem of sticking has been solved.
It is another objective of the invention to provide a drill string for use in such method.
In accordance with the invention there is provided a method of drilling a wellbore in an earth formation using a drill string connected at the upper end thereof to a rotary drive and being provided with a drill bit, the drill string comprising a plurality of couplers arranged at selected drill string intervals, each coupler interconnecting two adjacent sections of the drill string and being operable in an engaged mode in which the coupler transmits torque between the adjacent drill string sections and a disengaged mode in which the adjacent drill string sections are free to rotate relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the drill string, each coupler being controllable by control means for moving the coupler between said engaged mode and said disengaged mode, the method comprising a) rotating the drill string so as to drill a portion of said wellbore while each coupler is in the engaged mode; b) when the drill string has become stuck in the wellbore, disengaging a selected one of said couplers which thereby becomes the disengaged coupler; c) rotating the part of the drill string between the rotary drive and the disengaged coupler; d) engaging the disengaged coupler, and disengaging the next lower coupler which thereby becomes the disengaged coupler; e) repeating steps c)-d) until the disengaged coupler is the lowermost coupler.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a drill string for drilling a wellbore in an earth formation, the drill string comprising a drill bit, means for connecting the upper end of the drill string to a rotary drive, and a plurality of couplers arranged at selected drill string intervals, each coupler interconnecting two adjacent sections of the drill string and being operable in an engaged mode in which the coupler transmits torque between the adjacent drill string sections and a disengaged mode in which the adjacent drill string sections are free to rotate relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the drill string, each coupler being controllable by control means for moving the coupler between said engaged mode and said disengaged mode.
The invention will be described hereinafter in more detail and by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which Fig. 1 schematically shows a drill string for use in the method according to the invention.
In Fig. 1 is shown a drill string 1 extending into a wellbore 3 formed in an earth formation 5. The lower end of the drill string 1 is provided with a drill bit 6 and the upper end of the drill string 1 is connected to a rotary table 7 at surface for rotating the drill string, which rotary table 7 forms part of a conventional drilling rig 9. The drill string 1 is provided with four couplers 10, 12, 14, 16 arranged at selected intervals along the length of the drill string 1, thus dividing the drill string in drill string sections 18, 20, 22, 24, 26. Sections 18, 20 are interconnected by coupler 10, sections 20, 22 are interconnected by coupler 12, sections 22, 24 are interconnected by coupler 14, and sections 24, 26 are interconnected by coupler 16. A fluid passage (not shown) for drilling fluid extends in longitudinal direction through the drill string 1.
Each coupler is operable in an engaged mode in which the coupler transmits rotation between the two drill string sections interconnected by the coupler, and a disengaged mode in which the couplers allows free rotation of the two drill string sections interconnected by the coupler relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the drill string. Thus, in the engaged mode coupler 10 transmits rotation from section 18 to section 20, coupler 12 transmits rotation from section 20 to section 22, coupler 14 transmits rotation from section 22 to section 24, and coupler 16 transmits rotation from section 24 to section 26.
Conversely, in the disengaged mode coupler 10 allows free rotation of section 18 relative to section 20, coupler 12 allows free rotation of section 20 relative to section 22, coupler 14 allows free rotation of section 22 relative to section 24, and coupler 16 allows free rotation of section 24 relative to section 26.
Each coupler 10, 12, 14, 16 is provided with an electronic control system (not shown) for selectively switching the coupler from the engaged mode to the disengaged mode and for selectively switching the coupler from the disengaged mode to the engaged mode. Each control system is in communication with the fluid passage of the drill string 1 and is uniquely responsive to a selected fluid pressure variation in the fluid passage. Thus, the control system of coupler 10 is uniquely responsive to a first pressure variation, i.e. the other couplers are not responsive to the first pressure variation. Similarly, the control system of coupler 12 is uniquely responsive to a second pressure variation, the control system of coupler 14 is uniquely responsive to a third pressure variation, and the control system of coupler 16 is uniquely responsive to a fourth pressure variation. The first, second, third and fourth pressure variations are in the form of mutually different series of pressure pulses induced to a column of drilling fluid present in the fluid passage by a fluid pump (not shown) at the drilling rig for pumping drilling fluid through the drill string.
During normal operation the drill string is rotated by the rotary table 7 in order to drill a portion of the wellbore 3, whereby each coupler 10, 12, 14, 16 is in the engaged mode. When the drill string becomes stuck, for example due to differential sticking of the string 1 to the wellbore wall during a period of time in which an additional drill string part is added to the string 1, the fluid pump is operated to induce the first pressure variation to the column of fluid. As a result the control system of coupler 10 responses so as to switch the coupler 10 to the disengaged mode, while the other couplers remain in the engaged mode. The rotary table 7 is then rotated, and as a result drill string section 18 is rotated due to the fact that only a limited amount of torque is needed to free drill string section 18 when compared to the torque which would be needed to free the entire drill string 1.
In a next step the pump is operated to produce again the first pressure variation to the fluid column thereby inducing the control system of coupler 10 to switch the coupler 10 back to the engaged mode. Subsequently the pump is operated to produce the second pressure variation in the fluid column. As a result the control system of coupler 12 responses so as to switch the coupler 12 to the disengaged mode, while the other couplers remain in the engaged mode. The rotary table 7 is then rotated, and as a result drill string sections 18 and 20 are simultaneously rotated. It is thereby relevant to note that no differential sticking of drill string section 18 has occurred in the short period of time between engaging coupler 10 and disengaging coupler 12.
Next the pump is operated to produce again the second pressure variation to the fluid column thereby inducing the control system of coupler 12 to switch the coupler 12 back to the engaged mode. Subsequently the pump is operated to produce the third pressure variation in the fluid column. As a result the control system of coupler 14 responses so as to switch the coupler 14 to the disengaged mode, while the other couplers remain in the engaged mode. The rotary table 7 is then rotated, and as a result drill string sections 18, 20 and 22 are simultaneously rotated. No differential sticking of drill string sections 18 and 20 has occurred in the short period of time between engaging coupler 12 and disengaging coupler 14. Next the pump is operated to produce again the third pressure variation to the fluid column thereby inducing the control system of coupler 14 to switch the coupler 14 back to the engaged mode. Subsequently the pump is operated to produce the fourth pressure variation in the fluid column. As a result the control system of coupler 16 responses so as to switch the coupler 16 to the disengaged mode, while the other couplers remain in the engaged mode. The rotary table 7 is then rotated, and as a result drill string sections 18, 20, 22 and 24 are simultaneously rotated. No differential sticking of drill string sections 18, 20 and 22 has occurred in the short period of time between engaging coupler 14 and disengaging coupler 16. Finally the pump is operated to produce again the fourth pressure variation to the fluid column thereby inducing the control system of coupler 16 to switch the coupler 16 back to the engaged mode. The rotary table 7 is then rotated, and as a result the entire drill string 1 is rotated. In this manner the drill string 1 has been freed from differential sticking in a stepwise manner .

Claims

C L A I M S
1. A method of drilling a wellbore in an earth formation using a drill string connected at the upper end thereof to a rotary drive and being provided with a drill bit, the drill string comprising a plurality of couplers arranged at selected drill string intervals, each coupler interconnecting two adjacent sections of the drill string and being operable in an engaged mode in which the coupler transmits torque between the adjacent drill string sections and a disengaged mode in which the adjacent drill string sections are free to rotate relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the drill string, each coupler being controllable by control means for moving the coupler between said engaged mode and said disengaged mode, the method comprising a) rotating the drill string so as to drill a portion of said wellbore while each coupler is in the engaged mode; b) when the drill string has become stuck in the wellbore, disengaging a selected one of said couplers which thereby becomes the disengaged coupler; c) rotating the part of the drill string between the rotary drive and the disengaged coupler; d) engaging the disengaged coupler, and disengaging the next lower coupler which thereby becomes the disengaged coupler; and e) repeating steps c)-d) until the disengaged coupler is the lowermost coupler.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein in step b) the drill string has become stuck in the wellbore due to differential sticking.
3. A drill string for drilling a wellbore in an earth formation, the drill string comprising a drill bit, means for connecting the upper end of the drill string to a rotary drive, and a plurality of couplers arranged at selected drill string intervals, each coupler interconnecting two adjacent sections of the drill string and being operable in an engaged mode in which the coupler transmits torque between the adjacent drill string sections and a disengaged mode in which the adjacent drill string sections are free to rotate relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the drill string, each coupler being controllable by control means for moving the coupler between said engaged mode and said disengaged mode.
4. The drill string of claim 3, wherein the drill string includes a fluid passage for drilling fluid, and each coupler is controllable by the action of a selected fluid pressure variation in the fluid passage.
5. The drill string of claim 4, wherein each coupler is controllable by the action of a selected fluid pressure pulse in the fluid passage.
6. The drill string of claim 4 or 5, wherein each coupler is provided with an electronic, electric or electro-mechanical control circuit responsive to said selected fluid pressure variation.
7. The method substantially as described hereinbefore with reference to the accompanying drawing.
8. The drill string substantially as described hereinbefore with reference to the accompanying drawing.
PCT/EP2000/010150 1999-10-15 2000-10-13 Method of drilling a wellbore with disengageable couplers WO2001029373A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU11386/01A AU763082B2 (en) 1999-10-15 2000-10-13 Method of drilling a wellbore with disengageable couplers
CA002384811A CA2384811C (en) 1999-10-15 2000-10-13 Method of drilling a wellbore with disengageable couplers
EP00972768A EP1220974B1 (en) 1999-10-15 2000-10-13 Method of drilling a wellbore with disengagable couplers
NO20021741A NO20021741D0 (en) 1999-10-15 2002-04-12 Method of drilling a well with removable couplings

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP99203404.1 1999-10-15
EP99203404 1999-10-15

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001029373A1 true WO2001029373A1 (en) 2001-04-26

Family

ID=8240751

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2000/010150 WO2001029373A1 (en) 1999-10-15 2000-10-13 Method of drilling a wellbore with disengageable couplers

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1220974B1 (en)
AU (1) AU763082B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2384811C (en)
NO (1) NO20021741D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2001029373A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2381806A (en) * 2001-11-13 2003-05-14 Ruff Pup Ltd Torque isolation mechanism
GB2395213A (en) * 2002-11-14 2004-05-19 Weatherford Lamb Swivel for use with expandable liners
US6858227B1 (en) 2001-11-21 2005-02-22 Sonus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Vitamin E conjugates

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3100538A (en) * 1961-12-12 1963-08-13 Houston Oil Field Mat Co Inc Tubing rotary swivel assembly
WO1998029637A1 (en) * 1996-12-31 1998-07-09 Helms Charles M Lockable swivel apparatus and method
WO1998038410A1 (en) * 1997-02-25 1998-09-03 Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V. Downhole clutch with flow ports
US5947214A (en) * 1997-03-21 1999-09-07 Baker Hughes Incorporated BIT torque limiting device

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3100538A (en) * 1961-12-12 1963-08-13 Houston Oil Field Mat Co Inc Tubing rotary swivel assembly
WO1998029637A1 (en) * 1996-12-31 1998-07-09 Helms Charles M Lockable swivel apparatus and method
WO1998038410A1 (en) * 1997-02-25 1998-09-03 Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V. Downhole clutch with flow ports
US5947214A (en) * 1997-03-21 1999-09-07 Baker Hughes Incorporated BIT torque limiting device

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2381806A (en) * 2001-11-13 2003-05-14 Ruff Pup Ltd Torque isolation mechanism
US6858227B1 (en) 2001-11-21 2005-02-22 Sonus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Vitamin E conjugates
GB2395213A (en) * 2002-11-14 2004-05-19 Weatherford Lamb Swivel for use with expandable liners
US7011162B2 (en) 2002-11-14 2006-03-14 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Hydraulically activated swivel for running expandable components with tailpipe
GB2395213B (en) * 2002-11-14 2006-07-26 Weatherford Lamb Wellbore apparatus and method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2384811C (en) 2008-11-25
CA2384811A1 (en) 2001-04-26
AU763082B2 (en) 2003-07-10
NO20021741L (en) 2002-04-12
EP1220974A1 (en) 2002-07-10
NO20021741D0 (en) 2002-04-12
AU1138601A (en) 2001-04-30
EP1220974B1 (en) 2005-12-21

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