Method and apparatus for forming and using a bore hole.

TITLE METHOD AND 0 APPARATUS FOR

FORM AND OR USE A DRILLED WELL.

INV. OES.

PRIORITY

BEV WAOF OAKES OICKINSON THIRD ROBERT WAYNE OICKINSON

USA DOM. BREV. No. 169.759 PEL 1? JULY 1980^{1 0} SET 1966

Rome, Il ......................................... ...... ......................................

Register A ^ Protocol No. Η · '· (': ι ': <· Bl ............._ jìj, MINISTRY OF THE TRADE INDUSTRY AND DE LL' * R 7 I CIA NAT 0 wl Milan Provincial Industry, Commerce and Craft Office ** ν · ν>

(oh \ pii. h.iìbm.i r> i ni rosno pi it iuìiai ì i h'iwi.viou i \ m sipiali

The year 19B1 on the seventeenth day xatótxTOt xi-axcvxLx of the month of July to® X1> 'X n Mr ben WADE OAKKS DICKINSON in and ROBERT WAYNE DICKINSON. . . .. xe-xxstxte. San Francisco. California (USA) of Fiat nationality an itene and, "'". ,,, ,,. \ resident San j <afael, California (USA)

Via «« · «« «« ·· «<«! «» Eras » _to I will unterò Studio Consulente Brevetti snc and electively domiciled for the purposes of law in Milan Via S. Agnese 1Z at the mancbtiario presented to me undersigned

- Stamp application for the granting of a bri vi i lo li li \\ i \ zìu \! imu <ini \ having it fo r ί I Ί OLO,

METHOD El) EQUIPMENT FOR FORMING El) USE A DRILLED WELL

Inventori designated ϋ BEN MAJ1E OARES DICKINSON III and ROBERT KAYNE DICKINSON. Prior to the patent application in:

USA N ° 169,799 of ¹7 July 1980

XXWipr SXX exxxxxxx χκχχχχ x> oo: xxx>: xxxxxso .χ χ> οο: χχ »χ χ .χ> χ χ χ χ xyy Χλχ ϋ iddi>: xÌtStaiXitasWcfixxxxxxxxxkx accompanied by:

- Description bttxStóii ⁿ32 pages of writing, (provisional)

- Drawings, tables n, 5 jùiiltòbix (provisional)

- Letter of assignment - £ xotxxg'xxsusxxitr. »: X>: sx'io.Ait <; <i '> -. Xiitxwx.>: (Reserve)

- Priority document and Italian translation (reserve) αάκ Χ'χκχχ.ν> xwx xxawxfaxxxxnrx xx

- Declaration of consent of the inventor to be mentioned net patent.

• Certificate of payment on postal code n. xxxxxxv made payable to the Rome Tax and Concessions Registry Office of L. 281,000^{f; m £}) from the Uff, Milan Postal Office 19 15 · 7 · 196^{1 η}· 600

Revenue stamp of L, 2.000

The depositor bì refuses to subscribe the declarations referred to in circular N^c 1Z | 9 of the PC November 1980, signed by the applicant and mepontrolirma

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Orders and descriptions and the above drawings are being! 1i and boil them co! office mood

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Li ì'IC'l

Pietro, Mcasineo

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CAPO OELL'L'rnciO PATENTS

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ON. MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY OF TRADE AND ART IQIANATO

CENTRAL PATENT OFFICE ROME

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1 ', Firm ^m WATFu: QAKES D) CK1NSOK IH e

I Mr. ROIO VAINE TOCKINSCa? ' of nationality et &amp; tunitene © acoo&gt; headquarters »lm^{Saìl i}'¹'^ari0ÌFC0»California (USA») residing in San Rafael, California (USA) through an agent FUMERÒ - STUDIO CONSULTING PATENTS SNC and electively domiciled for the purposes of the law, in Milan, Via S. Agnese 12, at II magdatarìo, requests the grant of a Industrial invention patent having the title:

υ.ΡΪ.αΛ.ίΊα Ano '*!

(Your G '· I

17.0 1 0 230 62

Qrs_______________

KETOjX) El) APPARATUS TO FORM EU USE UH WELL

TRIVELLATO '!

Designated inventors; ben ΚΑΒΕ OAKES DICKINSON IH and ROBERT WATHE

DICKINSON

J

The priority right deriving from previous patent application is claimed in:

USA K ° 169.759 of July 17 I98O

Attached documentation:

a) description of n. 3® pages of writing (provisional)

b) WWfW drawings of n. 5 tables (provisional) ί

c) assignment letter - WMHWWWW (reserve)

d) priority document with Italian translation (review)

f) declaration of inventor

9) proof of payment of 1..231.000 of 15.7.1981

h) revenue stamps of L. 2000

Milan 17 July 1981 lb /

FUWMWDIO CtlKSUiFNZA BHIVtlll

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Description of the invention having by title:

METHOD AND EQUIPMENT FOR FORMING AND USING A DRILLED WELL a, name: BEN WADE QAKES DICKINSON III and ROBERT WAYNE ...... DICKINSON a

San Francisco, California (USA) and San Rafael, California (USA).

Inventors: BEN WADE OAKES DICKINSON III and ROBERTI WAVNE DICKINSON.

Filed on: July 17, 1981 - Sun. N ° £ 3OO2A / 81.

= = l =: OOOO: r τ SUMMARY

In a system for the formation and use of a borehole, in particular destined for the recovery of crude oil from a formation of the subsoil of the crude reservoir, by means of a forcing fluid, a permeable, elongated and reversible tube is pushed into the formation, preferably format of woven fabric, comprising external and internal walls, connected in correspondence with a turned area. The drilling fluid is pumped through a central passage in the pipe or carries a contral pipe forward. The tri voilation fluid helps break the pieces into the formation to form a liquid mixture of scraps that returns along the external part of the reversible tube. Means are provided for rotating the tube, for example from vertical to horizontal, with the use of a rotating segment in the reversible tube. Preferably this tube includes a flexible helical segment capable of rotating and serving as a final support casing.

esasiaOOOOwssssas ''

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus

Hfijas .. y ιί., Ϊ́ί. ,, Γϋ ofgjjaa ιαοέπι for the formation 1 'fso of a borehole.

An important embodiment of the present invention includes the use of a flexible, elongated and reversible tube, in the form of a rolling diaphragm which serves as a barrier to separate the drilling fluid which is transported forward in a borehole in a formation of a deposit of crude oil or mineral from the subsoil by scraps of the liquid mixture which make a movement at the back to the surface of the ground to evacuate the subsoil area. 11 overturnable tube includes a rear recessed arch and a central passage therein to receive a central tube which is adapted to transport pressurized fluid from a source of fluid to the open front end of the central tube near the turned area of ​​the central tube, the reversible tube is directed towards the formation of the subsoil and the drilling fluid creates a liquid mixture with the scraps or cut pieces of the formation; in correspondence with the turned area, which slurry is directed along the external part of the reversible tube and behind the turned area to create a channel for the passage of the slurry to the surface of the formation. The turned area is made to move forward by a pressurized pressure fluid pumped into the space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the reversible tube with the outer wall which is held in a fixed position with respect to the advance of the area turned through the borehole. As explained more widely below, this substantially eliminates the friction between the outer wall of the reversible tube and the surrounding formation,

In the attached drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation view, partially in section, which illustrates the system of the present invention and which represents a preprogrammed turn of the reversible tube and of the central tube of the system;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view, partly schematic, of the upper and lower portions.

<td></td><td>re of the system of fig.</td><td> 1;</td>

<td></td><td>Fig. 3 or one is there</td><td>in cross section taken along the trac</td>

<td></td><td>and 2-2 of fig. 2; '</td><td></td>

<td> % '</td><td>Fig. 4 is a view</td><td>enlarged cross section of a</td>

drilling head assembly at the front end of the system of the invention;

Fig. 5 shows an enlarged partial side elevation view of a rotating segment of the reversible tube with pre-programmed recesses on the same;

Fig. 6 illustrates a side elevation view and part in section of a signal generating device in the front end of the central light and a remote receiving station suitable for receiving dreams for positioning the generating device;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the front end of the central tube with a pack of gravel contained in the reversible tube for stopping an envelope or carcass;

.-4- YOU? '? R [.lSIυ, 'ίΐο f BfiUVH'H fig. 8 shows 11, device of fig. 7 contained in a cart, an external conventional case to serve as an internal gravel pack device; and fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a drilling system which uses the principle of electrokinetics, in which one electrode is located on a drilling hole and the other electrode is located on a remote casing.

principles

With reference to figs. 1, 2 and 3 are the glazed ion functions of the system of this invention. With specific reference to fig. 2, the tri-action group of the present invention includes a reversible elongated tube, generally indicated by the number 100, which performs the function of a rolling diaphragm which moves forward in such a way that will be described below.

tube 100 includes flexible tubular walls, generally cylindrical, respectively external and internal 102 and 104, connected to each other at their front ends by the turned area 106, capable of being made to move forward. Preferably, the tube is made of a highly resistant, permeable canvas or woven material. The outer and inner walls have an opening near their rear ends and define an annular space 108 between them, which serves as a passage for the forcing fluid from a source to be described below,

Hubs are provided in the form of an annular retaining ring

110 for fixing the rear end of the external wall to a fixed support (not shown) in a fixed position with respect. . 'fWRO - STUDIO (OTTOOl PHOTO BROVi'ì'fl to the movement of the turned area 106. Downstream of the retaining ring 110 the inner wall 104 forms a tube which is transported forward by the forcing fluid into the toroidal element or anchoring ring 108. In a preferred embodiment the tube 100 is relatively non-expandable and such as to allowing the inner wall 104 to form the outer wall 102 of larger diameter, with the wall 104 including sufficient slack material to adapt this transformation, to obtain a relatively long outer wall, such as a wall having a final length of

200-300 feet (approx. 61-91 m) or more,

Upstream or rear from the retaining ring 110, a length 104a of flexible inner wall 104 can be collected in a relatively small space as an insertion in a pleated or accordion folded configuration, in a hollow and enlarged tubular housing 112, in the space between the inserted wall 104a and the external wall of the housing 112 an inlet 114 of the forcing fluid is provided, it has a rear end of the internal wall 104a and is suitably closed on the internal wall of the housing 112 at the ring 116 upstream of the inlet 114. With the insertion of the wall 104a in the illustrated manner, the same easily advances through

The toroidal element of the retaining ring 110 without creating excessive resistance to the forward movement of the turned area 106. To prevent a portion of the internal wall inserted l04a from falling uncontrollably through the smoke ring - ίη'υυΐΰ KAAHiHHMvmi

- 6 of Ilo retention. under the action of gravity, a suitable retaining device, not shown, can be inserted in the housing 112. Alternatively, the forcing fluid directed to the port 114 can be pressurized at a higher pressure than a pressurized fluid directed to an inlet 118 in communication, with the inside of the wall 10a to press the same wall 104a inside against a central tube 122 which extends through the tube 100 and to be described below.

A central passage 120 is defined inside the inner wall 104, The central tube 122 extends in the passage 120 through the tube 100 at least to the front end of the central passage near the turned area 106, 11 tube 122 carries a certain number of functions, including that of an internal support or a robust final casing for the hole of the well to be drilled with the present invention, and as a means for directing the drilling apparatus as described below. In a preferred embodiment it is adapted to be transported forward by frictional contact with the adjacent surface of the inner wall 104 and by the forcing fluid which enters the inlet 118. As illustrated, the central tube 122 is hollow and defines an internal channel 124 for directing the drilling fluid from a second source out of the front end of the central tube j against the formation of soil to be drilled.

Going back to fig. 2, a front directional stabilizer 126 is provided in the form of a tubular guard esterxtiwrrrra ^ TiewB ^ SiV »iirrrt ^.« &lt;I ^ Tw-ti puiM-w - '«^ i — r- · '· _; . Wil) UGGIO ΜΝ'ΝRAG, BiOtTU · “'y no 128 e di a^-read &lt;spaced radially 130 mounted on the front end of the central tube 122, the guard 128 is of a slightly larger diameter than the external wall 102 and extends axially and concentricly along the wall, for a distance preferably equal to 1-4 times the diameter of the tube 102, As the turned area 106 advances, it rests against the rear surfaces of the fins 130 and of the guard 128 to advance the guard itself. Preferably the fins 130 are arranged radially radially, with each ray extending for a distance along the axis of the shelter.

With reference to fig. 3, in a preferred embodiment, the external and internal walls 102 and 104 and the central tube, 122 are of circular cross section and of mutual concentricity defining them as spaces.

Returning to referring to figs. 1 and 2, a forcing fluid is directed from a source 132 to a pump 134 in the inlet 114 in the direction of arrows A. At the same time, drilling fluid that comes from a source 136 is directed through the pump 138 through the element toroidal 140 of the central passage

120, defined outside the tube 122 and inside the wall

104, while a second source of forcing fluid 142 is directed through the pump 144 to the center of the generally flexible central tube 3.2 wound on a spool in the housing of the coil 146,

A roller 148 can be provided to rotate the flexible central tube 122 from a horizontal direction to a vertical direction for a downward movement through the annular retaining ring 110 in the married diΚΗ'ίΟ'ϊΟ GAUDIO CùHBEbZft hlflVLill ~ 8. · \

With specific reference to fig. 2, in operation the forcing fluid A is pumped in the space 108 between the walls 102 and 104 towards the turned area 106. Since the external wall 102 is fixed at the ring 110, the internal wall moves downwards and it undergoes a transformation of shape to become the external wall in correspondence with the turned area in order to create the forward movement of the same turned area.

Returning to referring to figs. 1 θ 2, the drilling fluid coming from the surface is directed through the toroidal element 140 in a direction generally indicated by the arrow B and through the channel 1? 4 of the tube 122, as illustrated by the arrow C, to create a zone of fluidized slurry D created by mechanical, fluid-mechanical, thermal, and physical-chemical interactions of the drilling fluid with the surrounding formation. For drilling in a formation of a crude oil deposit it is preferable to use a drilling fluid which serves to fluidize the crude oil In a continuous phase of crude oil or water, as described more fully below. In any case, the fluidized zone of liquid mixture, indicated with D in fig, 2, is created in front of the turned area 106, while an external toroidal element 150 between the external wall 102 and the surrounding formation is created during drilling and allows the movement of a liquid mixture of scraps or pieces cut in the direction of the arrows E, fi) M ERO - SWOIO CÌ'NMI.NM BREVETII

When the liquid mixture reaches the surface or other suitable point, bone can be pumped through the conduit 152 through the pump 154 ​​into a well 1.56 at the surface 158 of the formation. Preferably, a suitable foundation and conventional support assembly 159 is provided in the ground for housing and supporting the upstream end of the system. As illustrated in fig. 1, an important feature of the present invention is the possibility of turning the reversible tube 100 in a predetermined direction, such as bending it in a horizontal direction, and also for returning it to turn it towards the surface.

Another important feature of the invention is the internal lubrication provided by the pressure of a guide fluid in the annular space between the internal tubular wall 104 and the central tube 122. The guide fluid can be supplied from the source 118 and / or pcr leakage or groove through the inner wall 104 when this wall is permeable to liquids (for example by formation from a canvas fabric of the desired permeability). The resulting lubrication allows low sliding movement between the inner wall 104 and the central tube 122 to allow the inner wall 104 to perform a forward movement at a speed twice that of the central tube 122,

The system of the present invention may include a first drilling technique of a main well hole. In a subsoil formation with a conventional rotary auger, withdraw the auger, coat the main well hole and subsequently

IIBI'II 'ΙΙΗΠΓΙΐηΚΗΊ' I^:WOO, -8πΗ? | [Η: Γ? Α? 'Υ.ί,? Ώί \ Β!' Ί? Νί; ίΙΙ

- forming one or more lateral wells protruding from the main well hole with the system illustrated in figs. 1 and 2.

With reference to fig. 4, an expanded view of the front end of the reversible tube 100 with fluid is shown, forcing into the same tube 100 indicated by the arrow A in the annular portion 108. As illustrated, the guide and drilling fluids that move respectively in the direction of the arrows B and C, are pumped down through the central tube 122 and the area between the internal wall 104 and the same central tube 122. A preferred form of central tube 122 includes an anterior segment

I22a of a relatively rigid and non-porous material connected at its rear end to a helical and flexible metal segment 122b capable of bending or flexing to change direction in response to the application of a bending moment to the segment 122b. The helical segment I22b is permeable to liquids and, as explained below, It is capable of forming an internal permeable support wall for covering the hole of the well, which is drilled by means of drilling fluid which passes through the central pipe 122.

The degree of flexibility of portions of the central tube has a significant effect on the ability of the central tube and of the reversible tube to normally follow a straight line and to turn quickly when a guide mechanism operated by the same central tube is operated.

As far as straight line movement is concerned, it is desirable that the front end of the central tube is relatively rigid. D'ai- 11

WlTìO- 51 UH0 GCHGimiMG moti tra parte, in the V area₍of the desired central tube for rotation, it is preferable that this tube is flexible enough to perform the rotation, but nonetheless rigid enough to offer a robust frame to be used as the casing or final coating of the hole of the resulting well. With reference to fig. 4, an excellent flexible material for this purpose is a helical cylindrical segment of steel 122b. It has been found that for stability it is preferable to include a rigid front segment 122a of the central tube having a length ranging from 5 to 25 times the diameter of the internal wall 104. The maximum length of the rigid portion is determined by the radius of curvature of the well hole desired that is acceptable during drilling. That is, if the front end 122a is completely rigid, the curvature is determined by the chordal distance between the front edge of the central tube 122 along a diagonal line and the end of the rigid portion.

With reference to figs. 1 and 4, an embodiment of the invention is schematically illustrated which uses a drilling head, generally indicated by the numerical reference 160.

The necessary pressure and the flow of drilling fluid in the ί

The central tube are greatly reduced with the use in the drill head 160 of flow limiting or flow distribution ports 164.

The light or lights 164 can be spaced around the periphery of the head. The internal part of the head 160 is a hollow cavity in fluid communication with the channel 124. The light or lights 164 fW.BIW A SI LI OSO ΓΝΑ ΒίΟΠ'Π

- 12 are suitable for passing and distributing the drilling fluid.

The flow rates of the drilling fluid through the head 160 can vary substantially depending on the type of the surrounding formation and the particular type of drilling fluid.

However, it has been found, for example, that in an auger head with a diameter of 2 inches (about 5 cm) a suitable flow rate of 3 t is comprised between 1 and 10 feet per second (from 0.30im per second).

Returning to reference to fig. 4, this figure shows a way of mounting the drilling head 160 on the tube 122,

A cylindrical guard 166 is conveniently connected to the head 160 by means of a screw connection. At an intermediate internal end, the guard 166 is similarly connected to the front end of the tube 122 by means of a screw connection

170. In practice, the guard 166 is an interconnection member between the head 160 and the tube 122, It is hollow to allow the flow of forcing fluid through the tube 122 and into the hollow head 160, and to allow the circumferential area of ​​the tube 100 for turning and making or obtaining a support for the head 160 of the tube 100,

A cylindrical guard 166 is provided, which includes a cylindrical rear wall, relatively thin, and external 166a, which extends posteriorly from an annular seat ring 166b, The force of fluid force in the annular space 120 against the turned area 106 is applied against the rear flat face of the seat ring 166b to push the same forward in response to the pressure of the forcing fluid exerted against the turned area.

FUMERÒ - ÌJ'ÌUjJO GiJEJJIf NH thereH'Vi'Ui

- 13 11 there. Forcing leaks out to us. reflux channel along the outer wall 102 of the reversible tube 100, forming the tube of a cloth fabric of the desired permeability. In a similar way, forcing fluid flows through the wall inside

Internal 104 to produce a low friction sliding movement between said internal wall and the central tube. This leak, together with the liquid flowing between the central tube 122 and the inner wall 104, produces a source of liquid which exits the rear end of the guard wall 166 in a generally backward direction along the axis of the central tube, as illustrated by the arrow F in fig, 4. This produces an increase in fluidity which helps the backward movement of the liquid mixture of the scraps or cut pieces.

In Fig. 4, to which we refer again, a trend of the effect on the formation of the surrounding subsoil is illustrated, in which the drilling head moves in a generally horizontal direction. It has been found that the area indicated with the letter G, which horizontally surrounds the head 160 in the proximity of the lights, determines the formation of scraps or cut pieces, which are mixed with the drilling fluid to produce a mobile liquid mixture, has a portion the larger frid or cut pieces cut around the head 160. Similarly, the scraps or cut pieces and the drilling fluid form a fluidized slurry generally arranged around the head 160. This liquid mixture is directed on the surface of the drilling head 160 and rearwards in a channel

111 ί -JIII limi ΓΓΓ: - 77Τπιπιιιιι · ιιιιιιι_ · .. · _ - _L ____________________,..

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- 1.4 external to the central tube, generally parallel to its axis.

Immediately outside this fluidized slurry there is an area H, in which the pressure of the pores of the formation can be influenced by the drilling fluid to facilitate the movement of the drilling head through the formation.

Fig. 4 illustrates an advantageous phenomenon which occurs when the drilling head 160 moves in a horizontal direction. That is, a pedestal of heavier particles is naturally formed at the disptto of the drilling head compared to those particles that are present above it,

This pedestal, generically indicated with the letter 1, is formed by the sorting and deposit of larger and heavier particles that come from the liquid mixture moving backwards, similar to a form of mobile concrete landslide. This pedestal provides support and motion stability corresponding to the head

160 in the horizontal direction.

As further illustrated in fig, 4&gt; in correspondence, at the rear end of the guard 166, the flow of fluid back and up along the arrow E causes the progressive and continuous reformation of this pedestal formation X .Slipping oils or cut pieces of drilling more poses progressively precipitate in an arrangement classified below the drilling pipe to create a robust foundation under the same. The liquid mixture of scraps or lighter cut pieces moves along

FUOO- 51UDIO C'IAjJI ^r! W, iifOCJÌJ the top of the J, ubo 1Q0 © in direction E to reach the surface.

The illustrated drilling head 160 has a number of important advantages. For different forming materials the density of the head can be varied with respect to the guard. If, in a particular formation, the head tends to move in an upward direction by flotation, rather than in a desired horizontal direction, this can be neutralized in subsequent drilling by forming the head from a relatively dense material. Conversely, if the auger tends to sink instead of rising, the density of the material can be decreased in the subsequent drilling in this formation.

In fig. 5, to which reference is made in general, a way is illustrated to induce a rotation by the tube 100, li; to which in fact the tube 100 includes a rotating segment formed axially in the tube itself, initially arranged on the internal wall 104 of the tube and which therefore moves through the turned rod 106 towards the external tubular wall 11 the material most desired for this type of Rotation is a robust material similar to woven fabric, woven in a normal fabric configuration, illustrated in Fig. 5 in the form of segment 172. This type of configuration avoids the torsion of the material since the minimum energy condition is for the axial part (warp) of the fibers to remain axial, while the other fibers (filling) remain there reo '' erenzia) i,

It has been found that tubular cloth material of this type does not

FUf / ÉRO BfO.lll torches with single axial fibers in an axial direction of high stability, whereby the rotating segments remain in the same angular orientation during drilling with respect to the axis of the tube 100. This means that rotation is highly predictable preprogrammed using a tube of this type. High resistance fibers suitable for use with the tube can be of the nylon type or of the aramido type (aromatic polyamide), which can be further reinforced. Suitable aramidic materials are offered for sale by bu Pont with the trademark Kevlar 29 *. · Or 49, Other high-strength fibers can be used alone or in combination with nylon or aramide fibers in the directions of the warp or filling.

Going back to fig. 5, the rotating segment of the tube 100 includes portions similar to axially spaced strips of effective circumferential length shortened with respect to the circumference of the rotating segment, the cho rotates the tube in the direction of the shortened strip portion when the inner wall 104 of tube 100 moves through the turned area. 1, and shortened portions in strips 5 formed by multiple stitches or circumferential folds stitched 174, are axially spaced by a predetermined distance along a predetermined partial circumferential distance 'I of the rotating segment to produce a rotation of the desired radius.

In practice, each of the strips derives from the stitching of a small segment of fabric or cloth from the external surface of the fabric of the same tube 100, which represents a circumferential flap, which in

T?

- Sili circumferential sense can be short of a few degrees or up to * 1 'to the length of 180 degrees always in a circumferential sense. The effect is to create a shortened side of the tube 100, whereby when the internal wall 104 passes through the turned area 106 and becomes the external wall 102, it discovers a series of strips, as illustrated in fig. 5, to determine the effect of the rotation.

With reference to fig. 4, it is preferable to include on the central tube 122 a permeable or waterproof outer jacket or jacket 176, which performs two distinct functions. Assuming that it is desired to maintain pressure differences in the drilling fluids moving through and around the central tube 122, the jacket or jacket may be impermeable to separate these flows. Further, the liner or jacket provides protection against latching of the strips into the coil spring 122b while they are located on the inner wall.

In fig. 0, to which reference is made, 1 means for positioning the central tube, means 180 suitable for generating a signal, such as for example the acoustic, electrical, electromagnetic or seismic type, are mounted at the front end of the tube central 122 and serve as a radar beacon. Means are provided for receiving or detecting the signal at surface stations 182 to locate the front end on a tri-action basis.

If desired, on the front end of the central tube 122 por romΊΗ »φ 'yes there ùAALFm« νπ »

- 18 pieces in pieces, limited quantities of consolidated formation, a fluid pressure operated rotary auger can be mounted (such as for example a Moineau engine used as a drilling engine offered for sale with the factory name Dyna-Prìll by Smith International, Ine, of Irvine, California). This auger is placed either down in the hole of the well only in case of need, or it can be mounted permanently, but not operated until the consolidated material is reached. The drilling fluid passes through the central tube 122 and into the formation.

A variety of different drilling fluids, such as aqueous fluids or crude based fluids, and a range of low to high viscosity fluids can be employed. To facilitate penetration into certain formations, crude or a crude solvent can be used. In other formations it may be desirable to use an aqueous drilling fluid to emulsify the oil or crude phase,

A preferred aqueous drilling fluid includes a monovalent alkaline aqueous metal hydroxide (e.g. sodium), or a salt solution to an alkaline content of at least 8.5 and preferably 11.0. This system has been found to form a surfactant locally to react with the acids in the oil or crude oil to thereby break the formation structure and form a liquid slurry. In addition, the base serves as sources of high ionic strength for carrying out the beneficial effects of emulsifying destabilization of the interface between oil or crude oil and water, as said h / tófRo. horny siuno Divari previously. In this respect, salts such as sodium chloride in salt water can help serve a similar destabilization effect, but they can cause other problems. Another system of drilling fluid includes sulphonated salts of oil or crude molecule as a surfactant.

In fig, 7, to which reference is made, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, comprising a conventional gravel pack material 184, which is pumped inside the tube 100, pushing the fluid out by force forcing after the completion of the well hole. This gravel pack filters the sand, so that it does not return to fill the hole in the coated well. In this regard, it is preferable to form the central tube of a flexible steel helix with turns spaced from about 15 to 30 thousandths of an inch so as to obtain a support structure for the gravel pack and thereby form a system in position. This same technique can be used for the thermal insulation of a carcass by replacing a fluid material, which is thermally insulating in place, instead of the gravel pack.

In another embodiment illustrated in fig. 8 the system of the present invention is passed down in a conventional well hole seeker 186, formed for example of a grooved jacket, then filled with gravel to obtain the gravel pack 188 in a well hole drilled in a conventional way .

Returning to referring to fig. 1, a central arrangement com- suj? Ìif!

κι; ·.

The backbone-like complex 190 includes at least one feature which limits the movement of the boring head assembly to a fixed plane, while allowing the assembly to move freely in a curved or linear pattern within that plane. A plurality of relatively rigid pipes 192 are connected together at the ends by means of substantially rectangular tabs 194.

All the tabs are oriented in the same direction and are made of plastic, thin sheet metal or similar material, which allows each tab to bend around an axis across its own width, although not being horizontally foldable in any other direction. It functions in this way as a backbone to produce a free bending movement in one plane only.

In the embodiment of fig. 9 the principle of electrokinetics is applied to the present invention by applying an electric field. This field can cause the migration of water to the proximity of the front end of the drilling system to assist in the formation of a liquid slurry and thereby facilitate drilling. It is known that in an underground formation, when a direct current is applied between an anode and a cathode, the water tends to migrate towards the cathode. This phenomenon is known as electro-osmosis. Therefore, an important embodiment of the invention is that of placing a cathode on or near the front end of the drilling system for migrating the water to the same. It may be possible to produce the same migration using alternating current, fyintpo

- 21 'iìZi',

The use of an electric field in the present invention also applies to the migration of charged particles. This is important, as a subsoil formation contains numerous charged particles. For example, the clay fe typically negatively charged. Thus, by applying a negative charge to the front end of the drilling system, the resistance to penetration is reduced not only by the tendency to attract water, but also by the tendency to repel clay and other negatively charged particles in its proximity and increase pore pressure ahead of the auger.

Returning to referring to fig. θ, the front end of a drilling head of) of the type shown in fig. 4, is formed of an electrically conductive material, such as metal, and bonded by means of an insulated conductive wire 220 to the negative side of a source generating direct current at the surface, not shown. As previously said, a vertical well hole 222 f and spaced from the drilling system. An electrode 224 fe connected to an insulated conductor wire 226, which is connected to the positive side of a direct current energy source, not shown. With the application of this direct current source, the water migrates towards the negatively charged drilling head 160 to facilitate the movement of the pipe through the ground. In this way, the current creates a path of minimum resistance towards the anode 222, which is drowned at a predetermined depth in the coating of the well away from the head

Rio "ssì'ijoio co on π / mvfc of tri veli actuo 160, An important advantage of this configuration is evident when the drilling system is turned from a vertical position to a horizontal position or inclined towards the casing 222, by means of a technique ' of rotation of the type set forth in the first mentioned patent application. Specifically, the electric field not only generally lowers the resistance of the formation to the penetration of the drilling head, but also determines the movement of the drilling toast, preferably towards the lining of the well as the decreased resistance is in a path that from the tri-ply toaster, acto 160 goes to anode 224.

In this way, further driving assistance is obtained with the system of the invention.

In another method which uses the general configuration of fig, 9, the drilling head 160 is positively charged and the electrode 222 is negatively charged. Aqueous sodium hydroxide is pumped into the formation, so that the sodium ions are pumped away from the drilling head towards the well hole 222. In practice, this system serves as a sodium pump / These sodium ions form on-site soft agents.

The sioactive with 1 carboxylicl groups of oil deposits in the formation to facilitate the removal of the oils. In a related process, a solution of salt water with sodium chloride is already present in the ninth formation, or is pumped into the same through the drilling head. In the electric field in tUhtffO - fij min and migrates towards Ir head of a surfactant with examination the ion &lt;3i sodium dol salt ionizes drilling to create similarly the oil deposits.

In another embodiment (not shown), the position of the drilling head can be controlled with a conventional hydrostatic pressure transducer mounted near or on the drilling head to move with it. This transducer provides a reading of the hydrostatic pressure at the drilling head which, in turn, can be easily converted into the depth at which the translation head is located with respect to the ground level. For this purpose, suitable wire means of transporting signals that from the transducer go to ground level will be provided. The position control arrangement further includes an angle tool for measuring a section of cable as the latter is dragged into the ground with the drilling head.

The overall position control arrangement includes a plurality of electrodes comprising a movable electrode connected near or on the boring head and a plurality of fixed electrodes positioned above the ground spaced apart to form an almost rectangular grid. Suitable electric means are provided to maintain a voltage potential between the mobile electrode and each of the fixed electrodes,

With the electrode moving at any given level of depth relative to the ground, the relative potential between this electrode and the jTSJw

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A further description of the nature of the present invention is illustrated by the following specific example.

Example I

A laboratory scale model of the present system

Invention is built in the following way. The drilling assembly includes a center pipe with a front and rigid center pipe segment, flexible pipe format of a diameter which is between 0.5 and 1.5 inches (12.7 to 38.1 mm), At its rear end, the central tube is connected to a segment of polyethylene flexible tube of the same diameter. An external double-layer reversible flexible tube is formed around the segment of the central tube and is made of nylon fabric. The expanded outer diameter of the nylon tube is between and 4 inches (about 5 to 10 cm).

Yes, it uses a drilling head assembly generally of the type illustrated in the drawings. The front portion 160 is formed of brass and has a maximum diameter between about 2 and 4 inches (from 5 to 10 cm),&gt;

• The system is placed vertically in a formation of sand and the water is made to flow through the central tube at a flow rate at the entrance of between 7 and 8 rpm for the sand. The water is also made to flow through the toroidal element of the flexible tube at a flow rate of between 10 0 20 gpm and at a pressure of between and 50 pounds per square inch (from 2.1 to 3.5 kg / cm² ). The pipe

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- Central 25 advances through the sand at a rate of 0.01 to 0.05 feet per second.

The reversible tube is provided with a rotating segment designed to make the tube 100 turn from vertical to horizontal. When the segment reaches the turned area, the tube turns from vertical to horizontal.

In general, the liquid slurry formed in the front area around the boring head 160 flows back along the outer surface of the reversible tube into a channel along the tube. The backward flow of the mixture is aided by any losses of forcing fluid through the porous reversible tube.