Apparatus for drilling underground arcuate paths and installing production casings, conduits, or flow pipes therein
Patent
·
OSTI ID:5516055
A directional drill attached to a drill string having periodic concentric collars is advanced in an inverted arcuate path to form a pilot hole underneath an obstacle followed by a larger concentric washover pipe. When the washover pipe reaches the surface on the other side of the obstacle a first reamer is attached to the end of the washover pipe exiting the drilling path, a second reamer of smaller diameter than the first reamer is attached to the other end of the first reamer by means providing for some separation between the two reamers, and a production casing of smaller diameter than the second reamer is attached to the other end of the second reamer with a swivel. The remaining length of the first portion of casing is supported some distance above the ground on rollers located above and beyond the exit point of the pilot hole. The reamers are operated by rotating the washover pipe and simultaneously drawing the washover pipe through the pilot hole. As the reamers are drawn through the pilot hole the first reamer enlarges the hole to a diameter greater than that of the casing. Drilling mud pumped through the washover pipe exits at the reamers to entrain the dislodged earth and the second reamer compacts it to form a bushing around the sides of the enlarged hole to lubricate the passage of the casing. The reaming operation may be performed without the production casing attached to the reamers followed by a second reaming operation with the casing attached in order to complete the installation.
- Assignee:
- Reading and Bates Construction Co.
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4402372
- OSTI ID:
- 5516055
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Apparatus and method for forming an enlarged underground arcuate bore and installing a conduit therein
Method and apparatus for cementing a production conduit within an underground arcuate bore
Apparatus and process for drilling underground arcuate paths utilizing directional drill and following liner
Patent
·
Tue Jul 14 00:00:00 EDT 1987
·
OSTI ID:6137541
Method and apparatus for cementing a production conduit within an underground arcuate bore
Patent
·
Mon Nov 21 23:00:00 EST 1988
·
OSTI ID:6332486
Apparatus and process for drilling underground arcuate paths utilizing directional drill and following liner
Patent
·
Tue Oct 04 00:00:00 EDT 1977
·
OSTI ID:7077971