Drill collar perforator helps prevent disaster
A newly developed chemical drill collar perforator may give the drilling industry an alternative in combating a potential blowout when unusual circumstances arise. Designed specifically for drill collar perforations through a joint project of Exxon Co. and Gearhart Industries, the tool can penetrate a 3/4-in. thick, 8-in. drill collar in less than 2 sec, leaving a near-circular hole. Suppose that while drilling a well, a bit becomes plugged, and, at the same time, the well begins to take a kick. Odds of this type of problem occurring are remote, but the consequences can be devastating. Operators have tried several methods in an effort to restore circulation. Jet-gun perforators are frequently used, but due to the drill collar's small inside diameter, the tool is inhibited from reaching the bottom of the drill string. Instead, the operator is forced to perforate the first joint of drill pipe above the drill collars. In many cases, the perforation meets with limited success because it is so far from the bottom of the hole that circulation problems remain. The operator may also attempt to sever the drill collars with explosives or blow the bit off with a junk shot. Small enough to pass through the inside diameter of the drill collars, the chemical perforator solves the problem.
- OSTI ID:
- 5661794
- Journal Information:
- Pet. Eng. Int.; (United States), Vol. 53:10
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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