Method and apparatus for enlarging an underground path
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
Stats
-
Mar 17, 1992
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Jul 26, 1990
filing date -
Jul 26, 1990
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
A method and apparatus for enlarging an inverted arcuate underground path between two surface locations is disclosed, where the cuttings from the enlarging are removed. After the drilling of a pilot borehole, and possibly after some reaming operations, a reamer and hole cleaner are pulled through the path, with the reamer rotating as the drill string in the path rotates. The rotation of the drill string also powers a positive displacement pump inside of the hole cleaner, which pumps fluid and entrained cuttings to the surface behind the hole cleaner. Fluid may also be pumped into the reamer from behind the hole cleaner, preferably by way of an inlet pipe which surrounds the outlet from the pump. The hole cleaner includes an agitator, also powered by the rotation of the drill string, which agitates the fluid and cuttings while the drill string is rotated but is not being pulled to the surface. Pressure control may be maintained either by monitoring the fluid in and out of the path together with the volume of the cuttings, or by direct monitoring of the pressure at the reamer.
First Claim
Family
International Classification(s)
Cited Art Landscape
Patent Citation Ranking
Recipient Email Address
Recipient Email Address
Comment
Recipient Email Address
Add to Portfolio(s)
To add this patent to one, or more, of your portfolios, simply click the add button.
This Patent is in these Portfolios:
Add to additional portfolios:
Last Refreshed On:
Changes done successfully