Flexible directional drilling apparatus and method

Details Flexible directional drilling apparatus and method Flexible directional drilling apparatus and method

2011-01-04

2011-01-04

Bates, Zakiya W. (Department: 3676)

Boring or penetrating the earth

Means traveling with tool to constrain tool to bore along...

Axially spaced opposed bore wall engaging guides

C175S385000, C175S406000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07861802

ABSTRACT:
A bottom hole assembly to directionally drill a subterranean formation includes a drill bit, a stabilizer assembly located proximate to and behind the drill bit, a drilling assembly comprising a drive mechanism and a directional mechanism, and a flex member. Optionally, the flex member may be located between the drilling assembly and the stabilizer assembly or an integral to a housing of the drilling assembly. A method to drill a formation includes positioning a stabilizer assembly behind a drill bit and positioning a flex member between an output shaft of a drilling assembly and the stabilizer assembly. The method preferably includes rotating the drill bit, stabilizer assembly, and flex member with a drilling assembly and directing the trajectory of the drill bit and stabilizer assembly with a directional mechanism of the drilling assembly.

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