CONNECTING AN OBJECT WITH A CYLINDER TECHNICAL FIELD

A system and a method for providing an external thread on a cylinder, and systems and methods for threadably connecting tools, components or objects having an internal thread with a cylinder having an external thread. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Providing an external thread on a cylinder may enable tools, components or objects with an internal thread to be threadably connected with the cylinder. As a non-limiting example, providing an external thread on a housing comprising a cylinder may enable a stabilizer having an internal thread to be threadably connected with the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1A is a pictorial view of a split ring in an embodiment of a system for providing an external thread on a cylinder. Figure IB is a longitudinal cross-section view of the split ring in Figure 1A, taken along line IB-IB in Figure 1A.

Figure 2A is a side/elevation view of an assembled embodiment of a system for providing an external thread on a cylinder, including the split ring depicted in Figures 1A-1B, wherein the cylinder comprises a housing.

Figure 2B is a longitudinal cross-section view of the assembled embodiment of the system in Figure 2A, taken along line 2B-2B in Figure 2A. Figure 3A is a side/elevation view of a first exemplary embodiment of a system for threadably connecting a tool, component or object with a cylinder, wherein the cylinder comprises a housing, wherein the housing is provided with an external thread using the system depicted in Figures 2A-2B, and wherein the tool, component or object is a stabilizer having an internal thread.

Figure 3B is a longitudinal cross-section view of the first exemplary embodiment of the system depicted in Figure 3A, taken along line 3A-3A in Figure 3B. Figure 4A is a side/elevation view of a second exemplary embodiment of a system for threadably connecting a tool, component or object with a cylinder, wherein the cylinder comprises a housing, wherein the housing has an integral external thread, and wherein the tool, component or object is a stabilizer having an internal thread. Figure 4B is a longitudinal cross-section view of the second exemplary embodiment of Figure 4A, taken along line 4B-4B in Figure 4A.

Figure 4C is a detail view of the threaded connection in the second exemplary embodiment depicted in Figures 4A and 4B.

Figure 5 is a pictorial view of an exemplary rotary steerable drilling apparatus, shown connected with a drill string.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

References in this document to orientations, to operating parameters, to ranges, to lower limits of ranges, and to upper limits of ranges are not intended to provide strict boundaries for the scope of the invention, but should be construed to mean "approximately" or "about" or "substantially", within the scope of the teachings of this document, unless expressly stated otherwise.

This description is directed at a system and a method for providing an external thread on a cylinder, and at systems and methods for threadably connecting a tool, component or object having an internal thread with a cylinder having an external thread. The system and method for providing an external thread on a cylinder may be used in any environment in which it is necessary or desirable to provide an external thread on a cylinder.

The systems and methods for threadably connecting a tool, component or object having an internal thread with a cylinder having an external thread may be used in any environment in which it is necessary or desirable to connect a tool, component or object with a cylinder. The external thread on the cylinder may be integral with the cylinder, such as by being cast, forged or machined into the cylinder, may be provided using the system and/or method for providing an external thread on a cylinder, or may be provided in any other suitable manner.

The cylinder may consist of any type of structure or apparatus or may be a component of any type of apparatus which may include a cylinder. The cylinder may be a housing for an apparatus or may be a component of a housing for an apparatus.

The cylinder may consist of or may be a component of an apparatus which is configured to be contained within a borehole. The cylinder may consist of or may be a component of an apparatus which is configured for use in drilling a borehole. The cylinder may consist of or may comprise a housing for an apparatus which is configured to be contained within a borehole and/or which is configured for use in drilling a borehole.

The tool, component or object may be any structure, device or apparatus. The tool, component or object may be configured to be contained in a borehole. The tool, component or object may be configured for use in drilling a borehole. The tool, component or object may consist of or may comprise a stabilizer for connection with a housing for an apparatus which is configured to be contained within a borehole and/or which is configured for use in drilling a borehole.

As non-limiting examples, the apparatus which is configured to be contained in a borehole and/or which is configured to be used to drill a borehole may consist of or may comprise a pipe string, a coiled tubing, a wireline, a slickline, a tool or component for use with a pipe string, coiled tubing, wireline or slickline, a drilling apparatus such as a drilling motor or a rotary steerable drilling apparatus, a completion apparatus, a production apparatus etc.

Figures 1A-1B and 2A-2B depict an exemplary embodiment of a system for providing an external thread on a cylinder.

Figures 3A-3B depict a first exemplary embodiment of a system for threadably connecting a tool, component or object with a cylinder, wherein the cylinder comprises a housing, wherein the housing is provided with an external thread using the exemplary embodiment of the system for providing an external thread on a cylinder, and wherein the tool, component or object is a stabilizer having an internal thread.

Figures 4A-4C depict a second exemplary embodiment of a system for threadably connecting a tool, component or object with a cylinder, wherein the cylinder comprises a housing, wherein the housing has an integral external thread, and wherein the tool, component or object is a stabilizer having an internal thread.

Figure 5 depicts an exemplary rotary steerable drilling apparatus in which systems as described herein may be used.

Figures 1-5 are exemplary only. The systems and methods described herein may be used in association with any suitable cylinder, any suitable tool, component or object, or any suitable apparatus. In the description of the exemplary embodiments which follows, features which are identical or equivalent in the exemplary embodiments may be identified with the same reference numbers.

Referring to Figure 5 an exemplary rotary steerable drilling apparatus (200) is depicted. The exemplary rotary steerable drilling apparatus (200) is comprised of a housing (202) having an exterior surface (204). A shaft (208) extends through the housing (202). The shaft (208) is rotatable relative to the housing (202). In the exemplary rotary steerable apparatus (200), a drill bit (210) is connected with a distal end of the shaft (208), and a drill string (212) is connected with a proximal end of the shaft (208). The drill string (212) may include a drill string communication system (214) such as a measurement-while-drilling system.

In the exemplary rotary steerable drilling apparatus (200), an anti-rotation device (216) is connected with or integrated into the housing (202) adjacent to a proximal end of the housing (202), and a near-bit stabilizer (218) is connected with or integrated into the housing (202) adjacent to a distal end of the housing (202).

In the exemplary rotary steerable drilling apparatus (200), a deflection mechanism (not shown) is contained within the housing (202), which may be actuated to cause radial deflection of a portion of the shaft (208) within the housing (202). The deflection mechanism may be comprised of any structure, device or apparatus which is capable of causing the radial deflection of the portion of the shaft (208) within the housing (202). The radial deflection of the portion of the shaft (208) may result in bending of the shaft (208) within the housing (202). Additionally or alternatively, the radial deflection of the portion of the shaft (208) may result in articulation of the shaft (208) within the housing (202), if the shaft (208) is comprised of a joint (not shown) which facilitates such articulation.

In the exemplary rotary steerable drilling apparatus, (200), the stabilizer (218) may be integral with the housing (202). Alternatively, the systems and methods described herein may be used to threadably connect the stabilizer (218) with the housing (202).

Referring to Figures 1A-1B and 2A-2B, an exemplary embodiment of a system (20) for providing an external thread on a cylinder such as the housing (202) is depicted. Referring to Figures 1A-1B, the system (20) comprises a circumferential groove

(22) defined in the exterior surface (204) of the housing (202), and a split ring (24).

The housing (202) has a circumference (30). In the exemplary embodiment of the system (20), the groove (22) extends circumferentially around the entire circumference (30) of the housing (202). In other embodiments, the groove (22) may extend around only a portion of the circumference (30) of the housing (202), and/or the groove (22) may comprise discrete groove segments (not shown) spaced around the circumference (30) of the housing (202). In the exemplary embodiment of the system (20), the groove (22) has a generally rectangular cross-section. In other embodiments, the cross-section of the groove (22) may be other than rectangular.

In the exemplary embodiment of the system (20), the split ring (24) is generally cylindrical and/or annular in shape. The split ring (24) has an interior side (40), an exterior side (42), a split ring axis (44), a proximal axial end (46), a distal axial end (48), a first circumferential end (50), a second circumferential end (52), and a circumferential length (54) between the first circumferential end (50) and the second circumferential end (52). A gap (56) extends between the first circumferential end (50) and the second circumferential end (52) of the split ring (22).

The split ring (24) is constructed of a material such as steel which is deformable to increase and decrease the amount of the gap (56) to facilitate mounting of the split ring (24) on the housing (202) and removal of the split ring (24) from the housing (202). The interior side (40) of the split ring (24) comprises a lug (60). A purpose of the lug (60) is to engage with the groove (22) in order to connect the split ring (24) with the housing (202) and maintain the axial position of the split ring (24) on the housing (202). As a result, the groove (22) and the lug (60) are configured to be compatible so that the lug (60) is capable of being inserted and retained within the groove (22).

In the exemplary embodiment of the system (20), the lug (60) extends circumferentially along the entire circumferential length (54) of the split ring (24). In other embodiments, the lug (60) may extend for only a portion of the circumferential length (54) of the split ring (24), and/or the lug (60) may comprise discrete lug segments (not shown) spaced along the circumferential length (54) of the split ring (24). In the exemplary embodiment of the system (20), the lug (60) has a generally rectangular cross-section. In other embodiments, the cross-section of the lug (60) may be other than rectangular. In the exemplary embodiment of the system (20), the lug (60) extends axially from adjacent the proximal axial end (46) of the split ring (24) approximately one-half of the distance between the proximal axial end (46) and the distal axial end (48) of the split ring (24). In other embodiments, the lug (60) may extend from a different axial position and may extend axially a greater or lesser axial distance than in the exemplary embodiment of the system (20).

The exterior side (42) of the split ring (24) comprises an external thread (62). The external thread (62) provides an external thread for the housing (202) to enable tools, components or objects having an internal thread to be threadably connected with the housing (202). As a result, the external thread (62) is configured to be compatible with the internal thread which is included in the tool, component or object which is to be connected with the housing (202).

In the exemplary embodiment of the system (20), the external thread (62) extends circumferentially along the entire circumferential length (54) of the split ring (24).

In the exemplary embodiment of the system (20), the external thread (62) extends axially from adjacent to the proximal axial end (46) of the split ring (24) approximately one-half of the distance between the proximal axial end (46) and the distal axial end (48) of the split ring (24). In other embodiments, the external thread (62) may extend axially from a different axial position and may extend axially a greater or lesser axial distance than in the exemplary embodiment.

In the exemplary embodiment of the system (20), the external thread (62) has a relatively high thread angle (i.e., the angle between the sides or slopes of the thread) so that the external thread (62) exerts a significant radial force component inward toward the housing (202) in addition to an axial force component as a tool, component or object is threadably connected with the housing (202) via the system (20), thereby providing a radial "clamping force" to inhibit rotation of the split ring (24) within the groove (22). In the exemplary embodiment of the system (20), the thread angle of the external thread is at least about 60 degrees, and most preferably between about 60 degrees and about 90 degrees.

In the exemplary embodiment of the system (20), the lug (60) and the external thread (62) are located at a common axial position on the split ring (22) so that the lug (60) provides support for the external thread (62). More particularly, in the exemplary embodiment of the system (20), the lug (60) and the external thread (62) extend axially from and to the same axial positions on the split ring (24), but on opposite sides of the split ring (24). In the exemplary embodiment of the system (20), the exterior side (42) of the split ring (24) comprises a shoulder (64) which is generally transverse to the split ring axis (44). A purpose of the shoulder (64) is to provide an engagement surface or torquing surface for a tool, component or object which is threadably connected with the housing (202) via the system (20). In the exemplary embodiment of the system (20), the shoulder (64) extends circumferentially for the entire circumferential length (54) of the split ring (24). In other embodiments, the shoulder (64) may extend for only a portion of the circumferential length (54) of the split ring (24), and/or the shoulder (64) may comprise discrete shoulder segments (not shown) spaced along the circumferential length (54) of the split ring (24). In the exemplary embodiment of the system (20), wherein the shoulder (64) extends for the entire circumferential length (54) of the split ring (24), the shoulder (64) may also function as a seal between the split ring (24) and a tool, component or object which is threadably connected with the housing (202) via the system (20). In the exemplary embodiment of the system (20), the shoulder (64) is axially located at or adjacent to the distal axial end (48) of the split ring (24), so that the lug (60) and the external thread (62) are both axially located between the proximal axial end (46) of the split ring (24) and the shoulder (64). In the exemplary embodiment of the system (20), the system (20) comprises a retainer mechanism (70) for inhibiting rotation of the split ring (24) within the groove (22). The retainer mechanism (70) may comprise any suitable structure, device or apparatus.

In the exemplary embodiment of the system (20), the retainer mechanism (70) comprises a slot (72) which is defined within the groove (22) and a key (74) for inserting within the slot (72). The split ring (24), the slot (72) and the key (74) are sized and configured so that when the split ring (24) is mounted within the groove (22), the split ring (24) may be positioned so that the key (74) may be inserted within the slot (72) and at the gap (56) between the circumferential ends (50, 52) of the split ring (24). The slot (72) and the key (74) are further sized and configured so that the when the key (74) is inserted within the slot (72), the key (74) engages with one or both of the circumferential ends (50, 52) of the split ring (24) to inhibit rotation of the split ring (24), and the key (74) is recessed relative to the external thread (62) and does not therefore interfere with the external thread (62).

The exemplary embodiment of the system (20) may be assembled by separating the circumferential ends (50, 52) of the split ring (24) to increase the gap (56) between the circumferential ends (50, 52), passing the split ring (24) over an end (not shown) of the housing (202), sliding the split ring (24) over the exterior surface (204) of the housing (202), inserting the lug (60) of the split ring (24) into the groove (22) in the exterior surface (204) of the housing (202), positioning the split ring (24) within the groove (22) so that the slot (72) is within the gap (56), and inserting the key (72) into the slot (72). A tool, component or object may then be threadably connected with the housing (202) via the assembled system (20).

The system (20) for providing an external thread on a cylinder allows quick changing of thread types and sizes to accommodate different tools, components or objects and different load requirements, allows an external thread to be changed if damaged or worn without machining the cylinder, and allows a cylinder to be used without an external thread if desired.

Referring to Figures 3A-3B, a first exemplary embodiment of a system (80) for threadably connecting a tool, component or object with a cylinder is depicted, wherein the cylinder comprises the housing (202), wherein the housing (202) is provided with an external thread using the exemplary embodiment of the system (20) depicted in Figures 1A-1B and 2A- 2B, wherein the tool, component or object is the stabilizer (218), and wherein the stabilizer (218) has an internal thread. In the first exemplary embodiment of the system (80), an internal thread (82) is provided in the stabilizer (218) adjacent to a proximal end (84) of the stabilizer (218), and one or more stabilizer blades (not shown in Figures 3A-3B) are provided on an exterior surface (86) of the stabilizer (218) adjacent to a distal end (not shown in Figures 3A-3B) of the stabilizer (218). The threaded connection between the housing (202) and the stabilizer (218) is made by engaging the external thread (62) on the split ring (24) with the internal thread (82) of the stabilizer (218). The stabilizer (218) is then threaded onto the housing (202) until a surface (88) on the proximal end (82) of the stabilizer (218) engages with the shoulder (64) on the split ring (24), and until a desired torque resistance is established between the stabilizer (218) and the split ring (24).

By providing the threaded connection between the stabilizer (218) and the housing (202) adjacent to the proximal end (82) of the stabilizer (218), and by providing the stabilizer blades adjacent to the distal end of the stabilizer (218), it may be possible to position the stabilizer blades closer to the drill bit (210) than if the stabilizer (218) were integrally formed with the housing (202) or connected with the housing (202) in some other manner.

Referring to Figures 4A-4C, a second exemplary embodiment of a system (100) for threadably connecting a tool, component or object with a cylinder is depicted, wherein the cylinder comprises the housing (202), wherein the housing (202) has an integral external thread, wherein the tool, component or object is the stabilizer (218), and wherein the stabilizer (218) has an internal thread.

The location and configuration of the stabilizer (218) on the housing (202) in the second exemplary embodiment of the system (100) is very similar to that of the first exemplary embodiment of the system (80). One distinction between the first exemplary embodiment and the second exemplary embodiment is that an external thread (102) is integrally formed in the housing (202) in the second exemplary embodiment, while the external thread (62) in the housing (202) in the first exemplary embodiment is provided by the exemplary embodiment of the system (20). A second distinction between the first exemplary embodiment and the second exemplary embodiment is that a shoulder (104) is integrally formed in the housing (202) in the second exemplary embodiment, while the shoulder (62) is provided by the split ring (24) in the first exemplary embodiment. In the second exemplary embodiment of the system (100), as in the first exemplary embodiment of the system (80), the threaded connection between the stabilizer (218) and the housing (202) is adjacent to the proximal end (82) of the stabilizer (218), and stabilizer blades (106) are adjacent to a distal end (108) of the stabilizer (218), with the result that it may be possible to position the stabilizer blades (106) closer to the drill bit (210) than if the stabilizer (218) were integrally formed with the housing (202) or connected with the housing (202) in some other manner.

ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES

The following are non-limiting, specific embodiments of the systems and methods described herein:

Embodiment A. A system for providing an external thread on a cylinder, comprising:

(a) a circumferential groove defined in an exterior surface of the cylinder; and

(b) a split ring having an interior side and an exterior side, the interior side comprising a lug for inserting within the groove and the exterior side comprising the external thread.

Embodiment B. The system of Embodiment A wherein the split ring has a split ring axis, a proximal axial end and a distal axial end, wherein the exterior side of the split ring comprises a shoulder transverse to the split ring axis, and wherein the external thread is axially located between the proximal axial end of the split ring and the shoulder.

Embodiment C. The system of Embodiment A or B wherein the lug is axially located between the proximal axial end of the split ring and the shoulder.

Embodiment D. The system of any one of Embodiments A through C wherein the external thread and the lug are axially located at a common axial position on the split ring so that the lug provides support for the external thread.

Embodiment E. The system of any one of Embodiments A through D wherein the split ring has a first circumferential end, a second circumferential end, and a circumferential length between the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end, and wherein the shoulder extends for the entire circumferential length of the split ring. Embodiment F. The system of any one of Embodiments A through E wherein the external thread has opposing sides and wherein an angle between the opposing sides is at least 60 degrees. Embodiment G. The system of any one of Embodiments A through F, further comprising a retainer mechanism for inhibiting rotation of the split ring within the groove.

Embodiment H. The system of any one of Embodiments A through G wherein the split ring has a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end, wherein a gap is provided between the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end of the split ring when the lug is inserted within the groove, and wherein the retainer mechanism comprises a slot defined within the groove and a key for inserting within the slot and within the gap between the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end of the split ring.

Embodiment I. The system of any one of Embodiments A through H wherein the cylinder has a circumference and wherein the groove extends around the entire circumference of the cylinder. Embodiment J. The system of any one of Embodiments A through I wherein the split ring has a first circumferential end, a second circumferential end, and a circumferential length between the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end, and wherein the lug extends for the entire circumferential length of the split ring. Embodiment K. The system of any one of Embodiments A through J wherein the cylinder is a component of a pipe string for insertion within a borehole.

Embodiment L. The system of any one of Embodiments A through K wherein the cylinder comprises a housing.

Embodiment M. The system of any one of Embodiments A through L wherein the system is configured to connect a stabilizer with the housing with a threaded connection, and wherein the stabilizer comprises an internal thread which is compatible with the external thread on the split ring. Embodiment N. A method for providing an external thread on a cylinder, comprising: (a) providing a circumferential groove in an exterior surface of the cylinder;

(b) providing a split ring having an interior side and an exterior side, the interior side comprising a lug for inserting within the groove and the exterior side comprising the external thread; and

(c) inserting the lug within the groove in order to mount the split ring on the cylinder.

Embodiment O. The method of Embodiment N wherein the split ring has a first circumferential end, a second circumferential end, and a circumferential length between the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end, further comprising separating the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end and passing the split ring over an end of the cylinder in order to insert the lug within the groove. Embodiment P. The method of Embodiment N or O, further comprising installing a retainer mechanism for inhibiting rotation of the split ring within the groove.

Embodiment Q. The method of Embodiment P wherein the retainer mechanism comprises a slot defined within the groove and a key for inserting within the slot, and wherein installing the retainer mechanism comprises inserting the key within the slot within a gap between the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end of the split ring.

Embodiment R. The method of any one of Embodiments N through Q wherein the cylinder is a component of a pipe string for insertion within a borehole, wherein the cylinder comprises a housing, wherein the system is configured to connect a stabilizer with the housing with a threaded connection, wherein the stabilizer comprises an internal thread which is compatible with the external thread on the split ring, and wherein the method further comprises threading the stabilizer onto the split ring. Embodiment S. The method of Embodiment R, further comprising threading the stabilizer onto the split ring until a surface on the stabilizer engages with a shoulder on the split ring.

Embodiment T. The method of Embodiment R or S, further comprising threading the stabilizer onto the split ring to a desired torque resistance between the stabilizer and the split ring.

In this document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the elements is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.