Baker Hughes Corporation

James L Hatten

Haraldur Karlsson

Gary E Jacques

John K Aslakson

The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for simultaneously drilling and casing a wellbore. More specifically, the apparatus comprises an outer conduit string containing an inner drill string carrying a bit capable of drilling a wellbore of greater diameter than the outer string. The drill string may be adapted to drill a nonlinear wellbore by offsetting the drill bit from the longitudinal axis of the outer string, and the drill bit is preferably retractable to permit withdrawal of the drill string after the wellbore is completed, leaving the outer string of casing or liner in place. The wellbore is drilled by rotating the drill bit and advancing the drill string by pushing from the surface, and the outer string is advanced by being pulled along by the drill string.

Method and apparatus for horizontal drilling

The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for simultaneously drilling and casing a wellbore. More specifically, the apparatus comprises and outer conduit string containing an inner drill string carrying a bit capable of drilling a wellbore of greater diameter than the outer string. The drill string may be adapted to drill a nonlinear wellbore by offsetting the drill bit from the longitudinal axis of the outer string, and the drill bit is preferably retractable to permit withdrawal of the drill string after the wellbore is completed, leaving the outer string of casing or liner in place. The wellbore is drilled by rotating the drill bit and advancing the drill string by pushing from the surface, and the outer string is advanced by being pulled along by the drill string.

The present invention relates to a novel horizontal well bore system. More particularly, the invention relates to the setting of a conductor casing, drilling a well bore to a horizontal position, drilling and screening the horizontal/lateral section of the well, filter packing the well screen, and installing any necessary pumping equipment. The resulting lateral well bore and the method disclosed for forming the same are particularly useful in environmental applications.

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Sumrall, MS, United States of America

James L Hatten