US3599713A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for controlling the filling of drill pipe or the like with mud during lowering thereof
Assignee: Fishing Tools Inc
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Filing: 1969-09-08
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Granted: 1971-08-17
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Expires: 1989-09-08
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for controlling the filling of drill pipe or the like with mud or other liquid during the lowering thereof into a pipe or casing having the mud or other liquid therein so as to prevent or inhibit such mud or liquid from spilling onto the derrick floor, and for subsequently opening the drill pipe to a full inside diameter for performing well operations therethrough.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas D Jenkins
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 01:20
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B34/00; E21B34/06; E21B34/063; E21B21/00; E21B21/10; E21B21/106; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/1624; Y10T137/1632; Y10T137/1692; Y10T137/1752
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
A method of controlling the filling of a pipe string during the lowering thereof in a well pipe having liquid therein, comprising the steps of: disposing a frangible choke near the lower end of a pipe string; lowering the pipe string into the liquid in the well pipe; forcing liquid in restricted amounts through the frangible choke into the pipe string as the pipe string is lowered while avoiding overflowing the liquid from the upper end of the pipe string; and thereafter removing the frangible choke to provide a fully open bore through the pipe string.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
96 words
A method of controlling the filling of a pipe string during the lowering thereof in a well pipe having liquid therein, comprising the steps of: disposing a frangible choke near the lower end of a pipe string; lowering the pipe string into the liquid in the well pipe; forcing liquid in restricted amounts through the frangible choke into the pipe string as the pipe string is lowered while avoiding overflowing the liquid from the upper end of the pipe string; and thereafter removing the frangible choke to provide a fully open bore through the pipe string.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method set forth in claim 1, wherein the removing of the frangible choke includes: pumping fluid under pressure into the pipe string so as to develop a predetermined pressure to fracture the frangible choke and pump the pieces thereof outwardly from the pipe string.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
193 words
An apparatus for controlling the filling of a pipe string during the lowering thereof in a well pipe having liquid therein, comprising: a pipe string having a bore which is open throughout its full length; a sub in said pipe string and having means for connecting same near the lower end of the pipe string; choke means mounted in said sub for controlling fluid flow upwardly into said pipe string and constituting the only restriction to flow into the pipe string; said choke means including a frangible disk made of a material which is adapted to be broken into relatively small pieces and disposed in said sub and extending across the full width of the bore of said sub to close fluid flow through the bore and the pipe string; means for retaining said frangible disk in said sub; and said frangible disk having a restricted choke opening therethrough of a diameter smaller than the diameter of the pipe string in which it is mounted for the flow of liquid through said frangible disk and into said pipe string upon a lowering of said pipe string in the liquid in the well pipe.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
193 words
An apparatus for controlling the filling of a pipe string during the lowering thereof in a well pipe having liquid therein, comprising: a pipe string having a bore which is open throughout its full length; a sub in said pipe string and having means for connecting same near the lower end of the pipe string; choke means mounted in said sub for controlling fluid flow upwardly into said pipe string and constituting the only restriction to flow into the pipe string; said choke means including a frangible disk made of a material which is adapted to be broken into relatively small pieces and disposed in said sub and extending across the full width of the bore of said sub to close fluid flow through the bore and the pipe string; means for retaining said frangible disk in said sub; and said frangible disk having a restricted choke opening therethrough of a diameter smaller than the diameter of the pipe string in which it is mounted for the flow of liquid through said frangible disk and into said pipe string upon a lowering of said pipe string in the liquid in the well pipe.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
The structure set forth in claim 3, wherein: said frangible disk has a plurality of weakened areas capable of withstanding the force of fluid therebelow during the lowering of the drill string into the well pipe but being weak enough to shear upon the application of a predetermined fluid force within the pipe string.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
The structure set forth in claim 3, wherein: said sub has an upper internally threaded box which is adapted to receive an externally threaded pin on the pipe string; and said sub has an annular shoulder below said threaded box upon which said frangible disk is disposed.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
The structure set forth in claim 6, wherein: said means for retaining said frangible disk in said sub includes a spacer ring disposed between the outer annular edge of said frangible disk and the lower end of said threaded pin.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US2799349A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-08-16 | 1975-02-15 | 1975-08-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-16 | 1979-02-15 | 1979-08-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-16 | 1983-02-15 | 1983-08-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |