Patent ID: 7575071
Filing Date: 2009-08-18
Classification: B01F,E21B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for continuously supplying drilling fluid suspension comprising water and a drilling fluid additive medium to a horizontal drill head, said method comprising: providing a continuous stream of water; providing a drilling fluid additive medium; introducing said additive medium to said stream of water at a selected location to form a drilling fluid suspension stream; providing a high pressure pump in the vicinity of said selected location; pressurizing said water stream or drilling fluid suspension stream in the vicinity of said selected location by flowing such stream through said high pressure pump to enhance mixing of additive medium and water and to provide a pressurized drilling fluid suspension stream for conveyance to a drill head; conveying said pressurized drilling fluid suspension stream under the force of the high pressure pump through a static mixing chamber; conveying said pressurized drilling fluid suspension stream under the force of the high pressure pump through a swelling section downstream of said pump, said swelling section having a length or width sufficient to allow swelling of the suspension stream; and conveying said pressurized drilling fluid suspension stream under the force of the high pressure pump to a horizontal drill head.