Patent ID: 7588099
Filing Date: 2009-09-15
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A horizontal drilling system comprising: a top drive system comprising a motor that transmits a torque to a drill string to rotate the drill string; an automated controller operably connected to the top drive, the automated controller being designed to communicate at least one directional command signal to the top drive to initiate the direction of the rotation of the drill string; wherein the top drive generates at least one of a torque feedback signal indicating that a torque limit on the drill string is exceeded and a turn feedback signal indicating that the drill string is stalled; wherein the controller receives the at least one feedback signal and reverses the direction of the torque applied to the drill string when either the torque limit is exceeded or the drill string stall; and wherein the automated controller is further designed to communicate at least one speed command signal and one torque limit signal to the top drive to control the speed of the motor and the torque applied by the motor.