Patent ID: 6629570
Filing Date: 2003-10-07
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
An apparatus for downhole drilling of wells comprising:a drilling unit comprising a drill bit for penetrating into a rock formation and optionally a gear box connected to the drill bit, an electric motor connected to said drilling unit to drive the drill bit, the motor including a hollow shaft which permits passage of a fluid therethrough, the electric motor being contained in a housing, said housing extending to immediately behind said drill bit or to said gear box, and having a diameter substantially similar to a diameter of the drill bit; tubing upon which the drilling unit and motor are suspended for supplying said motor with drilling fluid, sensors on said tubing including monitor and drill bit monitoring sensors which monitor the action of the motor and drill bit, and directional sensors which monitor the position of the drill bit, a cable disposed along the tubing for energizing said motor and for transmitting data, a control means including a surface control computer which immediately receives data gathered by the motor and drill bit monitoring sensors and the directional sensors via the cable, and motor and drill bit control means responsive to the motor and drill bit sensors which electronically control the action of the motor and drill bit by controlling electric current supplied to said motor, and directional output means responsive to control data transmitted from the surface control computer, the surface computer detecting deviation from a predetermined course and immediately relaying correctional control data to the drill bit control means and the directional output means via the cable.