System and stabilizer apparatus for inhibiting helical stack-out

摘要

A connector for drill string elements is formed as a cylindrical body having a bore and threaded sections on opposite ends for connecting drill tubing or pipes together. A plurality of bearings are secured at spaced points to the exterior of the cylindrical body. One or more slots are formed in the exterior of the body to allow fluid to pass in a return flow. Also disclosed is a helical stack-out inhibiting system for horizontal drilling operations utilizing a plurality of tubular members having an outer diameter that is slightly less than the inner diameter of the hole being drilled. A plurality of rolling bearing members are secured to and extend outboard of the exterior surface of each tubular member. The rolling bearing members facilitate the axial and rotational movement of the drill string in horizontal drilling operations and also inhibit the drill pipe or tubing from contacting the sides of the hole.