CORE DRILLING TOOLS WITH EXTERNAL FLUID PATHWAYS

摘要

Implementations of the present invention include a core barrel assembly including external fluid pathways extending generally axially long the outer surface of the core barrel assembly. The one or more external fluid pathways can allow for increased fluid flow around a latch mechanism. The increased fluid flow around the latch mechanism can allow the core barrel assembly to travel faster within the drill string, can allow drilling fluid to pass by the latch mechanism when engaged. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including external fluid pathways, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems.

主权项

1. A latch body of a core barrel assembly, comprising:
a tubular body comprising a first member, a sleeve, an outer surface, and an inner surface, wherein the first member is moveably coupled to the sleeve, and wherein the tubular body is adapted to house a latch mechanism for securing the tubular body to a drill string; a means for driving the first member that is configured to be received within the sleeve; a latch opening defined therein the tubular body; a first fluid port defined therein the tubular body, wherein the first fluid port is adapted to allow fluid to flow between the inner surface and the outer surface; a fluid groove defined into the outer surface of the tubular body, wherein the fluid groove is in selective fluid communication with the first fluid port.