METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING CUTTINGS IN HIGH-ANGLE WELLS

摘要

A method of removing cuttings includes the steps of disposing a pipe string in a high-angle wellbore, circulating mud through the wellbore and creating a viscous coupling layer of mud spiraling about a section of the pipe string. Wherein the wellbore may be deviated from vertical thirty degrees or greater. The viscous coupling layer desirably extends outwardly beyond the outside diameter of the tooljoint upsets in the section of the pipe string. A pipe joint for creating a viscous coupling layer of drilling fluid spiraling about the pipe to remove cuttings from high angle wells includes an elongated tubular having an outer surface extending between opposing tooljoints, tooljoint upsets and projections provided on substantially the entire outer surface.