Apparatus and method for completing an interval of a wellbore while drilling

摘要

An apparatus and method for completing an interval of a wellbore while drilling comprises a drill string ( 52 ) having a drill bit ( 30 ) mounted on the lower end thereof. A completion assembly ( 50 ) is positioned around a section of the drill string ( 52 ) such that when the wellbore ( 32 ) is extended by rotating the drill bit ( 30 ) and advancing the drill string ( 52 ), the completion assembly ( 50 ) does not rotate. The advancement of the drill string ( 52 ) and rotation of the drill bit ( 30 ) is ceased when the completion assembly ( 50 ) has reached the desired interval of the wellbore ( 32 ). Thereafter, the drill string ( 52 ) is disconnected from the drill bit ( 30 ) for retrieval to the surface leaving the completion assembly ( 50 ) and the drill bit ( 30 ) downhole.