Apparatus for supporting a direct drive drilling unit in a position offset from the centerline of a well.

摘要

Drilling equipment including apparatus for laterally moving a direct drive drilling (12) unit to a position offset from the centerline (34) of a well. The drilling equipment includes a traveling block (24) suspended for generally vertical travel within a derrick (16) during drilling of a well, a direct drive drilling unit (12) suspendable from the traveling block, (24) means for guiding the drilling unit during drilling and apparatus connected to the derrick (16) for moving the drilling unit (12) laterally relative to the axis (34) of the well to an offset position. The drilling unit (12) includes a drill motor (48) and a drive sleeve (52) for threadably connecting the drill motor to a drill string in the well. The guide means includes a first pair of rails (42) connected to the derrick (16) and extending parallel to the axis (34) of the well. The apparatus includes a second pair of rails (72) and means (74) for supporting the drilling unit (12). The second pair of rails (72) is positionable below and in alignment with the first pair of rails when the support means (74) is in the offset position.