Apparatus and method for installing casing in a borehole

Abstract

An apparatus and method of installing a casing string in a borehole, the apparatus comprising a propulsion system movable through the borehole; the propulsion system having an attachment member; and the attachment member being engagable with the casing string causing the casing string to move with the propulsion system through the borehole. The apparatus further including a conduit for circulating fluids through the propulsion system to provide the power to move the propulsion system. The propulsion system may also be disposable.

1 . An apparatus for installing casing in a borehole, the apparatus comprising: 
 a propulsion system movable through the borehole and at least a portion of the casing;    the propulsion system comprising an attachment member; and    the attachment member being engageable with the casing and causing the casing to move with the propulsion system through the borehole.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the attachment member includes an extension projecting from the propulsion system.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the propulsion system extension projects radially outward from the uphole end of the propulsion system.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the extension engages the casing causing the casing to move with the propulsion system.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further including a conduit for circulating fluids through the propulsion system to provide the power to move the propulsion system.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the conduit is coiled tubing extending into the borehole comprising one end connected to the propulsion system.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the propulsion system is disposable.  
   
   
       8 . An assembly for installing a casing string in a borehole, the apparatus comprising: 
 a propulsion system movable through the borehole and a portion of the casing string;    the propulsion system comprising an attachment member;    a casing section connected to the casing string and comprising a connection member; and    the attachment member being engageable with the connection member and causing the casing string to move with the propulsion system through the borehole.    
   
   
       9 . The assembly of  claim 8  wherein the propulsion system is disposable.  
   
   
       10 . The assembly of  claim 8  wherein the connection member projects radially inward from the casing section and the attachment member projects radially outward of the propulsion system.  
   
   
       11 . The assembly of  claim 10  wherein the connection member is an annular collar and the attachment member is an annular shoulder, the annular collar comprising an inner diameter large enough to allow the propulsion system to pass through but small enough to prevent the annular shoulder from passing through.  
   
   
       12 . An assembly for installing casing in a borehole, the assembly comprising: 
 a propulsion system movable through the borehole;    the propulsion system comprising an attachment member;    a casing string connected to the propulsion system; and    the casing string comprising a flowbore for circulating fluids through the propulsion system to provide the power to move the propulsion system.    
   
   
       13 . The assembly of  claim 12  wherein the casing string is sealed to the propulsion system.