Importance

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Abstract

A multi-conduit tubular having fluid conduits (30) and electrical conduits (108), with associated surface fluid (182) and electrical (186) commutators, and downhole sensors (18, 20, 290) for providing surface monitors (22) with instantaneous formation data. Each tubular (50) includes a plurality of uniform linear conduits (30) therethrough, with a gasketed seal plate (86) interposed between joined tubulars for assuring a high pressure seal between joined conduits. The seal plate (86) includes an intermediate electrical connector (126) for connecting electrical conduit connectors (116) of one tubular to another. A coupling collar (84) with uniform diameter internal coarse and fine threads (92, 94) joins the tubular ends having similar threads by differential thread action without respective tubular rotation. Each tubular end further includes an interengaging index recess and index lug (106, 104), and drive recesses and lugs (102, 100) for maintaining angular registry of the tubular string and for driving one drill tubular with another. A fluid commutator (182) includes a rotating shaft with passages (204, 206) connected to the tubular conduits, and rotating in a manifold (198) having annular grooves (234, 236) in communication with the shaft passages (204, 205) and external fluid sources. An adaptor (184) couples each commutator shaft passage (204, 206) to one or more tubular conduits. Slip rings (264-270) on a quill shaft (178) and stationary brush means (272-278) provide electrical continuity from the electrical conduit wires (110) to surface equipment. A cross-over sub (286) includes formation parameter sensors (18, 20, 290) and telemetry equipment (292) in a blocked off portion of a fluid conduit. An annular accumulator (46) connected with the wellbore annulus (44) applies a pressure thereto in response to downhole sensors to change the effective density of the drill mud. The multi-conduit tubular (366) is further adapted for use as a well casing to provide downhole access of a plurality of fluids and electrical parameter sensors (424).

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First Claim