Conductor pipe string deflector and method of using same

Abstract

An apparatus for deflecting a tubular string preferably comprising at least one side nozzle near the lower end of a first tubular string. The nozzle permits passage of a fluid therethrough from the first tubular string bore and deflects the first tubular string in a substantially horizontal direction. A second tubular string may be lowered over the deflected first tubular string. The second tubular string and the first tubular string are preferably lowered into the sea floor for maintaining their deflection. A method for deflecting a first tubular string and securing the first tubular string in the deflected state preferably comprises lowering the first tubular string axially so that the lower end of the first tubular string is near the sea floor. Preferably, a fluid, such as seawater, is propelled down through the bore of the first tubular string and through at least one side nozzle near the lower end of the first tubular, wherein the fluid moving through the side nozzle deflects the first tubular string. The first tubular string end is preferably lowered into the sea floor for maintaining the deflection of the first tubular string. A second tubular string may then be slidably lowered over the first tubular string for deflecting the second tubular string.

1 . A drive shoe configured for fixedly attaching to an end of a tubular comprising: 
 a first end configured for fixedly attaching to a first tubular;    a second end, wherein the second end defines a first aperture through which a second tubular may pass while the first tubular is slidably inserted over the second tubular, wherein the drive shoe may guide the first tubular as it is slidably inserted over the second tubular, said drive shoe having an outer wall.    
   
   
       2 . The drive shoe of  claim 1 , wherein the second end is configured having an angular shape.  
   
   
       3 . The drive shoe of  claim 2 , wherein the angled second end allows the drive shoe to be lowered past obstructions without substantial hindrance.  
   
   
       4 . The drive shoe of  claim 1 , further comprising a solid material disposed about the second end, wherein said solid material defines the first aperture.  
   
   
       5 . The drive shoe of  claim 1 , wherein the solid material is a composite material.  
   
   
       6 . The drive shoe of  claim 1 , further comprising a reinforcement disposed about the second end, wherein the reinforcement substantially prevents deformation to the second end.  
   
   
       7 . The drive shoe of  claim 1 , defining at least a second aperture in said outer wall of said drive shoe.  
   
   
       8 . The drive shoe of  claim 7 , wherein at least one nozzle is mounted within said at least one aperture, respectively.  
   
   
       9 . An apparatus for deflecting a tubular having a tubular wall and a bore therethrough, comprising: 
 At least one nozzle mounted within at least one aperture, respectively, in the tubular wall wherein fluid moving through the tubular bore is directed through said at least one nozzle, and wherein said fluid moving through said at least one nozzle creates one or more jet flows which deflect the tubular in a direction substantially opposite from the vector sum of the thrusts generated by the fluid flow through said at least one nozzle.    
   
   
       10 . An apparatus for deflecting a tubular conductor pipe having a tubular wall and a bore therethrough, comprising: 
 a nozzle mounted within an aperture in the tubular wall of said conductor pipe, wherein fluid moving through the tubular bore is directed through said nozzle, and fluid moving through said nozzle creates a jet flow which deflects the tubular conductor pipe in a direction substantially opposite the direction of fluid flow through said nozzle.