Abstract: A full bore drag-type well drilling bit comprises a bit body having an operating end face defining a plurality of upsets. Each of the upsets has a leading edge surface and at least one recess extending through the leading edge surface into the upset. The end face of the bit body further comprises a plurality of flow channels, each such leading edge surface having one such flow channel extending therealong and inset therefrom. At least some of the upsets have a plurality of such recesses spaced therealong. The bit body further has a plurality of circulation ports opening through its end face and a plurality of nozzles, each nozzle being mounted in a respective one of the ports. The number of nozzles is less than the number of flow channels. At least some of the nozzles communicate with more than one such flow channel, and the transverse cross-sectional flow area of each of the nozzles is substantially less than those of individual ones of the channels communicating therewith.

Abstract: A down-hole signal generator for a mud-pulse telemetry system comprises an annular impeller surrounding a casing and arranged to be driven by the mud passing along the drill string. The impeller serves to drive a torque control arrangement, and preferably also an electrical generator, within the casing. The torque control arrangement is switchable between two states by a signalling actuator in response to an electrical input signal. In a first state the impeller may be driven relatively easily so that it is rotated at a relatively fast speed by the mud flow, whereas, in a second state, a greater torque is required to drive the impeller so that it is rotated at a relatively slow speed. Thus suitable variation of the input signal may be used to vary the impeller speed to transmit a modulated pressure signal in the mud flow which may be sensed at the surface.

Abstract: An elongate cutter for a drag-type drill bit includes a stud defining one end thereof and a cutting formation comprising a cutting face generally adjacent the other end. Length extends from one end to the other, depth extends generally transverse to the cutting face as well as transverse to the length, and width extends transverse to both length and depth. The stud has a cross section transverse to its length such that the cross section cannot be circumscribed by a reference circle whose diameter is equal to the maximum width of the cross section. The cross section also has an assumed section modulus, in the direction of depth, greater than that of the reference circle. The leading side of the cutter comprises a first planar zone adjacent the one end and a second planar zone adjacent the other end, and on which the cutting formation is carried. The maximum lateral dimension of the leading side is generally greater than or equal to the maximum width of the cutter.

Abstract: A liquid polymer containing composition, useful as a thickening agent for aqueous systems, containing hydroxyethyl cellulose, a hydrophobic liquid medium in which the hydroxyethyl cellulose is substantially non-swellable and a gelling agent for thickening the hydrophobic liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for calipering a borehole using acoustic measurements within the borehole. These acoustic measurements are useful for measuring the reflectivity of the side walls of a borehole and for calipering a borehole in a wireline or measurement while drilling configuration. The apparatus comprises at least one acoustic transceiver disposed on a calipering tool, together with a second acoustic receiver disposed longitudinally a selected distance from the first receiver. Further, a second acoustic transceiver is disposed on the caliper tool azimuthally from the first transceiver. Measurement of the travel times of acoustic pulses reflected from the borehole walls by the transceivers and receivers of this device, together with other known data, permits an accurate caliper of the borehole to be produced.

Abstract: A preactivated organophilic clay gellant that may be used to thicken organic compositions, especially, lubricating greases without the presence of a polar activator. The preactivated organophilic clay gellant may be prepared using certain process parameters namely shearing of the smectite-type clay prior to reaction with the organic cation, dilute reaction conditions and gentle drying of the organophilic clay or the preactivated organophilic clay gellant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining complete loading on a drill bit at the end of a drill string in a borehole employ at least three rosette strain gauges uniformly disposed on an instrument sub to measure torque and axial force on the sub, two bending moments in mutually perpendicular directions, and two shear forces in mutually perpendicular directions. These measurements are used to obtain torque on bit, weight on bit, two side forces on the bit normal to each other, and two bending moments on the bit normal to each other which, in turn, can be used to control the bit movement.

Abstract: A drag-type drill bit comprises a bit body having an operating end face and a multiplicity of superhard cutting elements interlocked to the bit body. The cutting elements define a multiplicity of cutting areas dispersed over the operating end face of the bit body in a pattern adapted to cause the cutting areas to cut an earth formation to a desired three-dimensional profile as the bit body is rotated. The cutting areas have back rake angles which become more negative with distance from said profile.

Abstract: A compressed powder formulation which consists essentially of an organophilic clay and at least one topical agent. The formulation maintains its physical integrity upon handling thereby permitting the preparation of the formulation in the form of self-supporting sticks and exhibits an acceptable level of payout. Additionally, the formulation retains an acceptable level of payout even when contacted with water. A process of making the formulation by compressing a powderous mixture is also set forth.

Abstract: A method for producing a magnesium alloy melt is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of (a) melting a magnesium alloy consisting essentially of up to 12 percent of aluminum, up to 30 percent of zinc, up to 1.5 percent of silicon, from 0.04 percent to 0.15 percent of manganese, and a given amount of dissolved beryllium, the given amount constituting from 0.0025 percent to 0.0125 percent of the alloy, balance essentially magnesium, and (b) protecting the magnesium alloy melt against oxidation by blanketing it with an atmosphere containing at least 80 percent by volume of nitrogen. A magnesium alloy melt produced in accordance with the method of the instant invention will undergo reduced oxidation by comparison with magnesium alloy melts produced in accordance with prior art methods. A method for producing a die-casting from a magnesium alloy melt produced according to the method of the instant invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A water based drilling fluid and process for using the same comprising a mixture of water and a polymer complex, wherein the polymer complex is the reaction product of a dispersant selected from the group consisting of lignite, sulfonated lignite, lignosulfonate, and sulfoalkylated lignite, and salts thereof and a water-soluble sulfonated polystyrene having a molecular weight of at least 70,000 and containing 0.7 to 2.0 sulfonic acid groups per styrene unit.

Abstract: A water based drilling fluid and process for using the same comprising a mixture of water and a polymer complex, wherein the polymer complex is the reaction product of a dispersant selected from the group consisting of lignite, sulfonated lignite, lignosulfonate, and sulfoalkylated lignite, and salts thereof and a water-soluble sulfonated polystyrene having a molecular weight of at least 70,000 and containing 0.7 to 2.0 sulfonic acid groups per styrene unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring flow parameters of an unknown fluid uses four pressure sensors at fixed, spaced locations within a cylindrical member having a constricted and a full diameter portion. The constricted portion has a smooth surface of transition at its entry, internal corrugations, and a sharp increase to the full diameter at its exit. There are no moving parts. All flow parameters can be calculated from the four pressure measurements taken at the entry and exit of the constricted portion and two aligned but separated locations spaced from the sharp increase to full diameter.

Abstract: The invention comprises a drag-type drill bit including a bit body adapted for rotative movement in a pre-determined direction in use and having an operating end face, and a plurality of cutting members mounted in the bit body. Each of the cutting members has a stud portion disposed in a respective recess in the bit body and defining the inner end of the cutting member, and a cutting face generally adjacent its outer end facing outwardly through the operating end face of the bit body and terminating in an outermost cutting edge. The centerline of the stud portion is rearwardly inclined, from the outer end to the inner end, with respect to the direction of movement in use, taken at the midpoint of the cutting edge, at a first angle from 80.degree. to 30.degree. inclusive. The cutting face is oriented such that the tangent to the cutting face at the midpoint of the cutting edge and in the central plane of the cutting member is disposed at a second angle, from 18.degree. to 75.degree.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive generator includes a magnetostrictive transducer having a vanadium permandur core and series connected primary and secondary windings, the secondary winding having more turns that the primary winding. A commutating capacitor is connected in parallel with the primary and secondary windings of the transducer and a switch is connected in series with the primary winding. A storage capacitor, which is connected in parallel with the switch and the primary winding of the inductive transducer, is charged by a remotely located low voltage power supply when the switch is open. When the switch is closed, the storage capacitor discharges through the primary winding of the transducer to charge the commutating capacitor until the transducer reaches saturation, the commutating capacitor discharging thereupon to drive the transducer into hard saturation to produce magnetostrictive action in the core and physically deform the transducer and produce an acoustic signal.

Abstract: A mud pulse telemetry system for imparting data pulses to drilling fluids circulating in a drill string including an improved valve arrangment for modulating the pressure of the circulating drilling fluid is disclosed. A rotary acting shear-type valve is arranged in a through conduit configuration so that the seat face of the valve is covered when the valve is in an open position, thus preventing impingement of abrasive fluid particles on the valve seat face during the open flow position of the valve. The rotatable gate is positively driven through an arc in opposite directions by rotary solenoids so that a gate aperture is moved into and out of axial alignment with the opening in the valve seat to generate the pressure pulse. The rotary solenoid valve also permits a tailoring of the force curve of the solenoid for maximum power in actuation of larger flow orifices. The larger flow orifice permits generation of pressure pulses of increased amplitude.

Abstract: A gate valve, seat, and face seal therefor, the valve including a valve body defining a longitudinal flowway and a valve element mounted in the valve body and movable transverse to the flowway between open and closed positions. The valve seat mounted in the valve body includes a seat body having an axially facing annular contact face for opposition to the valve element and an annular groove extending axially thereinto, the annular groove in turn having inner and outer side walls. The face seal comprises an annular elastomeric seal body having a base portion disposed in the annular groove and a sealing portion which, in a relaxed condition, projects axially outwardly from the annular groove. The seal body further has an annular auxiliary sealing formation extending about its outer diameter and sealing engaging the outer side wall of the annular groove.

Abstract: An electrode insulated from and mounted to the outside of a drill collar in a drill string positioned in a borehole is used for measuring formation spontaneous potential. A current measuring device, such as an ammeter, is connected through a varible ammeter resistor and a switch between the electrode and the drill collar. The ammeter measures current flow from the formation along the walls of the borehole to the drill string to determine the spontaneous potential of the formation at various points along the borehole while it is being drilled. The switch in the ammeter circuit is interrupted at a pre-selected rate and the ammeter current signal is connected through a lock-in amplifier to cancel random noise in the signal and produce an accurate measurement of the very small currents flowing between the electrode and the drill collar. The currents are indicative of spontaneous potentials in the formation.

Abstract: A liquid polymer containing composition, useful as a thickening agent for aqueous systems, containing hydroxyethyl cellulose, a hydrophobic liquid medium in which the hydroxyethyl cellulose is substantially non-swellable and a gelling agent for thickening the hydrophobic liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compensator applicable for use with a traveling block supported from a mast, derrick or the like by means of a crown block wherein the traveling block may be utilized for supporting objects. Two fluid pressure piston-and-cylinder assemblies are arrayed on opposite sides of a line of travel of the traveling block relative to the crown block so that a flexible line positioned about the sheaves of both blocks passes over a pulley supported by one fluid pressure assembly to one side of the line of travel and, on the other side, the flexible line passes over a pulley supported by the other fluid pressure assembly. One end of the flexible line may be anchored relative to the mast as a deadline while the line at its other end may be selectively retracted or payed out by a drawworks or the like fixed relative to the mast. The crown block is supported by flexible lines passing over pulleys also supported by the fluid pressure assemblies.