Abstract: An injection system and method is described. In several exemplary embodiments, the injection system and method may be a part of, and/or used with, a system and method for excavating a subterranean formation. In at least one example, an apparatus is provided that includes a source of impactors comprising at least some ferritic material capable of influence by magnetic fields. An injector is coupled to the source and includes a screw extruder, a screw positioned within a barrel, and at least one magnetic circuit is positioned outside of the barrel.

Abstract: A system and method for excavating a subterranean formation, according to which a suspension of liquid and a plurality of impactors is introduced into at least one cavity formed in the body member. The suspension is discharged from a nozzle disposed in the cavity towards the formation so that the impactors remove at least a portion of the formation.

Abstract: A system and method for excavating a wellbore through a subterranean formation that includes a drill string having an inner passage for flowing a suspension of fluid and impactors. The drill string includes a flow control device to block flow in the drill string passage or in the annulus formed between the drill string and the wellbore inner wall from lowing into the bit when flow is reduced or stopped. The flow can take place due to fluid density differences resulting from impactors being in suspension in the fluid. The flow control device includes a selectively openable and closable valve. Valve embodiments include valves having flapper elements, a plurality of cables suspended in an annular configuration, and whisker elements.

Abstract: An injection system and method is described. In several exemplary embodiments, the injection system and method may be a part of, and/or used with, a system and method for excavating a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A cutter element is provided for use on a rotary drill bit of a drilling string to cut earthen formation and the like. The cutter element includes a cutting portion formed from cutting material adapted to cut into the earthen formation, and a substrate positioned adjacent the cutting portion. The cutting portion and the substrate form a body having a substantially planar front face, a longitudinal axis extending centrally through the front face and the substrate, and a circumferential surface extending inwardly form the front face and spaced outwardly from the longitudinal axis. The cutting portion includes a cutting face that provides at least a portion of the front face. The cutting portion extends longitudinally inward from the front face to a back surface engaging or inter-facing the substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for excavating a subterranean formation, according to which a suspension of liquid and a plurality of impactors are introduced into at least one cavity formed in a body member and are discharging from the cavity so that the impactors remove a portion of the formation. The impactors are separated from at least a portion of the fluid, and are passed to a conduit so that the impactors accumulate in the conduit before being removed from the conduit.

Abstract: A system and method for excavating a subterranean formation, according to which a suspension of liquid and a plurality of impactors are passed between a drill string to a body member for discharge from the body member to remove at least a portion of the formation. The flow of the suspension between the drill string and the body member is controlled in order to present the impactors from settling near the bottom of the formation.