Abstract: The drilling system includes a work string supporting a bottom hole assembly. The work string including lengths of pipe having a non-metallic portion. The work string preferably includes a composite coiled tubing having a fluid impermeable liner, multiple load carrying layers, and a wear layer. Multiple electrical conductors and data transmission conductors may be embedded in the load carrying layers for carrying current or transmitting data between the bottom hole assembly and the surface. The bottom hole assembly includes a bit, a gamma ray and inclinometer instrument package, a steerable assembly, an electronics section, a transmission, and a power section for rotating the bit. It may or may not include a propulsion system. The drilling system may be a gravity based drilling system that does include a propulsion system. Various motive means may be provided such as gravity, to apply weight on the bit.

Abstract: A preferred novel circulating sub includes an electric motor, hydraulic intensifier, connecting rod, valve sleeve, valve plug, and angled nozzles. Upon activation of the circulating sub the electric motor drives the valve sleeve over the valve plug, causing a flow of drilling fluid to exit the angled nozzles. Upon deactivation of the circulating sub, the electric motor removes the valve sleeve from the valve plug, allowing the flow of drilling fluid to once again flow to the drill bit. Because the electric motor is reversible, the circulating sub can be repeatedly activated and deactivated.

Abstract: A sensor assembly including a sensor mounted on the piston and a transmitter mounted on either the piston or cylinder. Preferably the transmitter includes a wheel which engages the wall of the cylinder so as to rotate as the piston reciprocates within the cylinder. The wheel includes one or more magnets which emit a magnetic field that is received by the sensor as the wheel rotates whereby the sensor provides a signal indicative of the rotation of the wheel. The sensor then sends the signal to a logic component which determines the direction, travel and position of the piston within the cylinder.

Abstract: A preferred novel circulating sub includes an electric motor, hydraulic intensifier, connecting rod, valve sleeve, valve plug, and angled nozzles. Upon activation of the circulating sub the electric motor drives the valve sleeve over the valve plug, causing a flow of drilling fluid to exit the angled nozzles. Upon deactivation of the circulating sub, the electric motor removes the valve sleeve from the valve plug, allowing the flow of drilling fluid to once again flow to the drill bit. Because the electric motor is reversible, the circulating sub can be repeatedly activated and deactivated.

Abstract: A preferred novel circulating sub includes an electric motor, hydraulic intensifier, connecting rod, valve sleeve, valve plug, and angled nozzles. Upon activation of the circulating sub the electric motor drives the valve sleeve over the valve plug, causing a flow of drilling fluid to exit the angled nozzles. Upon deactivation of the circulating sub, the electric motor removes the valve sleeve from the valve plug, allowing the flow of drilling fluid to once again flow to the drill bit. Because the electric motor is reversible, the circulating sub can be repeatedly activated and deactivated.

Abstract: The steering assembly includes upper and lower tubular housings connected by a universal joint. An angle cam is disposed on the end of the lower housing and projects into the upper housing. A plurality of wedge members extend axially from the upper housing and into engagement with the angle cam. Drive trains are connected to the wedge members to move the wedge members toward and away from the angle cam so as to pivot the lower housing at the universal joint and change the angle and azimuth of the lower housing with respect to the upper housing. The lower housing is connected to a bearing pack supporting a drill bit such that upon changing the angle and azimuth of the lower housing, the direction of the drilling of the drill bit is also changed. The steering assembly being connected to composite tubing having conductors in the wall thereof for conducting data and commands between the steering assembly and a processor at the surface and for providing power to the steering assembly.

Abstract: A method for disconnecting tubular members and a ball-drop release device including an upper housing connected to tubing and a lower housing connected to a bottom hole assembly. The upper housing includes a recess end having grooves, and the lower housing includes an extension end having splines that fit into the upper housing grooves. The splined connection is designed to resist drilling motor backup torque and prevent the release mechanism from locking up. In the pre-release position, a ball sleeve is disposed within the extension and held in place by shear screws. To actuate the device, a ball, preferably having a density equal to the density of the drilling fluid, is dropped into the well and pumped to engage the ball sleeve. The ball seats with the ball sleeve whether the well bore is disposed vertically, laterally, or sloped upwardly. Once the ball seats, pressure builds behind the sleeve until the shear screws shear.