Abstract: A portable pipe thrusting apparatus for thrusting a pipe into and out of an earthen formation during a thrusting operation is disclosed. The portable pipe thrusting apparatus includes a collar configured to releasably grip the pipe, a support frame, at least one rear leg assembly coupled to a rear end of the support frame, and a bi-directional driver coupled to the collar and the support frame. The rear leg assembly is configured to move the rear end of the support frame between a lowered position and a raised position to align the pipe for the thrusting operation. The bi-directional driver is configured to drive the collar toward and away from the earthen formation to insert and remove the pipe from the earthen formation.

Abstract: A portable pipe thrusting apparatus for thrusting a pipe into and out of an earthen formation during a thrusting operation is disclosed. The portable pipe thrusting apparatus includes a collar configured to releasably grip the pipe, a support frame, at least one rear leg assembly coupled to a rear end of the support frame, and a bi-directional driver coupled to the collar and the support frame. The rear leg assembly is configured to move the rear end of the support frame between a lowered position and a raised position to align the pipe for the thrusting operation. The bi-directional driver is configured to drive the collar toward and away from the earthen formation to insert and remove the pipe from the earthen formation.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for installing a pipeline in borehole comprising a pulling pipe drawn by a drill string and an articulating joint coupling the pulling pipe to the pipeline. The articulating joint allows an angle to be formed between the pulling pipe and the pipeline. A reamer is used to clear the borehole as the pipeline is installed. The reamer includes a plurality of radially-oriented nozzles for directing fluid away from the stem of the reamer in order to clean the teeth of the reamer without directing the cuttings and other debris toward areas in which accumulation is likely to occur. Deflecting nozzles prevent the outermost radially-oriented nozzles from overcutting the borehole.

Abstract: A pipeline is forced into a borehole using a deadman disposed directly in front of the entry to the borehole. A force is generated between the deadman and a collar attached to the pipeline such that the pipeline is forced through the deadman into the borehole. The force may be generated by a cable and sheave combination or through hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing drilling mud within entrained cuttings is provided using a pump for forcing fluid into a borehole, such that the fluid mixes with cuttings formed during the formation of the hole. The pipe receives the fluid and entrained cuttings at a first end of the pipe and returns the fluid and entrained cuttings to the surface at the second end of the pipe. At the first end of the pipe, air is injected into the drilling fluid with entrained cuttings to form bubbles therein, thereby increasing the velocity of the fluid and entrained cuttings through the pipe. In one alternative embodiment, a suction is provided at one end of the pipe to increase the speed of fluid and entrained cuttings therethrough. In a third embodiment of the present invention, an Archimedes screw is used to remove the fluid and entrained cuttings from the borehole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enlarging an inverted arcuate underground path between two surface locations is disclosed, where the cuttings from the enlarging are removed. After the drilling of a pilot borehole, and possibly after some reaming operations, a reamer and hole cleaner are pulled through the path, with the reamer rotating as the drill string in the path rotates. The rotation of the drill string also powers a positive displacement pump inside of the hole cleaner, which pumps fluid and entrained cuttings to the surface behind the hole cleaner. Fluid may also be pumped into the reamer from behind the hole cleaner, preferably by way of an inlet pipe which surrounds the outlet from the pump. The hole cleaner includes an agitator, also powered by the rotation of the drill string, which agitates the fluid and cuttings while the drill string is rotated but is not being pulled to the surface.

Abstract: A hole cleaning device 100 includes a housing having a porous region to communicate cuttings from a bore hole to the interior of the housing. A Venturi-effect pump creates a suction to draw cuttings from the hole into the housing. An outlet pipe coupled to the Venturi pump transports the cuttings out of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing debris from a bore hole comprises a housing having apertures formed therein such that rotation of the housing causing entrapment of the cuttings from the bore hole. The positive displacement pump comprises a rotor surrounded by a stator coupled to the housing such that rotation of the stator rotates the housing. The positive displacement pump is operable to pump material from the housing responsive to relative movement between the rotor and stator. A motor rotates the stator, thereby cleaning the bore hole.

Abstract: A gravel-packed pipeline is formed by inserting a liner pipe having a porous pipe contained therein. A conveyor pipe is attached to the liner pipe for conveying filtering material such as gravel. After positioning the liner pipe, the end of the porous pipe is pushed out and anchored. The liner is removed while the filtering material is conveyed to the hole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enlarging an inverted arcuate underground path between two surface locations is disclosed, where the cuttings from the enlarging are removed. After the drilling of a pilot borehole, and possibly after some reaming operations, a reamer and hole cleaner are pulled through the path, with the reamer rotating as the drill string in the path rotates. The rotation of the drill string also powers a positive displacement pump inside of the hole cleaner, which pumps fluid and entrained cuttings to the surface behind the hole cleaner. Fluid may also be pumped into the reamer from behind the hole cleaner, preferably by way of an inlet pipe which surrounds the outlet from the pump. The hole cleaner includes an agitator, also powered by the rotation of the drill string, which agitates the fluid and cuttings while the drill string is rotated but is not being pulled to the surface.

Abstract: A directional drill bit utilizing pressurized fluid as a means for eroding earth in a forward path of the bit and being used to drill at least a portion of an arcuate path, comprises an elongate hollow body having two sections joined one to the other by a flexible joint, a box end connection, a jet nozzle, an articulation device comprising a spring and a stop, the articulation device being responsive to changes in fluid pressure by permitting a forward portion of the bit bearing the nozzle structure to change angular position with respect to an aft portion of the bit, by the forward portion moving from a first position relative to the aft portion to a second position relative to the aft portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drilling a bore hole (B) along an underground arcuate path (P) between two surface locations (O,E). The bore hole (B) is drilled in one direction with a drill string (10) having a leading pipe section 12 with a drill bit (14) thereon. Drilling fluid is supplied to the drill bit (14) during the drilling operation. Upon completion of the initial bore hole (B), the hole (B) may be enlarged by a reamer (40). Then, a production conduit (38) is connected to the reamer (40) for being pulled by the drill string (10) through the enlarged bore hole (D). Cement is supplied through the drill string (10) for discharge at the reamer (40) into the bore hole (D) adjacent the leading end of the production conduit (38) and fills the annulus A between the conduit (38) and the inner peripheral surface of the enlarged bore hole (D). In one embodiment (FIG. 12), the drill string (10B) is encased in cement in the initial bore hole (B) and forms a casing for receiving a small diameter production cable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drilling and then installing a production conduit (46) within an enlarged bore hole (D) along an underground path (P) between two surface locations (C, D). Upon completion of a pilot bore hole (B), a reamer (48) enlarges the bore hold (B). The drill string (10) is returned to the exit opening (E) for connection to the production conduit (46) for pulling the conduit (46) within the enlarged opening (D). One embodiment (FIGS. 19-21) utilizes canted rollers (168) for supporting the production conduit (46) at the exit opening (E) and effecting rotation thereof as the production conduit (46) is fed into the enlarged diameter opening (D).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drilling a pilot bore hole (B) along an underground arcuate path (P) between two surface locations (O, E). The pilot bore hole (B) is drilled in one direction with a drill string (10) having a leading pipe section (10A) of a reduced diameter to provide increased flexibility. Upon completion of the pilot bore hole (B), a reamer (48) connected to a product conduit (46) is connected to the drill string (10). Drill string (10) pulls the reamer (48) and product conduit (46) along the pilot bore hole (B) in an opposite direction for enlarging the bore hole (B) to receive the product conduit (46). A spud bit (34) has a flat or blunt leading end portion (34A) with a discharge opening (34D) therein to discharge high velocity drilling fluid into the formation at a location offset from the longitudinal axis of the drill string (10) to assist in guiding the drill string (10). An in-hole hydraulic motor (70) is provided in an embodiment (FIG.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling a vertical hole from an underground chamber to the surface includes the emplacement of a preassembled, vertical drill string including a drill bit mounted in a cylinder installed below the underground chamber. When vertical drilling is required, piston lifts the drill string and extends it from the cylinder into the overlying rock. Circulating fluid drives the drill bit and removes the rock debris from the resulting, vertically progressing hole. Drilling continues until the surface is penetrated, and the drill string is retracted into the cylinder, enabling access to the surface through the resulting hole.

Abstract: A directional drill attached to a drill string having periodic concentric collars is advanced in an inverted arcuate path to form a pilot hole underneath an obstacle followed by a larger concentric washover pipe. When the washover pipe reaches the surface on the other side of the obstacle a first reamer is attached to the end of the washover pipe exiting the drilling path, a second reamer of smaller diameter than the first reamer is attached to the other end of the first reamer by means providing for some separation between the two reamers, and a production casing of smaller diameter than the second reamer is attached to the other end of the second reamer with a swivel. The remaining length of the first portion of casing is supported some distance above the ground on rollers located above and beyond the exit point of the pilot hole. The reamers are operated by rotating the washover pipe and simultaneously drawing the washover pipe through the pilot hole.

Abstract: A directional drill attached to a drill string having periodic concentric collars is advanced in an inverted arcuate path to form a pilot hole underneath an obstacle followed by a larger concentric washover pipe. When the washover pipe reaches the surface on the other side of the obstacle a first reamer is attached to the end of the washover pipe exiting the drilling path, a second reamer of smaller diameter than the first reamer is attached to the other end of the first reamer by means providing for some separation between the two reamers, and a production casing of smaller diameter than the second reamer is attached to the other end of the second reamer with a swivel. The remaining length of the first portion of casing is supported some distance above the ground on rollers located above and beyond the exit point of the pilot hole. The reamers are operated by rotating the washover pipe and simultaneously drawing the washover pipe through the pilot hole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for installing a large diameter pipe--in the range of 30 inches diameter--for spanning an obstacle, such as a river, along an invert arcuate underground path. An inclined drill rig, having a mud supply system and power pod, includes an angularly inclined ramp and driven car for crowding, without rotation, a pipe either pre-bent to a preselected and constant radius of curvature or a straight pipe into the ground. The pipe at its head includes an articulated drill head, which by appropriate articulation, assures placement of the pipe along a radius of curvature equal to the pre-bent radius of curvature of the pipe. The articulated drilling head includes a hydraulic system for articulating and driving the cutting head and pumping mud and tailing from the pipe path. Two discrete mud systems are used. The first mud system is utilized to entrain and carry away cuttings.

Abstract: A directional drill attached to a drill string having periodic concentric collars is advanced in an inverted arcuate path to form a pilot hole underneath an obstacle followed by a larger concentric washover pipe. When the washover pipe reaches the surface on the other side of the obstacle a first reamer is attached to the end of the washover pipe exiting the drilling path, a second reamer of smaller diameter than the first reamer is attached to the other end of the first reamer by means providing for some separation between the two reamers, and a production casing of smaller diameter than the second reamer is attached to the other end of the second reamer with a swivel. The remaining length of the first portion of casing is supported some distance above the ground on rollers located above and beyond the exit point of the pilot hole. The reamers are operated by rotating the washover pipe and simultaneously drawing the washover pipe through the pilot hole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drilling a pilot bore hole (B) along an underground arcuate path (P) between two surface locations (O, E). The pilot bore hole (B) is drilled in one direction with a drill string (10) having a leading pipe section (10A) of a reduced diameter to provide increased flexibility. Upon completion of the pilot bore hole (B), a reamer (48) connected to a product conduit (46) is connected to the drill string (10). Drill string (10) pulls the reamer (48) and product conduit (46) along the pilot bore hole (B) in an opposite direction for enlarging the bore hole (B) to receive the product conduit (46). A spud bit (34) has a flat or blunt leading end portion (34A) with a discharge opening (34D) therein to discharge high velocity drilling fluid into the formation at a location offset from the longitudinal axis of the drill string (10) to assist in guiding the drill string (10). An in-hole hydraulic motor (70) is provided in an embodiment (FIG.