Abstract: A drill-string member includes at least one grooved portion on an outer surface thereof. A pair of axially spaced-apart grooved portions are typically provided, with two such pairs axially spaced along the longitudinal length of the member. A plurality of grooves are milled into the grooved portions, and the grooves intersect with one another to form a criss-cross pattern. As the member is rotated, fluid flows up the grooves, where fluid from one groove meets fluid from another groove at each intersection, causing turbulence to be created.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive, which apparatus comprises a body (2; 102) connectable to said top drive, said body (2; 102) comprising at least one gripping element (5; 105) radially displaceable by hydraulic or pneumatic fluid to drivingly engage said tubular (30; 110) to permit a screw connection between said tubular and a further tubular to be tightened to the required torque.

Abstract: The friction reducing drill pipe component in the form of a sub (10) is adapted to form part of a drill string. The sub (10) comprises a tubular mandrel (12) having first and second ends for connection to adjacent components of the drill string. A sleeve (18) is mounted on the mandrel (12), and first and second stops on the mandrel (16, 20) restrain the sleeve 18 against axial movement relative to the mandrel (12). One of the stops (20) is removable or retractable to permit the sleeve (18) to be removed over the first end of the mandrel.

Abstract: The friction-reducing drill pipe component in the form of a sub (10) is adapted to form part of a drill string. The sub (10) comprises a tubular mandrel (12) having first and second ends for connection to adjacent components of the drill string. A sleeve (18) is mounted on the mandrel (12), and first and second stops on the mandrel (16, 20) restrain the sleeve (18) against axial movement relative to the mandrel (12). One of the stops (20) is removable or retractable to permit the sleeve (18) to be removed over the first end of the mandrel.

Abstract: A traction device, preferably formed of an elastomer material, has molded threads and is designed to encapsulate a tire of a vehicle. The traction device has a body with a pair of distal ends. At one of the ends a pair of metal hooks are pivotally mounted to a hinge pin. When the traction device is placed around the tire, the metal hooks engage a locking pin disposed on the other end of the body. A bladder is mounted to an inner surface of the body such that the bladder becomes sandwiched between the body and the tire. Tension and grip is applied to the traction device by inflating the bladder. Air is introduced via an air valve through a communication duct. Once mounted, the traction device essentially becomes an integral member of the vehicle tire, thereby enhancing the traction of the drive wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive, which apparatus comprises a body (2; 102) connectable to said top drive, said body (2; 102) comprising at least one gripping element (5; 105) radially displaceable by hydraulic or pneumatic fluid to drivingly engage said tubular (30; 110) to permit a screw connection between said tubular and a further tubular to be tightened to the required torque.

Abstract: A method of setting a packer in a bore comprises the steps: mounting a packer on an elongate support member; mounting a casing scraper (10) on the elongate member; running the packer and the casing scraper (10) into a bore on the elongate member to a section of the bore where the packer is to be set; cleaning the section of bore with the scraper (10); and setting the packer in the cleaned section of bore. The scraper (10) comprises: a mandrel (22) adapted for coupling to the elongate member; a sleeve (14) mounted on the mandrel (22); and a plurality of scraper members (16) on the sleeve (14), the members (16) being radially movable relative to the mandrel (22).

Abstract: A hydraulic anchor packer for use in a well bore having an inflatable packer element (36) with a cylinder 38 and an elastomer sleeve 44 is provided on the exterior surface thereof. The elastomer sleeve 44 is retained by a suitable adhesive or fixing agent adjacent the cylinder 38 at the end portions of the elastomer sleeve 44 but is free of the cylinder 38 intermediate the end portions. An aperture 48 is defined by the wall of the cylinder 38 and is for connecting the exterior of the cylinder 38 in a region where the elastomer sleeve 44 is free of the interior of the cylinder 38. The anchor packer also has a seat 60 and a drop ball 62 for causing fluid from within the cylinder 38 to flow through the aperture 48 and between the elastomer sleeve 44 and exterior surface of the cylinder 38. The seat 60 and drop ball 62 are also for trapping fluid which has flowed into the chamber between the elastomer sleeve 44 and the cylinder 38 so as to prevent relaxation of the elastomer sleeve 44.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tools for use in wellbores which are actuated by means of actuating balls. The invention provides a method of actuating a tool located in a wellbore, the method comprising the sequential steps of: (a) locating a frangible actuating ball (2) on a seat, the seat being provided in the tool for receiving the actuating ball (2); (b) pumping fluid down a tubing string attached to the tool so as to apply a force to the seat and thereby actuate the tool, the force being transmitted to the seat through the actuating ball (2); and (c) breaking the actuating ball (2) to permit fluid to flow through the seat. The invention has the advantage over the prior art of providing means for actuating a downhole tool with an actuating ball (2) so that the actuating ball (2) does not form an undesirable obstruction once the tool has been actuated.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore comprises an inner member mountable on or formed as an integral part of a drill string, and an outer member removably mounted on the inner member. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus can be used as a stabilizer for said drill string.