Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the performance of a drilling system for the drilling of a well bore in a given formation includes generating a geology characteristic of the formation per unit depth according to a prescribed geology model, obtaining specifications of proposed drilling equipment for use in the drilling of the well bore, and predicting a drilling mechanics in response to the specifications as a function of the geology characteristic per unit depth according to a prescribed drilling mechanics model. Responsive to a predicted drilling mechanics, a controller controls a parameter in the drilling of the well bore. The geology characteristic includes at least rock strength. The specifications include at least a bit specification of a recommended drill bit. Lastly, the predicted drilling mechanics include at least one of bit wear, mechanical efficiency, power, and operating parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the performance of a drilling system for the drilling of a well bore in a given formation is disclosed. The method generates a geology model of a given formation. The geology model includes a geology characteristic of the given formation per unit depth. The method also determines a predicted drilling performance for a proposed drilling equipment based on the geology model and specification data of the proposed drilling equipment, wherein the specification data of the proposed drilling equipment is a function of the geology characteristic.

Abstract: A method of assaying work of an earth boring bit of a given size and design including establishing characteristics of the bit of given size and design. The method further includes simulating a drilling of a hole in a given formation as a function of the characteristics of the bit of given size and design and at least one rock strength of the formation. The method further includes outputting a performance characteristic of the bit, the performance characteristic including a bit wear condition and a bit mechanical efficiency determined as a function of the simulated drilling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the performance of a drilling system for the drilling of a well bore in a given formation includes generating a geology characteristic of the formation per unit depth according to a prescribed geology model, obtaining specifications of proposed drilling equipment for use in the drilling of the well bore, and predicting a drilling mechanics in response to the specifications as a function of the geology characteristic per unit depth according to a prescribed drilling mechanics model. Responsive to a predicted-drilling mechanics, a controller controls a parameter in the drilling of the well bore. The geology characteristic includes at least rock strength. The specifications include at least a bit specification of a recommended drill bit. Lastly, the predicted drilling mechanics include at least one of bit wear, mechanical efficiency, power, and operating parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the performance of a drilling system for the drilling of a well bore in a given formation includes generating a geology characteristic of the formation per unit depth according to a prescribed geology model, obtaining specifications of proposed drilling equipment for use in the drilling of the well bore, and predicting a drilling mechanics in response to the specifications as a function of the geology characteristic per unit depth according to a prescribed drilling mechanics model. Responsive to a predicted drilling mechanics, a controller controls a parameter in the drilling of the well bore. The geology characteristic includes at least rock strength. The specifications include at least a bit specification of a recommended drill bit. Lastly, the predicted drilling mechanics include at least one of bit wear, mechanical efficiency, power, and operating parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the performance of a drilling system for the drilling of a well bore in a given formation is disclosed. The method generates a geology model of a given formation. The geology model includes a geology characteristic of the given formation per unit depth. The method also determines a predicted drilling performance for a proposed drilling equipment based on the geology model and specification data of the proposed drilling equipment, wherein the specification data of the proposed drilling equipment is a function of the geology characteristic.

Abstract: A method for determining bit wear in a drill bit of a drilling rig system is disclosed. The method provides a first drill bit design. The first drill bit design having a first geometry. The method also generates a geological model of given formation. The geological model including a geological characteristic based on a length of formation drilled in a given amount of time. The method predicts the first wear rate of the first drill bit design based on the first geometry compared to the geological model for the length of formation drilled.

Abstract: A method of assaying work of an earth boring bit of a given size and design comprises the steps of drilling a hole with the bit from an initial point to a terminal point. A plurality of electrical incremental actual force signals are generated, each corresponding to a force of the bit over a respective increment of the distance between the initial and terminal points. A plurality of electrical incremental distance signals are also generated, each corresponding to the length of the increment for a respective one of the incremental actual force signals. The incremental actual force signals and the incremental distance signals are processed to produce a value corresponding to the total work done by the bit in drilling from the initial point to the terminal point. Using such a basic work assay, a number of other downhole occurrences and/or conditions can be assayed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the performance of a drilling system for the drilling of a well bore in a given formation includes generating a geology characteristic of the formation per unit depth according to a prescribed geology model, obtaining specifications of proposed drilling equipment for use in the drilling of the well bore, and predicting a drilling mechanics in response to the specifications as a function of the geology characteristic per unit depth according to a prescribed drilling mechanics model. Responsive to a predicted-drilling mechanics, a controller controls a parameter in the drilling of the well bore. The geology characteristic includes at least rock strength. The specifications include at least a bit specification of a recommended drill bit. Lastly, the predicted drilling mechanics include at least one of bit wear, mechanical efficiency, power, and operating parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the performance of a drilling system for the drilling of a well bore in a given formation includes generating a geology characteristic of the formation per unit depth according to a prescribed geology model, obtaining specifications of proposed drilling equipment for use in the drilling of the well bore, and predicting a drilling mechanics in response to the specifications as a function of the geology characteristic per unit depth according to a prescribed drilling mechanics model. Responsive to a predicted drilling mechanics, a controller controls a parameter in the drilling of the well bore. The geology characteristic includes at least rock strength. The specifications include at least a bit specification of a recommended drill bit. Lastly, the predicted drilling mechanics include at least one of bit wear, mechanical efficiency, power, and operating parameters.

Abstract: A method of assaying work of an earth boring bit of a given size and design comprises the steps of drilling a hole with the bit from an initial point to a terminal point. A plurality of electrical incremental actual force signals are generated, each corresponding to a force of the bit over a respective increment of the distance between the initial and terminal points. A plurality of electrical incremental distance signals are also generated, each corresponding to the length of the increment for a respective one of the incremental actual force signals. The incremental actual force signals and the incremental distance signals are processed to produce a value corresponding to the total work done by the bit in drilling from the initial point to the terminal point. Using such a basic work assay, a number of other downhole occurrences and/or conditions can be assayed.

Abstract: A method of assaying work of an earth boring bit of a given size and design comprises the steps of drilling a hole with the bit from an initial point to a terminal point. A plurality of electrical incremental actual force signals are generated, each corresponding to a force of the bit over a respective increment of the distance between the initial and terminal points. A plurality of electrical incremental distance signals are also generated, each corresponding to the length of the increment for a respective one of the incremental actual force signals. The incremental actual force signals and the incremental distance signals are processed to produce a value corresponding to the total work done by the bit in drilling from the initial point to the terminal point. Using such a basic work assay, a number of other downhole occurrences and/or conditions can be assayed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the performance of a drilling system for the drilling of a well bore in a given formation includes generating a geology characteristic of the formation per unit depth according to a prescribed geology model, obtaining specifications of proposed drilling equipment for use in the drilling of the well bore, and predicting a drilling mechanics in response to the specifications as a function of the geology characteristic per unit depth according to a prescribed drilling mechanics model. The geology characteristic includes at least rock strength. The specifications includes at least a bit specification of a recommended drill bit. Lastly, the predicted drilling mechanics include at least one of bit wear, mechanical efficiency, power, and operating parameters. A display is provided for generating a display of the geology characteristic and predicted drilling mechanics per unit depth, including either a display monitor or a printer.

Abstract: Shale plasticity in a geological formation is quantified by the steps of measuring a shale volume of the formation, measuring a shale composition of the formation, measuring a shale water content of the formation, and determining a measure of shale plasticity of the formation in response to the measured shale volume, shale composition, and shale water content according to a shale plasticity model. An apparatus for quantifying shale plasticity is disclosed also.

Abstract: A well logging instrument, embodied both in drillstring and in wireline logging systems, is caused to traverse an earth borehole and to generate lithology-related data. First and second lithology compositional models are constructed from such data and are combined to determine a range of possible solutions having an upper limit defined by a pure component model and a lower limit defined by a proportional mixture model, thus allowing the maximum concentration of any lithologic component to vary between 0% and 100%. The exact value of the lithology lies between the upper and lower limits in the range of values and can be calibrated to a mineralogic analysis of actual core samples or drill cuttings.

Abstract: An improved paper clip consisting of a wire clip integrally wrapped within a folded semi rigid banding allowing for the display of printed advertising, promotional, marketing, messaging or decorative indicia, in a multitude of shape and size, as suits the material displayed, while being easier to apply, and remove, while providing protection to the papers to which it is attached from crushing and tearing.

Abstract: A method of assaying work of an earth boring bit of a given size and design comprises the steps of drilling a hole with the bit from an initial point to a terminal point and recording the distance between the initial and terminal points. A plurality of electrical incremental actual force signals are generated, each corresponding to a force of the bit over a respective increment of the distance between the initial and terminal points. A plurality of electrical incremental distance signals are also generated, each corresponding to the length of the increment for a respective one of the incremental actual force signals. The incremental actual force signals and the incremental distance signals are processed to produce a value corresponding to the total work done by the bit in drilling from the initial point to the terminal point. Using such a basic work assay, a number of other downhole occurrences and/or conditions can be assayed.

Abstract: A method of assaying the compressive strength of rock comprises testing a primary plurality of rock samples of similar lithology, at least some of which have different porosities, to determine, for each sample respectively, a value corresponding to compressive strength and a value corresponding to porosity. A first series of pairs of electrical compressive strength and porosity signals, the signals of each pair corresponding, respectively, to the compressive strength and porosity values for a respective one of the samples, is generated. These signals are processed by a computer to extrapolate additional such pairs of signals and generate a second series of electrical signals corresponding to compressive strength as a function of porosity. The second series of signals may correspond to unconfined compressive strength, and may be further processed, to generate a cumulative series of signals, using electrical adjustment signals corresponding to other conditions affecting the compressive strength of the rock.

Abstract: A method of regulating drilling conditions applied to a given well bit comprises assaying the compressive strength of the formation in an interval to be drilled by said bit. Wear of critical bit structure of the same size and design as in said given bit and which structure has drilled material of approximately the same compressive strength as that so assayed, is analyzed along with respective drilling data for the worn structure. From said analysis, a power limit for the respective compressive strength, above which power limit excessive wear is likely to occur is determined. Drilling conditions, such as rotary speed and weight-on-bit, at which the given bit is operated are regulated to maintain a desired operating power less than or equal to the power limit. Where several feasible rotary speed/weight-on-bit combinations may result in the desired operating power, these conditions are optimized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for drilling a borehole through formations of the earth to a targeted position relative to the entrance of the borehole on the surface of the earth. At each measurement of the position and orientation of the downhole drilling mechanism, the system controller determines a new optimum path to the target and commands the drilling apparatus to produce this optimum path. Different criteria may determine the optimum path. The preferred criterion is the path of minimum tortuosity.