Abstract: Apparatus for driving an open-ended conductor pipe into the ground. The apparatus includes, in combination, an open-ended conductor pipe capable of being driven into the ground, a drill string, a device for pumping fluid through the drill string, an arrangement for supporting the conductor pipe on the drill string, and a reciprocable impact driver supportable by the drill string within the conductor pipe. The apparatus further includes a device for reciprocating the reciprocable impact driver using fluid pumped through the drill string, an anvil capable of transferring the percussive force of the reciprocable impact driver to the conductor pipe, and jets for jetting fluid into the lower portion of the conductor pipe.

Abstract: A method for driving pipe into the ground, which is particularly suitable for driving conductor pipes that are commonly installed in the hydrocarbon production industry during the construction of oil wells and gas wells, more particularly offshore wells comprises, assembling at the lower end of a drill string means for supporting a conductor pipe on the drill string, a reciprocable impact driving means, means for reciprocating the reciprocable impact driving means using fluid pumped through the drill string, an anvil capable of transferring the percussive force of the reciprocable impact driving means to the conductor pipe and means for jetting fluid, positioning the assembly within a conductor such that the assembly and conductor are supportable by the drill string and the means for jetting fluid is at the lower end of the conductor, positioning the lower end of the conductor pipe on the ground into which it is to be driven, (d) actuating the reciprocable impact driving means to impact the anvil and drive th