Abstract: A compact drilling system capable of improving working efficiency. The drilling system includes a drilling machine and a compressor. A control circuit controls performances of a drill motor in the drilling machine and an air compression motor in the compressor based on the detection result of a pressure sensor that detects a pressure within an air tank provided in the compressor. When one of the motors is activated, the other motor is not allowed to be operated and only when the drill motor is activated, compressed air is supplied from the air tank to the drilling machine. An electrical socket is provided in the compressor. A power cord extending from the drilling machine can be connected to the socket.

Abstract: A method and system for drilling a wellbore is described. The system includes a wellbore with a variable density drilling mud, drilling pipe, a bottom hole assembly disposed in the wellbore and a drilling mud processing unit in fluid communication with the wellbore. The variable density drilling mud has compressible particles and drilling fluid. The bottom hole assembly is coupled to the drilling pipe while the drilling mud processing unit is configured to separate the compressible particles from the variable density drilling mud. The compressible particles in this embodiment may include compressible hollow objects filled with pressurized gas an configured to maintain the mud weight between the fracture pressure gradient and the pore pressure gradient. In addition, the system and method may also manage the use of compressible particles having different characteristics, such as size, during the drilling operations.

Abstract: An injection system and method is described. In several exemplary embodiments, the injection system and method may be a part of, and/or used with, a system and method for excavating a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to apply axial force to a packer in a downhole tool are described. In one described example, an apparatus to apply an axial force to an inflatable packer associated with a downhole tool includes a sleeve slidingly coupled to a body of the downhole tool and an end of the packer. An inner portion of the sleeve is sealed against the body of the downhole tool to form a chamber, and the chamber is fluidly coupled to a pump associated with the downhole tool to receive a pressurized fluid to cause the sleeve to apply an axial force to the packer.

Abstract: A well bore fluid recovery system and method is disclosed for recovering a column of well bore fluid within a stand of casing before cutting the casing. The recovery system relates to a system for preventing fluids from being spilled when casing is being finished for a well bore. After being run the casing must be cut and finished at an appropriate level to install rig equipment such as blow out preventers along with other equipment. However, because of earlier operations, the entire length of casing is typically filled with drilling fluid. Depending on conditions, the length of casing which is to be cut and removed may therefore over a 100-foot (27.4 meter) column of drilling fluid therein. The drilling fluid in this section must be properly drained before the casing is cut and removed.

Abstract: Oil-based drilling fluid is prepared for further processing to recover the drilling fluid by pumping the drilling fluid through a flow meter. Surfactant may be added to the drilling fluid by using a dose pump and a flow meter. The drilling fluid and surfactant are then blended by passing them through a static mixer. A flocculating polymer is transferred via dose pumps to another static mixer where it is blended with the surfactant and drilling fluid mixture. To ensure adequate mixing and reaction, additional mixers are included through which the mixture passes. A centrifuge is used to separate solid particles from the fluid.

Abstract: Oil-based drilling fluid is prepared for further processing to recover the drilling fluid by pumping the drilling fluid through a flow meter. Surfactant may be added to the drilling fluid by using a dose pump and a flow meter. The drilling fluid and surfactant are then blended by passing them through a static mixer. A flocculating polymer is transferred via dose pumps to another static mixer where it is blended with the surfactant and drilling fluid mixture. To ensure adequate mixing and reaction, additional mixers are included through which the mixture passes. A centrifuge is used to separate solid particles from the fluid.

Abstract: A system and method according to which at least one vessel injects a suspension of liquid and a plurality of impactors into a formation to remove at least a portion of the formation.

Abstract: A well bore fluid recovery system and method is disclosed for recovering a column of well bore fluid within a stand of casing before cutting the casing. The recovery system relates to a system for preventing fluids from being spilled when casing is being finished for a well bore. After being run the casing must be cut and finished at an appropriate level to install rig equipment such as blow out preventers along with other equipment. However, because of earlier operations, the entire length of casing is typically filled with drilling fluid. Depending on conditions, the length of casing which is to be cut and removed may therefore over a 100-foot (27.4 meter) column of drilling fluid therein. The drilling fluid in this section must be properly drained before the casing is cut and removed.

Abstract: A reverse-circulation drilling method and system includes a drill bit, a drill string having drill rods, and a rotary table or power swivel for bringing the drill bit into rotation by means of the rods. The system includes a positive-displacement pump made up of a stator and of a rotor, the stator being inserted in the drill rods, and the rotor being assembled to operating rods arranged within the drill rods.

Abstract: A system and method to inject a combined aqueous or hydrocarbon-based liquid stream and a liquid carbon dioxide stream into a subterranean formation via a well using a single high-pressure pump.

Abstract: A well bore fluid recovery system and method for recovering a column of well bore fluid within a stand of casing before cutting the casing. The recovery system relates to a system for preventing fluids from being spilled when casing is being finished for a well bore. After being run the casing must be cut and finished at an appropriate level to install rig equipment such as blow out preventers along with other equipment. However, because of earlier operations, the entire length of casing is typically filled with drilling fluid. Depending on conditions, the length of casing which is to be cut and removed may therefore over a 100-foot (27.4 meter) column of drilling fluid therein. The drilling fluid in this section must be properly drained before the casing is cut and removed.

Abstract: A method for circulating drilling fluid in a well system includes drilling a substantially vertical well bore from a surface to a subterranean zone and drilling an articulated well bore from the surface to the subterranean zone. The articulated well bore is horizontally offset from the substantially vertical well bore at the surface and intersects the substantially vertical well bore at a junction proximate the subterranean zone. The method includes drilling a drainage bore from the junction into the subterranean zone and pumping a drilling fluid through the drill string when drilling the drainage bore. The method also includes providing fluid down the substantially vertical well bore through a tubing. A fluid mixture returns up the substantially vertical well bore outside of the tubing. The fluid mixture comprises the drilling fluid after the drilling fluid exits the drill string.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling drilling mud density at a location either at the seabed (or just above the seabed) or alternatively below the seabed of wells in deep water and ultra deep water applications. A base fluid of lesser density than the drilling mud required at the wellhead is used to produce a diluted mud in the riser. By combining the appropriate quantities of drilling mud with base fluid, a diluted riser mud density at or near the density of seawater may be achieved. The present invention also includes a wellhead injection device for injecting the base fluid into the rising drilling mud. The riser charging lines are used to carry the low density base fluid to the injection device for injection into the return mud. At the surface, the diluted return mud is passed through a treatment system to cleanse the mud of drill cuttings and to separate the heavier drilling mud from the lighter base fluid.

Abstract: A sub-sea mud pump system includes a plurality of pump units, and each pumping unit includes a plurality of pumping elements. Each pumping element includes a pressure vessel with a first and a second chamber, a separating member between the first and second chambers, a measurement device adapted to measure the volume of at least one of the first and second chambers, a hydraulic inlet control valve and a hydraulic outlet control valve coupled to the first chamber, a mud suction valve and a mud discharge valve coupled to the second chamber. The first chamber is hydraulically coupled to receive and discharge a hydraulic fluid, and the second chamber is hydraulically coupled to receive and discharge a drilling fluid. The separating member is adapted to move within its the pressure vessel in response to a pressure differential between the first and second chambers. The pump system also includes a hydraulic control unit adapted to control the plurality of pump units.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling drilling mud density at a location either at the seabed (or just above the seabed) or alternatively below the seabed of wells in deep water and ultra deep water applications combines a base fluid of lesser density than the mud required at the wellhead to produce a diluted mud in the riser. By combining the appropriate quantities of drilling mud with base fluid, a riser mud density at or near the density of seawater may be achieved. A wellhead injection device for attachment to the wellhead is used for injecting the base fluid into the rising drilling mud at a location below the seabed. The riser charging lines are used to carry the low density base fluid to the injection device for injection into the drilling mud below the seabed. The cuttings are brought to the surface with the diluted mud and separated in the usual manner. The diluted mud is then passed through a centrifuge system to separate the heavier drilling mud from the lighter base fluid.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods for reducing the pressure of a circulating fluid in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention an ECD (equivalent circulation density) reduction tool provides a means for drilling extended reach deep (ERD) wells with heavyweight drilling fluids by minimizing the effect of friction head on bottomhole pressure so that circulating density of the fluid is close to its actual density. With an ECD reduction tool located in the upper section of the well, the friction head is substantially reduced, which substantially reduces chances of fracturing a formation.

Abstract: A downhole tool is disclosed that functions as an expandable anchoring tool, capable of passing through a restricted wellbore diameter while in a collapsed position and thereafter translating to an expanded position for grippingly engaging a larger wellbore diameter. An embodiment of the tool includes a body including a plurality of angled channels formed into a wall of the body and a plurality of moveable slips. The plurality of moveable slips translates along the plurality of angled channels between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The slips may include includes a plurality of extensions corresponding to and engaging the plurality of channels.

Abstract: A cooling and flushing arrangement (1) for a tool (10), has a coolant and flushing agent (2) in a closed storage tank (3), which is connected to a suction pump (4) and has a closed flushing circulation system (6) running from the storage tank (3) through a filter (8), connected via a pressure pump (7) and through a collecting member (11) associated with the tool (10), with a suction line (12) running back to the storage tank (3). A reservoir circulation system (13) for the coolant and flushing agent (2), contains a reservoir (14) connected to the storage tank (3) via a float valve (15) situated in the storage tank (3), and is connected at another location in the flushing circulation system (6) to the reservoir (14) via a valve (16).

Abstract: An automated high speed drill cuttings processing and injection module having a relatively small foot print, capable of operation in zone one hazardous environments, for injecting drill cuttings into an earth formation, capable of handling high drilling rate cuttings surges. The process including conveying systems, holding and slurry tanks, circulating pumps, high speed grinding mill, high pressure injection pump, fragmentation system and automation system for controlling electrically driven injection pump having automatic speed control regulation with torque and horsepower limiting features. Thereby allowing high-speed injection without plugging the formation while still allowing for high-pressure formation fracturing when necessary. The processing system further insures cuttings slurry homogenization and entrained particle size to less than 100 micron for both hard and soft particles. The system reduces installation cost dramatically.

Abstract: A horizontal boring apparatus comprises a traveling framework (10) on which is arranged a boring ramp (18) for guiding a boring rod (19), a rod magazine (22) for receiving individual boring rod sections (19), a drive apparatus (24) for the travelling framework (10) and the boring rod (19). In addition, the horizontal boring apparatus is comprised of an operating station (14, 16), and a mixing apparatus for the preparation of flushing fluid. The mixing apparatus includes a mixing unit (32) having a mixing pump, and is arranged on the traveling framework (10) without a flushing fluid tank. The mixing apparatus has a first inlet port connectable with a flushing fluid source and at least one outlet port releasably connectable with a flushing fluid receiver.

Abstract: Canister, sealing method and composition for sealing a borehole. The canister includes a container with slurry inside the container, one or more slurry exits at one end of the container, a pump at the other end of the container, and a piston inside that pushes the slurry though the slurry exit(s), out of the container, and into a borehole. An inflatable packer outside the container provides stabilization in the borehole. A borehole sealing material is made by combining an oxide or hydroxide and a phosphate with water to form a slurry which then sets to form a high strength, minimally porous material which binds well to itself, underground formations, steel and ceramics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling drilling mud density at or near the seabed of wells in deep water and ultra deep-water applications combines a base fluid of lesser density than the mud required at the wellhead to produce a diluted mud in the riser. By combining the appropriate quantities of drilling mud with base fluid, a riser mud density at or near the density of seawater may be achieved. No additional hardware is required below the surface. The riser charging lines are used to inject the low-density base fluid at or near the BOP stack on the seabed. The cuttings are brought to the surface with the diluted mud and separated in the usual manner. The diluted mud is then passed through a centrifuge system to separate the heavier drilling mud from the lighter base fluid.

Abstract: The invention is a subsea pump that includes pumping elements, each pumping element including a pressure vessel with a first and a second chamber therein and a separating member disposed between the first and second chambers. The first and second chambers are hydraulically connected to receive and discharge a hydraulic fluid and a drilling fluid, respectively. The separating member moves within the pressure vessel in response to a pressure differential between the first and second chambers. A hydraulic power supply is arranged to pump the hydraulic fluid to the first chamber of each of the pumping elements. A valve assembly is hydraulically coupled to the first chambers of the plurality of pumping elements and to the hydraulic power supply. Volume measurement devices are arranged to measure volumes of each of the first chambers and the second chambers.

Abstract: A hand-held wand is disclosed for exposing buried objects such as utility lines or the like. The wand comprises an elongated, hollow tube having upper and lower ends with first and second water supply conduits being positioned adjacent the exterior surface of the tube. The lower end of the first water supply conduit has a digging nozzle mounted thereon. The lower end of the second water supply conduit extends upwardly into the lower end of the tube to create a vacuum or suction within the lower end of the hollow tube to remove muddy water from the hole being dug. A two-way valve is connected to the upper ends of the first and second water supply lines for alternately delivering water to the water supply conduits. The intake side of the two-way valve is in fluid communication with a source of high pressure water. The upper end of the hollow tube has a mud take-off hose connected thereto which may be utilized to convey the muddy water to a location remote from the hole being dug or to a container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for controlling hydrostatic pressure in drilling fluid in a subsea well. A main pump forces drilling fluid down the drill pipe, out of the end of the drill pipe, and upward in an annulus surrounding the pipe. A rotating drilling head is attached to a wellhead assembly at the sea floor. The drilling head has an inner body rotatably carried in an outer body landed in a bore of a housing. An energizable gripper in a bore of the inner body grips an outer surface of the drill pipe. The drilling head diverts the drilling fluid into a lateral passage in the sidewall of the housing. An auxiliary pump forces seawater through a venturi into a conduit, creating a lower pressure to draw drilling fluid into the conduit to be carried back to the surface vessel. Pressure and flow rate measurements are sent to a control system that modulates the speed of each pump to control hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: The invention is a subsea pump that includes pumping elements, each pumping element including a pressure vessel with a first and a second chamber therein and a separating member disposed between the first and second chambers. The first and second chambers are hydraulically connected to receive and discharge a hydraulic fluid and a drilling fluid, respectively. The separating member moves within the pressure vessel in response to a pressure differential between the first and second chambers. A hydraulic power supply is arranged to pump the hydraulic fluid to the first chamber of each of the pumping elements. A valve assembly is hydraulically coupled to the first chambers of the plurality of pumping elements and to the hydraulic power supply. Volume measurement devices are arranged to measure volumes of each of the first chambers and the second chambers.

Abstract: A cooling and flushing arrangement (1) for a tool (10), has a coolant and flushing agent (2) in a closed storage tank (3), which is connected to a suction pump (4) and has a closed flushing circulation system (6) running from the storage tank (3) through a filter (8), connected via a pressure pump (7) and through a collecting member (11) associated with the tool (10), with a suction line (12) running back to the storage tank (3). A reservoir circulation system (13) for the coolant and flushing agent (2), contains a reservoir (14) connected to the storage tank (3) via a float valve (15) situated in the storage tank (3), and is connected at another location in the flushing circulation system (6) to the reservoir (14) via a valve (16).

Abstract: A drilling system for drilling a borehole into an earth formation is provided. The drilling system comprises a drill string extending into the borehole whereby an annular space is formed between the drill string and the borehole wall and the annular space contains a body of fluid. The drill string includes a longitudinal fluid passage having an outlet opening at the lower end part of the drill string, a device for selectively pumping drilling fluid via the passage and outlet opening into the body of fluid, and a fluid discharge conduit for discharging fluid from the body of fluid. The drilling system further comprises a device for controlling the fluid pressure in the body of fluid when the pumping device is inoperative to pump drilling fluid into the body of fluid.

Abstract: A system for drilling a subsea well from a rig through a subsea wellhead below the rig includes a wellhead stack which is mounted on the subsea wellhead. The wellhead stack includes at least a subsea blowout preventer stack and a subsea diverter. A drill string extends from the rig through the wellhead stack into the well to conduct drilling fluid from the rig to a drill bit in the well. A riser which has one end coupled to the wellhead stack and another end coupled to the rig internally receives the drill string such that a riser annulus is defined between the drill string and the riser. A well annulus extends from the bottom of the well to the subsea diverter to conduct fluid away from the drill bit. A pump has a suction side in communication with the well annulus and a discharge side in communication with the rig and is operable to maintain a selected pressure gradient in the well annulus.

Abstract: Injection of a drilling fluid additive into a drilling fluid, as the drilling fluid is being pumped into a bore hole, in direct proportion to the amount of drilling fluid being pumped.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a subsea borehole fluid pressure is proposed for use with a conductor casing positioned below the mudline and within a normal pore pressure environment. The apparatus includes a pump for moving a fluid through a tubular into a borehole. The fluid, before being pumped, exerts a pressure less than the pore pressure of an abnormal pore pressure environment. The fluid in the borehole is then pressurized by the pump to at least a borehole pressure equal to or greater than the pore pressure of an abnormal pore pressure environment. A pressure housing assembly allows for the drilling of a borehole below the conductor casing into an abnormal pore pressure environment while maintaining the pressurized fluid between a borehole pressure equal to or greater than the pore pressure of the abnormal pore pressure environment, and below the fracture pressure of the borehole in the abnormal pore pressure environment.

Abstract: For use with a mud pit connected to a drilling rig, a first pipe and connected pump pulls mud from the pit for use or disposal. The pit is provided with a bottom located drain line with a valve connected to an added pipe, a serially connected pump and outlet pipe going to a backload line for recovery in a tanker.

Abstract: A drill stem arrangement and method in which the motor for providing the hammer action is in the drill stem near to the drill bit. The motor is driven by pressurised liquid and a proportion of the liquid is used for flushing drill cuttings and cooling the drill bit.

Abstract: A method for removing insoluble materials from a liquid mixture, including spinning at least one centrifuge separator at a predetermined speed and pumping the mixture to the spinning centrifuge separator at a predetermined rate. The rate in which the mixture is pumped to the separator is varied in response to a variable angular moment of force in the centrifuge separator caused by density variations in the mixture. The method is carried out by an apparatus including at least one centrifuge separator coupled in fluid communication to at least one pump. A closed-loop feedback system is operably coupled to the devices driving both the separator and the pump to control the rate in which the mixture is supplied to the separator. The rate is determined by the angular moment of force in the separator which then allows the system to increase, maintain, or decrease the output of the pump.

Abstract: New apparatii and processes are disclosed to create fluid continuity between opposite ends of a route drilled or bored under and/or around an obstacle. This invention allows fluids to be pumped through a reamer and a hollow swivel from either or both sides of the obstacle. It also allows the direct transfer of fluids from one side to the other through the connecting conduit located in the annular space produced during drilling and reaming operations.

Abstract: The mud of a drilling well is treated by injecting a liquid polymer chemical into the suction of a main circulating mud pump rather than by pouring the liquid chemical into the open collar of a drill pipe joint while making a connection. This causes the mud to exhibit lower gel strengths and obtain a bore hole more nearly to gauge.

Abstract: There is described a vehicle or vehicle frame including a first elongated sub-frame and a second sub-frame rotatably connected to one end of the first sub-frame for pivotal movement about the longitudinal axis of the first sub-frame. A walking beam is provided at each of the elongated sides of the first sub-frame in parallel, spaced apart relation thereto. A walking beam pivot assembly extends transversely across the first sub-frame adjacent the other end of the first sub-frame and each of the walking beams is pivotally connected at a point intermediate along its length to a respective outer end of the pivot assembly whereby each walking beam is suspended for independent pivotal movement in its own vertical plane. A connector is provided to join a first end of each walking beam to the adjacent end of the second sub-frame to permit simultaneous pivotal movements of the walking beams and the second sub-frame in their respective, mutually perpendicular vertical planes.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the operation of drilling or completion fluid pumps and a choke is disclosed. Control over the drilling or completion fluid pump can be independent of control of the choke. Control over the drilling fluid pump can be transferred to the choke control location. Pneumatic and electrical networks suitable for use with engine driven and electrically powered rigs are disclosed.

Abstract: A rotary well drilling system employs a drill string with a drill bit affixed at its lower end for the drilling of a borehole. Drilling fluid is circulated through the drill string to remove drill cuttings. To break out a section of drill pipe from the drill string, the drill string is raised to a point where the drill string joint to be broken is above the drilling rig floor. Compressed gas is injected into the drill string to displace the column of drilling fluid to a level below such drill string joint. The compressed gas is vented and the drill pipe is broken out of the drill string.

Abstract: A mudline casing hanger assembly in which the support collet 16 has the upper end and support segments biased outwardly, with the lower end (34) push down portion biased inwardly. The lower end can be expanded (58) at the support elevation with load applied on a nonlocking shoulder (36).

Abstract: A subsea caisson or silo for housing wellhead equipment and methods of installing it is disclosed. A caisson which is sized to receive equipment that is to remain subsea has a closed top and open bottom. The caisson is lowered to the seabed and hydrostatic pressure in combination with a suction jet is used to remove the internal soil. If required the caisson may include a conical suction head located near the bottom of the caisson wall and rotatable cutting heads are fixed to its lower surface so as to cut into sea bottom material of hard consistency.

Abstract: A pump for a reverse circulation rotary drilling rig is described which is designed to prevent drilling fluid from coming into contact with the pump bearing. A generally cylindrical-shaped housing is secured to the lower end of the Kelly bar and is in fluid communication with the interior thereof. The housing defines first and second spaced-apart compartment areas having a fluid passageway extending therebetween at one side of the housing. A rotatable shaft extends downwardly through the Kelly bar, through the first compartment area, through the space between the compartment areas and into the second compartment area. An impeller is mounted in the second compartment area and is designed, upon rotation of the shaft, to pump drilling fluid upwardly through the pipe string, outwardly through the second compartment area, through the fluid passageway and the first compartment area upwardly through the Kelly bar.

Abstract: A drill is disclosed having a shroud structure extending about a chuck and drill bit at the forward end of the tool, to receive cuttings produced by the bit, and having a receptacle preferably carried at the rear end of the drill and to which the cuttings are withdrawn by a flow of air. In one form of the invention, the air movement is induced by aspirator action, while in another form a rotary air pump driven by the motor of the drill creates the suction effect. The receptacle may take the form of a cup detachably connectible to the body of the drill, and in the aspirator form of the invention the aspirating passages may be formed in an end wall of this cup. The shroud structure may include a sleeve disposed about the drill bit, and having a lug projecting inwardly to a position to contact and break up cuttings formed by the bit before they are withdrawn to the accumulation receptacle.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed which eliminates the use of a riser pipe in underwater drilling operations. The system includes a mud sump connectable to the top of a submerged wellhead and has a bottom with a mud inlet provided therein and an upwardly extending wall cooperating with the bottom to support a quantity of mud, the sump restricting the water to contact with only the upper surface of the mud as the mud passes upwardly through the mud inlet in the bottom. A hose, separate from the drill string, is used to carry mud to the surface of the water. A pumping means is used to pump mud through the hose in response to the quantity of mud supported within the sump to thereby return the mud to the surface of the water without the use of a riser pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for complete reverse air vacuum drilling by entrainment of chips and dust in a high velocity air stream created by applying a vacuum to the drill stem or the annulus of a drilled hole, removing the drilled particles by entrainment in the flow of air created by the vacuum and collection of the drilled particles for visual or other analysis.