Abstract: A method and apparatus for disconnecting an end rod from a drill string coupled together by a threaded connection is provided. A rod handling apparatus includes a gripper unit having a floating sled with a sensor unit configured to monitor relative axial position of the sled relative to a frame of the gripper unit to determine a decoupling of the threaded connection and a separation of an end rod from the drill string.

Abstract: A method for mitigating stick-slip oscillations in borehole equipment while drilling a borehole in an earth formation is described. The borehole equipment is modelled by a computational model for computer simulation. The model has elements representing a particular mechanical and physical behavior of the borehole equipment. In a simulated stick mode of the borehole equipment, physical quantities are loaded to the elements, which quantities represent an initial state of the borehole equipment prior to a transition from stick mode to slip mode. From a simulation of such transition, a time response of rotational speeds of a drive system and bottom hole assembly of the borehole equipment is recorded and a lower limit of the rotational speed of the drive system is determined for which the rotational driven speed of the bottom hole assembly is zero.

Abstract: A drilling device with improved fuel efficiency, reduced impact on the environment, and the like is provided. Specifically, a drilling device performs unload control of a compressor when an engine starts up, and brings the air pressure in an air tank to a first air pressure. Moreover, the air pressure in the air tank is kept at the first air pressure while the engine is driven and a flushing mechanism is not driven. In addition, unload control of the compressor is performed when the flushing mechanism starts up, and the air pressure in the air tank is increased to a second air pressure that is higher than the first air pressure. For example, the first air pressure and the second air pressure are a low pressure (0.5 MPa) and a high pressure (1.03 MPa), respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is a torque limiter having driver mandrel and driven axially aligned mandrels, a piston movable into and out of an engaged position wherein the driver and driven mandrels are coupled together to transmit torque there between. Hydraulically locking the movable piston in an engaged position. Disengaging the hydraulic lock when during rotation when a specified torque magnitude is exceeded to allow relative rotation between the mandrels. Resetting the torque limiter by hydraulically locking the piston in the engaging position when relative rotation ceases or is reduced.

Abstract: A system (10) for controlling a drilling operation by a drill rig (12) includes a receiver (16) for receiving sensed data related to the drilling operation. A processor (18) is in communication with the receiver (16), the processor (18) processing the sensed data to estimate at least one geological property of interest of a zone (20) in which the drill rig (12) is active. The processor (18) is configured to operate as a decision engine (22) to optimize the drilling operation automatically by changing at least one drilling related parameter during the drilling operation based on the at least one geological property of interest.

Abstract: A system and method can include a module including at least one actuation assembly configured to transition between an inactive configuration and an active configuration. The system include at least one sensor configured to obtain data that is indicative of an operating parameter, and at least one processor configured to be electronically coupled to the guidance module and the at least one sensor. The at least one processor is configured to, in response to 1) input received from the at least one sensor that is indicative of the measured operating parameter, and 2) received input that is indicative of an actual drilling direction that is deviated from the predetermined drilling direction, adjust an extent that the actuation assembly is in the active configuration.

Abstract: A communication and data processing system for use between one or more employers and one or more service providers, at least including a mathematical model for calculating a quantity Hi(T), where Hi(T) denotes a size of a fee to the one or more service providers and T denotes the true time use. Calculating Hi(T) at least includes using the following manipulated parameters: TN, estimated time for completing the project; T, actual time for completing the project; Z, chosen portion of total project value; and at least one parameter indicative of real-time data for the project. The communication and data processing system is implemented as an application on a computer, the application acquiring real-time data automatically at predetermined times and other parameters being entered manually via a user interface.

Abstract: A boring tool that is moved by a drill string to form an underground bore. A transmitter transmits a time varying dipole field as a homing field from the boring tool. A pitch sensor detects a pitch orientation of the boring tool. A homing receiver is positionable at a target location for detecting the homing field to produce a set of flux measurements. A processing arrangement uses the pitch orientation and flux measurements with a determined length of the drill string to determine a vertical homing command for use in controlling depth in directing the boring tool to the target location such that the vertical homing command is generated with a particular accuracy at a given range between the transmitter and the homing receiver and which would otherwise be generated with the particular accuracy for a standard range, different from the particular range. An associated system and method are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for producing a continuous survey of a previously drilled portion of a wellbore. The method includes receiving a plurality of stationary survey measurements taken at a corresponding plurality of locations along the portion of the wellbore. The method further includes receiving at least one continuous survey including a plurality of continuous survey measurements taken between a pair of stationary survey measurements of the plurality of stationary survey measurements. The method further includes combining the plurality of stationary survey measurements and the plurality of continuous survey measurements to produce the continuous survey of the portion of the wellbore.

Abstract: A first property, derivable from mass, of a drilling fluid is measured at a point upstream of a cuttings removal device. A second property (also derivable from mass) is measured at a point downstream of the cuttings removal device. A difference between the properties is determined over a period of time to obtain an estimate of the rate of cuttings removal. This allows the property of the drilling fluid before and after cuttings removal to be compared to give an indication of the rate of cuttings removal, which is indicative of the borehole cleaning.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically and optimally planning multiple well locations within a reservoir simulator. The systems and methods use dynamic production criteria to create and optimize well target completion intervals and the associated well geometries for new wells dynamically, and directly within a reservoir simulator.

Abstract: NMR properties of earth formations are determined using a logging device movable in a borehole. The logging device includes a magnet assembly to generate a static magnetic field and an antenna expandable from the surface of the magnet assembly into the borehole toward the borehole wall to increase the magnetic dipole moment of the antenna. The logging device can be lowered or raised through a drill pipe with the magnet assembly being configured to generate no magnetic field while the device is conveyed within the drill pipe. The logging device may also include a side-looking sensor to acquire fast relaxation component of the NMR signals.

Abstract: Human proximity detection techniques for wireless communication devices are described. In one embodiment, for example, an apparatus may comprise a memory and logic, at least a portion of the logic comprised in circuitry coupled to the memory, the logic to perform a connection establishment procedure to establish a wireless link with a human proximity reporting (HPR) device, identify heart rate information comprised in a human proximity report received from the HPR device via the wireless link, determine an initial HPR state based on the heart rate information, and select an initial operating mode for a feature of a human proximity monitoring (HPM) device based on the initial HPR state. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method for verifying that a kick or loss detected by surface monitoring equipment has occurred includes: receiving an input signal having notification that a kick or a loss has been detected in an earthen borehole during a time interval when drilling fluid is not being pumped into a drill string disposed in the borehole; sensing a pressure in the borehole to provide sensed pressure readings; comparing the sensed pressure readings to an upper threshold and a lower threshold; verifying that a kick has occurred if the notification comprises a kick detection and the sensed pressure reading are above the upper threshold; verifying that a loss has occurred if the notification comprises a loss detection and the sensed pressure readings are below the lower threshold; and transmitting a kick or loss verification signal to a signal receiving device upon verification that the kick or loss has occurred.

Abstract: Apparatus, computer readable medium, and program code for identifying rock properties in real-time during drilling, are provided. An example of an embodiment of such an apparatus includes a downhole sensor subassembly connected between a drill bit and a drill string, acoustic sensors operably coupled to a downhole data interface, and a surface computer operably coupled to the downhole data interface.

Abstract: A whipstock assembly has a whip, a packer, and an anchor. The packer connects between the whip and the anchor and sets after the anchor is set. The anchor can be set mechanically or hydraulically. To communicate hydraulic pressure to the hydraulically-set anchor, the packer can have an internal bypass for communicating fluid or for passing a hydraulic line from the whip to the anchor. The packer is set mechanically with set down weight applied from the whip via a setting tool or the like. The packer sets eccentrically in the casing and acts as a fulcrum to push the tip of the whip against the inside of the casing.

Abstract: A closed loop method for using model predictive control (MPC) to control direction drilling attitude includes receiving a demand attitude and a measured attitude. The received attitudes are processed using a closed loop MPC scheme to obtain an attitude error that may be further processed to obtain a corrective setting for a directional drilling tool. The corrective setting is then applied to alter the direction of drilling. The process of measuring the attitude, processing via the model predictive control scheme, and applying a corrective setting may be repeated continuously while drilling. The disclosed methodology is intended to provide for superior directional control during closed loop directional drilling operations.

Abstract: A plurality of data records is stored in a memory. The data records include data about a drill string in a well. Each data record includes a depth zone, wherein the depth zone includes a range of depths in the well, a description of a component in the drill string in the depth zone for this data record, and a failure flag that, when set, represents a failure in the drill string at the depth zone for this data record. A processor with access to the memory generates and transmits for display on a graphical user interface a schematic of a portion of the drill string. The processor emphasizes on the schematic of the portion of the drill string on the graphical user interface a representation of an emphasized depth zone, wherein a failure flag in a data record for the emphasized depth zone is set.

Abstract: A system and method for optimized control of an assembly for drilling a borehole comprises a self-tuning, multivariable controller and an optimization engine that manipulates the setpoints of the controller such that drilling performance may be continuously optimized. The method includes evaluation of a characteristic system time constant, using this constant to compute bit ROP, using computed ROP to compute process gains, which are used to tune the multivariable controller, automatically refining controller setpoints based on controller performance, and using an optimization engine to systematically adjust controller setpoints such that drilling parameters are optimized based on any of several performance indicators, or a weighted combination of performance indicators.

Abstract: Methods, computer programs, and systems for detecting at least one downhole condition are disclosed. Pressures are measured at a plurality of locations along the drillstring. The drillstring includes a drillpipe. At least one of the pressures is measured along the drillpipe. At least one downhole condition is detected based, at least in part, on at least one measured pressure.

Abstract: A heave compensator for heavy lifts with adjustable dampening characteristics is able to operate above and below the water line in environmental pressures ranging from the atmospheric up to several hundred atmospheres pressure. A method for automatic regulation of the available stroke length of the heave compensator during the lifting operation, based on the realization that heave compensating devices utilising a slideable piston as a volume expanding mechanism to reduce the tension forces upon relative movements between crane and load, may obtain a simple compact construction able to execute a range of different compensation functionalities by registering the pressure and temperature in the gas filled chambers of the device, and employing this information to regulate the amount of gas in the single gas filled chambers.

Abstract: Examples provided herein describe a female connector in a computing device that includes a plurality of sensors for determining if a male connector has established a proper connection with the female connector. To do so, in one example, each of the sensors is coupled to an actuator that protrudes into an aperture defined by an inner surface of the female connector. As the male connector is inserted into this aperture, the actuators are pressed down which activates the sensors. Furthermore, the actuators are arranged such that a first actuator is deeper within the aperture than a second actuator. Thus, if the male connector pressed down the first actuator but not the second, a computing device can determine that only a partially connection was made. By using at least two actuators arranged at different depths in the aperture, the computing device is able to detect a proper or improper connection.

Abstract: A method of managing operation of a machine is described herein. The machine includes drive components that supply a propulsive force exerted by the machine on a traveled surface. The machine includes a programmed controller that controls power output by a motor to the drive components of the machine, in accordance with a slippage model, to actively manage excessive slippage at a physical interface between the machine and the traveled surface. The programmed controller determines a track force indicative of the propulsive force exerted by the machine on the traveled surface. The programmed controller further determines a modeled slippage based, at least in part, upon the track force and the slippage model. The machine conditionally causes a reduction of the power output by the motor based upon a comparison, by the programmed controller, between the modeled slippage and a slippage limit.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling a borehole into an earth formation includes: a drill bit configured to be rotated to drill into the formation; a drill tubular coupled to the drill bit and configured to rotate the drill bit; a steering device coupled to the drill string and configured to impart a force on the drill string to control a direction of drilling; and a controller configured to communicate a control signal to the steering device. The control signal includes information for directing actuation of the steering device for steering the drill bit in an intended drilling direction. The controller is further configured to direct the steering device to provide a compensating force on the drill string that prevents or reduces an azimuthal deviation from the intended drilling direction due to drill bit walking.

Abstract: A system and method to determine health prognostics for selection and management of a tool for deployment in a downhole environment are described. The system includes a database to store life cycle information of the tool, the life cycle information including environmental and operational parameters associated with use of the tool. The system also includes a memory device to store statistical equations to determine the health prognostics of the tool, and a processor to calibrate the statistical equations and build a time-to-failure model of the tool based on a first portion of the life cycle information in the database.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for planning a well are provided. The method includes defining a well in a representation of a domain, and identifying an offset well in the domain that is within a threshold distance of the well. The method also includes deconstructing the offset well into a plurality of offset bases, and determining that a first offset base of the plurality of offset bases is within the threshold distance of the well. The method further includes determining that a second offset base of the plurality of offset bases is not within the threshold distance of the well, and performing a proximity computation for the well with respect to the first offset base but not the second offset base.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the diameter of a pipe from a remote location is disclosed. A measuring assembly, including a reference device and an imaging device, is inserted into a pipe from a remote location. The reference device is inflatable to a predetermined and known diameter within the pipe. The imaging device acquires imaging data of the reference device within the pipe and the imaging data is used to determine the diameter of the pipe by comparing the predetermined diameter of the reference device with the diameter of the wall of the pipe. The diameter of the pipe is then used to properly choose a liner assembly of the same diameter to repair the wall of the pipe. The liner tube may include a bladder and liner tube, which is saturated with a curable resin, to repair the wall of the pipe.

Abstract: A method of monitoring drilling conditions includes acquiring raw data from drilling equipment and conditioning the raw data to generate conditioned data. Conditioning the raw data includes removing outlier data values and/or filtering out noise. The method further includes processing the conditioned data to generate output values. Processing the conditioned data includes determining a slope of a first set of data values of the conditioned data. The first set of data values correspond to a regression length of time. Processing the conditioned data further includes determining whether a difference between the slope of the first set of data values and a median slope determined over a median window of time exceeds a threshold. The method also includes generating an alarm based on the output values to indicate an abnormal drilling condition.

Abstract: A directional drilling steering system is configured to direct a tubular sleeve arranged at the bottom of a drill string adjacent the drill bit at a selected tilt angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the uphole drill string and at a selected azimuth. Tilt angle can be achieved by axial movement of one or more pistons in engagement with the downhole tubular sleeve. Azimuth can be achieved by axial movement of the pistons or by rotation of the drill string. The movement of the downhole sleeve along the deviated path causes movement of the drill bit shaft and the drill bit coupled thereto.

Abstract: A downhole-adjusting impact apparatus (DAIA) mechanically coupled between opposing first and second portions of a tool string, wherein: the tool string is conveyable within a wellbore extending between a wellsite surface and a subterranean formation; the first tool string portion comprises a first electrical conductor in electrical communication with surface equipment disposed at the wellsite surface; the DAIA comprises a second electrical conductor in electrical communication with the first electrical conductor; and the DAIA is operable to: detect an electrical characteristic of the second electrical conductor; impart a first impact force on the second tool string portion when the electrical characteristic is detected; and impart a second impact force on the second tool string portion when the electrical characteristic is not detected, wherein the second impact force is substantially greater than the first impact force.

Abstract: A jarring tool operable for coupling within and generating an impact imparted to a downhole tool string. The jarring tool includes an upper housing, a lower housing, and a shaft coupled with the lower housing and extending into the upper housing. The upper housing moves axially relative to the lower housing along the shaft. The jarring tool also includes an accelerometer for detecting acceleration caused by an impact generated by movement of the upper housing away from the lower housing until corresponding impact features of the upper and lower housings collide.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for evaluating cuttings entrained in a downhole fluid in a borehole intersecting an earth formation. Methods may include using at least one sensor to produce information responsive to a reflection of an emitted wave from downhole cuttings in the borehole, wherein the information is indicative of a parameter of interest relating to the downhole cuttings; and processing the information using at least one processor to estimate the parameter of interest. Methods may include using the at least one acoustic sensor to produce corresponding information from each of a plurality of azimuthally distributed orientations about a bottom hole assembly (BHA); and using the at least one processor to estimate from the information from each of the orientations an azimuthal variation of the parameter of interest. The at least one sensor may include acoustic sensors, electromagnetic sensors, and/or optical sensors.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a desired temperature at a location in a well can include adjusting fluid circulation parameters, thereby reducing a difference between an actual temperature at the location and the desired temperature. A well system can include at least one sensor, an output of the sensor being used for determining a temperature at a location in a well, and a hydraulics model which determines a desired change in fluid circulation through the well, in response to the temperature at the location being different from a desired temperature at the location. Another method of maintaining a desired temperature at a location in a well can include adjusting a density, solids content and/or flow rate of a fluid circulated through the well, thereby urging a temperature at the location toward the desired temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time risk prediction during drilling operations using real-time data from an uncompleted well, a trained coarse layer model and a trained fine layer model for each respective layer of the trained coarse layer model. In addition to using the systems and methods for real-time risk prediction, the systems and methods may also be used to monitor other uncompleted wells and to perform a statistical analysis of the duration of each risk level for the monitored well.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly avoids damaging vibrations that can develop during directional drilling with a rotary steerable system. The assembly has a drill bit, a first collar that rotates with the bit, a rotary steerable tool that controls the bit's trajectory, and a second collar that rotates with the drill string. The first collar between the bit and the tool defines a bend that deflects the bit from the first collar's axis. During operation, this bend causes portion of the assembly to engage the borehole wall to inhibit counterclockwise (CCW) bit whirl by promoting clockwise whirl in the assembly, generating friction against the borehole wall, and dampening vibrations. By inhibiting CCW bit whirl, other damaging vibrations such as CCW whirl in the drill string can also be prevented up the borehole. Alternatively, only the second collar between the tool and the drill string may define the bend, or both collars can define bends.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for selecting drilling components is disclosed. The method may include determining properties of drilling components. The drilling components may include a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and drilling fluid. The properties of drilling components may include BHA properties and drilling fluid properties. The method may also include determining a total organic carbon content in a rock formation unit using a computer. The method may further include determining a pyrite content in the rock formation unit using the computer. The method may still further include determining whether the BHA and the drilling fluid are incompatible for use in the rock formation, based upon the BHA properties, drilling fluid properties, the total organic carbon content, and the pyrite content.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a drilling-information-management system. The drilling-information management system includes a probe assembly disposed on a drill rod, a first computer interoperably coupled to the probe assembly via a conductor disposed in a drill rod, and a second computer in communication with the first computer. The second computer includes a barcode scanner. The drilling-information management system includes a database in communication with the second computer. Drilling-project data is transferred from the database to the second computer and calibration data is transferred from the second computer to the first computer. The first computer executes a drilling plan according to the drilling-project data.

Abstract: A method of drilling a subterranean well from a surface location. The method comprises estimating a target formation depth, estimating a target formation dip angle and calculating a target line that creates a top and bottom of the target formation that forms a first projection window. The method further includes drilling within the first projection window, transmitting information from the subterranean well and projecting a target deviation window. The method can further comprise ceasing the drilling of the well and performing a well survey so that well survey information is generated. The method can then include estimating a formation dip angle with the well survey information and rig surface equipment monitoring data, calculating a target line that creates a revised top and bottom of the target formation that forms a second projection window, and drilling within the second projection window.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to acquire input data to determine properties of a formation, using a combination of down hole transmitters and receivers, to select a portion of the input data using a formation model chosen from a plurality of down hole tool response models in a formation model database, based on a valid sensitive range for the bed boundary distance and a greatest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and to solve for at least resistivity formation parameters in the properties using the chosen formation model and the selected portion of the input data. The database may be updated with boundary distance and the resistivity formation parameters. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for estimating drilling parameters for drilling a borehole in the earth includes: drilling the borehole with a drill string having a mud motor and a drill bit; constructing a mathematical model of a system including the drill string, the mud motor, and a borehole geometry; calculating a mud motor lateral excitation force imposed on the drill string by the mud motor for one or more combinations of drill string rotational speed and mud motor rotational speed; calculating lateral motion of the drill string and a force imposed on the drill string at positions along the drill string for the one or more of combinations using the model and the excitation force; selecting a range of combinations of drill string rotational speed and mud motor rotational speed that result in the force imposed upon the drill string being less than a threshold value; and displaying the range of combinations.

Abstract: A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the system receives feedback information from a drilling rig and calculates an estimated position of a drill bit in a formation based on the feedback information. The system compares the estimated position to a desired position along a planned path of a borehole. The system calculates multiple solutions if the comparison indicates that the estimated position is outside a defined margin of error relative to the desired position. Each solution defines a path from the estimated position to the planned path. The system calculates a cost of each solution and selects one of the solutions based at least partly on the cost. The system produces control information representing the selected solution and outputs the control information for the drilling rig.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for expert systems for well completion using Bayesian decision networks to determine well completion recommendations. The well completion expert system includes a well completion Bayesian decision network (BDN) model that receives inputs and outputs recommendations based on Bayesian probability determinations. The well completion BDN model includes a treatment fluids section, a packer section, a junction classification section, a perforation section, a lateral completion section, and an open hole gravel packing section.

Abstract: A system and method for the drilling of ground holes by a track steer drill rig. The system and method include a drilling arrangement that permits the speed of drilling holes to be balanced against the stability of the hole thus formed. The system and method allow for the autonomous drilling of ground holes and, particularly, although not exclusively, for the purposes of exploration, mining, and/or construction. In particular, the system and method relate to the autonomous drilling of ground holes which are used for subsequent blasting.

Abstract: A method that is usable with a well includes introducing solids into a pneumatic stream to produce a solids-containing pneumatic stream; communicating the solids-containing pneumatic stream to a blender assembly to mix the solids with at least one other material to produce a flow; and pumping the flow into the well.

Abstract: A method and system for collecting information of a rig operation, including subterranean operations at a rig-site. The system may include an integrated control system, wherein the integrated control system monitors one or more rig operations, and comprises a centralized data acquisition server coupled to one or more sensor units of the rig operations. The system may further include a central computer that can communicate with sensor units, and store the data in a central time-synchronized database accessible by a central data acquisition server, wherein the central time-synchronized database collects data from the various sensors to generate a time-synchronized overview of rig operations.

Abstract: A downhole communication system for an extended reach borehole, including an operator unit operatively arranged to enable at least one of remote monitoring or control of at least one device disposed in the extended reach borehole. A first communicator is disposed in a highly deviated extension of the borehole and configured to receive or transmit a signal at least one of from or to the at least one device. A second communicator is included spatially remote from the borehole. The first communicator and the second communicator are located substantially in a vertically extending plane defined along a length of the highly deviated extension. The second communicator is operatively in signal communication with both the first communicator and the operator unit for enabling signal communication between the first communicator and the operator unit via the second communicator. Methods of communicating downhole and completing an extended reach borehole are also included.

Abstract: Disclosed is a snake robot for exploration and disclosed is a separable module type snake robot that configures an ad-hoc mesh network by separating a body part into multiple mobile relay modules according to a propagation situation to seamlessly transmit image information to a remote control center.

Abstract: An apparatus for keeping a down hole drilling tool vertically aligned has a tubular body having an axis, an inner bore, at least one perpendicular channel and at least one set of steering elements disposed on opposed sides of the tubular body and engaging the at least one perpendicular channel of the tubular body. The at least one perpendicular channel permits the steering elements to move perpendicularly to the axis of the tubular body and restricts movement parallel to the axis of the tubular body. The first and second steering elements are engaged such that movement of the first or second steering element toward an extended position relative to the tubular body moves the other steering element toward a retracted position relative to the tubular body. Actuators are carried by the tubular body that selectively actuate the steering elements toward the extended position to steer the down hole drilling tool.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a drilling system and method for evaluating energy consumption to determine the onset of drilling issues and identify mitigation strategies for more efficient drilling. The drilling system receives drilling parameter values and a drilling performance value from sensors located on a drilling rig, and calculates an energy value based on the drilling parameter values and drilling performance value. The drilling system determines a deviation of the calculated energy value from a desired energy value and identifies one drilling parameter that significantly correlates with the deviation. Further, the drilling system determines an adjustment to the one drilling parameter that, when applied, causes the calculated energy value to approach the desired energy value. The drilling system then indicates the desired adjustment to the drilling operator so that appropriate actions may be taken to mitigate the drilling issue.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a drilling-information-management system. The drilling-information management system includes a probe assembly disposed on a drill rod, a first computer interoperably coupled to the probe assembly via a conductor disposed in a drill rod, and a second computer in communication with the first computer. The second computer includes a barcode scanner. The drilling-information management system includes a database in communication with the second computer. Drilling-project data is transferred from the database to the second computer and calibration data is transferred from the second computer to the first computer. The first computer executes a drilling plan according to the drilling-project data.