Abstract: An electronic control, for automated earth drilling using a pneumatic hammer-operated bit, preliminarily weighs a drill string, and, during drilling, automatically maintains a desired weight on the bit, and also maintains a constant rate of drilling progress by regulating drill string rotation speed. The weight on the bit is automatically maintained at a fraction of the pre-established desired weight as the air pressure in the supply to the pneumatic hammer builds up to an operating level. The control detects voids and broken formations by monitoring air pressure and torque respectively, and responds by reducing the weight on the bit. The control automatically raises the drill bit though a short distance as the drill head reaches the lower limit of its travel, pauses until the air pressure drops, and then raises the drill string to a position for insertion of a new length of pipe.

Abstract: Drilling a bore hole comprises rotary drilling at a first rotation rate until a first target value is substantially met, changing the first rotation rate to a second rotation rate when a trigger is substantially met, and then drilling at the second rotation rate until a second target value is substantially met. Preferably, the second rotation rate is substantially zero, so the drilling at the second rotation rate is slide drilling. Finally, the steps of rotary drilling at a first rotation rate, changing the rotation rate to a second rotation rate, and drilling at the second rotation rate are repeated.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly has a drill bit and an under-reamer on the up-hole side of the drill bit. In one aspect, the assembly further has a compliant element linking the drill bit to the under-reamer, the compliant element allowing displacement of the drill bit relative to the under-reamer in the axial direction of the assembly. In another aspect, the assembly further has a sensor element which is arranged to measure the weight-on-bit and/or the applied torque of the drill bit, and a transmitter for transmitting the weight-on-bit and/or applied torque measurements to the surface.

Abstract: A method for determining a depth of a wellbore includes determining change in a suspended weight of a drill string from a first time to a second time. A change in axial position of the upper portion of the drill string is then determined between the first time and the second time. An expected amount of drill string compression related to the change in suspended weight for movement of a lower portion of the drill string between the first time and the second time is corrected. A position of the lower portion of the drill string is calculated from the change in axial position and the corrected amount of drill string compression.

Abstract: A method of automatic drilling of a well with coil tubing or drill pipe tubing utilizes AC motors coupled to variable frequency drives controlled by a programmable logic controller. For example, a coil tube injector is supported in a mast for injecting coil tube from a reel and into a wellbore for drilling the wellbore. The AC motors for the injector are driven for controlling a rate of injection of coil tube by the injector for maintaining at least one drilling parameter such as weight-on-bit, differential mud pressure or rate of penetration. The AC motor for the reel is also controlled for driving the reel and maintaining a relative rate of coil tube supplied from the reel to the injector. Drawworks and a top drive supported by the draworks can also be equipped with AC motors and variable frequency drives for controlling a drilling rate for maintaining at least one of the drilling parameters.

Abstract: This invention is generally directed towards a system designed to assist the rig operator by alerting him/her that the air pressure is too low to be using the drum clutch, to provide a log for studies on rig operation technique, and to provide a training tool for rig operators. If the pressure on the clutch bladder is above a predetermined range, the clutch is allowed to engage. If the signal is below the range, the clutch is assumed to have not been engaged. If the signal is within the range, the clutch is not allowed to engage and the rig operator is notified of the problem.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rock drilling arrangement and a method and program for controlling rock drilling on the basis of specific energy consumption. The specific energy of drilling is the quantity of energy used per a unit of length of the drilled hole. Not only the used impact energy, but also the energy used by at least one other sub-process is taken into account when determining the specific energy. Rotation energy is typically included, but feeding energy and flushing energy can also be considered. Drilling variables are adjusted so that the specific energy is of a predetermined size.

Abstract: A drilling control system provides, in one aspect, advisory actions for optimal drilling. Such a system or model utilizes downhole dynamics data and surface drilling parameters, to produce drilling models used to provide to a human operator with recommended drilling parameters for optimized performance. In another aspect, the output of the drilling control system is directly linked with rig instrumentation systems so as to provide a closed-loop automated drilling control system that optimizes drilling while taking into account the downhole dynamic behavior and surface parameters. The drilling models can be either static or dynamic. In one embodiment, the simulation of the drilling process uses neural networks to estimate some nonlinear function using the examples of input-output relations produced by the drilling process.

Abstract: A soil working method and device, in which a drilling rod, to which is fitted at least one drilling tool, is rotated about a rotation axis with a speed using a rotary drive. The drilling rod is simultaneously lowered into a soil area in the direction of the rotation axis using a feed drive and with a feed rate. The drilling rod speed is determined and a control device decreases the feed rate when the drilling rod speed is reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system designed to manage or slow the block travel speed down to safe speeds when the rig is operating in a light load/high speed condition. The system monitors and controls engine torque and horsepower, providing the minimum amount of each necessary to pull the light load out of the hold without providing sufficient excess torque to pull the load through a snag.

Abstract: A controller provides an automatic bit protection sequence for an autodriller that can be initiated during the initial stage of set down of the bit within the formation. The automatic protection sequence establishes a setpoint for a parameter of interest (such as weight on bit, ROP, torque) associated with operation of the drilling system and then initiates a gradual increase in that parameter in order to achieve the setpoint. The bit protection sequence may be adjustable so that varying degrees of gradualness may be selected. The controller of the autodriller may also be provided with measured data for torque, rate of penetration (ROP) and/or the differential pressure of the mud motor of the drilling system. Each of these parameters is provided with a predetermined setpoint, and each may be selected as the controlling parameter for operation of the autodriller.

Abstract: An automatic drilling system is disclosed which includes an electric servo motor operatively coupled to a winch brake control, a servo controller operatively coupled to the servo motor, and a drum position encoder rotationally coupled to a winch drum. The controller is adapted to operate the servo motor in response to measurements of position made by the encoder so that a selected rate of rotation of the drum is maintained.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a pressure sensor disposed on a drill string in the wellbore, the sensor responsive to pressure of a drilling fluid disposed in an annular space between a wall of the wellbore and the drill string, and a processor operatively coupled to the pressure sensor. The processor is adapted to operate a drill string release controller to release the drill string into the wellbore so as to maintain an equivalent density of the drilling fluid substantially at a selected value. A method for automatically drilling a wellbore includes measuring pressure of a drilling fluid in an annular space between a wall of the wellbore and a drill string in the wellbore, and automatically controlling a rate of release of the drill string in response to the measured pressure so as to maintain an equivalent density of the drilling fluid substantially at a selected value.

Abstract: A directional casing drilling system including a casing string for rotation of a drill bit, a shaft coupled to the casing string, and a sleeve having pads that are hydraulically extensible. The sleeve may be positioned about a portion of the shaft. The invention may also include a tube connecting the sleeve to the drill collar, the tube adapted to conduct drilling fluid, and a valve system adapted to operatively conduct at least a portion of the drilling fluid to the pads whereby the pads move between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: An improved oil and gas drilling control system which utilizes improved braking and feedback technology which, in turn, permits more precise weight-on-bit control and more smooth transitions of weight-on-bit than any existing technology. In addition, the system also permits more accurate feedback and control with respect to drilling depth, pipe transitions, and rate of penetration than prior systems.

Abstract: A system is for controlling borehole operations using a computational drilling process model representing the combined effect of downhole conditions and the operation of a drillstring. The drilling process model is continually updated with downhole measurements made during a drilling operation. From the updated drilling process model, a set of optimum drilling parameters is determined and communicated to a surface equipment control system. Further, the system allows the surface equipment control system to automatically adjust current surface equipment control settings based on the updated optimum drilling parameters. Various control scripts are generated and executed to inform the surface equipment control system based on a present drilling mode.

Abstract: A method and a computer program for controlling a drilling cycle in a rock drilling apparatus, and a rock drilling apparatus. In accordance with the invention, each drilling unit in the rock drilling apparatus is monitored during a drilling period, and a drilling sequence of a control unit in the rock drilling apparatus is updated at predetermined intervals during the drilling period. The total time of the drilling and the time elapsed for different operations can be registered. In addition, according to an embodiment, the drilling sequence is changed during updating, if changes occur in the drilling conditions during the drilling period.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimizing method for regulating the operating state of a guided machine tool having a tool rotating at a certain speed and subjected to a percussion frequency during a boring action, in which the tool, subjected in addition to a force, is driven into an object of a given material.

Abstract: The invention refers to a drilling tool and method that, among other aspects, provides for a sleeve with expansible pads for positioning the drilling tool in the desired direction during drilling. The pads are hydraulically expanded and retracted by a valve system which selectively diverts mud flowing through the tool to the desired pads. The tool may also be provided with a flexible tube connecting the sleeve to drilling tool for maneuvering along deviations or curves in the wellbore.

Abstract: A drilling control system provides, in one aspect, advisory actions for optimal drilling. Such a system or model utilizes downhole dynamics data and surface drilling parameters, to produce drilling models used to provide to a human operator with recommended drilling parameters for optimized performance. In another aspect, the output of the drilling control system is directly linked with rig instrumentation systems so as to provide a closed-loop automated drilling control system that optimizes drilling while taking into account the downhole dynamic behavior and surface parameters. The drilling models can be either static or dynamic. In one embodiment, the simulation of the drilling process uses neural networks to estimate some nonlinear function using the examples of input-output relations produced by the drilling process.

Abstract: A system that controls a back reaming operation of a drilling rig is provided that includes a hoisting system that moves a drill pipe during a back reaming operation at a hoisting speed and a hoisting torque. The hoisting system comprises at least one back reaming parameter sensor for measuring a corresponding at least one back reaming parameter. An operator control unit allows an operator to input a predetermined value of the at least one back reaming parameter therein. A back reaming parameter sensor obtains the measured value of the at least one back reaming parameter. A control system monitors the at least one back reaming parameter. A braking assembly resists the hoisting torque of the drawworks system when the measured value of the at least one back reaming parameter equals the predetermined value of the at least one back reaming parameter.

Abstract: An automated riser recoil control system (10) including a plurality of riser tensioners (20), a vessel heave measurement system (210) and a control processor (70) with each tensioner (20) having a piston travel indicator (27) which signals the processor (70) and a method of operation is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soil working method and device, in which a drilling rod, to which is fitted at least one drilling tool, is rotated about a rotation axis with a speed using a rotary drive. The drilling rod is simultaneously lowered into a soil area in the direction of the rotation axis using a feed drive and with a feed rate. The drilling rod speed is determined and a control device decreases the feed rate when the drilling rod speed is reduced.

Abstract: An automatic drilling system is disclosed which includes an electric servo motor operatively coupled to a winch brake control, a servo controller operatively coupled to the servo motor, and a drum position encoder rotationally coupled to a winch drum. The controller is adapted to operate the servo motor in response to measurements of position made by the encoder so that a selected rate of rotation of the drum is maintained.

Abstract: Determination of the rate of penetration (ROP) of drilling has usually been based upon surface measurements and may not be an accurate representation of the actual ROP. This can cause problems in Logging While Drilling (LWD). Because of the lack of a high-speed surface-to-downhole communication while drilling, a conventional method of measuring ROP at the surface does not provide a solution to this problem. However, the instantaneous ROP can be derived downhole with a certain degree of accuracy by utilizing an accelerometer placed in (or near) the tool to measure acceleration in the axial direction. When three-component accelerometers are used, the method may be used to determine the true vertical depth of the borehole.

Abstract: A remote lock-out system and method are employed with a drilling machine. The remote lock-out system includes a remote lock-out override controller capable of interrupting a drilling operation of the drilling machine. The remote lock-out override controller includes a transmitter and a receiver. A remote lock-out controller is capable of issuing a lock-out signal and a run signal, wherein the lock-out signal, when received by the HDD machine, initiates suspension of the HDD machine drilling operation, and the run signal initiates enablement of the HDD machine drilling operation. The remote lock-out controller includes a transmitter and a receiver. The HDD machine drilling operation generally includes displacing and rotating the drill string, and can further include supplying a drilling fluid through the drill string.

Abstract: In a drilling system of the type comprising a rotatable drilling string, a drilling string communication system and a drilling direction control device connected with the drilling string, a method is provided for issuing one or more commands to the drilling direction control device utilizing a changeable first parameter associated with the drilling string and a changeable second parameter associated with the drilling string. The method includes providing at least one first parameter state, providing at least one first parameter event relating to the first parameter state; providing at least one second parameter state, providing at least one second parameter event relating to the second parameter state and issuing at least one command to the drilling direction control device in response to providing at least one of the first parameter event, the second parameter event, the first parameter state and the second parameter state.

Abstract: In a method of regulating the feed force of a drilling device having a hydrostatic bore hole motor at the end of a linkage provided with a rotary and a feed drive, the feed of the linkage is set as a function of the pressure of the drive fluid for the bore hole motor in such a way that the liquid pressure remains in a predefined range or else remains constant. If the bore hole motor is equipped with an eccentricity for directional boring, for example with an angled housing, then, in addition or else independently of the feed control, directional deviations normally resulting from the linkage torsion can be compensated for by the eccentricity or the linkage being set to a corrected path angle.

Abstract: A load compensator is disclosed for use in connection with a pipe running tool. The load compensator includes an outer housing connected to the portion of the pipe running tool that holds the pipe segment. A piston is disposed within the housing, and is connected to a top drive system of the pipe running tool. The housing is formed with a first port through which pressurized air is delivered inside the housing to drive the piston within the housing. A second port is disposed at a selected location on the housing, such that when the piston is advanced past the second port, pressurized air passes through the port, and causes the control circuit to stop delivering air through the first port. Once pressurized air no longer flows through the second port, the control circuit causes air to be delivered to the first port.

Abstract: The present invention provides continuous or near continuous motion drill strings which include motion sensitive and other MWD sensors which take stationary measurements while the drilling assembly is continuing to drill the wellbore. For simultaneous continuous drilling and stationary measurements, the present invention provides a drilling assembly wherein a force application system almost-continuously applies force on the drill bit while maintaining a housing or drill collar section stationary. Motion sensitive sensors carried by the drill collar take stationary measurements. A steering device between the drill bit and the force application system maintains drilling of the wellbore along a prescribed well path.

Abstract: An improved oil and gas drilling control system which utilizes improved braking and feedback technology which, in turn, permits more precise weight-on-bit control and more smooth transitions of weight-on-bit than any existing technology. In addition, the system also permits more accurate feedback and control with respect to drilling depth, pipe transitions, and rate of penetration than prior systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for substantially continuously drilling and disposing of drill cuttings and dust to minimize airborne contamination while providing protection against overload using enhanced computer control. A drill stem with a bit is used to form the drill hole. A flushing mechanism utilizes vacuum or pressurized water to create a bailing fluid flow for flushing the cuttings and dust from the drill hole for disposal. A transducer monitors at least one first parameter of the bailing fluid flow, and a sensor may also monitor at least one second parameter of a flow of a driving fluid under pressure for feeding the drill stem and bit into the earth. A controller is utilized to regulate the rate of feed and/or driving of the stem and bit dependent on the levels of the parameters being monitored.

Abstract: An apparatus is used with a drilling assembly for drilling a borehole. The drilling assembly has an impact device linked to a drill head. The impact device is powered by a first fluid under a first pressure to impart a percussive force to the drill head. The percussive force is a function of the first pressure. A thruster of the drilling assembly is also linked to the drill head. The thruster is powered by a second fluid under a second pressure to impart a thrust force to the drill head. The thrust force is a function of the second pressure. Additionally, a rotator of the drilling assembly is linked to the drill head. The rotator is powered by a third fluid under a third pressure to impart a torque to the drill head. The torque is a function of the third pressure. The apparatus includes a first pressure sensor communicating with the first fluid to output a first electrical signal that is a function of the first pressure.

Abstract: A continuous feed drilling system and controller includes a head assembly having first and second chucks synchronized to rotate at the same rotational velocity. The chucks are independently moveable within the head assembly and their positions are measured by linear transducers. The controller causes the first chuck to engage with a drill stem and begin rotating and advancing. The controller uses the outputs of the linear transducers to determine the linear velocity of the advancing first chuck and synchronize the linear velocity of the first and second chucks. The controller then causes the second chuck to engage the drill stem and causes the first chuck to release the drill stem. The process is repeated, alternating the roles of the first and second chucks, thus creating a continuous drilling motion.

Abstract: In a method of regulating the feed force of a drilling device having a hydrostatic bore hole motor at the end of a linkage provided with a rotary and a feed drive, the feed of the linkage is set as a function of the pressure of the drive fluid for the bore hole motor in such a way that the liquid pressure remains in a predefined range or else remains constant. If the bore hole motor is equipped with an eccentricity for directional boring, for example with an angled housing, then, in addition or else independently of the feed control, directional deviations normally resulting from the linkage torsion can be compensated for by the eccentricity or the linkage being set to a corrected path angle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an underground boring machine during boring or reaming operations. A boring tool is displaced along an underground path while being rotated. In response to variations in underground conditions impacting boring tool progress along the underground path, a control system modifies the rate of boring tool displacement along the underground path while rotating the boring tool at a selected rotation rate to optimize excavation productivity. The controller may also monitor the rate at which liquid is pumped through the borehole and automatically adjust the rate of displacement and/or the liquid flow rate so that sufficient liquid is flowing through the borehole to remove the cuttings and debris generated by the boring tool.

Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for controlling a hydraulic rock drilling device. The arrangement includes a pressure ratio valve that is used for adjusting the relation between the pressures in the pressure channel leading to the percussion device and/or another actuator, such as a shank stabilizer, and the pressure channel leading to the feed mechanism. The pressure ratio valve is arranged to keep the relation between the pressures of the actuator and the feed mechanism constant over the normal drilling range.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for automatically limiting the thrust force applied to a drill string during an underground boring process, in order to prevent the deformation or collapse to the drill rods due to reaching the yield point of the rods. One or more drill string characteristics that have an impact on the yield point of the drill string, or portions of the drill string, are determined. The yield point of the drill string or portion is computed, where the yield point is computed as a function of the drill string characteristics. The thrust force imparted to the drill string is adjusted in response to the computed yield point.

Abstract: A directional borehole drilling system employs a controllable drill bit, which includes one or more conical drilling surfaces. Instrumentation located near the bit measures present position when the bit is static, and dynamic toolface when the bit is rotating. This data is processed to determine the error between the present position and a desired trajectory, and the position of one or more of the bit's cones is automatically changed as needed to make the bit bore in the direction necessary to reduce the error. The controllable drill bit preferably comprises three cone assemblies mounted about the bit's central axis, each of which includes a leg with “toed-out” axle. In response to a command signal, a cone translates along the axle to cause it to bear more of the bit weight, thus excavating more deeply over the commanded toolface sector and causing the bit to bore in a preferred direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely altering operation of a horizontal directional drilling machine provide for remotely disabling movement of a drill string coupled to a cutting head or reamer and, in addition, disabling dispensing of fluid, foam and/or air communicated through the drill string. A lockout signal is transmitted from a portable or hand-manipulatable remote unit operated by an operator remotely situated with respect to the drilling machine. The lockout signal is received at the drilling machine. In response to the received lockout signal, a controller of the drilling machine prevents movement of the drill string and thus the cutting head or reamer. The controller also disables dispensing of fluid, foam and/or air through the drill string in response to the received lockout signal. The controller effects transmission of a verification signal from the drilling machine to the remote location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an underground boring machine during boring or reaming operations. A boring tool is displaced along an underground path while being rotated. In response to variations in underground conditions impacting boring tool progress along the underground path, a control system modifies the rate of boring tool displacement along the underground path while rotating the boring tool at a selected rotation rate to optimize excavation productivity. The controller may also monitor the rate at which liquid is pumped through the borehole and automatically adjust the rate of displacement and/or the liquid flow rate so that sufficient liquid is flowing through the borehole to remove the cuttings and debris generated by the boring tool.

Abstract: A method of and system for optimizing bit rate of penetration while drilling substantially continuously determine an optimum control variable value necessary to achieve an optimum bit rate of penetration based upon measured conditions and maintains control variable value at the optimum control variable value. As measured conditions change while drilling, the method updates the determination of optimum control variable value.

Abstract: A torque limiting device that allows a drill string to rotate relative to the cutting structure of the bit when a predetermined torque is applied between the cutting structure of the drill bit and the drill string. The torque limiting device utilizes a retaining member which restricts rotational movement of a first component of the torque limiting device relative to a second component. When a sufficient torque load is placed on the cutting structure of the drill bit, the retaining member allows rotational movement of the first component relative to the second component and allows the drill string to continue to rotate relative to the cutting structure of the bit until the torque is sufficiently reduced. The torque limiting device may be an integral part of a drill bit, may be a separate device attached between the drill string and the drill bit or between the drill string and a downhole motor, or may be part of a near-bit sub or incorporated in a downhole motor.

Abstract: This invention provides a bottomhole assembly that contains a thruster for applying an axial force on the drill bit during drilling of the wellbore. The bottomhole assembly includes at least one sensor which provides measurements for determining a parameter of interest relating to the drilling of the wellbore. A power unit supplies power to the thruster to move a member toward the drill bit to apply the force on the drill bit. A processor operatively coupled to the thruster controls the magnitude of the force generated by the thruster in response to one or more parameters interest.

Abstract: A method of and system for optimizing bit rate of penetration while drilling substantially continuously determine an optimum weight on bit necessary to achieve an optimum bit rate of penetration based upon measured conditions and maintains weight on bit at the optimum weight on bit. As measured conditions change while drilling, the method updates the determination of optimum weight on bit.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for automatically limiting the thrust force applied to a drill string during an underground boring process, in order to prevent the deformation or collapse to the drill rods due to reaching the yield point of the rods. One or more drill string characteristics that have an impact on the yield point of the drill string, or portions of the drill string, are determined. The yield point of the drill string or portion is computed, where the yield point is computed as a function of the drill string characteristics. The thrust force imparted to the drill string is adjusted in response to the computed yield point.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an underground boring machine during boring or reaming operations. A boring tool is displaced along an underground path while being rotated at a-selected rate of rotation. In response to variations in underground conditions impacting boring tool progress along the underground path, a control system concurrently modifies the rate of boring tool displacement along the underground path while rotating the boring tool at the selected rotation rate. The controller monitors the rate at which liquid is pumped through the borehole and automatically adjusts the rate of displacement and/or the liquid flow rate so that sufficient liquid is flowing through the borehole to remove the cuttings and debris generated by the boring tool. Sensors are provided to sense pressure levels in the rotation, displacement, and liquid dispensing pumps and an electronic controller continuously monitors the levels detected by the sensors.

Abstract: A point-contact impact method used in the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) is disclosed. The method aims firstly to have the impact between the drop hammer and the anvil in the form of point contact and secondly to center the impact contact on the anvil face, such that the efficiency and the consistency of the energy transmission in the SPT greatly increase. With such a method, the ground condition of a specific site investigated by the SPT is able to be better determined. A device of the present method used in the Standard Penetration Test is a specially shaped anvil mounted on top of a rod, and the drop hammer is movably in contact with the anvil. The contact area of the anvil struck by the hammer is then limited and concentrated at the center. The impact between the hammer and the anvil is thus focused at or very near the center of the anvil, which reduces the energy loss during energy transfer from the hammer to the anvil.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling rock drilling on the basis of a pressure acting in a pressure conduit of a rotation motor of a drill rod. In the method, the pressure acting in the pressure fluid conduit of the rotation motor is measured during the rotation when the drill bit does not touch the rock to be drilled, and the control is carried out thereafter on the basis of the difference between the pressure value measured during the drilling and the idle pressure value. In the arrangement, the rock drilling machine comprises a control unit that measures the pressure acting in the pressure fluid conduit of the rotation motor when the drill rod is rotated so that it does not touch the rock to be drilled and stores it in the memory and controls the rock drilling machine during the drilling on the basis of the difference between the pressure value measured during the drilling and the idle pressure.

Abstract: A system for controlling the weight on a rotary drill bit includes an hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly. Pressurized hydraulic fluid acting on the bottom of the piston provides an upward force on the drill string which is connected to the rotary drill bit. A profiled central drive shaft running through the piston conveys the rotary motion from a power swivel to a piston rod attached to the bottom of the piston which in turn is connected to the drill string.