Abstract: A method of drilling a well includes at least one drill bit and at least one secondary cutting structure. The method includes determining a neutral point of a drill string, positioning at least one secondary cutting structure based on the neutral point of the drill string, and drilling an earth formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an earth boring device including a housing which has at least one portion with an inner thread, and a threaded element which has a corresponding outer thread, wherein the threaded element is slotted and has a receptacle for a securing element which increases the outer diameter of the threaded element and the contact pressure of the threaded connection between threaded element and housing, when inserted in the receptacle.

Abstract: A bearing apparatus is disclosed. Such a bearing apparatus may comprise a rotor including at least one bearing element mounted to the rotor and a stator including at least one bearing element mounted to the stator. At least one compliant member may be positioned between at least one selected bearing element of the at least one bearing element mounted to the rotor and the at least one bearing element mounted to the stator. Mechanical systems including such a bearing apparatus are disclosed, such as, for example, a motor for use in subterranean drilling. A method of assembling a bearing apparatus is disclosed. More specifically, a rotor and a stator each including at least one bearing element may be provided and a compressive force may be applied to the rotor and the stator to compress the bearing surfaces of the rotor and the stator against one another. Rotors and stators are disclosed.

Abstract: A drill rod has a fitting portion protruding toward the distal end of the drill rod. The drill rod fitting portion further encompasses a parallel male thread portion in which a minimum distance from a first axial line in a cross-section perpendicular to the first axial line is constant; and a male thread ending portion is continuous with a proximal end of the parallel male thread portion. The minimum distance of the ending portion increases as a proximal end is approached. Furthermore, the fitting portion is formed such that the minimum distance does not decrease as the proximal end is approached from a distal end thereof. Additionally, the proximal end of the male thread ending portion is positioned where a distance from the first axial line gradually increases as the proximal end of the male thread ending portion is approached from the parallel male thread.

Abstract: A drill collar formed substantially entirely from a metal matrix material and one or more metal alloys is provided, the drill collar being produced through a molding process. The metal matrix material of the drill collar minimizes lateral movement and vibration during drilling operations, while providing a weight greater than that of conventional drill collar materials, thereby enabling construction of drill collars and bottom hole assemblies having a reduced length.

Abstract: A drill pipe and a method of applying hardbanding thereto. A hardbanding alloy comprising iron and manganese present in the range of 67 to 87 weight percent (wt. %), niobium and chromium present in the range of 9 to 29 wt. %, and boron, carbon and silicon present in the range of 3 to 6.5 wt. % may be welded around at least a portion of a tool joint circumference. The hardbanding alloy may exhibit a hardness of 45 Rc to 70 Rc and a wear rate in the range of 0.08 grams to 1.60 grams of mass loss after 6,000 cycles as measured using ASTM G65-04, Procedure A.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a swivel for use in a drilling operation comprises a body with a central bore adapted for threaded connection to a tool string component. At least one electrically conductive medium is rotationally supported within the bore and adapted to rotate with respect to an electrically conductive receiver that is rotationally fixed to and disposed within the body. The electrically conductive medium and the receiver are in electrical communication through an electrically conductive arm that is rotationally fixed to the electrically conductive medium and at least partially disposed within an electrically conductive fluid disposed within a reservoir. The reservoir comprises a rigid shape that is partially filled by the conductive fluid. At least one rotary seal is disposed intermediate the reservoir and the electrically conductive medium. The rigid shape of the reservoir is adapted to prevent the conductive fluid from accumulating around the rotary seal.

Abstract: A downhole system including a driving unit for driving an operational tool. The driving unit is provided in a first part of the system and the operational tool is provided in a second part of the system. The system further includes a release device for releasing the operational tool and the second part from the first part of the system.

Abstract: A drill rod includes a first end section, a mid-section, wherein the first end section and the mid-section are connected and wherein the first end section is manufactured using different steel than is used for the mid-section. Such a configuration can reduce the costs associated with forming a drill rod while maintaining the functionality of such a drill rod.

Abstract: Earth-boring tools comprise a shank comprising a distal connector including a set of threads thereon and a bit body comprising a shank connector, also comprising at least one set of threads thereon. The set of threads on the distal connector and the at least one set of threads on the shank connector are at least substantially bound together. Methods of forming such earth-boring tools are also disclosed, as well as methods of securing a bit body of an earth-boring tool to a shank.

Abstract: A drilling tool that has a flexible shaft so as to be able to make short radius curves while still being able to transmit torque and axial loads. The drilling tool includes a drill shaft for transmitting axial load, comprising a series of coaxial ring members connected together such that adjacent ring members are flexible in an axial plane relative to each other, each ring member being connected to an adjacent ring member by connecting member arranged to transmit torque therebetween; and axial supports extend between adjacent ring members so as to transmit axial loads therebetween.

Abstract: A connector connects auxiliary flow lines—and, in some configurations, electrical lines—that extend through and terminate at or near opposing ends of two respective components of a downhole tool string. The connector comprises a body assembly for fluidly-connecting the auxiliary flow lines and electrically-connecting the electrical lines of the respective two components, and an assembly for adjusting the length of the body assembly. In particular embodiments, the two components are discrete modules of a unitary tool, or alternatively, are distinct tools. Additionally, the connector may include a mechanism for closing the auxiliary flow lines of one or both components upon disconnection of the fluid connection between the two components.

Abstract: An extrusion resistant ring that is radially expandable and contactable to accommodate the relative movement of two joined bodies relative to each other. The extrusion resistant ring in combination with an elastomeric diaphragm provides a high pressure seal for down-hole oil drilling apparatus.

Abstract: A cutting tool includes a mandrel; a matrix affixed to the mandrel; and cutting material disposed within the matrix and method of making the same.

Abstract: A downhole drilling motor comprising a housing and a shaft extending within the housing, wherein the shaft is movable relative to the housing. Further, a conducting path extends within the housing between a first axial position and a second axial position. The conducting path comprises a housing conductor associated with the housing and a shaft conductor associated with the shaft, wherein the shaft conductor is capable of a movement relative to the housing conductor. An assimilating connector is interposed between the housing conductor and the shaft conductor for conductively connecting the housing conductor with the shaft conductor and for assimilating the movement of the shaft conductor relative to the housing conductor. The assimilating connector includes one or more of a rotary movement assimilating connector, a longitudinal movement assimilating connector and a transverse movement assimilating connector.

Abstract: A drilling assembly includes a derrick, a swivel assembly coupled to the derrick, and a drill string coupled to the swivel assembly. The drill string includes a plurality of pipe sections, each having an insert providing a material and/or geometrical discontinuity in the pipe section, the plurality of pipe sections forming periodic cells collectively operative to selectively block propagation of vibrations in the drill string.

Abstract: A sectional drive and coupling system for transmitting rotational power to an output, which system includes multiple, splined drive and receiving segments that are connected, nested and interlocked in the ends of successive segment housings to define a drive string that is rotatable in a selected straight or curved path. The top one of the segments cooperates with a drive mechanism to effect rotation of the drive string in concert and the bottom one of the segments connects to an output such as a drill bit.

Abstract: Methods of attaching a crown of a boring shoe to a casing section include attaching an adaptable shank to a crown, and machining the adaptable shank to configure an end thereof for attachment to a casing section after attaching the adaptable shank to the crown. Additional methods include welding an end of an adaptable shank to a crown to form a boring shoe, selecting the adaptable shank to have an average wall thickness greater than about five percent (5%) of a maximum diameter of the crown, and configuring an opposite end of the adaptable shank for attachment to a particular type of casing section after welding the shank to the crown. Boring shoes have an adaptable shank attached to a crown, wherein the shank comprises a generally cylindrical wall having an average wall thickness greater than about five percent (5%) of a maximum diameter of the crown.

Abstract: A percussive drill bit provided with an improved chuck assembly for a down-the-hole drill hammer. The bit has a head at its forward end with a shank extending from the head. The shank is screw threaded along its length. A reciprocating chuck is provided as a sleeve with internal screw thread as corresponding to those of the shank. The shank is releasably secured in the chuck with the read end of the shank providing a striking face. An arrangement of external splines on the chuck, and a retaining shoulder at its rear end, provide for the required guided movement of the chuck within a drill hammer wear sleeve.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tunneling apparatus including a drill head having a main body and a drive stem rotatably mounted within the main body. The main body defines a vacuum passage offset from the drive stem that extends through the main body from a proximal end to a distal end of the main body. The tunneling apparatus also includes an axial bearing structure for transferring axial load between the drive stem and the main body of the drill head. The axial bearing structure is proximally offset from the distal end of the main body of the drill head. The tunneling apparatus further includes a first radial bearing structure for transferring radial load between the drive stem and the main body of the drill head. The first radial bearing structure is positioned between the axial bearing structure and the distal end of the main body of the drill head and is distally offset from the axial bearing structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides drilling assembles and methods that are especially useful for a bottom hole drilling assembly for drilling/reaming/or other operations related to drilling a borehole through an earth formation. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly utilizes standard drill collars which are modified to accept force transfer sections. In another embodiment, the drilling assembly comprises a tension inducing sub which creates a force that may be used to place the bottom hole assembly or portions thereof in tension. In another embodiment, a reaming assembly is held in tension to provide a stiffer reaming assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating the formation of electrical connections between wired drill pipes is provided. Wired drill pipes comprise connection ends that each have a plurality of independent conductors. The independent conductors are arranged to enable a plurality of conductive connections between adjacent wired drill pipes when the wired drill pipes are physically connected.

Abstract: A flexible/rigid drilling assembly that can be flexible enough to bend around and into a curved hole form a vertical well to the horizontal with a short horizontal hole extension. When the flexible/rigid drilling assembly is placed in the short horizontal hole extension it can be converted to a rigid assembly and provide stability for a drill bit on its end to drill a straight horizontal out into an oil, gas or water. High static drilling fluid pressure with low compression force on the flexible/rigid drilling assembly is used to keep it in a flexible configuration while being placed in the short horizontal hole extension. Then the flexible/rigid drilling assembly is rotated to release the high static drilling fluid pressure. With the high static drilling fluid pressure released and with the high compression forces required to operate the drill bit the flexible/rigid drilling assembly transition into its rigid configuration and provide stability for a drill bit in drilling a straight horizontal drain hole.

Abstract: Earth-boring rotary drill bits including a bit body attached to a shank. In some embodiments, the bit body and the shank may have abutting surfaces concentric to an interface axis offset relative to a longitudinal axis of the drill bit. In additional embodiments, the bit body and the shank may have generally frustoconical abutting surfaces. Methods for attaching a shank and a bit body of an earth-boring rotary drill bit include abutting a surface of a shank against a surface of a bit body, and causing the abutting surfaces to be concentric to an axis that is offset or shifted relative to a longitudinal axis of the drill bit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a downhole assembly and to a cutter assembly, and in particular to a downhole assembly including an apparatus for breaking up large-scale material which is present behind a drill bit, and to a cutter assembly for use in such a downhole assembly. The downhole assembly is suitably for use in a drillstring, the downhole assembly comprising a drill bit, a sensitive component, and at least one rotatable set of cutter blades located between the drill bit and the sensitive component.

Abstract: Systems and methods usable to urge a passageway through subterranean strata, place protective lining conduit strings between the subterranean strata and the wall of said passageway without removing the urging apparatus from said passageway, and target deeper subterranean strata formations than is normally the practice for placement of said protective lining conduit strings by providing apparatuses for reducing the particle size of rock debris to generate lost circulation material to inhibit the initiation or propagation of subterranean strata fractures.

Abstract: A drilling tool for rock is disclosed. The tool has a drill rod and a cup-shaped drill head, where the drill head and the drill rod can be connected detachably but rotationally secured with each other via a coupling mechanism which has at least one rotary lock-in slot of the drill head running along a tool axis and at least one rotary lock-in bar that can be inserted into the rotary lock-in slot and that is arranged on the end of the drill rod. The coupling mechanism in this case has an elastic lock for holding the rotary lock-in bar in the rotary lock-in slot.

Abstract: The present invention provides drilling assembles and methods that are especially useful for a bottom hole drilling assembly for drilling/reaming/or other operations related to drilling a borehole through an earth formation. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly utilizes standard drill collars which are modified to accept force transfer sections. In another embodiment, the drilling assembly comprises a tension inducing sub which creates a force that may be used to place the bottom hole assembly or portions thereof in tension. In another embodiment, a reaming assembly is held in tension to provide a stiffer reaming assembly.

Abstract: An improved ground support member insertion device comprising means for attaching the device to a jackleg drill, a clutch assembly disposed adjacent to the attaching means and adapted for holding a ground support member while it is being inserted into a first drill hole; and, anchoring means disposed opposite the clutch assembly and adapted for temporarily anchoring the device for stabilization in a rock formation during insertion of the ground support member. An impact tool for engaging the proximate end of the ground support member providing rotation and impact to the ground support member to mix the resin and to secure the ground support member in a rock formation. The impact tool can also be used to manually or mechanically tension the ground support member once installed.

Abstract: A device (1) for protecting a geotechnical or geophysical probe (13) having an elongated shape and capable of undergoing radial deformation, includes: a plurality of flexible members (2) having an elongated shape and capable of undergoing radial deformation in a functional configuration of the device (1); elements for the longitudinal compensation of the radial deformation of the flexible members (2) in a functional configuration of the device (1); two flexible member bearings (301, 302) each receiving an end of the flexible members (2), the bearings (301, 302) being capable of longitudinal movement on the probe (13) so that the flexible members (2) longitudinally protect the outer portion of the probe (13) between the bearings (301, 302) in a functional configuration of the device (1).

Abstract: A method of removing cuttings includes the steps of disposing a pipe string in a high-angle wellbore, circulating mud through the wellbore and creating a viscous coupling layer of mud spiraling about a section of the pipe string. Wherein the wellbore may be deviated from vertical thirty degrees or greater. The viscous coupling layer desirably extends outwardly beyond the outside diameter of the tooljoint upsets in the section of the pipe string. A pipe joint for creating a viscous coupling layer of drilling fluid spiraling about the pipe to remove cuttings from high angle wells includes an elongated tubular having an outer surface extending between opposing tooljoints, tooljoint upsets and projections provided on substantially the entire outer surface.

Abstract: A bearing apparatus is disclosed. Such a bearing apparatus may comprise a rotor including at least one bearing element mounted to the rotor and a stator including at least one bearing element mounted to the stator. At least one compliant member may be positioned between at least one selected bearing element of the at least one bearing element mounted to the rotor and the at least one bearing element mounted to the stator. Mechanical systems including such a bearing apparatus are disclosed, such as, for example, a motor for use in subterranean drilling. A method of assembling a bearing apparatus is disclosed. More specifically, a rotor and a stator each including at least one bearing element may be provided and a compressive force may be applied to the rotor and the stator to compress the bearing surfaces of the rotor and the stator against one another. Rotors and stators are disclosed.

Abstract: A drilling method comprises controlling operation of a drill string to maintain at least a portion of the drill string in forward whirl.

Abstract: A drill rod assembly including inner and outer drill rods. The drill rod assembly further including flow passages that are in fluid communication with an annular fluid flow path defined between the inner and outer drill rods. The passages preventing blockage of a drill string fluid flow path when a number of drill rod assemblies are interconnected to form a drill string.

Abstract: A method for logging a downhole formation in a wellbore. The method comprises drilling a wellbore with a drill bit coupled to a disconnect device. The disconnect device is then actuated to detach the drill bit from a portion of a conveyance. A logging operation is then performed between two portions of the disconnect device. The disconnect device may then be reattached.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention relates to a rock-drilling tool that comprises a drill rod (1) having a male thread (5) as well as a coupling sleeve having a female thread for the co-operation with the male thread of the drill rod. The male thread (5) of the drill rod may consist of a martensitic stainless steel. Axially inside the male thread (5), a waist (32) is formed in which the drill rod (1) has the smallest diameter thereof. Furthermore, an external, cylindrical guide surface (31) is positioned between the male thread (5) and the waist (32) and has the purpose of co-operating with an internal guide surface positioned between the female thread and a free end of the coupling sleeve. Furthermore, the invention relates to a drill rod as such as well as a coupling sleeve as such.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a downhole tool string component has a segmented sleeve slideably attached over the exterior of a mandrel which is adapted for connection to an adjacent tool string component. An end of the sleeve is abutted against a shoulder element of the mandrel and an opposite end of the sleeve is axially loaded by a threaded element attached to the mandrel. The sleeve comprises at least one sleeve segment with an engagement end comprising at least one axial anti-rotation assembly adapted to transfer torque to an adjacent sleeve segment, the shoulder element, or the threaded element.

Abstract: Provided are drill stem assemblies with ultra-low friction coatings for subterraneous drilling operations. In one form, the coated drill stem assemblies for subterraneous rotary drilling operations include a body assembly with an exposed outer surface including a drill string coupled to a bottom hole assembly or a coiled tubing coupled to a bottom hole assembly and an ultra-low friction coating on at least a portion of the exposed outer surface of the body assembly, wherein the coefficient of friction of the ultra-low friction coating is less than or equal to 0.15. The coated drill stem assemblies disclosed herein provide for reduced friction, vibration (stick-slip and torsional), abrasion and wear during straight hole or directional drilling to allow for improved rates of penetration and enable ultra-extended reach drilling with existing top drives.

Abstract: A drill stem connection system and method is shown that provides a secure hold on drill stem surfaces while unscrewing a threaded connection. Two lever arm components are adjustable to a number of possible orientations to allow for fitting the drill stem wrench in tight spaces. Concentric rotation of lever arm components facilitates connection of the lever arm components together. Configurations and methods shown provide a stable and powerful tool to loosen threaded drill stem effectively.

Abstract: A device for drilling controlled directional wells comprises a central hollow element and three hollow tubular elements connected thereto out-of-line with respect to each other. The first hollow tubular element connected by a thread to the spindle and the central hollow element, are each provided with a contact segmental section, thereby forming a pair of contact segmental sections. The sections are disposed on the opposite sides with respect to the meridian plane of the spindle in the bending plane of the drill string and at a distance L between the nearest edges of the contact segmental sections along the central axis of the first element. L?D, where D is the spindle outer diameter. The contact segmental section of the first element is deviated from the meridian plane of the spindle in the bending plane of the drilling string in an opposite direction with respect to the reaction torque of a drilling bit.

Abstract: An offshore composite enhanced metallic drilling riser is equipped to enable preloading of the composite shell and the metallic riser. A riser has steel end connectors and a continuous metallic inner liner, encased in a composite shell. A segmented hyperboloid shaped profile is located near each of the end fittings for preloading of the composite and the metallic riser. In one version, both halves of the hyperboloid shape are capable of axial movement by adjusting jack bolts connected to one of the hyperboloid halves. One of the halves is limited in axial movement while the other half moves axially away from the restricted half, the movement simultaneously generates the composite pre-load and the metallic riser pre-load. The other version uses fluid pressure between mating faces of the segments to push them apart.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing slippage and rotation of components installed in a tubular housing member and/or along a rotatable tubular shaft during drilling operations are disclosed herein. The housing and/or rotatable shaft include a shoulder disposed proximate to one end. An adjustable member is secured proximate to the opposite end. One or more components are installed, covering a first portion of the surface between the adjustable member and shoulder. One or more spacing members are installed to cover substantially all of the remaining surface. The adjustable member is tightened such that the adjustable member and the shoulder apply a compressive axial load to the components and spacing members, causing frictional forces between adjacent objects greater than the torque acting on the housing and/or tubular shaft, causing each component to remain stationary with respect to the surface to which it is secured.

Abstract: A connector for a downhole tool includes a body with one or more conductors positioned at least partially axially adjacent to an axial bore that extends at least partially through the body. In embodiments, one or more seals surrounding the body prevent fluid from flowing from a lateral opening into the interior of the downhole tool. Additionally, the body of the connector can include a circumferential or annular recess that acts as a reservoir to contain or capture fluid that might otherwise enter the sub. Leak protection can also be protected by applying a pressure compensating material around the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling tool for drilling soft and fragmented rock. The drilling tool disclosed in the invention comprises a portion having a round cross section and a smooth surface and positioned substantially symmetrically relative to the middle axis of a drill rod and comprising, at its end, a converging part through which conduits pass for rinsing medium.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention relates to a rock-drilling tool that comprises a drill rod (1;1??) having a male thread (5;5?), and a coupling sleeve (7:7?) having a female thread (15:15?) for the co-operation with the male thread of the drill rod. The male thread (5;5?) of the drill rod (1;1?) may consist of a martensitic, stainless steel. The coupling sleeve consists of hardened low-alloy steel. Axially inside the male thread (5;5?), a waist (32;32?) is formed in which the drill rod (1;1?) has the smallest diameter thereof. The male thread (5;5?) has a wear volume that is larger than the wear volume of the female thread (15; 15?). Furthermore, the invention relates to a drill rod per se as well as a coupling sleeve per se.

Abstract: A method of protecting an element from excessive surface wear is provided. In this method, a localized area of the element that will be subjected to excessive surface wear is exposed to induction heating for a period sufficient to heat the localized area to an elevated temperature at which the localized area undergoes austenitic transformation. The localized area is quenched, followed by tempering, and then cooling. A result of the method is a localized hardened area formed monolithically with the element and having a localized hardness that is greater than a base hardness of the element.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions for reducing or preventing the degradation of equipment and articles exposed to hydrogen sulfide present in high concentrations in subterranean environments (e.g., oil and gas wells). The compositions are composed of a thermoplastic resin, a thermosetting resin, or a combination thereof, and at least one compound that interacts with hydrogen sulfide from the subterranean environment. In certain aspects, the compositions are coated on the article of interest. In other aspects, the composition is used to manufacture the article and, thus, is integrated throughout the article.

Abstract: A pilot tube for an auger boring machine has a lubrication through passage formed therein through which water or another lubricant may be pumped during the driving of the pilot tube to facilitate formation of a pilot hole in the earth which is subsequently followed by an auger in forming a trenchless hole for laying underground pipe. Preferably, the lubrication passage extends to exit openings adjacent or on a steering head. A lubrication feed swivel is connected the trailing end of the pilot tube for feeding the water into the pilot tube while allowing rotation of the pilot tube for the steering thereof during the process of driving the pilot tube.

Abstract: A drill rod includes a first end section, a mid-section, wherein the first end section and the mid-section are connected and wherein the first end section is manufactured using different steel than is used for the mid-section. Such a configuration can reduce the costs associated with forming a drill rod while maintaining the functionality of such a drill rod.

Abstract: A drill rod having a fitting portion protruding toward the distal end and of the drill rod and extending along a first axial line, wherein the fitting portion includes: a parallel male thread portion in which a minimum distance from the first axial line in a cross-section perpendicular to the first axial line is constant; and a male thread ending portion which is continuous with a proximal end of the parallel male thread portion, and in which the minimum distance increases as approaching toward a proximal end thereof; wherein the fitting portion is formed such that the minimum distance does not decrease as approaching from a distal end to a proximal end thereof; and the proximal end of the male thread ending portion is positioned on a face where a distance from the first axial line gradually increases as approaching from the parallel male thread to the proximal end of the male thread ending portion.