Abstract: Systems for drilling or tunneling include an assembly for accelerating a projectile into a region of geologic material. An interaction between the projectile and the geologic material extends a borehole and forms debris. The debris may be reduced in size by moving the debris to a crushing device. The reduced-size debris is then moved toward the surface using fluid movement. Water jets or other types of devices may be used to cut or deform a perimeter of a region of geologic material before the projectile is accelerated to control the shape of the borehole and the manner in which debris is broken from the geologic material.

Abstract: Spherical projectiles may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth.

Abstract: Methods for generating boreholes used for generating geothermal energy or other purposes include forming the borehole by accelerating a projectile into contact with geologic material. Interaction between the projectile and the geologic material generates an acoustic signal, such as vibrations within the formation, that is detected using acoustic sensors along a drilling conduit, at the surface, or within a separate borehole. Characteristics of the geologic material, such as hardness, porosity, or the presence of fractures, may be determined based on characteristics of the acoustic signal. The direction in which the borehole is extended may be modified based on the characteristics of the geologic material, such as to create a borehole that intersects one or more fractures for generation of geothermal energy.

Abstract: One or more ram accelerator devices may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth. The ram accelerator devices propel projectiles which are accelerated by combustion of one or more combustible gasses in a ram effect to reach velocities exceeding 500 meters per second. An endcap may be deployed within a tube of the ram accelerator device to prevent incursion of formation pressure products such as oil, water, mud, gas, and so forth into a guide tube of the ram accelerator. During operation the projectile penetrates the endcap and at least a portion thereof impact a working face. In some implementations a purge gas may be used to form a ullage between the endcap and the working face.

Abstract: A system for extracting threats buried underground includes a housing, a shaped charge coupled to the housing at one end, and an explosive projectile disposed in the housing and spaced-apart from the shaped charge. The explosive projectile includes an open-ended pipe, a detonation line wrapped about the pipe and extending away therefrom and through the housing, an explosive material disposed about and in contact with the detonation line wrapped about the pipe. The explosive projectile also includes a first donut-shaped plate at one end of the pipe, a second donut-shaped plate at another end of the pipe, and a third donut-shaped plate coupled to and spaced-apart from the second donut-shaped plate. A flow path extends through the plates and the pipe.

Abstract: Perforation devices including gas supply structures and methods of utilizing the same. The perforation devices include a magazine, a barrel, an action, and the gas supply structure. The magazine is configured to contain a plurality of cartridges. The barrel extends between a breech, which is configured to receive a selected cartridge of the plurality of cartridges that includes a selected projectile, and a muzzle, which is configured, upon firing of the selected cartridge, to permit the selected projectile to exit the barrel at a muzzle velocity and with a muzzle trajectory. The action is configured to transfer the selected cartridge from the magazine to the breech of the barrel and to fire the selected cartridge. The gas supply structure is configured to provide a gas stream to the barrel and includes a surface gas source and a gas supply conduit extending between the surface gas source and the barrel.

Abstract: A device for penetrating the earth includes a hollow cylindrical housing holding a computer controller that automatically controls the device. A battery within the housing supplies power for the components. A hydraulic system within the housing engages the earth to resist movement of the housing when required and to push the housing downward if needed. A drill head shaft slides up and down within the housing. The main body of the drill head is located below the housing. The drill head has a diameter that is larger than that of the housing. A semi-auto cartridge chamber within the housing cyclically fires cartridges above the shaft to propel it downward. When the housing is not heavy enough to resist upward reaction thrust from a cartridge explosion or to fall downward following the drill head then the computer activates the hydraulic system to engage the earth.

Abstract: This invention provides a structure for gunpowder charge for charging gunpowders of different rates in combined fracturing perforation devices. The structure for gunpowder charge is convenient to mount and transport. In one embodiment, said structure for gunpowder charge comprises an inner gunpowder box located between adjacent perforating charges in the charge frame of a perforation device, and an outer gunpowder box attached to the outer wall of the charge frame, wherein said outer gunpowder box comprises one or two box units (2 or 4) with at least one claw at the inner side of said box unit, said claw can be locked into a groove or installation hole of the charge frame, and wherein said inner gunpowder box and said outer gunpowder box are charged with gunpowders of different burning rates.

Abstract: A perforation tool assembly is provided. The perforation tool assembly comprises an energy train, a first perforation gun, and a second perforation gun. The energy train comprises a moderator to reduce the speed of propagation of a detonation in a direction parallel to the axis of the perforation tool assembly. The first perforation gun comprises a plurality of explosive charges coupled to a first portion of the energy train. The second perforation gun comprises a plurality of explosive charges coupled to a second portion of the energy train, wherein the second portion of the energy train is coupled to the first portion of the energy train.

Abstract: A method can include interconnecting a well tool in a well tool assembly with a shock mitigating connection, the interconnecting being performed without threading, and positioning the well tool assembly in a wellbore. A well perforating assembly can include at least two perforating devices, a detonation train extending through the perforating devices, and a shock absorber positioned between the perforating devices. A method of assembling a perforating assembly can include, prior to installing the perforating assembly in a wellbore, pushing one perforating device connector into another perforating device connector without threading the connectors together, thereby: a) preventing disconnection of the connectors and b) making a connection in a detonation train. A well system can include a perforating assembly including multiple perforating guns and multiple shock absorbers. Each shock absorber may be interconnected between at least two of the perforating guns.

Abstract: A perforation tool assembly comprises an energy train, a first perforation gun, and a second perforation gun. The energy train comprises a moderator to reduce the speed of propagation of a detonation in a direction parallel to the axis of the perforation tool assembly. The first perforation gun comprises a plurality of explosive charges coupled to a first portion of the energy train. The second perforation gun comprises a plurality of explosive charges coupled to a second portion of the energy train, wherein the second portion of the energy train is coupled to the first portion of the energy train.

Abstract: A system for automated control of a machine having a ground engaging work implement includes an implement load sensor system. A controller determines a change in terrain based at least in part upon a change in the load on the ground engaging work implement. If the change in terrain exceeds a threshold, the controller generates an alert command signal. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A shaped charge having a charge case and liner with an outer layer and an inner layer. The liner is a generally hollow frustoconically shaped member with an open end and a closed end, where the closed end of the liner inserts into an opening in the charge case. An explosive is provided between the liner and the charge case. The inner layer of the liner includes a higher density material than material used for forming the outer layer.

Abstract: A combined fracturing and perforating method and device for oil and gas well are disclosed. The method utilizes an explosion of a perforating charge (5) in a combined fracturing perforator to ignite primary gunpowder in the perforator, and burning of the primary gunpowder ignites secondary gunpowder in the perforator. The body of the perforating gun in the combined fracturing and perforating device is provided with pressure releasing hole (8) which is directly facing the jet direction of said perforating charge, and sealing sheet (9) is arranged on said pressure releasing hole (8). Inner gunpowder box (6), which contains the primary gunpowder, and outer gunpowder box (7), which contains the secondary gunpowder, are mounted on the cylindrical charge frame (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for explosive drilling. Explosive capsules are fired by a firing device at a material to be stripped. A high degree of safety is attained in that use is made of an explosive with liquid oxygen that is only produced immediately before its application.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for explosive drilling. Explosive capsules are fired by a firing device at a material to be stripped. A high degree of safety is attained in that use is made of an explosive with liquid oxygen that is only produced immediately before its application.

Abstract: A perforator charge includes a case formed of a material blend that includes a reactive material that is activated during explosive detonation of the perforator charge. An explosive and a liner are contained in the case, with the liner to collapse in response to detonation of the explosive.

Abstract: A method of using the Earth mantle substance for hydrogen production. Area of application is production of cheap and efficient energy resources, in particular, a fuel for internal-combustion engine. The substance of invention is an exploration of continental and oceanic rifting areas, supported by abnormal mantle diapers with the mantle substance fingers outlet into the Earth's crust. The mantle substance wells drilling with help of turbodrills. A reaction cavity can be formed by injection and production wells linkage and/or production wells reaming after the well inlet into the mantle substance. The water is supplied into the injection well, and hydrogen gas, produced in reaction of water with intermetallic compounds, contained in the mantle substance, is brought to the surface by the production well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to make a perforating gun for use in oil and natural gas wells comprising the steps of: obtaining a length of a first tube; cutting scallop holes into the first tube forming an outer layer; placing the outer layer in a holder; cutting a second tube to the approximate length of the outer layer; pulling the second tube into the outer layer forming a laminate structure having a first and second end; repeating the process for a desired number of layers in the laminate structure; machining internal structures into the laminate structure; inserting the loading tube into the laminate structure; and forming thread protectors in the first end and the second end of the laminate structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling and penetrating hard materials utilizes a high velocity gun system that fires multiple shots of a projectile and an energetic slurry at the surface of the material to be penetrated. The penetrating device includes one or more firing barrels that are loaded with a propellant, a projectile and an energetic (explosive) slurry, and are controlled to fire in a preselected firing sequence. The projectile enters the material to be penetrated generating a hole into which the energetic slurry is also fired. The energetic slurry detonates upon contact with the material causing an explosion that further fractures the material and which blows the material out of the hole. The process is repeated until a desired penetration depth is obtained.

Abstract: A multi-function apparatus designated as a “Liner Stub Assembly”, run in and set in an existing cased well at the end of a work pipe string is used to add a liner-equipped branch well to an existing cased well in a way which provides full access to both wells. Pre-fabricated mobile straight tubular connectors (Liner Stubs) are installed and sealed by on-board explosive means which accurately cut a window of pre-determined shape and dimensions in the existing well casing and weld to it the Liner Stub's stop collar to make downhole a leak-proof tubular junction of the two wells, by means of such short connectors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling and penetrating hard materials utilizes a high velocity gun system that fires multiple shots of a projectile and an energetic slurry at the surface of the material to be penetrated. The penetrating device includes one or more firing barrels that are loaded with a propellant, a projectile and an energetic (explosive) slurry, and are controlled to fire in a preselected firing sequence. The projectile enters the material to be penetrated generating a hole into which the energetic slurry is also fired. The energetic slurry detonates upon contact with the material causing an explosion that further fractures the material and which blows the material out of the hole. The process is repeated until a desired penetration depth is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the cross slope created by a work implement on an earth moving machine. The method includes the steps of determining a position of the work implement, determining a direction of travel of the machine, and responsively determining the cross slope.