Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gullet mandrel for fluid flow optimization in a wellbore. The gullet mandrel may be coupled to a downhole valve, such that a tubing string in a wellbore will have a plurality of valves coupled to a plurality of mandrels. Each gullet mandrel may have a valve recess and one or more gullets (or grooves) located in an exterior portion of the mandrel body. The gullets may have a wide variety of configurations, and may be formed in a portion, a majority, or substantially all of the mandrel. The gullets may direct movement of fluid exterior to the tubing string and help force fluid into a laminar or linear flow pattern and prevent the formation of slug flows and/or lessen the problems encountered by slug flows. The disclosed gullet mandrel may be used in any fluid injection or production operation, such as gas-lift operations.

Abstract: A float equipment attachment assembly includes a float equipment for mounting to a tubing string. The float equipment includes a tubular body and a plurality of gripping arms extending longitudinally away from the tubular body arranged to deflect radially inwards. An attachment sleeve has an inner diameter tapered to form a conical abutment portion. The attachment sleeve and float equipment are arranged axially around the tubing string and are pressed together. The gripping arms are deflected radially inward by the conical abutment portion to grip the tubing string to mount the float equipment to the tubing string.

Abstract: For clearing of the bore liners of geothermal wells, disclosed is a clearing tool that can be used without a drive motor, but with a drive hammer, to clear mineral deposits from the inside of the bore liners of geothermal wells. A forward end clears unwanted material from a live well. An aft end engages with a hammer device. The tool also has working surfaces to bear against and to cut through or to break up the unwanted material, at least one bypass passage conveying fluid from the live well through the clearing tool, and at least one exhaust passage communicating with the hammer device and conveying exhaust gases from the hammer to exhaust exit ports. The location of at least one exhaust exit port is a location that is situated aft of a forward face of the forward end of the clearing tool.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stabilizer (10) for a steerable drilling system, in particular for use in drilling directional boreholes for oil and gas extraction. There is provided a stabilizer (10) for a steerable drilling system having a first passageway (16) and a second passageway (18) at its outer surface, the passageways being helical and extending along the length of the stabilizer, the first and second passageways being oppositely-oriented, the first and second passageways intersecting one another, the stabilizer having a number of blades (22) between the passageways, the cross-sectional area of the first passageway being larger than the cross-sectional area of the second passageway. The asymmetric passageways enable the stabilizer designer to enhance the performance of the stabilizer during drilling and tripping.

Abstract: Rotary drill bits may include on or more cutting element assemblies which include a cutter and a mounting system. In one embodiment, the mounting system includes a housing, a first bearing component disposed within the housing, and a second bearing component associated with the cutting element. In certain embodiments, the bearing components may comprise a table of superhard material bonded with a substrate. In one or more embodiments, the bearing components may include bearing surfaces that are arcuate. For example, the bearing surfaces may be substantially spherical (a portion of a sphere). The bearing components may be arranged to act as a radial bearing as well as a thrust bearing for the cutting element, enabling the cutting element to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the cutter, relative to the housing, while also enabling the longitudinal axis of the cutter to be displaced (change angles) relative to the housing.

Abstract: Cutting elements for use with earth-boring tools include a cutting table having at least two sections where a boundary between the at least two sections is at least partially defined by a discontinuity formed in the cutting table. Earth-boring tools including a tool body and a plurality of cutting elements carried by the tool body. The cutting elements include a cutting table secured to a substrate. The cutting table includes a plurality of adjacent sections, each having a discrete cutting edge where at least one section is configured to be selectively detached from the substrate in order to substantially expose a cutting edge of an adjacent section. Methods for fabricating cutting elements for use with an earth-boring tool including forming a cutting table comprising a plurality of adjacent sections.

Abstract: The inner bit is provided with: a supply hole which is open at the distal end portion of the inner bit; and a discharge groove which is formed in an outer peripheral surface of the inner bit and extends in the direction of the axial line. The supply hole is provided with: a distal end blow hole which is open in a distal end surface of the distal end portion of the inner bit; and an outer peripheral blow hole which is open in an outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the inner bit. An outer peripheral groove via which the outer peripheral blow hole communicates with the discharge groove is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the inner bit. The outer peripheral groove is covered with the ring bit from the outside in a radial direction.

Abstract: A cutting assembly suitable for use on a drillable drill bit includes one or more cutting members comprising pre-formed pockets. A set of one or more cutters are located within the pre-formed pockets. A detachment facilitating feature is located at the interface between the cutting members and the cutters.

Abstract: Systems, assemblies, and methods are described which relate to drilling a lateral borehole from a primary wellbore. A primary wellbore may have a casing therein. A window may be milled in the casing using a casing bit. The casing bit may pass through the window and into the surrounding formation. A protective sheath coupled to the casing bit may also extend through the window. The casing bit and protective sheath may remain in place while a drill bit slides through the protective sheath. The drill bit may drill through the casing bit and drill the formation to extend the lateral borehole. An anchor may be used to secure the protective sheath and/or casing bit in place. The drill bit may be included in a single trip assembly with the casing bit and protective sheath.

Abstract: Wellbore cleaning bits include a bit body, at least one cutting structure on the bit body, and a shank configured to attach the bit body to a drill string. Drilling systems for cleaning wellbores include a wellbore cleaning bit coupled to a drill string. The wellbore cleaning bit may include a casing bit body and a shank attached to the casing bit body and the drill string. A casing bit may be attached to a shank having a connection portion configured for attachment to a drill string to form wellbore cleaning bits for cleaning at least a section of a wellbore. Furthermore, a casing bit may be advanced into a wellbore using a drill string to clean a wellbore.

Abstract: Earth-boring casing shoes include a crown configured for at least one of drilling and reaming a wellbore when the crown is attached to a section of casing and the casing is advanced into a wellbore. The crown includes a body comprising a corrodible composite material, and at least one cutting structure carried on the body. The casing shoes further include a connection structure configured for attachment to a section of casing. Methods are used to form such casing shoes, and such casing shoes are used to install casing within wellbores.

Abstract: Earth-boring casing shoes include a crown configured for at least one of drilling and reaming a wellbore when the crown is attached to a section of casing and the casing is advanced into a wellbore. The crown includes a body comprising a corrodible composite material, and at least one cutting structure carried on the body. The casing shoes further include a connection structure configured for attachment to a section of casing. Methods are used to form such casing shoes, and such casing shoes are used to install casing within wellbores.

Abstract: A tubing shoe is disclosed with a body adapted to be connected to a section of tubing to be emplaced in a wellbore and a nose provided on the body, wherein the nose includes a failure guide structure for controlling break-up of the nose upon being drilled out from inside the nose. The failure guide structure typically controls break up by limiting the maximum size of pieces of the nose broken off upon drill out, for example, by defining weakened areas of the nose which are prone to failure upon drilling. The failure guide structure can include discontinuities such as slots or bores formed or drilled into the outer surface of the nose. The failure guide structure controls the break up of the nose in a consistent and predictable manner, and typically at a predictable stage during the drill-out process.

Abstract: A drilling system for boring into ground includes a bottom hole assembly having a rotatable casing shoe, an independently rotatable driveshaft disposed within the casing shoe, and a bearing housing interdisposed between the driveshaft and the casing shoe to control a distance between a centerline of the driveshaft and a centerline of the casing shoe. The driveshaft includes a bit disposed at a distal end thereof, extending beyond the casing shoe distal end. The driveshaft centerline and the casing shoe centerline are substantially parallel and radially offset.

Abstract: A method for coupling an earth pipe into the ground when utilizing an apparatus that has a drilling device including a casing part and a drilling unit inside thereof. The drilling unit includes a first drilling member for drilling a center hole and a second drilling member for reaming the center hole for the casing part. The casing part is arranged to be drawn into the hole by the first and/or second drilling member. After drilling a hole for the earth pipe and lifting up the first drilling member, a solidifying mass is led to the bottom of the hole to couple the earth pipe to the surrounding ground. The solidifying mass is brought in the casing part utilizing a flow-through assembly at a lower end of the casing part into a space between an outer surface of the casing part and the hole. Also an apparatus operating.

Abstract: A casing end tool has a bowl-like (or cup-like) body defined by a wall having an outer convex surface and an inner concave surface opposite of the outer convex surface. The bowl-like body has a center axis. The inner concave surface is non-axisymmetric with respect to the center axis, while the outer convex surface is axisymmetric with respect to the center axis. The non-axisymmetric configuration is provided in one implementation through the presence of a set of raised boss or land structures formed on the inner concave surface. In another implementation, the non-axisymmetric configuration is provided by channels formed in the inner concave surface.

Abstract: An earth removal member for drilling a wellbore with casing or liner includes a tubular body and a head. The head is fastened to or formed with an end of the body, has a face and a side, is made from a high strength material, and has a port formed through the face. The earth removal member further includes a blade. The blade is formed on the head, extends from the side and along the face, and is made from the high strength material. The earth removal member further includes cutters disposed along the blade; and a nozzle adapter. The nozzle adapter has a port formed therethrough, is longitudinally and rotationally coupled to the head, and is made from a drillable material. The earth removal member further includes a nozzle disposed in the adapter port and fastened to the nozzle adapter.

Abstract: Casing shoes comprise a nose portion having an inner profile and an outer profile. At least one cutting structure is on the outer profile. A stem section extends longitudinally from the nose portion. At least one of a float valve mechanism, a cementing stage tool, a float collar mechanism, and a landing collar structure is disposed within the stem section. Methods of installing sections of casing within wellbores comprise advancing the at least one section of casing into contact with subterranean formation material with a casing shoe attached thereto. At least one of a float valve mechanism, a cementing stage tool, a float collar mechanism, and a landing collar structure is carried within the casing shoe into the wellbore. The wellbore is drilled or reamed using at least one cutting structure on the casing shoe as the at least one section of casing is advanced into the wellbore.

Abstract: Earth-boring casing shoes include a crown configured for at least one of drilling and reaming a wellbore when the crown is attached to a section of casing and the casing is advanced into a wellbore. The crown includes a body comprising a corrodible composite material, and at least one cutting structure carried on the body. The casing shoes further include connection structure configured for attachment to a section of casing. Methods are used to form such casing shoes, and such casing shoes are used to install casing within wellbores.

Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough. Cutting elements and methods of use may be included. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element may be included. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements may be included. Telescoping casing sections and bits may be included. Embodiments may include: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.

Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough. Cutting elements and methods of use may be included. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element may be included. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements may be included. Telescoping casing sections and bits may be included. Embodiments may include: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.

Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough. Cutting elements and methods of use may be included. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element may be included. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements may be included. Telescoping casing sections and bits may be included. Embodiments may include: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.

Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from a nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of a plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an earth removal member with features for facilitating drill-through. In one embodiment, an earth removal member for drilling a wellbore with casing or liner includes a tubular body and a head. The head is fastened to or formed with an end of the body, has a face and a side, is made from a high strength material, and has a port formed through the face. The earth removal member further includes a blade. The blade is formed on the head, extends from the side and along the face, and is made from the high strength material. The earth removal member further includes cutters disposed along the blade; and a nozzle adapter. The nozzle adapter has a port formed therethrough, is longitudinally and rotationally coupled to the head, and is made from a drillable material. The earth removal member further includes a nozzle disposed in the adapter port and fastened to the nozzle adapter.

Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from a nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.

Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from a nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.

Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.

Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.

Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.

Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.

Abstract: A casing end tool has a mandrel and a body that is defined by a wall having an outer surface and an inner surface opposite of the outer surface. The body is fabricated from crystalline tungsten powder and a binder material. The inner surface includes a set of raised bosses or land structures. The body includes a plurality of blades on the outer surface. Each blade has a plurality of cutters. Blade channels and cutter channels on the blades enhance fragmentation of the body during drill out of the casing end tool.

Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from a nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an assembly for forming a cased well. The assembly may include an undercut drillable cementing shoe with a casing string connection at a first end. The shoe includes external tubing that forms a second end of the shoe and has a first section defining an enlarged inner diameter relative to a second section of the external tubing. The assembly may also include an earth removal member coupled to the second end of the shoe. The first section of the shoe is disposed between the earth removal member and the second section of the shoe. In another embodiment, the assembly may include a casing string having a first portion with a larger inner diameter than a second portion. The assembly may also include an earth removal member coupled to an end of the casing string. The first portion of the casing string is disposed between the earth removal member and the second portion of the casing string.

Abstract: An apparatus for reaming a wellbore without rotating a tubular string that is extendable to a surface. A mandrel (102) is coupled to a downhole end of the tubular string. The mandrel (102) has at least one groove (110) in a sidewall portion thereof. A sleeve (112) is operably associated with the mandrel (102) such that longitudinal travel of the mandrel (102) relative to the sleeve (112) shifts the sleeve (112) between extended and contracted positions relative to the mandrel (102). A reamer shoe (122) is coupled to a downhole end of the sleeve (112). At least one coupling device (116) is operably associated with the sleeve (112) and extendable into the at least one groove (110) such that longitudinal travel of the mandrel (102) relative to the sleeve (112) caused the sleeve (112) to rotate relative to the mandrel (102), thereby rotating the reamer shoe (122).

Abstract: A tubing shoe (10) for use on work strings in well bores as are typically utilised in oil and gas production. The shoe comprises a cylindrical body (12) upon which is arranged a reaming portion (22) including pairs of teardrop shaped raised reaming members (26), each pair being mounted oppositely, in parallel and longitudinally along the body. Adjacent pairs of members provide a funnel (42) for collecting approaching debris and a channel for grinding the debris. A nose (14) may be mounted on the end of the shoe, the nose being eccentric or including cutting blades to assist the shoe in breaking through shale and clay stone bridges. A non-aggressive stabiliser (54) in the form of helically arranged blades may also be located on shoe.

Abstract: A drill bit (20) for connection to a casing string (R), wherein the bit (20) comprises an annular bit face (21) which is built-up by a matrix and which comprises a sintered diamond-metal powder mixture, wherein the bit face (21) includes a plurality of radially orientated liquid delivery slots (16, 23, 26) for cooling and cleansing the bit face (21), wherein at least one of the liquid delivery slots is comprised of an inner slot (23) which extends radially outwards from the inside (24) of the bit face (21), wherein the slot (23) is terminated with an inner bottom (24) in the bit face (21), wherein a further liquid delivery slot comprises an outer slot (26) that extends radially inwards from the outside (27) of the bit face, and wherein said outer slot is terminated with an outer bottom (28) in the bit face (21).

Abstract: Casing bits include an expander for enlarging an inner diameter of expandable casing at least partially disposed within a body of the casing bits. Drilling assemblies include a casing bit attached to an end of expandable casing, and an expander disposed in proximity to the casing bit and a distal end of the expandable casing. Methods of forming casing bits include positioning an expander in proximity to a body of a casing bit. Methods of forming drilling assemblies include positioning an expander in proximity to a body of a casing bit and a distal end of expandable casing, and attaching the casing bit to the end of the expandable casing. Methods of casing a wellbore include one or both of drilling and reaming a wellbore using a casing bit attached to a distal end of expandable casing, and forcing an expander through the expandable casing.

Abstract: A casing end tool has a bowl-like (or cup-like) body defined by a wall having an outer convex surface and an inner concave surface opposite of the outer convex surface. The bowl-like body has a center axis. The inner concave surface is non-axisymmetric with respect to the center axis, while the outer convex surface is axisymmetric with respect to the center axis. The non-axisymmetric configuration is provided in one implementation through the presence of a set of raised boss or land structures formed on the inner concave surface.

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: An earth boring bit assembly has a tubular mandrel carried by a casing shoe at the lower end of a string of casing. The casing shoe has stabilizer blades spaced circumferentially apart from each other. A cutter arm seat is formed on the leading edge of each blade at a lower end of the casing shoe. Windows are formed in and spaced circumferentially around the mandrel. A cutter arm is pivotally mounted within each window of the mandrel and movable from an extended position located within one of the cutter arm seats to a recessed position within its window. The cutter arm seats support the cutter arms for torque and axial weight. A sleeve inside the mandrel prevents the cutter arms from pivoting to a recessed position until the sleeve is moved to a released position.

Abstract: A novel well bore drilling system and method utilizes independently deployable multiple tubular strings to drill, line and cement multiple hole sections without intervening trips to the surface. In one embodiment, the drilling system includes two or more independent, telescoping, tubular members that form a nested tubular assembly and one or more sensors disposed on the nested tubular assembly. The nested tubular string is deployed in the wellbore in conjunction with a Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA). In some embodiments, a drilling motor for rotating a drill bit is also positioned in the tubular assembly. The sensors can be disposed in a stator of the drilling motor or adjacent the motor. Also, in embodiments, the sensors can be positioned on extensible members that can position the sensor or sensors adjacent the wellbore wall.

Abstract: A hole coring system for drilling large diameter holes with a handheld tool. The drill bit is guided by a mandrel attached to the concrete and serves as a central guidepost that ensures precise centering of the drill bit. Commonly available tools may be used to rotate the drill bit. A lever arm may be attached to the tool and used to resist any torquing action. Additionally, a brace may be attached to the lever arm which may be used to resist any torquing action.

Abstract: An earth boring bit assembly has a tubular mandrel carried by a casing shoe at the lower end of a string of casing. The casing shoe has stabilizer blades spaced circumferentially apart from each other. A cutter arm seat is formed on the leading edge of each blade at a lower end of the casing shoe. Windows are formed in and spaced circumferentially around the mandrel. A cutter arm is pivotally mounted within each window of the mandrel and movable from an extended position located within one of the cutter arm seats to a recessed position within its window. The cutter arm seats support the cutter arms for torque and axial weight. A sleeve inside the mandrel prevents the cutter arms from pivoting to a recessed position until the sleeve is moved to a released position.

Abstract: A method of running a tubular string into a wellbore comprises running a bore-lining tubular string into a wellbore substantially without rotation, while rotating a cutting structure at a distal leading end of the tubular string. Other methods provide for rotation of the string and the provision of a non-rotating stabiliser towards the leading end of the string.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling holes in a substrate wherein a mandrel is anchored to the substrate. A hollow drill bit rotates about the mandrel via a drive motor and is a guided along a length of the mandrel.

Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide methods and apparatus for forming a tubular-lined wellbore which does not decrease in diameter with increasing depth or length. Methods and apparatus for forming a substantially monobore well while drilling with casing are provided. In one aspect, a portion of a second casing is expanded into a portion of a first casing having a larger inner diameter than the remaining portion of the first casing string. In another aspect, the portion of the second casing is expanded into a portion of the first casing having a compressible member therearound. In another aspect, a lined lateral wellbore may be constructed by forming a lateral wellbore extending from a main wellbore lined with casing. A diameter of at least a portion of the lateral wellbore may be expanded. An expandable tubular element may be run into lateral wellbore and expanded to have an inner diameter equal to or larger than an inner diameter of the main wellbore casing.

Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling casing in a well bore. The drill bit is constructed from a combination of relatively soft and relatively hard materials. The proportions of the materials are selected such that the drill bit provides suitable cutting and boring of the well bore while being able to be drilled through by a subsequent drill bit. Methods of applying hard materials to a soft material body are provided.

Abstract: A flightless rock auger is used for drilling postholes through rock with the use of hydraulic pressure and at slow revolution per minute. The rock auger is used in combination with a conventional flighted auger used for drilling postholes in dirt and clay. During a posthole drilling operation, the rock auger is substituted for a conventional flighted auger as needed for drilling through and removing rock or other hard material such as concrete from the posthole. The rock auger is designed for use at very low revolutions per minute and can function utilizing only the weight of the auger; however, the rock auger is designed for use with pressure drilling units as well for cutting a circular hole through the rock and forming a plug which is to be lodged in the cavity of the rock auger cylinder to be removed from the posthole.