Abstract: Tension monitoring is described using a sensor which may exhibit an offset for which compensation may be provided to produce a zero voltage amplified output or to increase dynamic range. An arrangement determines whether a power reset is responsive to a battery bounce such that an initially-measured system start-up parameter can be retained. The start-up parameter is automatically saved at start-up if the power reset is responsive to a start-up from a shut-down condition. The start-up parameter may be a zero tension amplified output responsive to the sensor offset at zero tension. Protection of a tension data set is provided such that no opportunity for altering the data set is presented prior to transfer of the data set. A housing configuration forms part of an electrical power circuit for providing electrical power to an electronics package from a battery.

Abstract: An erosive jet can propel degradable, abrasive grit conveyed in a carrier fluid to erode a downhole structure, such as a tubular (e.g., cutting through a tubular) or formation (e.g., perforation actions). The abrasive grit can be selected to degrade or dissolve in the wellbore fluid (e.g., in carrier fluid pumped into the wellbore or in fluid originating from the wellbore). The abrasive grit can provide increased cutting or erosion efficiency in the erosive jet during the cutting operation, then may degrade (e.g., dissolve) in the wellbore fluid to avoid certain complications, such as clogging or residue build-up in the wellbore formation or on downhole equipment. A degradation accelerator can be introduced (e.g., in carrier fluid) to accelerate degradation of the abrasive grit in the wellbore fluid. Degradation accelerators can be temperature-activated, pH-activated, or otherwise time-delayed so the abrasive grit remains sufficiently intact to perform the desired erosion operation.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a bit body and an internal plenum in the bit body. In addition, the drill bit includes a first flow passage extending from the internal plenum to a bit face. Still further, the drill bit includes a nozzle assembly secured to the bit body at a downhole end of the flow passage. The nozzle assembly has a central axis and includes an outer sleeve and an inner nozzle extending axially through the outer sleeve. The inner nozzle has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a radially inner surface extending axially from the first end to the second end. The radially inner surface defines a second flow passage. The inner nozzle also includes a choke disposed along the second flow passage and a side outlet extending radially from the outer surface to the inner surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring the size of a round object. Apparatus and methods for checking that a drop ball used in a well fracturing process has a predetermined diameter before being introduced into the wellbore.

Abstract: A pile driving assembly for installing a pile in an underwater bottom comprises a tubular pile and a hammer for driving the pile into an underwater bottom. The assembly is provided with a soil remover for removing soil inside the pile. The soil remover is located below the hammer and remote from a lower end of the pile in assembled operating condition.

Abstract: A wellbore treatment fluid comprising: a base fluid; and a fluid loss additive package, the fluid loss additive package comprising: a water-swellable, superabsorbent polymer; a derivatized cellulose; and non-swellable particles that are insoluble in the base fluid. A method of drilling a wellbore into a subterranean formation comprising: providing the drilling fluid; and forming the wellbore using a drill bit and the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A fluid spray for an underground roof support includes a first housing portion, a spray outlet, a second housing portion formed integrally with the first housing portion, and a service port. The first housing portion includes an elongated shaft having a first end, a second end, and a first fluid passage extending between the first end and the second end. The spray outlet is positioned adjacent the second end of the shaft. The second housing portion is positioned adjacent the first end of the shaft. The second housing portion includes at least one port and a second fluid passage between the at least one port and the first fluid passage. The service port is aligned with the first fluid passage, and the service port is selectively opened to provide access to the first fluid passage from the first end of the first housing portion.

Abstract: This disclosure is related to downhole tool having an erosion resistant material metalurgically bonded to portions of the downhole tool. The downhole tool can have the erosion resistant material can be disposed on predetermined portions of inner and outer surfaces of the downhole tool. The disclosure is also related to a method of using the downhole tool described herein.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for solution mining using cycling process in which a solvent is injected into underground useful ores to dissolve the useful ores and then collected again to obtain the useful ores. The cycling solution mining method includes a boring process for excavating the underground up to an ore deposit, a fracturing process to generate cracks in the ore deposit, an injection process for inserting a mining apparatus including an insertion rod having a pipe shape up to a lower portion of the well to inject a solvent that dissolves the useful ores into the ore deposit through the insertion rod, wherein a rotation force is applied to the solvent discharged from the insertion rod to increase a diffusion force of the solvent, and a production process for collecting the solvent, in which the useful ores are dissolved, again.

Abstract: A jetting nozzle for forming boreholes or for cleaning out other tubular formations has a vibration-inducing mechanism that maximizing penetration rates and expands the diameter of the boreholes. The vibration-inducing mechanism can be an internal turbine responsive to the flow of pressurized jetting fluid through the nozzle. The nozzle has forward openings defining a voraxial spray pattern for the forward-directed jetting portion of the fluid exiting the nozzle. The nozzle can also have a pointed end that is adapted to penetrate the formation. The vibration also reduces friction between the fluid supply hose and the borehole being jetted through the formation by the nozzle. A system for forming boreholes with the jetting nozzle and a method of forming boreholes is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulic borehole mining system controlled and operated above-ground includes a high-pressure cutting nozzle that is delivered to an underground resource body through a relatively small diameter borehole. A series of water and air fluid streams at various pressures are delivered to the resource body, and the target resource is disaggregated and/or fluidized and conveyed back to surface via the hydraulic borehole mining pipe which serves as the conveyor of the system. The mining pipe is used to transport a high-pressure stream of combined air and water fluids that have been directed and aligned into laminar flow to a focused water jet cutting head. The central bore of the mining pipe brings the slurrified resource to the surface. The mining pipe transports the slurry via hydraulic airlift, fluid eduction or both.

Abstract: A fracturing jet nozzle assembly features a series of angles nozzles on a rotatably mounted plate that operates in conjunction with a central nozzle or nozzles. The slanted nozzles are aimed into the perforation where the central nozzle is aimed directly so that the rotation of the nozzle plate from the slanted nozzles results in cyclic impacts in the perforation from where the fractures will propagate. The cyclic loading results in greater fracture formation and propagation. In another variation, relatively movable plates employing slanted nozzles rotate one plate with respect to another to get the effect of cyclic pulses of jetting fluid impingement in the perforation to enhance formation and propagation of fractures from the perforation.

Abstract: A method for drilling a borehole in an earthen formation comprises (a) providing a drilling system including a drillstring having a longitudinal axis, a bottom-hole assembly coupled to a lower end of the drillstring, and a drill bit coupled to a lower end of the bottom-hole assembly. In addition, the method comprises (b) rotating the drill bit at a rotational speed. Further, the method comprises (c) applying weight-on-bit to the drill bit and advancing the drill bit through the formation to form the borehole. Still further, the method comprises (d) pumping a drilling fluid down the drillstring to the drill bit. The drilling fluid has a flow rate down the drillstring. Moreover, the method comprises (e) oscillating the rotational speed of the drill bit during (c). The method also comprises (f) generating non-steady state conditions in the borehole during (e).

Abstract: A method and system are provided for injecting high pressure abrasive fluid into an abrasive jet tool. The method and system comprise a slurry tank connected to an abrasive hopper and a low pressure abrasive pump for circulating abrasive slurry and transferring the slurry to a high pressure vessel. The method and system also contain a high pressure non-abrasive pump connected to a high pressure valve for pressurizing the high pressure vessel prior to injecting abrasive fluid into the abrasive jet tool.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for boring into the earth near a Kudzu vine root system to apply herbicidal helium gas to the roots and eradicate the Kudzu vine. The technique uses a perforated tube with a drill bit that protrudes from one end of the tube to bore into the earth near the vine roots. Boring is stopped when all of the tube perforations are below the earth's surface. About 0.5 cubic meters of helium gas are applied to flow through the tube enabling the helium gas to flow out through the tube perforations and attack the Kudzu vine through the vine's root system.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for abrasive jet fluid cutting is provided wherein an abrasive jet fluid cutting assembly comprises a hose for receiving a coherent abrasive jet-fluid containing a solid abrasive; a helix/spring attached inside the high-pressure hose; and a jet-nozzle connected to the hose. Wherein the coherent abrasive laden jet-fluid is pumped under high pressure through the high-pressure hose and across the helix. As the jet-fluid traverses the helix, the jet-fluid rotates at a high rate creating a vortex. The disclosed subject matter further includes a system and method for using the abrasive jet fluid cutting nozzle assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the amount of torque transferred to the Bottom Hole Assembly and the drill string during drilling operations are disclosed. The drill string includes an optionally non-rotatable portion. A rotational hold down system is positioned at a first position on the drill string where it is not rotationally coupled to the drill string. The rotational hold down system is then moved to a second position on the drill string where it is rotationally coupled to the optionally non-rotatable portion of the drill string. In the second position, one or more bars on the rotational hold down system substantially prevent rotation of the optionally non-rotatable portion of the drill string.

Abstract: A downhole hydraulic tool employing multiple nozzles in a selectable fashion from an oilfield surface. At least one of the nozzles of the tool is equipped with a burst disk such that fluid pressure directed from the surface may be utilized in activating the nozzle. The pressure may be driven to exceed a predetermined level for sake of the activating by way of sealing off access to other nozzle(s) therebelow, for example, by way of standard ball drop techniques. Thus, nozzle selectivity may be taken advantage of when a first nozzle wears out without requiring time consuming removal of the tool from the well for sake of remedial repairs or replacement.

Abstract: A fracturing jet nozzle assembly has nested telescoping sections that each have nozzles in them. The outermost stage makes for a large perforation as it and the adjacent stages begin extension. As the stage adjacent the outermost stage continues to extend into the perforation and reaches maximum extension the nozzles in the outermost stage are cut off from fracturing fluid flow and that flow is in turn redirected to the remaining stages that have not yet fully extended. The innermost stage preferably does not get cut off from jet fluid flow even at its full extension.

Abstract: A downhole hydraulic tool employing multiple nozzles in a selectable fashion from an oilfield surface. At least one of the nozzles of the tool is equipped with a burst disk such that fluid pressure directed from the surface may be utilized in activating the nozzle. The pressure may be driven to exceed a predetermined level for sake of the activating by way of sealing off access to other nozzle(s) therebelow, for example, by way of standard ball drop techniques. Thus, nozzle selectivity may be taken advantage of when a first nozzle wears out without requiring time consuming removal of the tool from the well for sake of remedial repairs or replacement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a formation penetrating tool submersible into a casing in a well for hydraulically penetrating a formation and having a longitudinal tool axis, comprising a tool housing, a supply hose, slidable in the tool housing, for supplying a high pressurised fluid to a nozzle, and the tool housing having an opening through which the supply hose and the nozzle are led to penetrate the formation, wherein the formation penetrating tool further comprises a pump arranged in the tool housing, the pump being in fluid communication with the supply hose for providing a jet of fluid out of the nozzle for penetrating the formation. Furthermore, the invention relates to a downhole system comprising a formation penetrating tool according to the invention and to a method for hydraulically penetrating a formation.

Abstract: A head includes an outer cylindrical body with at least one upper inlet for fluids, at least one outlet side nozzle and at least one helical duct having a helical central line. The duct connects the upper inlet to the nozzle and imparts the fluid flowing through it a helical motion about the longitudinal axis of the outer body towards the nozzle. The helical duct is progressively tapered towards the nozzle and includes a terminal length of the duct which is radiused to the nozzle in a tapered manner, both when viewed in cross-sectional planes parallel to the longitudinal axis and tangent to the helical central line, as well as when viewed in cross-sectional planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A core barrel restraint adapted to prevent inadvertent dropping of a core barrel assembly during retrieval of a core sample can include a cup adapted to fit over an overshot and a brace adapted to be coupled to a core barrel assembly. A cable can connect the cup and brace and prevent the core barrel from falling if the overshot latch mechanism holding the core barrel assembly and overshot together fails.

Abstract: This disclosure is related to a perforator tool and a method of using the perforator tool to perforate a formation. The perforator tool can include a first and second sleeve and optionally a third sleeve. The perforator tool can also include at least one perforation opening and at least one circulation port. The sleeves are slidably disposed within the perforator tool and can be displaced to permit perforation of the formation, block the perforation openings and open circulation ports.

Abstract: A method and device for deploying a cable and an apparatus in a ground formation having a motherbore, wherein the method comprises positioning a non-rotating drill pipe, a cable and an apparatus in a motherbore tubular; and drilling a lateral opening relatively the motherbore by displacing the drill pipe into the formation with the cable and apparatus attached.

Abstract: The removal of material from the path of a high power laser beam during down hole laser operations including drilling of a borehole and removal of displaced laser effected borehole material from the borehole during laser operations. In particular, paths, dynamics and parameters of fluid flows for use in conjunction with a laser bottom hole assembly.

Abstract: A fluid drilling head for drilling a bore hole through rock. The fluid drilling head has a rotatable nozzle assembly incorporating a plurality of nozzles arranged to form fluid jets when provided with a supply of drilling fluid under pressure. The fluid jets include pilot jets directed in the general direction of movement of the drilling head and reaming jets directed generally radially and arranged to enlarge the initial hole formed by the pilot jets. A gauging ring is located behind the cutting head and sized to the intended diameter of the bore hole. The gauging ring is arranged to slide axially relative to the rotating cutting head between a rearward position where the reaming jets are exposed, and a forward position where some or all of the reaming jets are shrouded by the gauging ring and inhibited from enlarging the diameter of the bore hole.

Abstract: A tubing tray is provided for use with a pipe mat tray for receiving, organizing and storing drill pipe tripped out of a drill string on a drilling rig, the tubing tray having a planar bottom member, an orthogonal sidewall extending upwardly from the perimeter of the bottom member to form a basin for receiving the pipe mat, a chamfered sidewall extending upwardly and outwardly from the sidewall to provide clearance for a tool joint on a drill pipe placed on the pipe mat, and a handle extending around a top edge of the chamfered sidewall, the handle having a downwardly extending lip forming a finder hold thereunder. The tray can further include spikes extending downwardly from a lower surface of the bottom member, and a slot disposed through opposing lips of the handle allowing two or more tubing trays to be fastened together in a side by side configuration.

Abstract: A jetting hose is conveyed downhole retracted on the end of a tubing string (coiled tubing) for jetting lateral boreholes from a main wellbore. The apparatus allows the operator to sense the speed at which the jetting hose and nozzle are penetrating the formation and adjust the coiled tubing feed-in rate accordingly, optimizing both the direction and length of the lateral borehole relative to the main wellbore.

Abstract: An offset rock bit (12) has a steering face (28) and a shoe (30) provided by a recess formed into the steering face (28). A slot (66) formed into the shoe (30) for receiving a pull back adapter (50) in a centrally located position in the forward end of the offset rock bit (12). The pull back 5 adapter (50) has a pull back eye (52) with a central axis (62) which is aligned with a centrally disposed longitudinal axis (20) of the offset rock bit (12) and the tool string (10). This aligns the pull back eye (52) of the pull back adapter (50) with a borehole formed using the offset rock bit (12). The pull back adapter (50) also includes side edges (54, 56) which are configured for centering the pull back adapter (50) and pull back conduit within the borehole.

Abstract: A system for use in excavating a wellbore that includes a drill string and attached drill bit that has nozzles that are in fluid communication with the drill string. The system receives pressurized slurry of fluid and impactor particles and directs the slurry at a subterranean formation from the nozzles to form the wellbore. Discharge streams are formed from the slurry exiting the nozzles, the discharge streams impact and fracture the formation to remove material. The nozzles are oriented so that the streams excavate in the middle and periphery of the borehole bottom. The nozzles can be oriented to form frusto-conical spray patterns when the bit is rotated, wherein the spray patterns can intersect or overlap.

Abstract: A bearing for a wellbore tool includes a flow device. The flow device may be a pump such as a positive displacement pump or a hydrodynamic pump. In arrangements, a pump stator connects to a wellbore wall. A pump rotor rotates with a drilling motor, and/or a drill string. Rotation of the pump rotor may generate a pressure differential to displace the fluid. The pump may be configured to flow fluid across a gap between a rotating section and a non-rotating section of the bearing. The fluid may be drawn from a wellbore annulus and also returned into the wellbore annulus. The bearing may support thrust loadings and/or a radial loadings. In embodiments, inserts in the bearing may be used to filter the fluid.

Abstract: An internally rotating nozzle for facilitating drilling through a subterranean formation is rotatably mounted internally within a housing connected to a hose for receiving high pressure fluid. The rotor includes at least two tangential jets oriented off of center for ejecting fluid to generate torque and rotate the rotor and cut a substantially cylindrical tunnel in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method is for making a relatively long and narrow penetration in the ground where a jetting head that has a longitudinal axis is attached to a leading end of a tubular. The method comprises providing the jetting head with at least one fixed nozzle that is positioned at the leading end portion of the jetting head and where the fixed nozzle has an elongated cross section; and flowing liquid through the nozzle where a resulting liquid fan is directed towards the ground in front of the jetting head.

Abstract: A method of drilling into an object comprises providing a drill string in a borehole in the object, the borehole having at its bottom a borehole axis, the drill string comprising a borehole-centralized jet drill head at its lower end, the jet drill head having a drill axis, and comprising a jet nozzle; providing a stabilizer means for the drill string, the stabilizer means determining an inclination angle between the borehole axis and the drill axis; and generating a fluid jet at the jet nozzle, so as to deepen the borehole, wherein the drill string is rotated while deepening the borehole. Another system comprises a drill string with an jet drill head at its lower end, the drill head being provided with a jet nozzle, a stabilizer positioned above the jet drill head, the stabilizer contacting the borehole wall, and means for rotating the drill string.

Abstract: Method of drilling a borehole into an object, the method comprising providing a first borehole section (5) extending into the object from its surface; running a first drill string part (3a) including a fluid jet drill head (10) in the first borehole section, wherein the first drill string part comprises a length of flexible tubing; generating fluid jet so as to blast with an erosive power on an impingement area of the borehole, thereby deepening the borehole to provide a second borehole section (5a), and assembling a plurality of jointed pipe elements (11) forming a second drill string part (11a) to the top of the length of flexible tubing in the course of providing the second borehole section; and hybrid drill string (16), comprising a length of flexible (3) tubing as well as a plurality of jointed pipe elements (11), and further comprising a bottomhole assembly comprising a fluid jet drill head (10).

Abstract: A method of drilling comprises providing a drill string in a borehole, the drill string comprising an abrasive jet drill head including a jet nozzle and providing a passageway for fluid to the nozzle; supplying a supply fluid comprising a supply concentration of abrasive particles to the jet drill head; generating an jet comprising a jetting concentration of abrasive particles at the nozzle, wherein the jetting concentration depends on the supply concentration; and modulating the jetting concentration; wherein the supply concentration is modulated in order to modulate the jetting concentration. Further, an drilling assembly comprising an drill head with a jet nozzle, a passageway for fluid from a drill string to the jet nozzle, and a modulation means arranged along the fluid passageway for modulating the concentration of abrasive particles in fluid flowing through the fluid passageway towards the jet nozzle.

Abstract: A method of drilling comprises providing a drill string in a borehole, the drill siring comprising an abrasive jet drill head including a jet nozzle, and providing a fluid passageway between the object's surface and the jet nozzle; supplying a fluid mixture comprising magnetic particles to the abrasive jet drill head and blasting from the nozzle an abrasive jet into impingement with the object; and modulating a jetting concentration of magnetic particles in the abrasive jet by modulating a magnetic field a first value, at which magnetic particles are collected from the fluid mixture, and a second value, at which magnetic particles are released into the fluid mixture. Further, an abrasive jet drilling assembly comprising a modulation means for modulating the concentration of the magnetic abrasive particles in the fluid jet a modulation control means for selectively changing a magnetic field between first and second values.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing downhole operations. The apparatus can include a sealing mechanism having an inner bore formed therethrough; a check valve adjacent the sealing mechanism; a circulation device adjacent the check valve; and a rotatable nozzle adjacent the circulation device. The circulation device can include a first tubular member having a radial hole formed therethrough, and a second tubular member disposed about at least a portion of the first tubular member. The second tubular member can also have a radial hole formed therethrough, and the second tubular member can be adapted to longitudinally move about the first tubular member from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A distance holder for connection to, and rotation with, a drill string in an earth formation drilling device arranged to supply a jet of abrasive fluid for the purpose of providing a borehole by removing earth formation material through abrasion, comprises a housing with a chamber which is essentially rotational symmetric and which is to face the earth formation material, and a jet nozzle which arranged for discharging a jet of the abrasive fluid in the chamber, the housing comprising at least one slot for allowing the abrasive fluid to leave the chamber. The slot is continued over the housing outer surface so as to counteract rolling motions of the particles which are comprised in the abrasive fluid.

Abstract: A method for selecting a drilling motor for rotating a drill bit relative to a drill string made up of casing accounts for a tendency for the casing to elongate as the internal pressure increases. The increase in pressure in the casing string increases the weight on the drill bit, the amount of which may be calculated based on the size and type of the string of casing. The ratio of bit torque over the weight on the bit may be assumed to be a constant number based on empirical measurements or a theoretical model. The increase in the weight on the drill bit can be expressed in terms of the bit torque versus the casing pressure, which is a linear slope. This linear slope may be compared to the delivery torque of candidate motors.

Abstract: An earthen hole drilling device having an elongated tube with first and second ends where a source of vacuum pressure is connected to the first end and shroud is connected to the second end. A waterline is connected to a source of pressurized water at one end and extends into an interior of the shroud through an opening where the line is connected to a nozzle that is angled at 45°. The shroud additionally has at least one opening that allows air induction/conduction through the shroud in order to dislodge material that accumulates within the shroud.

Abstract: A jet drill coupled to a distal end of a flexible jet lance is lowered into a well casing and advanced through a curved passage formed in a deflection shoe oriented to direct the jet drill through an orifice milled in the well casing. The jet drill is actuated with a pressurized fluid produced by a pump on the surface that is conveyed through a high pressure hose that runs through the flexible jet lance. Force transmitted through a thrust liner of the jet lance advances the jet drill while the lateral bore is being drilled. The thrust liner comprises helical coils of steel wire providing a high elastic modulus and buckling resistance, even while passing through the curved passage. Tension cables in the jet lance maintain tension on the thrust liner and enable the assembly to be pulled from the lateral bore and well.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an abrasive jet drilling assembly. In one aspect, a resettable circulation tool for use in an abrasive jet drilling assembly is provided. The resettable circulation tool includes an inner body having a first port in fluid communication with a bore. The resettable circulation tool further includes an outer body having a second port. Additionally, the resettable circulation tool includes a cam member configured to move along one or more slots, wherein the bodies move relative to each other to selectively align and misalign the first port and the second port as the cam member moves along the slots. In another aspect, a method of using a resettable circulation tool disposed in an abrasive jet drilling assembly includes moving the first and second ports into and out of alignment.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly connected to coiled tubing to create an acid tunnel in a wellbore formation. High pressure acid is pumped down the coiled tubing and out a nozzle located at the end of the bottom hole assembly. The bottom hole assembly includes a first reversible knuckle joint and a second reversible knuckle joint to properly position the nozzle against the wellbore and to allow the assembly to adjust its angle as it initiates and moves through the lateral tunnel. The two reversible knuckle joints increases the radius of curvature of the bottom hole assembly while providing a sufficient attack angle for the nozzle against the wellbore. The two knuckle joints may be adjusted in response to loads applied on the assembly as the assembly moves through the lateral tunnel.

Abstract: A drive shoe assembly used in helping penetrate earthen formations.

Abstract: A flexible hose and a method of well drilling are provided herein. In embodiments, the hose includes a forward end, a rearward end, a thruster port and a shut-off valve. The rearward end is configured to be in fluid communication with a source of high pressure drilling fluid. The thruster port is located upstream of the forward end. The thruster port is configured to emit drilling fluid in a substantially rearward direction. The shut-off valve is located between the forward end and the thruster port and is configured to shut off flow of drilling fluid downstream.

Abstract: A jetting hose is conveyed downhole retracted within a tubing string for jetting lateral boreholes from a main wellbore, is released at the jetting depth and pumped from the tubing string and into a lateral borehole with jetting fluid. A piston is secured to the upper end of the jetting hose, and the pumped jetting fluid drives the piston. A speed control regulates the penetration rate of the jetting hose into the formation independent of the tubing string weight.

Abstract: A system and method for excavating a formation according to which at least one vessel that is selectively pressurized from a first pressure to second pressure to inject a suspension of liquid and a plurality of impactors into a formation to remove at least a portion of the formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a support aggregate pier having compacted aggregate lifts in a soil matrix, includes an elongate, hollow tube with a bulbous leading end bottom head element that is forced or lowered into the soil matrix. The hollow tube includes a mechanism for releasing aggregate from the lower head element of the tube as the tube is lifted in predetermined increments. The same hollow tube is then lowered or pushed in predetermined increments to vertically compact the released aggregate in thin aggregate lifts, while forcing a portion of the compacted aggregate transaxially into the soil matrix at the sidewalls of the cavity. The process may be repeated to form a series of compacted aggregate lifts comprising an aggregate pier or the process may include forming only a single lift for the aggregate pier while densifying adjacent matrix soils and imparting lateral stress in these soils.