Abstract: For the induction of underground collector mains, in particular for the ctruction of horizontal filter wells and drainage mains, at least one bore (1) having respectively an inlet aperture (3) and an outlet aperture (4) is introduced into predetermined layers of soil. Then a filter strand drawing in unit (5) which consists of an inner filter strand and an outer protective pipe is inducted into the respective bore (1) and finally the outer protective pump of the filter strand drawing in unit (5) is removed. The filter strand in unit is used as a tool consisting of an inner filter strand and an outer protective pipe. In a preferred further development, the intermediate space between the inner filter strand and the outer protective pipe is provided with filter sand and/or a filter gravel filling.

Abstract: A drilling machine for horizontal boring comprising a chassis, a thrust chamber, a prime mover enabling a drill connection to transmit driving power to a drilling head by way of a plurality of drill rods, a magazine for housing singular drill rods, and transfer means for moving a drill rod from the magazine to one end of the drill connection. Also disclosed is a method of drilling a horizontal bore comprising the steps of excavating a trench, locating a self propelled chassis over the trench, lowering a thrust chamber into the trench, energizing a drill head by way of a drill connection comprising at least one drill rod, urging the drill head forwardly along the bore, transferring a further drill rod to the drill connection thereby extending the drill connection, and urging the drill head forwardly again along the bore.

Abstract: A mole launcher which has a hydraulically powered, double-acting piston and cylinder unit to push or pull a slider. The slider carries a drill head connected to a drill string. The other end of the drill string carries a mole to bore an underground passage. By releasably locking the slider to the front of the launcher, the cylinder can be moved between a first position in which it projects beyond the chassis of the launcher, and a second position in which it is placed only within the length of the chassis. Thus, the mole launcher is considerably shorter in its transportation state than in its operating state.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a horizontal boring apparatus which is comprised of a remotely controlled drilling tool lowered from a self-contained vehicle into a previously drilled vertical shaft. The tool mills away a 360 degree band of metal casing adjacent to the desired area to be bored, and extends a hydraulic powered rotary drilling tool into the formation by extending and retracting a telescoping base while alternating stabilization of the base and bit end of the drilling tool much like an inch worm. The tool is designed to drill a 1 inch bore hole up to 150 feet in any direction, or several directions. The tool and tool housing contain instrumentation for sensing direction, inclination, density, and temperature.

Abstract: In a ram boring device with a essentially cylindrical ram housing (10) receiving the ram apparatus, and a displacement head (22) connected with one longitudinal end of the ram housing (10) and whose diameter at its end facing the ram housing (10) has a diameter at least equal to that of the ram housing (10), the ram boring device having a receiving space (24) for a position transmitter (28), a transmitter housing (20) containing the receiving space (24) is arranged between the displacement head (22) and the ram housing (20) with the transmitter housing (20) having an outer diameter at least nearly equal to the outer diameter of the ram housing (10).

Abstract: A single guide wire system for use in continually directional drilling of boreholes, includes a guidewire extending generally parallel to the desired path of the borehole. The guidewire is connected at a first end to one side of a reversible source of direct current, and at a second end to ground. A second side of the DC source is also connected to ground. A known current flow in a first direction for a first period of time and in a second direction for a second period of time produces corresponding static magnetic fields in the region of the borehole. The vector components of the fields are measured in the borehole by a 3-axis magnetometer, and from these vector components the effects of the Earth's magnetic field are canceled and the distance and direction from the borehole to the guidewire are determined. These values permit control of further drilling of the borehole along a desired path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling a borehole under an obstacle including placing a solenoid on the surface of the earth at the far side of the obstacle, near a preselected borehole exit location. A drilling assembly at an entry location on the near side of the obstacle is driven to produce a borehole which is directed under the obstacle toward the exit location. Initially, guidance of the drilling assembly is by conventional survey techniques, but when the borehole moves to within about 100 meters of the solenoid, the solenoid magnetic field is used to guide the drilling operation.

Abstract: Piping is laid horizontally underground, by horizontally entering a rod that is longer than the site, into the site, at the desired depth of the center of the piping tunnel, and then horizontally pushing that rod through the site, until its front end exits the back of the site. Then attaching three rods near the front end of the first rod, and bringing all four rods back through the site, until the first rod exits the front of the site, and the other three rods are embedded in their own paths in the site, with their front ends extending into the front of the site, and their back ends extending into the back of the site. Then, at the back of the site, attaching a push-pull type earth coring knife to the middle of the three rods, and connecting a front cutting and shielding means, between the two outer rods, so that it is situated immediately behind the front cutting portion of the coring knife.

Abstract: A mining machine for mining coal from outside a hill containing a coal seam wherein a plurality of cutter drums and rotary cutters are pivotally and detachably connected to a pan having an auger conveyor rotatably mounted therein. Certain cutter drums and the rotary cutters are movable in a vertical plane to allow the operator to control the direction of the hole being drilled, and to accommodate the machine to different seam thicknesses or hole heights. A plurality of thrust and torque transmitting units are connected end-to-end between the auger conveyor drive shaft and a prime mover positioned outside the seam tunnel for conveying the cut coal out of the tunnel.

Abstract: A fluid circulation apparatus for interconnection with a wellbore tubing string for particular use in drilling deviated wellbores, such as with coiled tubing. The circulation apparatus has a tubular body member with a longitudinal bore extending therethrough and threads for interconnection with a tubing string. A fluid communication port extends through a sidewall of the tubular body member, and a valve is placed thereacross for selectively permitting and preventing fluid flow through the fluid communication port. The valve is biased in a normally closed position by way of a spring. Fluid control means, such as a hydraulic fluid source conveyed through the tubing string, operates the valve in response to electrical signals sent to the fluid control means from the earth's surface.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for installing a pipeline in borehole comprising a pulling pipe drawn by a drill string and an articulating joint coupling the pulling pipe to the pipeline. The articulating joint allows an angle to be formed between the pulling pipe and the pipeline. A reamer is used to clear the borehole as the pipeline is installed. The reamer includes a plurality of radially-oriented nozzles for directing fluid away from the stem of the reamer in order to clean the teeth of the reamer without directing the cuttings and other debris toward areas in which accumulation is likely to occur. Deflecting nozzles prevent the outermost radially-oriented nozzles from overcutting the borehole.

Abstract: A method and system for translating the orientation of a length of coil tubing from a generally vertical orientation to a generally horizontal orientation, inside a well borehole and downhole of a wellhead. A first conduit is installed and suspended in a well borehole. The conduit is provided with a coil tubing bender at the downhole end of the conduit. Coil tubing is injected into the conduit through an upper packer attached to the top section of the conduit. After a section of coil tubing is injected into the conduit, an outer coil tubing seal is securely affixed to the coil tubing. The coil tubing is run to the top of the bender; the packer is closed; and high pressure fluid is introduced between the upper packer and the outer seal inside the conduit. The fluid forces the coil tubing through the bender and translates the coil tubing from a vertical to horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A corrective trenchless pipeline installation method basically includes the operational steps of, first, forming a substantially irregular initial pilot hole underground in earthen matter between a pair of spaced entry and exit pits formed in the earthen matter, second, reforming the substantially irregular initial pilot hole into a substantially straight corrected pilot hole, third, reaming the corrected pilot hole to provide an expanded straight pilot hole, and, fourth, pulling a pipeline through the expanded corrected pilot hole. In reforming the irregular initial pilot hole to the straight corrected pilot hole a cutter blade is concurrently reciprocated back and forth through the irregular pilot hole and rotated relative to the irregular pilot hole to form the corrected straight pilot hole therefrom.

Abstract: A method for forming substantially lateral boreholes from within an existing elongated shaft includes positioning a drilling unit within the existing shaft, bracing the drilling unit against a wall surrounding the existing shaft to transmit forces between the drilling unit and the medium surrounding the wall, and applying a drilling force from the drilling unit to cut through the wall of the existing shaft and form the substantially lateral borehole in the surrounding medium. A preferred apparatus for practicing the method includes an extendable insert ram within the drilling unit for extending a drill bit from the drilling unit and applying a drilling force to the drill bit to cut through the wall of the existing shaft. A supply of modular drill string elements are cyclically inserted between the insert ram and the drill bit so that repeated extensions of the insert ram further extends the drill bit into the surrounding medium to increase the length of the lateral borehole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for penetrating a well casing and surrounding earth strata includes the insertion of a flexible shaft having a ball cutter on an end thereof into upset tubing within a well casing. The upset tubing is provided with an elbow at its lower extremity for receiving the ball cutter therein. The flexible shaft is then rotated and the ball cutter cuts a hole in the well casing and is then moved horizontally a distance, usually less than 30". The flexible shaft and ball cutter are then removed and a flexible tube having a nozzle blaster on an end thereof is then inserted into the upset tubing in the channel. A fluid of surfactant and water at high pressure is then pumped into the tube wherein the high pressure fluid passes through orifice in the spiral drill thereby cutting an extension into the previously cut channel. The tube is continually feed into the channel as the high pressure fluid continues to blast away the earth's strata.

Abstract: Directional boring bits (1100, 1200) are disclosed which have at least one roller cone (1202, 1104) and also each define a deflecting surface (1104) for deflecting the boring bit when the bit is advanced without rotation. The borehole can be curved by pushing the bit forward without rotation.

Abstract: A well penetrator consists of a number of hydraulic fluid control components and a carriage carrying a hydraulic motor and a mill bit supported in a housing which is moveable down a well casing. The control components cause the carriage carrying the mill bit to be indexed up a predetermined distance relative to the well casing and then extended gradually into contact with the well casing while being rotated by the hydraulic motor. After the mill bit completes a hole through the well casing, the hydraulic components index the mill bit back down to its starting position and align a nozzle on the outer end of a high pressure lance with the opening in the casing to direct fluid from the nozzle as the lance is moved outwardly through the hole in the casing drilled by the mill bit.

Abstract: A horizontal earth boring machine which is capable of transferring drill cuttings from the boring area back through the machine to allow for more efficient boring through both hard and soft rock strata is disclosed. The earth boring machine has an air powered hammer bit drill with air passageways therethrough for flushing the boring area and also has a rotary drive for use in rotating augers secured inside a casing for transporting the drill cuttings back through the casing and out an air diverter discharge near the front of the machine. The machine is capable of movement along a track so as to facilitate the boring operation.

Abstract: A pipeline is forced into a borehole using a deadman disposed directly in front of the entry to the borehole. A force is generated between the deadman and a collar attached to the pipeline such that the pipeline is forced through the deadman into the borehole. The force may be generated by a cable and sheave combination or through hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing drilling mud within entrained cuttings is provided using a pump for forcing fluid into a borehole, such that the fluid mixes with cuttings formed during the formation of the hole. The pipe receives the fluid and entrained cuttings at a first end of the pipe and returns the fluid and entrained cuttings to the surface at the second end of the pipe. At the first end of the pipe, air is injected into the drilling fluid with entrained cuttings to form bubbles therein, thereby increasing the velocity of the fluid and entrained cuttings through the pipe. In one alternative embodiment, a suction is provided at one end of the pipe to increase the speed of fluid and entrained cuttings therethrough. In a third embodiment of the present invention, an Archimedes screw is used to remove the fluid and entrained cuttings from the borehole.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus combinations for making a substantially horizontal water well completion for irrigation or commercial water supply purposes includes running a substantially vertical surface string of casing, running a bend section of casing that has been preformed to provide a bend angle of about 90.degree. in a straightened-out condition down through the surface section and allowing it to assume its bend condition below the lower end of the surface section, coupling the upper end of the bend section to the lower end of the surface section, running a water production section of casing through both the surface and bend sections and outward horizontally into the aquifer, and either coupling the inner end thereof to the outer end of the bend section, or extending the production section all the way to the surface. Unique coupling mechanisms, running and retrieving tools and other devices also are disclosed.

Abstract: Directional multi-blade boring heads (1000, 1050) are disclosed which have first and second blades (1030, 1032) which each define a deflecting surface (1036, 1038) for deflecting the boring head when the head is advanced without rotation. At least one intermediate blade (1034) extends between the deflecting surfaces in a three blade design. In a four blade design, a second intermediate blade (1042) extends on the side opposite the first intermediate blade (1034). The boring head is particularly effective in drilling a straight borehole through a variety of soil conditions when the boring head is simultaneously rotated and advanced along the direction of boring.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for detecting leaks in, cathodically protecting, determining the effectiveness of such cathodic protection, and/or remediating fluid leaked from an aboveground storage tank. At least one substantially horizontal bore is formed beneath an aboveground storage tank and a slotted pipe or casing is positioned within the bore. The pipe or casing can be simultaneously advanced within the substantially horizontal bore while the bore is being formed. Slotted tubing and at least one anode are positioned within the slotted casing. The bore is filled with coke breeze and current is supplied to the anode(s) to cathodically protect substantially the entire tank bottom. The anode and slotted tubing can be removed to provide a passageway for remediation of fluid leakage from the storage tank.

Abstract: Conventional drill pipe is rotated at a rate sufficient for distributing deforming forces substantially uniformly around the circumference of the drill pipe at each location along the length of the drill pipe disposed within the curved portion while the pipe is passed through the curved portion of a short-radius wellbore. The drill pipe arrives in the lateral portion in operable condition for drilling to extend the lateral portion and is retrieved from the wellbore in reusable condition.

Abstract: A method for drilling deviated or horizontal wells is facilitated by the use of a scleroglucan-containing aqueous drilling mud. The use of such drilling muds is environmentally and economically advantageous over the use of oil-based drilling muds and is superior to the use of other aqueous-based drilling muds in terms of lubricating power and carrying capacity. Preferably the drilling mud contains unrefined scieroglucan.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for drilling a tunnel utilize hydraulic means comprising a cylinder and a piston to enable independent adjustment of the driving force acting on the protecting tubes and the driving force acting on the drilling tool/conveying tubes. The hydraulic means acts as a thrust bearing and moves freely in the longitudinal direction of the drilling apparatus in response to forces acting on the drilling tool which are detected as changes in pressure in the hydraulic means.

Abstract: A method for determining a parameter by combination of engineering models and statistical analysis of drilling data in a data base to determine the frequency or probability of sticking of the drill string during drilling of wells at hole-angles from vertical to horizontal. The parameter can be used to decrease the probability of sticking of drill string during drilling a well and to minimize the cost of a well.

Abstract: Disclosed is a horizontal pipeline boring apparatus and method for installing a pipeline section under a surface barrier such as a roadway or the like. A pilot bore is formed under the barrier. Next, a pipeline section bore large enough to received the pipeline section is formed long the path of the pilot bore using a pipeline boring head having a guide on the advancing side thereof. The guide is designed to engage the walls of the pilot bore and steer the pipeline boring head during cutting along the path of the pilot bore. Drilling liquids can be supplied to the boring operation through the pilot bore and discharged through the pipeline section.

Abstract: A pressure actuated, telescoping subassembly is supported by a pipe string to axially move an attached member within a wellbore. Increasing fluid pressure to the subassembly actuates a telescoping action, axially moving the attached member but not the supporting pipe string. Motion can be used during rotary drilling or running of tubulars into a drilled borehole portion. Pressure actuation provides a way to remotely apply axial force to a member, such as a tool or drill string portion. Moving only the member instead of the entire drill string and member lowers the total force required to move members and provides a new way to chase drill bits and apply constant drilling forces. This minimizes the risk of pipe string overloading and buckling, exceeding rig weight limitations, and tool bit damage.

Abstract: An attitude control device has a plurality of harmonic drive mechanisms of the hollow type, preferably first and second harmonic drive mechanisms. First and second rotational members are connected to the outputs of the first and second harmonic drive mechanisms. These rotational members have eccentric hollow portions which rotate eccentrically around the rotational axes of the harmonic drive mechanisms. A member to be driven is placed to extend through the eccentric hollow portions such that it is supportedly contacted with the inner surfaces of the eccentric hollow portions. In operation, the eccentric hollow portions are rotated relative to each other, whereby the member to be driven is controllably oriented to a desired direction.The attitude control device can be employed as a drilling-direction control device wherein a rotational drill shaft is supported by inner surfaces of eccentric hollow portions of first and second rotational members.

Abstract: The rig has a base frame, with powered ground screw anchors, trunnion attached to a tiltable top frame equipped with pipe handling rollers, pipe clamp, power tongs, and crosshead mounted swivel arranged to slide along the frame to transfer axial forces to a drill string situated parallel to and centered above the top frame. The swivel is plumbed to deliver drilling fluids to the drill string. Remote power sources provide drilling fluid processing and hydraulic power to the various controls to operate; a tilt mechanism to tilt the top frame to align with a well bore, power tongs, to move the crosshead, rotate the ground screws, a pipe stabbing roller and a pipe cradle to move pipe sections into and out of the rig working center. Operator cab stations are positioned along the top frame and are bearing mounted to stay vertical when the top frame is tilted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enlarging a straight or arcuate pilot bore hole and the insertion of tubing in the enlarged bore is disclosed, in which the pilot bore hole 10 is enlarged by advancing a larger diameter housing with a conical enlarging head by impacting of a striking body mounted within a housing against the inside of the enlarging head at the forward end of the housing. Fluid jet cutting action is also employed and the pilot hole boring device may be coupled to exert a steady pull on the housing as it is advanced through the pilot bore. The housing may thus be connected to the pilot bore drilling device, with an interposed cushioning device. The fluid jets may be created by nozzle openings in the enlarging head or in a separate device mounted forward of the enlarging head.

Abstract: In a method of operating a ram boring machine having a rotatory-thrust drill rod an impact force is applied to the rear end of the drill rod. The boring machine includes a thrust unit and a striking tool that are combined to form a thrust/percussion aggregate.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, an irrigation, commercial or municipal utility district high flow capacity water well is completed in a manner such that water is produced from a substantially horizontal lower portion of the well bore that is located in the lower 20% of the water saturated thickness of the aquifer.

Abstract: In an earth boring device of either the impact ram or static type wherein the device is driven forwardly either by the impacts of an impact piston or by a forward pressure exerted on the device through a rod, directional control of the device is achieved by arranging a plurality of pressure fluid ejecting nozzles on the head of the device symmetrically with respect to its longitudinal axes, and by individually controlling the pressure and/or amount of pressure fluid supplied to each nozzle to deflect the device in one direction away from what would otherwise be its forward drive path.

Abstract: A hole cleaning device 100 includes a housing having a porous region to communicate cuttings from a bore hole to the interior of the housing. A Venturi-effect pump creates a suction to draw cuttings from the hole into the housing. An outlet pipe coupled to the Venturi pump transports the cuttings out of the housing.

Abstract: A supplemental horizontal section is drilled from a lower end of an existing well bore by a drilling tool which provides a short radius of the order of 20 feet of a curved section interconnecting the vertical initial section and the horizontal section. This enables the drilling to take place without expensive monitoring equipment since the distances involved are relatively small. The drilling tool includes a mud motor to which is attached a drilling section including a drill bit at the outer end thereof. The drilling section is connected to the mud motor by a knuckle joint which allows pivotal action about an axis at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the drill bit. A counterbore of increased diameter is formed at the lower end of the existing well bore and the knuckle and drill bit located therein. The knuckle is biased toward one side of the counter bore by a leaf spring so that the longitudinal axis of the drill bit takes up an inclined position with a knuckle bent at a shallow angle.

Abstract: An impact borer, a connector, a method for embedding lines and an improved method for sinking geothermal wells. The impact borer has a shell, which has a longitudinal bore. An anvil closes one end of the bore. A ram is reciprocally slideable within the bore, against and away from the anvil. The ram divides the bore into front, rear, and ram chambers. A director is joined to the shell. The director is monolithic. The director isolates the front and rear chambers in alternation upon reciprocation of the ram. The director defines an inlet passage communicating with the ram chamber and an outlet passage communicating with the rear chamber.

Abstract: A series of horizontally extending drainage pipes forming a grid system are located at or below the level of a plume of liquid contamination. The drainage recovery pipes skim off the surface of the water table, along with the plume of contamination. This minimizes the time required for removal of water that needs to be pumped from the ground and cleaned. Once the contaminant is pumped from the ground, it is delivered to a conventional treatment system where it is cleaned and then the cleaned water is returned back to the ground water table. This cleaned water is reintroduced over the grid system and is drawn through the soil to flush out any remaining contaminants in the soil. Once the treated water reaches the water table, the liquid contaminants are usually less dense than water and rise towards the surface of the water table. The contaminants are then removed by the grid system for treatment.

Abstract: A horizontal earth boring method and system which uses hydraulic linear and rotary drives in combination with a compressed air flow to the drilling element. The compressed air flow is utilized in addition to continuously flush the bored hole which greatly increases drilling efficiency and lowers power requirements. A smaller hydraulic drive unit is thereby required and the overall system can be controlled from an out-of-ditch location.

Abstract: A series of bits (600, 680, 690, 710, 720, 780, 800, 820, 860, 920) are illustrated which can be used with a boring machine to drill a borehole underground with enhanced directional control. As an illustration, one drill bit (600) is formed of a body portion having a hexagonal cross-section where the bit attaches to the drill string which defines six parallel surfaces (610-620) with parallel cutting edges (622-632) defined at the intersection of each of the parallel surfaces. Angled surfaces (634, 636, 638) extend from intermediate the ends of the bit to the forward end. As the bit rotates, a cylindrical borehole is formed. When the bit is stopped to change the direction of drilling, a relief area exists between the parallel surfaces and the wall of the borehole and between the angled surfaces and the wall of the borehole to more easily deflect the bit to begin drilling in a new direction.

Abstract: A method for mounting pipelines (8) or outer walls of a tunnel in the ground where one after another joined polygon or round cylinders are forced to penetrate into the ground when the soil cut by the front edge of the first cylinder (2) moves into the said cylinders during tunnelling. The cylinders (2, 3, 4, 15) containing soil are replaced by the final pipe/piping (8) meant for the ground, by forcing and/or pulling said pipe/piping in the place of said cylinders and the soil excavated from the tunnel is removed from the tunnel inside the said cylinders when said cylinders are forced out of the tunnel.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing debris from a bore hole comprises a housing having apertures formed therein such that rotation of the housing causing entrapment of the cuttings from the bore hole. The positive displacement pump comprises a rotor surrounded by a stator coupled to the housing such that rotation of the stator rotates the housing. The positive displacement pump is operable to pump material from the housing responsive to relative movement between the rotor and stator. A motor rotates the stator, thereby cleaning the bore hole.

Abstract: A method for detecting and sensing boundaries between strata in a formation during directional drilling so that the drilling operation can be adjusted to maintain the drillstring within a selected stratum is presented. The method comprises the initial drilling of an offset well from which resistivity of the formation with depth is determined. This resistivity information is then modeled to provide a modeled log indicative of the response of a resistivity tool within a selected stratum in a substantially horizontal direction. A directional (e.g., horizontal) well is thereafter drilled wherein resistivity is logged in real time and compared to that of the modeled horizontal resistivity to determine the location of the drill string and thereby the borehole in the substantially horizontal stratum. From this, the direction of drilling can be corrected or adjusted so that the borehole is maintained within the desired stratum.

Abstract: A propulsion method of a pipe to be buried without soil discharge comprising the steps of drilling the ground with the tip of an excavator propelling in the ground, taking the drilled soil into the excavator, discharging the taken soil to the ground side by compacting the soil on the outer circumference of the excavator, and burying the pipe progressively in the hole formed behind the excavator; being characterized in using an excavator equipped with a tip part having a diameter larger than the outside diameter of the pipe to be buried and a rear part having nearly the same diameter as the outside diameter of the pipe to be buried.

Abstract: A method of replacing an existing underground pipe (44) with a new pipe (48) comprises the steps of moving a pipe removing tool (70) along the existing pipe (44) to remove the existing pipe and dragging the new pipe (48) behind the tool (70) to replace the existing pipe while imparting vibratory motion to the tool (70) or continuously applying a dressing material ahead of the new pipe to act as lubricant or to fill in the annular space between the new pipe and the surrounding soil. According to another embodiment, the method comprises the steps of pushing out the old pipe (126) in one direction by means of a pipe removing tool (110) connected to a hydraulic unit (10) through a stem and replacing the old pipe (126) by means of a new pipe (48) by dragging the new pipe along behind the stem moving in the opposite direction during a return run.

Abstract: An extended reach penetrating tool which includes a tubing string lowered into a casing, anchored in position and including a cutting tool for forming a lateral hole in the casing. A formation penetrating tool is then substituted for the cutting tool on the tubing string and extended laterally through the hole in the casing and outwardly into the formation to a desired extent for enhancing production from the formation. The cutting tool for cutting a hole in the casing includes a laterally extendable cutting element urged radially from the tubing string by a piston and cylinder assembly with the cutting element in the preferred form being a rotatably driven cutting element which is extended radially from the tubing string into cutting engagement with the interior of the casing for forming a lateral opening.

Abstract: In a propulsion process of buried pipe, an endless pipe to be buried is formed by sequentially curving a pipe material of long hoop shape made of a plastic material, and this endless pipe is successively inserted and propelled into the burying hole while forming the burying hole by propelling a leader in the ground.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for drilling a well bore having a vertical portion, a curved kick-off portion, and a horizontal portion. The length of the horizontal portion is extended by using drill pipe having an aluminum tube and steel tool joints to reduce the weight of the pipe string in the horizontal portion and reduce the friction resisting movement of the drill pipe along the low side of the well bore. In addition, the length of the joints of aluminum drill pipe is reduced to between 14-16 feet to substantially increase the buckling strength of each joint.

Abstract: A method for detecting and sensing boundaries between strata in a formation during directional drilling so that the drilling operation can be adjusted to maintain the drillstring within a selected stratum is presented. The method comprises the initial drilling of an offset well from which resistivity of the formation with depth is determined. This resistivity information is then modeled to provide a modeled log indicative of the response of a resistivity tool within a selected stratum in a substantially horizontal direction. A directional (e.g., horizontal) well is thereafter drilled wherein resistivity is logged in real time and compared to that of the modeled horizontal resistivity to determine the location of the drill string and thereby the borehole in the substantially horizontal stratum. From this, the direction of drilling can be corrected or adjusted so that the borehole is maintained within the desired stratum.