Abstract: Methods of consolidating formations or forming chemical casing or both while drilling are provided. One method of the invention comprises drilling a well bore with a drilling fluid comprised of water, a polymeric cationic catalyst which is adsorbed on weak zones or formations formed of unconsolidated clays, shale, sand stone and the like, a water soluble or dispersible polymer which is cross-linked by a thermoset resin and causes the resin to be hard and tough when cured, a particulate curable solid thermoset resin, a water soluble thermoset resin, and a delayed dispersible acid catalyst for curing the solid and water soluble resins. The drilling fluid forms a filter cake on the walls of the well bore that cures and consolidates the unconsolidated weak zones and formations penetrated by the well bore so that sloughing is prevented and forms a hard and tough cross-linked chemical casing on the walls of the well bore.

Abstract: An electrically conductive oil mud meeting the fluid requirements for resistive logging tools and a method for preparing such mud is disclosed. The fluid has been optimized to deliver performance in a manner as similar to that of a traditional invert emulsion drilling fluid as is practical while still maintaining the required electrical conductivity for resistivity-based logging tools. This electrically conductive oil-based mud comprises a polar synthetic ester base and complimentary ester surfactants, one being more oil soluble, the other being more water soluble. The surfactants interact synergistically to provide dense packing of micelles at the palisade layer. This fluid is oil-wetting to solids, and in general behaves like a traditional oil mud.

Abstract: A system and method for removing particles from a well bore penetrating a possible hydrocarbon producing formation, according to which drilling fluid is mixed with a weighted material, and the mixture is introduced into a well bore so that the mixture scours any particles accumulated in the well bore. A well-completion fluid is introduced into the well bore that dissolves the weighted material.

Abstract: Methods of consolidating formations or forming chemical casing or both while drilling are provided. One method of the invention comprises drilling a well bore with a drilling fluid comprised of water, a polymeric cationic catalyst which is adsorbed on weak zones or formations formed of unconsolidated clays, shale, sand stone and the like, a water soluble or dispersible polymer which is cross-linked by a thermoset resin and causes the resin to be hard and tough when cured, a particulate curable solid thermoset resin, a water soluble thermoset resin, and a delayed dispersible acid catalyst for curing the solid and water soluble resins. The drilling fluid forms a filter cake on the walls of the well bore that cures and consolidates the unconsolidated weak zones and formations penetrated by the well bore so that sloughing is prevented and forms a hard and tough cross-linked chemical casing on the walls of the well bore.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods for reducing the pressure of a circulating fluid in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention an ECD (equivalent circulation density) reduction tool provides a means for drilling extended reach deep (ERD) wells with heavyweight drilling fluids by minimizing the effect of friction head on bottomhole pressure so that circulating density of the fluid is close to its actual density. With an ECD reduction tool located in the upper section of the well, the friction head is substantially reduced, which substantially reduces chances of fracturing a formation (see also FIG. 2 later on).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine to reduce the presence of free oxygen in the exhaust gas of the engine. The method and apparatus provides for the internal combustion engine to be operated with a fuel-to-air ratio in excess of the stoichiometic ratio such that the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine is devoid or substantially devoid of all free oxygen and excess unburned hydrocarbon fuel is expelled with the exhaust gas from the engine.

Abstract: A method is described for using an electro-rheological fluid as a drilling and completion fluid or as a well service or fracturing fluid. By adjusting the viscosity of the fluid through application of an electrical potential to the fluid, the fluid has enhanced flexibility and multiplicity of purpose over prior art fluids.

Abstract: An underreamer for forming a cavity within a well bore includes a housing rotatably disposed within the well bore. The underreamer also includes a plurality of cutting blades pivotally coupled to the housing. The underreamer further includes a piston slidably disposed within the housing and adapted to engage the cutting blades. The piston is operable to receive a downwardly disposed force operable slide the piston relative to the housing. The sliding movement of the piston extends the cutting blades outwardly from a retracted position relative to the housing. The underreamer also includes a passage disposed within the piston and operable to communicate a fluid received via an annulus of the housing to the cutting blades.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for extending the depth of a subterranean borehole that uses heated aqueous fluid to dissolve rock of the subterranean formation. The heated aqueous fluid comprises water and hydroxides of Group I elements of The Periodic Table of Elements and mixtures thereof. The drilling system comprises means for delivering aqueous fluid and heating the aqueous fluid prior to contacting rock of a subsurface formation.

Abstract: A method and system for drilling or cutting a subterranean well or formation 52 using a drilling rig 5, a drill string 55, a plurality of solid material impactors 100, a drilling fluid and a drill bit 60 is disclosed. This invention may have particular utility in drilling wells for the petroleum industry and for cutting formation in the mining and tunnel boring industries. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of solid material impactors are introduced into the drilling fluid and pumped through the drill string and drill bit to impact the formation ahead of the bit. At the point of impact, a substantial portion by weight of the impactors may have sufficient energy to structurally alter, excavate, and/or fracture the impacted formation. The majority by weight of the plurality of solid material impactors may have a mean diameter of at least 0.100 inches, and may structurally alter the formation to a depth of at least twice the mean diameter of the particles comprising the impacted formation.

Abstract: A method for treating a drilling fluid is provided, which method includes the steps of providing a drilling fluid, providing a drilling fluid additive in the form of superparamagnetic nanoparticles, mixing the drilling fluid additive with the drilling fluid so as to provide a treated drilling fluid, and exposing the treated drilling fluid to a magnetic field so as to recover the superparamagnetic nanoparticles.

Abstract: A water-base drilling fluid for use in drilling wells through a formation containing a shale which swells in the presence of water.

Abstract: A wellbore drilling system has an umbilical that carries a drill bit in a wellbore. Drilling fluid pumped into the umbilical discharges at the drill bit bottom and returns through an annulus between the umbilical and the wellbore carrying entrained drill cuttings. An active differential pressure device (APD device), such as a jet pump, turbine or centrifugal pump, in fluid communication with the returning fluid creates a differential pressure across the device, which alters the pressure below or downhole of the device. The APD device can be driven by a positive displacement motor, a turbine, an electric motor, or a hydraulic motor. A controller controls the operation of the APD device in response to programmed instructions and/or one or more parameters of interest detected by one or more sensors. A preferred system is a closed loop system that maintains the wellbore at under-balance condition, at-balance condition or over-balance condition.

Abstract: A biodegradable wellbore fluid with an oleaginous phase including a linear paraffin having 11-18 carbon atoms, a non-oleaginous phase, an emulsifying agent and optionally a weighting agent. Use of the fluid while drilling allows bio-remediation of drill cuttings using land spreading, bioreactors, conventional composting or vermiculture composting. The resulting product, especially when vermicomposed, is potentially useful as a soil amendment or plant fertilizer material.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for sawing or drilling concrete or like material comprises use of a water-powered pump for introducing a metered amount of a speed-enhancing compound into a stream of water as the water is applied to a masonry saw or core drill during a sawing or drilling operation.

Abstract: A method of treating a well including injecting a thermally stable, substantially water-free well-treating fluid into the well, wherein the well-treating fluid comprises a polymer, a glycol compound, and a salt is disclosed. In another embodiment, a thermally stable, substantially water-free well fluid including a polymer, a diol compound, and a salt is disclosed.

Abstract: An electrically conductive oil mud meeting the fluid requirements for resistive logging tools and a method for preparing such mud is disclosed. The fluid has been optimized to deliver performance in a manner as similar to that of a traditional invert emulsion drilling fluid as is practical while still maintaining the required electrical conductivity for resistivity-based logging tools. This electrically conductive oil-based mud comprises a polar synthetic ester base and complimentary ester surfactants, one being more oil soluble, the other being more water soluble. The surfactants interact synergistically to provide dense packing of micelles at the palisade layer. This fluid is oil-wetting to solids, and in general behaves like a traditional oil mud.

Abstract: A multi-gradient system for drilling a well bore from a surface location into a seabed includes an injector for injecting buoyant substantially incompressible articles into a column of drilling fluid associated with the well bore. Preferably, the substantially incompressible articles comprises hollow substantially spherical bodies.

Abstract: Clay is stabilized in the drilling of wells and other formation treatment for hydrocarbon production by the addition to the drilling or other fluid fluid of potassium formate together with a cationic formation control additive.

Abstract: A laser is fired down the drill pipe (20) and directed to the bottom of the hole by the stationary (25) and the rotating (30) mirrors.

Abstract: A water-base drilling fluid for use in drilling wells through a formation containing a shale which swells in the presence of water. The drilling fluid preferably includes: an aqueous based continuous phase, a weight material, and a shale hydration inhibition agent having the formula: H2N—R—{OR′}x—Y in which R and R′ are alkylene groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and x is a value from about 1 to about 25. The Y group should be an amine or alkoxy group, preferably a primary amine or a methoxy group. The shale hydration inhibition agent should be present in sufficient concentration to reduce the swelling of the shale. Also inclusive of the present invention is a method of reducing the swelling of shale clay encountered during the drilling of a subterranean well, the method comprising circulating in the well a water-base drilling fluid formulated in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A method of drilling a well having a first tubular member extending from the surface of the well to a position proximate the bottom of the well. The first tubular member has an inner annulus therethrough. A fluid is pumped into the well through the inner annulus of the first tubular member to flush drilling cuttings out of the well. A fluid is also injected into the well, exterior to the inner annulus, to control the bottom hole circulating pressure in the well.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for sawing or drilling concrete or like material comprises use of a water-powered pump for introducing a metered amount of a speed-enhancing compound into a stream of water as the water is applied to a masonry saw or core drill during a sawing or drilling operation.

Abstract: Pumpable multiple phase compositions for carrying agents and components downhole and controllably releasing them by breaking the suspensions are described. The multiple phase composition may have an external or third phase, which in turn has a first pumpable emulsion internally. The first pumpable emulsion has a second phase containing a first phase which bears the agent to be controllably released. The entire pumpable multiple phase composition may thus be an oil phase-in-aqueous phase-in-oil phase emulsion, or an aqueous phase-in-oil phase-in-aqueous phase emulsion. The agent may be released by one or more of a variety of mechanisms. For example, a water-soluble shale stabilizer could be delivered downhole in an aqueous phase-in-oil phase-in-aqueous phase multiple phase emulsion by injecting the multiple phase composition into a water-based drilling fluid, and then the suspension broken by rotary bit nozzles under high shear stress to release the shale stabilizer at the drilling zone.

Abstract: Clay is stabilized in the drilling of wells for hydrocarbon production by the addition to the drilling fluid of potassium formate together with an amount of guar effective to inhibit clay and shale swelling and sloughing.

Abstract: A new composition for a spotting fluid and a method of using such spotting fluid for freeing differential stuck pipe in a subterranean well drilling operation is disclosed. The composition comprises an invert water-in-oil emulsion comprising iso-butyl oleate as its external phase and glycerin as the internal phase. In an alternative embodiment, calcium chloride and water may be substituted for glycerin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling drilling mud density at or near the seabed of wells in deep water and ultra deep-water applications combines a base fluid of lesser density than the mud required at the wellhead to produce a diluted mud in the riser. By combining the appropriate quantities of drilling mud with base fluid, a riser mud density at or near the density of seawater may be achieved. No additional hardware is required below the surface. The riser charging lines are used to inject the low-density base fluid at or near the BOP stack on the seabed. The cuttings are brought to the surface with the diluted mud and separated in the usual manner. The diluted mud is then passed through a centrifuge system to separate the heavier drilling mud from the lighter base fluid.

Abstract: A method and system for drilling or cutting a subterranean well or formation 52 using a drilling rig 5, a drill string 55, a plurality of solid material impactors 100, a drilling fluid and a drill bit 60 is disclosed. This invention may have particular utility in drilling wells for the petroleum industry and for cutting formation in the mining and tunnel boring industries. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of solid material impactors are introduced into the drilling fluid and pumped through the drill string and drill bit to impact the formation ahead of the bit. At the point of impact, a substantial portion by weight of the impactors may have sufficient energy to structurally alter, excavate, and/or fracture the impacted formation. The majority by weight of the plurality of solid material impactors may have a mean diameter of at least 0.100 inches, and may structurally alter the formation to a depth of at least twice the mean diameter of the particles comprising the impacted formation.

Abstract: A water-base fluid for use in drilling wells and other drilling operation includes a shale which swells in the presence of water.

Abstract: An improved method for transport of particulate matter in a wellbore fluid, and particularly the transport of particulate matter in subterranean wells, such as hydrocarbon wells, is disclosed, the method being characterized by utilization of specified fibers to aid in transport of the particulate matter. Additional embodiments include the removal of particulate matter (particles) and particle deposits, such as from drill cuttings, during the drilling of wells, and the removal of particulate matter deposits in cleanout operations.

Abstract: A method and system for drilling or cutting a subterranean well or formation 52 using a drilling rig 5, a drill string 55, a plurality of solid material impactors 100, a drilling fluid and a drill bit 60 is disclosed. This invention may have particular utility in drilling wells for the petroleum industry and for cutting formation in the mining and tunnel boring industries. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of solid material impactors are introduced into the drilling fluid and pumped through the drill string and drill bit to impact the formation ahead of the bit. At the point of impact, a substantial portion by weight of the impactors may have sufficient energy to structurally alter, excavate, and/or fracture the impacted formation. The majority by weight of the plurality of solid material impactors may have a mean diameter of at least 0.100 inches, and may structurally alter the formation to a depth of at least twice the mean diameter of the particles comprising the impacted formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new aqueous wash composition suitable for the clean-up of drilling and completion fluid filtercakes. The wash composition comprises water and an effective amount of cationic salts of polyaminocarboxylic acids at neutral or acidic pH.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and fluid for drilling or servicing a well in a subterranean formation containing lost circulation zones or depleted, low pressure reservoirs. The fluid comprises an aqueous liquid having dispersed therein a polymer which increases the low shear rate viscosity of the fluid to the extent that the thixotropic index of the fluid is at least about 10 and a surfactant, and wherein the fluid contains less than about 15% by volume of aphrons preferably generated by the turbulence and pressure drop as the fluid exits the drill bit in the vicinity of the formation. The method of drilling a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprises continuously circulating, while drilling, such a drilling fluid.

Abstract: A sweep material is disclosed comprising barium sulfate that has been ground and sieved, preferably in the range of about −95% 30 mesh to about +95% 100 mesh. The sweep material is added to and circulated with the drilling fluid during drilling of a deviated, directional or horizontal well to remove cuttings beds accumulated on the lower side of the well. After the drill cuttings are dislodged, the drilling fluid is sieved or screened to remove the barium sulfate to avoid a change in density of the fluid. The drilling operation does not have to be stopped during the sweep or cleaning treatment.

Abstract: Within a longitudinally-extending main housing having a longitudinally-extending duct, an indexing mechanism comprises a mandrel within the duct and capable of longitudinal movement relative to the main housing; a cam sleeve rotatable with respect to the mandrel but constrained in terms of longitudinal movement with respect to the mandrel, the cam sleeve having an external surface provided with a groove in the form of a closed loop; a cam follower resiliently urged into the groove of the cam sleeve; a main spring tending to urge the mandrel in a first direction along the duct; and a fluid abutment face, on which, in use, fluid under pressure can act to tend to urge the mandrel in a second direction opposite to the first direction; the groove having ramps and associated steps thereby restricting relative movement of the cam follower with respect to the groove, to one direction progressively around the closed loop; the groove having a plurality of rest positions at which the cam follower can rest, depending on

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for substantially continuously drilling and disposing of drill cuttings and dust to minimize airborne contamination while providing protection against overload. A drill stem with a bit is advanced by a drill head to form the drill hole. A flushing mechanism utilizes vacuum or pressurized water for flushing the cuttings and dust from the drill hole for disposal. A transducer monitors at least one parameter of the fluid flow. A controller is utilized to regulate the rate of drilling dependent on the signal level of the parameter being monitored.

Abstract: A salt water drilling mud comprising a mixture salt water, a solid phase such as pre-hydrated bentonite, attapulgite, sepiolite, and extended bentonite, among others and optionally a synthetic oil, which is mixed with at least one of five different modules. A first module contains caustic, a natural wax and a natural thinner. A second module contains components of the first module and an alkali metal aluminate prepared by reacting the first module with aluminum metal. A third module contains the components of the first module and an alkali metal phosphate and/or alkali metal silicate. A fourth module contains the components of the first module, a saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acid source, a surfactant, and a preservative. The fifth module contains a combination of the first, third and fourth modules.

Abstract: A water-base drilling fluid for use in drilling wells through a formation containing a shale which swells in the presence of water. The drilling fluid preferably includes: an aqueous based continuous phase, a weight material, and a shale hydration inhibition agent having the formula: H2N—CH(CH3)CH2{—OCH2CH(CH3)—}x—NH2 in which x is a value less than 15. The shale hydration inhibition agent should be present in sufficient concentration to reduce the swelling of the shale. Preferably x has an average number between about 1 and about 5 and more preferably x has an average number of about 2.6. Also inclusive of the present invention is a method of reducing the swelling of shale clay encountered during the drilling of a subterranean well, the method comprising circulating in the well a water-base drilling fluid formulated in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A drilling head used to seal around a drill pipe while drilling is employed in a subsea location. The drilling head has an inner body located within an outer body. At least one bearing is located between the outer body and the inner body for facilitating the rotation of the inner body relative to the outer body. A seal mounted to a lower portion of the inner body seals around the outer surface of the drill pipe. While lowering the drilling head to the wellhead, a support attached to the drill pipe is inserted into a skirt which surrounds a portion of the seal. The skirt and support are releasably connected using a J-slot mechanism. An inner annulus and an outer annulus are located between the inner and outer bodies, the annuluses containing a lubricating fluid. Helical vanes are located within the inner annulus and affixed to the inner body. The vanes rotate with the inner body for circulating the fluid through the inner and outer annuluses.

Abstract: A method of electrically logging subterranean wells using a conductive fluid includes a miscible combination of an oleaginous fluid, a polar organic solvent, an electrolytic salt, and a carbon dioxide buffer. The electrolytic salt or brine of the salt is present in a concentration sufficient to permit the electrical logging of the subterranean well. The polar organic solvent may be an oil soluble glycol or glycol ether such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and the like.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring in the real time the wellbore pit volume to promptly determine the occurrence of a wellbore kick and take corrective action to minimize fluid influx volume and/or drilling fluid losses. A system includes one or more level sensors 22 which output signals to a pit volume totalizer 20 and then to a computer 26. Computer 26 may also receive signals from one or more fluid temperature sensors 40 and one or more fluid compressibility sensors 42. The output from the computer may be displayed in real time in various monitors 28, then also may be output to a permanent record 30. Computer 36 may also automatically activate the conventional alarm 32 to alert the drilling operator to the occurrence of a kick. Substantial savings in drilling time and cost may be realized according to the present invention, along with benefits of reduced environmental contamination and enhanced well safety.

Abstract: Injection of a drilling fluid additive into a drilling fluid, as the drilling fluid is being pumped into a bore hole, in direct proportion to the amount of drilling fluid being pumped.

Abstract: A method for encouraging breakout formation during the formation of hydrocarbon producing wellbores. Breakouts are encouraged during drilling operations to increase the stability of the formation rock immediately adjacent to the wellbore. The weight of drilling mud is selected to provide breakout control, and the path of the wellbore can be selected in directions to help breakout control. Efficient drilling operations are facilitated, and the resulting wellbore provides enhanced stability as hydrocarbon fluids arc produced from a subsurface reservoir into the wellbore interior.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for underground mining comprising the following steps: circulating in a well a foaming composition containing surfactants with cloud point higher than the temperature of the underground formation, heating the composition returning from the bottom to a temperature higher than the cloud point. The invention also concerns a system and a foaming composition based on water for implementing the method. The invention is useful for drilling and oil well completion operations requiring the use of a low-density fluid.

Abstract: Subterranean drill bits and particularly to nozzle features to be incorporated in subterranean bits. In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly of the invention defines a wear resistant structure which extends upstream from the terminus of the transition area. In another embodiment, nozzle assemblies are arranged about the transition area at low angles so as to minimize flow turbulence.

Abstract: This invention uses a combination of drilling, dissolving, and sinking to emplace a closed end well pipe into a salt formation. The well which results can be used to produce geothermal power or for such other purposes for which it may offer an advantage. This method uses the following combination of properties of salt to achieve the desired result: solubility in water, plasticity at relatively low temperatures, and occurrence in large, deeply penetrating structures.

Abstract: A drilling fluid additive for controlling solids comprising a carrageenan material, such as iota or kappa carrageenan. The drilling fluid additive may be used with other additives, such as a polyacrylate dispersant. Among other things, the drilling fluid additive may be used to drill deviated or horizontal wells, or wells having large diameter boreholes.

Abstract: An alkaline-reserve-free, oil-based drilling fluid is disclosed as comprising an oleaginous liquid, and an amine surfactant having the structure R-NH.sub.2, wherein R represents a C.sub.12 -C.sub.22 alkyl group or alkenyl group. Such fluid is particularly useful in the drilling of subterranean wells in which CO.sub.2, H.sub.2 S or other acidic gases which adversely effect the rheologies and other properties of the drilling fluid are encountered. The alkaline-reserve-free oil-based drilling fluid permits the logging of acidic gases which otherwise could not be logged in the presence of lime or other alkaline.

Abstract: The invention concerns wellbore fluids suitable for use in the oil and gas exploration and production industries and embraces fluids used for drilling, completion, workover or packing of wellbores. The invention is especially concerned with biodegradable wellbore fluids the liquid phase of which consists of an oil, or of water-in-oil "invert" emulsions, where the oil phase comprises n-alkanes.

Abstract: An air percussion hammer drill is disclosed for operation in an earthen formation. The air compression hammer mechanism comprises a piston that reciprocates while simultaneously rotating within its housing. A hammer drill bit slidably keyed to the bottom of the piston transfers the impact energy to the formation and rotates during operation independent of an attached drill string.