Abstract: What is presented is a system and method for bubble creation in a fluid injection nozzle for the injection of a gas into a liquid to divide the gas into the smallest possible bubble size with the largest cumulative surface area by maximizing the percentage of gas at the highest possible kinetic energy that is in contact with the liquid. The fluid injection nozzle comprises a convergent inlet for receiving a fluid and a divergent outlet for exhausting the fluid. The divergent outlet has multiple exhaust ports.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for real-time compensation for ground movements which would otherwise adversely affect an existing built environment. Embodiments may include providing a plurality of holes in soil for the injection of a substance that expands as a consequence of a chemical reaction. The plurality of holes may be located between a source of movement and an asset to be protected. Embodiments may also include injecting, in at least one of the plurality of holes, the substance and monitoring, in real-time, at least one of movement of the soil or the asset to be protected. Real-time monitoring may occur during an activity that is causing the ground movements. Embodiments may further include obtaining real-time monitoring data, based upon, at least in part, the monitoring.

Abstract: Polysaccharides may be partially oxidized by oxidative opening of a monosaccharide unit while still retaining glycosidic bonds. Such polysaccharides may be further functionalized with an amine moiety at a site of oxidative opening. Polysaccharides that are partially oxidized and amine-functionalized in this manner may be combined with an aqueous liquid to form compositions suitable for stabilizing clays in clay-containing formations. Clay stabilization may promote reduced swelling of the clays in the presence of water.

Abstract: A method for cementing a tubular member within a subterranean wellbore extending from a surface into a subterranean formation and through a hydrocarbon reservoir includes (a) injecting a gas from the surface into an annulus surrounding the tubular member within the wellbore. In addition, the method includes (b) flowing cement through a throughbore of the tubular member. Further, the method includes (c) displacing the cement from the throughbore of the tubular member into the annulus. Still further, the method includes (d) reducing a pressure of the gas in the annulus during (c).

Abstract: The invention is directed to stabilizing functionalized polymers and compositions containing polysaccharides and polysaccharide derivatives functionalized with amine, alkyl and/or alkyl/amine moieties, and methods for reducing swelling of soils and especially clay-containing soils with stabilization functionalized polymers and compositions of the invention.

Abstract: A method for drilling cavities in underground formations in which drill cuttings are removed by injecting an aqueous composition (C) into the drill hole. Composition (C) includes between 1 and 65 wt. % salt(s), between 0.05 and 2 wt. % anti-foaming agent(s), between 13 and 97.95 wt. % water, and between 1 and 20 wt. % composition (C2). Composition (C2) includes, optionally, between 0.1 and 30 wt. % auxiliary agent(s), between 0 and 100 wt. % of a surfactant system of one or more compositions (C1) according to R1—O-(G1)p-H, R1 being an aliphatic radical including between 4 and 16 carbon atoms, G1 being a reducing sugar residue and 1.05?p?5, and between 0 and 50 wt. % alcohol(s) according to R1—OH, R1 being an aliphatic radical including between 4 and 16 carbon atoms. Also, compositions (C2) and their use as a lubricant for producing an aqueous drilling mud.

Abstract: Mineral particles may provide for wellbore fluids with tailorable properties and capabilities. In some instances, a dry wellbore additive may comprise a plurality of first mineral particles having a specific gravity of about 2.6 to about 20; a plurality of second mineral particles having a specific gravity of about 5.5 to about 20; a plurality of lubricant particles having a specific gravity of about 2.6 to about 20; wherein the first mineral particles, the second mineral particles, and the lubricant particles are different; and wherein the first mineral particles, the second mineral particles, and the lubricant particles have a multiparticle specific gravity of about 3 to about 20.

Abstract: A process for drilling cavities in subterranean formations includes a step of removal of the drill cuttings using an aqueous fluid in the form of a foam, obtained by mixing: an aqueous composition (Ci) including, per 100% by weight: from 0.5% by weight to 25% by weight of a compound of formula (I): R1—C(O)—NH—CH(COOM)-(CH2)n—COOM? (I) in which n represents an integer equal to 1 or 2, R1 represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon-based radical including from eight to eighteen carbon atoms, M represents a monovalent cation and M?, which is identical to or different from M, represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent cation; or of a mixture of compounds of formula (I), and from 75% to 99.5% by weight of water, with a gas or a mixture of gases, chosen from air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Injection of gas into a managed pressure drilling system to provide for operation of the drilling system in a downhole pressure window defined by the pore pressure of a formation being drilled and a fracture pressure of the formation. Gas injection being controlled so as to produce the desired downhole pressure without causing large oscillations in borehole pressure.

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: An apparatus for releasing gas pressure from a drill string includes a tubular housing having a circumferential sidewall, an axis, a first end, a second end and a central passage extending between the first end and the second end. A pressure member is positioned in the central passage along the axis of the housing. The pressure member is movable from a first position retracted within the housing to a second position extending past the second end of the housing. An actuator is provided to move the pressure member from the first position to the second position, where the pressure member exerts a force to move a valve member of a float valve to an open position, thereby allowing gas trapped in the drill string to flow through the central passage.

Abstract: An arrangement in a rock drill rig 10 has an inlet valve 31 arranged upstream from a displacement compressor 32 that is used for supplying an air flow 34 to at least one flushing hole 23 in the surface of a drill bit 20. The rock drill rig 10 also has an air regulator 35 arranged to regulate the system pressure in the air flow path 34 downstream from the compressor and a detector for detecting air flow through the at least one flushing hole 23 in the surface of the drill bit. The detector has a pressure sensor 36, arranged between the air regulator 35 and the inlet valve 31, for measuring the reduced system pressure.

Abstract: A compact gas turbine motor and a speed reduction transmission capable of providing the speed and torque required for drilling with center discharge bits. The transmission includes two sun gears of different pitch diameters, keyed to the turbine shaft. Upper planet gears, whose carrier is fixed in place, drive an outer ring gear, which engages lower planet gears having a different pitch diameter. The lower planet gears engage the lower sun gear. Due to the different pitch diameters of the sun gears and planet gears, the gear carrier for the lower planet gears rotates in the same direction as the turbine shaft, but at a much slower rate. Exhaust gas from the turbine can be directed through one or more flow restriction elements to increase gas density in the turbine, further reducing turbine speed. The flow restriction element can comprise a venturi, to provide a vacuum assist to remove cuttings.

Abstract: A compact gas turbine motor and a speed reduction transmission capable of providing the speed and torque required for drilling with center discharge bits. The transmission includes two sun gears of different pitch diameters, keyed to the turbine shaft. Upper planet gears, whose carrier is fixed in place, drive an outer ring gear, which engages lower planet gears having a different pitch diameter. The lower planet gears engage the lower sun gear. Due to the different pitch diameters of the sun gears and planet gears, the gear carrier for the lower planet gears rotates in the same direction as the turbine shaft, but at a much slower rate. Exhaust gas from the turbine can be directed through one or more flow restriction elements to increase gas density in the turbine, further reducing turbine speed. The flow restriction element can comprise a venturi, to provide a vacuum assist to remove cuttings.

Abstract: Injection of gas into a managed pressure drilling system to provide for operation of the drilling system in a pressure window defined by the pore pressure of a formation being drilled and a fracture pressure of the formation. The gas is injected through gas injection ports and drilling fluids are allowed to flow between the drilling annulus and the gas injection system though a plurality of flow ports that are disposed vertically below the gas injection ports in the borehole being drilled. The gas injection ports and the flow ports are configured so that when gas is flowing through the gas injection ports, the flow ports are sealed.

Abstract: A compact gas turbine motor and a speed reduction transmission capable of providing the speed and torque required for drilling with center discharge bits. The transmission includes two sun gears of different pitch diameters, keyed to the turbine shaft. Upper planet gears, whose carrier is fixed in place, drive an outer ring gear, which engages lower planet gears having a different pitch diameter. The lower planet gears engage the lower sun gear. Due to the different pitch diameters of the sun gears and planet gears, the gear carrier for the lower planet gears rotates in the same direction as the turbine shaft, but at a much slower rate. Exhaust gas from the turbine can be directed through one or more flow restriction elements to increase gas density in the turbine, further reducing turbine speed. The flow restriction element can comprise a venturi, to provide a vacuum assist to remove cuttings.

Abstract: A rock drilling rig and a method of driving a compressor, wherein the rock drilling rig is operated by a combustion engine and is provided with a flushing system including a compressor for producing pressurized air. The compressor is driven by an electric drive motor. The combustion engine is connected to drive a generator, which produces electric energy that is stored in an energy storage. The stored electric energy can be utilized in driving the compressor.

Abstract: A method of boring through a formation includes providing a drilling machine and drill string and operatively coupling an earth bit to the drilling machine through the drill string. An air flow is provided through the drill string at an air pressure less than about one-hundred pounds per square inch (100 psi) and an overstrike force is applied to the earth bit, wherein the overstrike force is less than about five foot-pounds per square inch (5 ft-lb/in2).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes a well bore extending from the surface to the subterranean zone, and a well bore pattern connected to the junction and operable to drain fluid from a region of the subterranean zone to the junction.

Abstract: A baffle device for use in a drilling sub assembly, the baffle device including an upper chamber for receiving a drilling fluid, the upper chamber having a window through which the drilling fluid exits the upper chamber, the window being in fluid communication with a fluid channel forming a groove on an outer surface of the baffle, the fluid channel having an exit though which the drilling fluid exits the baffle. In general, the exit of the fluid channel is aligned with a downstream turbine unit, such that the turbine unit is rotated by the drilling fluid exiting the baffle. The present invention further includes various modifications to control the velocity at which the drilling fluid exits the baffle.

Abstract: A compact gas turbine motor and a speed reduction transmission capable of providing the speed and torque required for drilling with center discharge bits. The transmission includes two sun gears of different pitch diameters, keyed to the turbine shaft. Upper planet gears, whose carrier is fixed in place, drive an outer ring gear, which engages lower planet gears having a different pitch diameter. The lower planet gears engage the lower sun gear. Due to the different pitch diameters of the sun gears and planet gears, the gear carrier for the lower planet gears rotates in the same direction as the turbine shaft, but at a much slower rate. Exhaust gas from the turbine can be directed through one or more flow restriction elements to increase gas density in the turbine, further reducing turbine speed. The flow restriction element can comprise a venturi, to provide a vacuum assist to remove cuttings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling a bore through a target includes advancing a drill bit into the target along a direction of advancement and injecting a directing gas in the direction of advancement through at least one aperture in the drill bit. As the bore is drilled, waste material is directed in the direction of advancement via the gas.

Abstract: A method of boring through a formation includes providing a drilling machine and drill string and operatively coupling an earth bit to the drilling machine through the drill string. An air flow is provided through the drill string at an air pressure less than about one-hundred pounds per square inch (100 psi) and an overstrike force is applied to the earth bit, wherein the overstrike force is less than about five foot-pounds per square inch (5 ft-lb/in2).

Abstract: The present invention is an air injection collar for use in the drilling industry that is used to reduce the weight of the column of returning drilling mud and debris without causing unnecessary frictional wear on the drill pipe. The invention is a unique sleeve that is coupled to a drill casing that includes an input port for receiving the pressurized air or other fluid from the surface, an annular plenum extending around the drill casing, and a series of openings in the plenum leading to the inside of the drill casing. These openings disperse the pressurized air or other fluid into the upflowing mud around the central drill pipe so that it is not concentrated in one place, especially the center of the casing, where it could cause frictional damage to the drill pipe.

Abstract: A system and method for drilling a well bore with an under-balanced hydrostatic pressure. The system comprises a tubular containing a first port and wherein a well bore annulus is formed between the well bore and the tubular member, and a compression member disposed about the outer portion of the tubular member, the compression member having extending therefrom an internal sliding mandrel, and wherein the internal sliding mandrel contains a second port. The system further comprises an external sliding sleeve operatively associated with the internal sliding mandrel, wherein the external sliding sleeve containing a third port, and wherein in a closed position the first, second and third port are misaligned and in an open position the first, second and third port are aligned. The system also includes a compressible seal disposed about the external sliding sleeve and in contact with the internal sliding mandrel, the compressible seal responsive to a longitudinal weight transferred to the compression member.

Abstract: A method of forming an opening for a low temperature well is described. The method includes drilling an opening in a formation. Water is introduced into the opening to displace drilling fluid or indigenous gas in the formation adjacent to a portion of the opening. Water is produced from the opening. A low temperature fluid is applied to the opening.

Abstract: A down hole air diverter having a first opening in communication with the central passageway of a drillstring; a second opening in communication with the well bore annulus; and a means to control the flow of pneumatic fluid between the first opening and the second opening. The means to control the flow further includes a first sealing means and a first biasing means to control the first sealing means. The first sealing means allows communication with the well bore annulus when the well bore annulus pressure exceeds the first biasing means pressure and prevents communication when the bias pressure exceeds the bore annulus pressure. A second sealing means prevents communication with the drillstring when the pressure from the second sealing means chamber exceeds the first opening pressure and allowing communication when the first opening pressure exceeds the chamber pressure.

Abstract: A method for the circulation of gas when drilling or working a well. The method includes the step of pressurizing at least two chambers of a multi-chambered accumulator with inert gas. The chambers of the multi-chambered accumulator are operatively connected to one another and individually or in combination isolatable from each other. The method also includes isolating at least one chamber of the accumulator that has been pressurized with inert gas such that during drilling or working the well the isolated chamber remains pressurized with gas that has not been mixed with well gas returns. Pressurized gas is extracted from one or more of the non-isolated chambers of the accumulator and injected into the well. At least a portion of the gas returns from the well is collected, compressed and delivered to at least one of the non-isolated chambers of the multi-chamber accumulator.

Abstract: The invention comprises a downhole jet motor, and a method of using same, that can be utilized to drill or to clean a well bore or tubing. The jet motor comprises a power shaft partially surrounded by a control sleeve defining a blind annular space, closed at the upper end and open at the lower end to allow fluid discharge. At least one opening is provided in the drive shaft wall extending radially within the annulus region. Drilling or cleaning fluid pressure is directed to the at least one opening in the power shaft. The control sleeve provides a reaction structure in relation to fluid discharged from the at least one opening producing rotation of the drive shaft in relation to the control sleeve.

Abstract: A valve (30), a drill string valve assembly (10) and a method of drilling using compressed fluid as a drill drilling fluid are described. The valve and valve assembly (10) may be used in order to prevent escape of compressed fluid during the time that a connection is being made into the drill string. The valve (10) can be insertable into a drill string inner diameter to seal against fluid passage past the body except through the valve (30) and can be selected to maintain fluid pressure in the drill string when the upper end of the drill string is open to atmosphere. The valve can also be capable of being releasably engaged to a drive mechanism, such as a top drive (40) which is handling the drill string (12) to be slidably moved within the drill string, as driven by the drive mechanism, but releasable from the drive mechanism, when the drive mechanism is removed from the drill string.

Abstract: A system for fracturing wells uses a primary propellant charge to initially produce pressures within the well in excess of the maximum fracture extension pressure of the surrounding formation, but below that which would cause damage to the well. A supplemental propellant charge burns for a substantially longer period of time than the primary propellant charge, and thereby maintains pressures within the well in excess of the maximum fracture extension pressure for a significant period of time following completion of the primary propellant burn.

Abstract: A mobile treatment system for subterraneously aerating and stimulating root zones with a probe. Suitable controls enable the operator to mix liquid root stimulator solution within a storage tank, and then pump it into the ground through the probe. A motor-driven air compressor controls a pneumatic holding tank to store pressurized air. The multi-segmented probe has a rigid, upper segment that receives liquid through a check valve, an intermediate segment receiving high pressure air, and a lowermost section extending downwardly from a foot plate and terminating in a hardened point. Output orifices defined in the tip deliver air or solution subterraneously. A controller circuit times an injection cycle upon actuation of a probe-mounted switch by actuating a solenoid valve for metered fluid injection. When the injection cycle completes, a manual valve on the probe can be opened for aeration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling drilling mud density at a location either at the seabed (or just above the seabed) or alternatively below 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. A wellhead injection device for attachment to the wellhead is used for injecting the base fluid into the rising drilling mud at a location below the seabed. The riser charging lines are used to carry the low density base fluid to the injection device for injection into the drilling mud below 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: Methods and apparatus employing inert gases injected into the lower level of sloping underground oil-bearing formations as a driving mechanism and water injected into the upper level of the formations as a gas blocking mechanism for increasing and extending the production of oil from underground formations is described. Also described is an inert gas oil production system comprising an exhaust gas processing system, a well inert gas and water injection system, an oil production well system, and a fuel gas generator. A hydraulically operated crude oil pump is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method provided for electronic gathering, monitoring, analyzing, managing, and utilizing of grouting information in order to facilitate and control drilling, testing, installation of grouting materials, and other grouting operations. The present invention permits electronic creation of a grouting plan, initiation of grouting operations pursuant to the plan, and monitoring, manipulation, and control of grouting operations, and storage and retrieval of data from said grouting operations. The apparatus and method utilize electronic apparatus and software to provide graphical user interfaces to monitor and control all phases of grouting operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of chemically generating gas in aqueous fluids utilized in the drilling and completion of wells such as drilling fluids, spacer fluids, and aqueous acid solutions. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of preventing the formation of fractures in a subterranean formation during a drilling operation. In other embodiments, the present invention provides methods of separating a first fluid and a second fluid in a subterranean formation; methods of forming lightweight well treatment fluids; methods of enhancing the permeability of a subterranean zone; lightweight drilling fluids; lightweight spacer fluids; foamed aqueous acidic well treatment fluids; and methods of making foamed aqueous and aqueous acidic well treatment fluids.

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 stoichiometric 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: Disclosed is a method of producing a pressurized stream of substantially inert gas. The method comprises collecting the exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, directing the exhaust gases into the intake of a compressor for compressing to a desired pressure, and recirculating a portion of the compressed exhaust gases back to the intake of the compressor such that the pressure of the exhaust gases within said compressor intake is maintained above atmospheric pressure. Also disclosed is an apparatus for producing a pressurized stream of substantially inert gas utilizing the described method.

Abstract: A method and system for drilling creating a wellbore which, in at least certain aspects, includes positioning a drilling apparatus at a desired location at the earth surface, the drilling apparatus having rotating and hammering apparatus for simultaneously rotating and hammering a dual tubular string into the earth, the dual tubular string with an outer casing string spaced apart by an annular space from an inner drill pipe string, both the outer casing and inner drill pipe string being hollow, a drill bit secured to a lowermost end of the inner drill pipe string and, optionally, a casing drill apparatus secured at a lowermost end of the casing string, drilling through the earth to form the wellbore by simultaneously rotating and hammering the dual tubular string with the drilling apparatus; and, in certain aspects, installing a geothermal heat loop and grouting the space around it.

Abstract: The invention provides a head for injecting a liquid under pressure from a borehole to break up the soil, said head being mounted at the end of a drill string including a liquid feed for feeding a liquid under pressure. The head comprises a body and an outside wall, the body having at least one injection nozzle mounted therein, the nozzle having an inlet diameter equal to d and presenting an axis (x-x′), the body also having a tube. The tube presents a mean line having a first end connected to the bottom end of the liquid feed and having a second end connected to the nozzle tangentially to the axis (x-x′). The mean line is defined by at least one curved portion presenting a radius of curvature that varies continuously. The right section of the tube decreases regularly over at least half of its length from its first end to its second end.

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 using enhanced computer control. A drill stem with a bit is used to form the drill hole. A flushing mechanism utilizes vacuum or pressurized water to create a bailing fluid flow for flushing the cuttings and dust from the drill hole for disposal. A transducer monitors at least one first parameter of the bailing fluid flow, and a sensor may also monitor at least one second parameter of a flow of a driving fluid under pressure for feeding the drill stem and bit into the earth. A controller is utilized to regulate the rate of feed and/or driving of the stem and bit dependent on the levels of the parameters being monitored.

Abstract: A method of drilling sub-sea oil and gas production wells in which a liquid hydrocarbon substance, such as a natural gas liquid, is injected into the drilling mud supplied to the well in order to reduce the mud density. The method of the present invention enables reduction and control of the hydraulic pressure of the drilling mud while drilling production wells in deep water, thereby to require fewer casing runs which eventually yields better oil productivity.

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 downhole cementing system employing a cement choke within the casing to reduce the downward velocity of cement through the casing and thereby inhibit formation fracturing caused by vibration of the casing. The cement choke includes a tubular body defining a fluid passageway, a seat coupled to the tubular body and defining a seat orifice, a choke element coupled to the seat and restricting flow through the seat orifice, and a check valve coupled to the seat and operable to substantially block fluid flow through the seat orifice.

Abstract: Three air hammers are housed and arranged in a hammer case, and have bits at their respective ends. Each of the air hammers can be activated independently. In a normal excavation, the earth is excavated by activating all the air hammers. When correcting an excavating direction, only an air hammer positioned in the correct direction is activated first so that the earth in the correct direction is excavated in a predetermined amount. Next, all the air hammers are activated to excavate the earth. Thereby, a leading hammer can direct the excavation toward the correct direction, and thus the excavating direction is corrected.

Abstract: A method for enhancing gas or oil production by delivering a nitrogen rich gas produced from a non-cryogenic source into the well and/or reservoir where the gas and/or oil is located.

Abstract: A method for increasing the efficiency of drilling operations by using a drilling fluid material that exists as supercritical fluid or a dense gas at temperature and pressure conditions existing at a drill site. The material can be used to reduce mechanical drilling forces, to remove cuttings, or to jet erode a substrate. In one embodiment, carbon dioxide (CO2) is used as the material for drilling within wells in the earth, where the normal temperature and pressure conditions cause CO2 to exist as a supercritical fluid. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC—CO2) is preferably used with coiled tube (CT) drilling equipment. The very low viscosity SC—CO2 provides efficient cooling of the drill head, and efficient cuttings removal. Further, the diffusivity of SC—CO2 within the pores of petroleum formations is significantly higher than that of water, making jet erosion using SC—CO2 much more effective than water jet erosion.

Abstract: A method for enhancing gas or oil production by delivering a nitrogen rich gas produced from a non-cryogenic source into the well and/or reservoir where the gas and/or oil is located.

Abstract: The method for releasing the stuck pipe of the present invention uses a combination of components which oxidize the mud cake and generated gas bubbles to create an upward buoyancy for the oxidized mud cake. The spotting method of the present invention comprises adding to the borehole in the region of the stuck pipe: 1) an oxidizer which oxidizes the mud cake; and 2) at least one component which reacts in the borehole to generate a gas. Optionally, but preferably, the spotting method further uses a lubricant which is added to the borehole in the region of the stuck pipe. The lubricant acts to lubricate the oxidized parts of the mud cake. Also disclosed is a spotting fluid system including 1) an oxidizer which oxidizes the mud cake, 2) at least one component which reacts in the borehole to generate a gas, and, optionally a lubricant which acts to lubricate the oxidized parts of the mud cake.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a hole in a soil body. The apparatus includes an open ended tube, a conduit with a nozzle is arranged within the tube. The nozzle has a downwardly facing opening for applying a stream of compressed air downwardly below the bottom open end of the tube to impact the soil. The nozzle also has an upwardly facing opening for simultaneously applying a stream of compressed air upwardly toward the top open end of the tube to facilitate removal of soil particles. This apparatus is utilized to create a hole in which a pile may be installed.