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: A method and apparatus for enlarging an inverted arcuate underground path between two surface locations is disclosed, where the cuttings from the enlarging are removed. After the drilling of a pilot borehole, and possibly after some reaming operations, a reamer and hole cleaner are pulled through the path, with the reamer rotating as the drill string in the path rotates. The rotation of the drill string also powers a positive displacement pump inside of the hole cleaner, which pumps fluid and entrained cuttings to the surface behind the hole cleaner. Fluid may also be pumped into the reamer from behind the hole cleaner, preferably by way of an inlet pipe which surrounds the outlet from the pump. The hole cleaner includes an agitator, also powered by the rotation of the drill string, which agitates the fluid and cuttings while the drill string is rotated but is not being pulled to the surface.

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: 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 and apparatus for enlarging an inverted arcuate underground path between two surface locations is disclosed, where the cuttings from the enlarging are removed. After the drilling of a pilot borehole, and possibly after some reaming operations, a reamer and hole cleaner are pulled through the path, with the reamer rotating as the drill string in the path rotates. The rotation of the drill string also powers a positive displacement pump inside of the hole cleaner, which pumps fluid and entrained cuttings to the surface behind the hole cleaner. Fluid may also be pumped into the reamer from behind the hole cleaner, preferably by way of an inlet pipe which surrounds the outlet from the pump. The hole cleaner includes an agitator, also powered by the rotation of the drill string, which agitates the fluid and cuttings while the drill string is rotated but is not being pulled to the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drilling a pilot bore hole (B) along an underground arcuate path (P) between two surface locations (O, E). The pilot bore hole (B) is drilled in one direction with a drill string (10) having a leading pipe section (10A) of a reduced diameter to provide increased flexibility. Upon completion of the pilot bore hole (B), a reamer (48) connected to a product conduit (46) is connected to the drill string (10). Drill string (10) pulls the reamer (48) and product conduit (46) along the pilot bore hole (B) in an opposite direction for enlarging the bore hole (B) to receive the product conduit (46). A spud bit (34) has a flat or blunt leading end portion (34A) with a discharge opening (34D) therein to discharge high velocity drilling fluid into the formation at a location offset from the longitudinal axis of the drill string (10) to assist in guiding the drill string (10). An in-hole hydraulic motor (70) is provided in an embodiment (FIG.