Abstract: A drilling head for the controlled operation of the drill string while diverting well fluids from the well. The drilling head incorporates a kelly drive and at least one stripper rubber which rotate with the drill string extending through the drilling head. Rotation of the drive bushing and stripper rubber are controlled by bearings disposed in a bearing chamber of the drilling head through which lubricant is circulated to reduce friction and cool the bearings. A turbine ring attached to the lock nut ring of the kelly drive circulates lubricant through the bearing chamber as it rotates in association with the drive assembly of the drilling head. The turbine pump ring forces circulation of lubricant as the drive assembly rotates in addition to the circulation by the remove lubricant pump or in the event the remote pump fails to operate. The turbine ring includes a plurality of angular slots to force circulation of the lubricant as the drive assembly rotates.

Abstract: A wellhead severing system for detonating a liquid explosive charge and subsequent removal of the wellhead from the sea floor. The explosive severing system includes a charge container holding a liquid explosive and a contractable bladder in fluid communication with the charge container to compensate for pressure and temperature variations as the system is lowered to the wellhead in the sea floor. Liquid explosive from the bladder flows into the charge container maintaining a constant volume of uncontaminated explosive around the detonators. The severing system is lowered into the wellhead on a running string and detonated through high voltage wires extending to a connector or the surface.

Abstract: A one-trip whipstock assembly incorporating a hydraulically set anchor which includes an interlock for maintaining the anchor in its set position upon interruption of hydraulic pressure. The anchor is connected to the lower end of the assembly which also includes a whipstock for diverting cutting tools and a locator sub for positioning the assembly in the cased well bore. The whipstock assembly is designed to be run into the well using a running string or a mill attached to the upper end of the whipstock in order to locate and set the whipstock and mill the casing in only one trip.

Abstract: A valve body for use in cementing, fracturing or acidizing operations in well drilling with improved wear resistance to extend the operating life of the valve. The valve includes a hardened metal valve head having urethane legs replaceably attached to the valve head. A urethane valve insert may also be provided to facilitate sealing engagement with the valve seat. The urethane legs reduce the overall weight of the valve to reduce the mass of the pumping valve against the valve seat thereby extending the life of the valve. The valve legs are attached to the valve head through fitting engagement and can be replaced and/or repaired.

Abstract: A section mill for cutting through well casing, the mill including multiple sets of cutting blades which are selectively engaged to continue cutting operations as blades dull. The cutting blade sets are selectively indexable such that as a first set dulls or fails a succeeding set can be utilized following retraction of the first set. The section mill includes a central mandrel having offset cammed surfaces which engage the cutting blades and cause them to expand outwardly. The mandrel is axially displaceably by a piston affected by hydraulic pressure. As the mandrel is axially displaced the indexed cutting blades are expanded by the cammed surface. Indexing is accomplished by a cam drum which allows the mandrel to be rotated relative to the cutting blades in order to align the next cammed surfaces with their respective cutting blades.

Abstract: A valve body for use in cementing, fracturing or acidizing operations in well drilling with improved wear resistance to extend the operating life of the valve. The valve includes a hardened metal valve head having urethane legs replaceably attached to the valve head. A urethane valve insert may also be provided to facilitate sealing engagement with the valve seat. The urethane legs reduce the overall weight of the valve to reduce the mass of the pumping valve against the valve seat thereby extending the life of the valve. The valve legs are attached to the valve head through fitting engagement and can be replaced and/or repaired.

Abstract: A stripper rubber for use in a drilling head to seal against a work string deployable through the drilling head. The stripper rubber is longitudinally restrained to prevent extrusion of the stripper under pressure and to reduce the tensile and compressive stresses on the stripper rubber. One embodiment of the stripper rubber incorporates upper and lower metal rings which are maintained in spaced apart relation by vertical rods thereby allowing radial expansion as tool joints pass through the rubber but prevents inversion of the stripper rubber under pressure. Reinforcing cords added to the stripper rubber increase the longitudinal strength. A second embodiment bonds a stripper rubber into a cylinder which restrains the rubber in the vertical direction. Radial deflection is accomodated by allowing the rubber to flow vertically as a tool joint passes therethrough. Each of the stripper rubbers incorporates an integrally formed drive bushing which facilitates mounting within the drilling head.

Abstract: An adjustable bent housing for controlled directional drilling of well holes. The bend angle of the housing can be conveniently adjusted upon release of the locking nut which is threadably mounted to the motor casing. The locking nut engages an adjusting ring having splines to lockingly engage both the motor casing and the adjustment sub. The adjustment sub and motor casing are lockingly engaged against axial displacement by threads and a plurality of locking balls. An end portion of the outer surface of the motor casing and an end portion of the inner surface of the sub have an angle offset from the central axis to allow angle adjustment. The adjusting ring and locking nut are mounted to the coaxial portions of the components to simplify machining and ensure a clean locking engagement. Adjustment of the bend angle is accomplished by loosening the locking nut to disengage the adjusting ring and allow rotation of the motor casing relative to the universal housing sub.

Abstract: A retrievable well packing tool suitable for high pressure environments which is hydraulically set within a well bore and thereafter mechanically released. The packer includes a pressure compensator which enhances the setting force, maintains a continual setting force during well operations, and equalizes differential pressures during release. Dual slips are provided to ensure rigid anchoring of the packer to the casing wall. The short, compact design of the packing tool facilitates running through the casing while reducing manufacturing costs. Inadvertent presetting of the packer is presented by positively locking all components.

Abstract: A whipstock mill for milling through the casing wall which incorporates a pressure drop tattletale to signal the operator that the milling operation should be halted. The milling tool includes a longitudinal fluid passageway which communicates with a lateral port formed below the mill blades. A replaceable plug is utilized to initially close the port thereby restricting fluid flow into the well hole. The starter mill is preferably run into the hole with a whipstock which can be set in the hole using an integral packer. As the mill travels down the set whipstock, a shear block mounted to the whipstock will shear the plug at a predetermined depth of the mill opening the lateral port. The resulting pressure drop within the milling tool signifies that the mill has reached the desired depth. Accordingly, the milling operation can be halted and the mill retrieved to permit further operations through the casing wall.

Abstract: A rotary drilling head having an upper body incorporating a kelly bushing removably clamped onto a stationary spool. The clamp assembly is hydraulically controlled to permit remote operation and access to the drive bearings and stripper rubbers within the drilling head. Secondary manual means for unclamping the assembly are also provided. The hydraulic clamp includes an annular piston movably disposed within a cylinder and acting upon bearing members to lock and unlock the clamp assembly. Hydraulic pressure is utilized to move the piston within the cylinder. A spring biases the piston towards the locked position to prevent inadvertent unclamping.