Abstract: A process for establishing a clear, generally horizontal borehole path in a subterranean formation includes drilling a generally horizontal borehole using a drill pipe, drill bit and an uphole drilling device and lubricating the drill bit and pipe by pumping a mud down the center of the drill pipe in sufficient quantity to carry cuttings, created by the drilling, from the horizontal borehole using a mud capable of creating a cake on the borehole wall. Throughout drilling of the borehole, the total solids content of the efflux is adjusted to preselected levels and recirculated through the drill pipe to continually create the borehole wall cake. After drilling, the drill bit and drill rod are removed and the drilling bit replaced with a casing shoe. Thereafter, the drill pipe is reinserted into the borehole with a liner therein.

Abstract: A process is provided for sealing a degas hole in a coal seam prior to mining of the coal therein which includes the steps of inserting a perforated liner into the degas hole substantially the entire length thereof and pumping grout down the center of the perforated liner to the end of the degas hole. As the end of the degas hole is filled with grout, pressure is increased to force grout through the perforations in the liner to fill the degas hole along the entire length thereof. The perforated liner is also useful in the election of methane gas prior to sealing of the degas hole and further ensures a clear path through the degas hole so that sloughing, or caving, of the degas hole prior to grouting does not interfere with the complete sealing of the degas hole.

Abstract: A process provides for the recovering of methane gas from subterranean coalseams having sloughing, or caving, characteristics. A borehole is drilled in a generally horizontal direction into a subterranean coalseam and as the drilling progresses, a flushable borehole cake is formed on and in the walls of the horizontal borehole. The borehole cake prevents contemporaneously sloughing, or caving, of the boreholes during the drilling operation. A perforated liner may be inserted into the horizontal borehole and the borehole cake is then flushed out in order to allow methane gas present in the coalseam to enter the liner from which it is collected.

Abstract: In shaft drilling apparatus for recovery of gas from subterranean formations includes a platform adapted for being suspended by a cable and rotated within a generally vertical shaft in the earth. Drilling and stabilizing apparatus are provided and disposed on the platform for drilling boreholes into the subterranean seams containing gas and rigidly supporting the platform within the generally vertical shaft during the drilling of the boreholes. A liquid-solids-gas separator is provided which is disposed on the platform and in an operative relationship with the drilling apparatus for separating solid cuttings and gas from the drilling efflux. Apparatus for enabling fresh air to be circulated to and from the platform is provided and includes a curtain wall disposed along the diameter of the generally vertical shaft. The platform is disposed on one side of the curtain wall during circulation of air to and from the platform.

Abstract: A method for collecting methane gas from subterranean formations having a plurality of spaced-apart coal seams containing methane gas includes the steps of drilling a shaft from the earth's surface to a depth sufficient to intersect a plurality of seams containing gas to be collected, excavating a cruciform shaped working area at the selected seams with each of the cruciform shaped working areas communicating with the shaft, and drilling a plurality of boreholes from each of the working areas into the seams and collecting methane gas from the boreholes.

Abstract: A method for collecting gas from subterranean formations having a plurality of spaced-apart coal seams containing methane gas includes the steps of drilling a shaft from the earth's surface to a depth sufficient to intersect a plurality of seams containing gas and thereunder to create a sump. A plurality of generally horizontal holes are drilled from the shaft into selected seams and gases collected from the boreholes and conducted through the shafts to the earth's surface. Apparatus, including a movable and rotatable platform, is lowered to a position adjacent the coal seam containing methane gas and an array of generally horizontal holes drilled from the platform into each of the coal seams from which methane gas is to be collected. Liners are inserted in each of the boreholes and interconnected through a riser for conducting the methane gas to the earth's surface. The method and apparatus of the invention enables the collection of methane gas from spaced-apart subterranean seams having narrow thickness.

Abstract: A method for collecting oil from a plurality of spaced-apart oil-bearing subterranean formations includes the steps of drilling a shaft from the earth's surface to a depth sufficient to intersect a plurality of spaced-apart oil-bearing formations, excavating a working area at selected oil-bearing subterranean formations and thereafter drilling a plurality of generally horizontal boreholes from each of the working areas into the selected oil-bearing subterranean formations. Thereafter, oil collection troughs are excavated within each of the working areas to collect oil from the boreholes and conduct the collected oil into a sump from which the oil is raised to the earth's surface utilizing a single lift. During collection and raising of the oil from each of the spaced-apart oil-bearing subterranean formations, the shaft and working areas are sealed.

Abstract: A gas-liquid-solids separation system for use with a drilling device includes a surge tank for holding drilling efflux comprising gas, liquid and solids, and adapted for mounting on a drilling device in a position for having a drill shaft extending therethrough. A stuffing box attached to a back side of the surge tank means and configured for enabling passage of the drill shaft therethrough prevents the drilling efflux from escaping the surge tank. A flange attached to the front side of the surge tank and aligned with the stuffing box for allowing passage of the drill shaft therethrough provides a seal between the surge tank and a borehole casing to enable the drilling efflux to flow into the surge tank means. An agitator disposed within the surge tank maintains suspension of the solids within the liquid, and a gas cyclone in fluid communication with the surge tank withdraws gas from the surge tank and separates any entrained liquid therefrom.

Abstract: A method for collecting methane gas from subterranean formations having a plurality of spaced-apart coal seams containing methane gas includes the steps of drilling at least one shaft from the earth's surface to a depth sufficient to intersect a plurality of seams containing gas to be collected, excavating a working area at selected seams with each of the working areas communicating with the shaft, and drilling a plurality of boreholes from each of the working areas into the seams and collecting methane gas from the boreholes.