Abstract: In a drill pipe handling apparatus, a pipe gripping mechanism comprises three pipe-gripping jaws arranged to grip a pipe at locations adjacent the apices of a triangle containing the axis of the pipe. A first pipe gripping jaw is connectible to a first pivoted arm at any selected one of a set of plural distances from the pivot axis of the first arm and connected to the first arm at one of those plural distances, and a second jaw is connectible to the second arm at any selected one of the same set of plural distances from the pivot axis of the second arm and connected to the second arm at the same one of those plural distances at which the first jaw is connected to the first arm. Because the same first and second jaws are connectible to the arms at plural distances from the pivot axes, the same jaws can accommodate a wide range of pipe diameters.

Abstract: In a drill pipe handling apparatus, a pipe gripping mechanism comprises three pipe-gripping jaws arranged to grip a pipe at locations adjacent the apices of a triangle containing the axis of the pipe. A first pipe gripping jaw is connectible to a first pivoted arm at any selected one of plural distances from the pivot axis of the first arm and connected to the first arm at one of those plural distances, and a second jaw is connectible to the second arm at any selected one of said plural distances from the pivot axis of the second arm and connected to said second arm at said one of said plural distances. Because the same first and second jaws are connectible to the arms at plural distances from the pivot axes, the same jaws can accommodate a wide range of pipe diameters.

Abstract: Well drilling and well casing placement are carried out by a process in which a drill string and surrounding casing are advanced while being rotated, preferably in opposite directions. The process is preferably carried out using a drill rig having a mast that is movable along its direction of elongation and a casing rotation table fixed to the mast.

Abstract: In an earth drilling rig in which an air compressor and one or more hydraulic pumps are driven by the same engine, the intake throttle of the compressor is controlled by an electronic controller having a proportional integral derivative control. The controller minimizes unloading of the compressor, allowing the engine to operate more efficiently, the hydraulic system to provide more consistent power to drilling functions and the volume and pressure of compressed air to be optimized for the drilling conditions encountered. The electronic controller also operates a blowdown valve at the discharge side of an air receiver, and effects various overrides of the control system, for example when air discharge temperature approaches a critical level, or when an overpressure condition is detected.

Abstract: An electronic control, for automated earth drilling using a pneumatic hammer-operated bit, preliminarily weighs a drill string, and, during drilling, automatically maintains a desired weight on the bit, and also maintains a constant rate of drilling progress by regulating drill string rotation speed. The weight on the bit is automatically maintained at a fraction of the pre-established desired weight as the air pressure in the supply to the pneumatic hammer builds up to an operating level. The control detects voids and broken formations by monitoring air pressure and torque respectively, and responds by reducing the weight on the bit. The control automatically raises the drill bit though a short distance as the drill head reaches the lower limit of its travel, pauses until the air pressure drops, and then raises the drill string to a position for insertion of a new length of pipe.

Abstract: In an earth drilling rig in which an air compressor and one or more hydraulic pumps are driven by the same engine, the intake throttle of the compressor is controlled by an electronic controller having a proportional integral derivative control. The controller minimizes unloading of the compressor, allowing the engine to operate more efficiently, the hydraulic system to provide more consistent power to drilling functions and the volume and pressure of compressed air to be optimized for the drilling conditions encountered. The electronic controller also operates a blowdown valve at the discharge side of an air receiver, and effects various overrides of the control system, for example when air discharge temperature approaches a critical level, or when an overpressure condition is detected.

Abstract: A mobile rig for angle drilling comprises a tiltable drilling mast and a drill pipe storage rack both mounted on a land vehicle, with a carriage movable lengthwise on a track extending alongside the mast. When the mast is in an oblique position for angle drilling, an articulating arm on the carriage retrieves drill pipes individually from the pipe storage rack, swings them to a position above the mast and lowers them into alignment with a drilling head. The storage rack is moved longitudinally as the drill pipe supply is depleted so that the arm can grasp each drill pipes close to its center of gravity. In an alternative embodiment, one of the elements of the articulating arm is extensible.

Abstract: A lagoon for wastewater treatment, having an aeration zone and a quiescent zone is provided with a collector in the form of a horizontally extending submerged tube filled with biological reaction media and having an array of openings on its underside for the entry of water into its interior. The collector tube is supported at its ends by vertical pipe sections extending upwardly from the floor of the lagoon. These pipe sections connect the ends of the collector tube to a discharge conduit. Provision is made for the introduction of air into the collector for backwashing the biological reaction media. The media within the tube, in cooperation with openings designed to produce a velocity gradient within a limited range, insure uniform flow and minimum disturbance of the quiescent zone so that a highly clarified effluent is produced. The biological media also provide a large surface area for the growth of nitrifying bacteria.

Abstract: A radial configuration of flexible diffuser tubes eliminates short-circuiting by automatically producing a flow pattern extending well beyond the radial extent of the diffuser. A slitted diaphragm at the outer end of a diffuser tube facilitates the removal of water during start-up. A preferred diffuser comprises an inner perforated conduit surrounded by a fabric tube through which air is released into the liquid. Providing a space between the conduit and the fabric tube and filling the space with gravel pellets provides for greatly improved uniformity in air diffusion.

Abstract: An air trap for removing accumulated water from a system for producing air bubbles in which the elongated conductor which has air supplied thereto from the compressor and which has openings through which air passes to produce the bubbles has an air trap connected thereto so that water therein can be forced readily therefrom by way of the air trap upon the introduction of air into the conductor. The air trap is moved to a closed position when the air has displaced the water from the conductor and is opened automatically when the supply of air is shut off.