Abstract: A fluidic oscillator includes a vortex chamber in fluid communication with a flow volume, an outlet, a first control port, and a second control port. The flow volume is defined by a first wall and a second wall. The first wall and the second wall are arranged to direct a fluid flow to create a vortex flow in the vortex chamber. The pressure differential cycles the attachment of fluid flow between the first wall and the second wall at a cycle rate. Because the fluidic oscillator can operate at a low cycle rate, the fluidic oscillator can provide an extended reach.

Abstract: Hydraulic pulses are produced each time that a pulse valve interrupts the flow of a pressurized fluid through a conduit. The pulse valve includes an elongate housing having an inlet configured to couple to the conduit to receive the pressurized fluid, and an outlet configured to couple to one or more tools. In the housing, a valve assembly includes a poppet reciprocating between open and closed positions, and a poppet seat, in which the poppet closes to partially block the flow of pressurized fluid through the valve. A bypass passage is configured to connect with a valve actuation vent port such that when the poppet closes the valve actuation pressure is less than the difference between the pressure up stream of the pulse valve and a pilot within the poppet moves between disparate positions to modify fluid paths within the valve.

Abstract: Hydraulic pulses are produced each time that a pulse valve interrupts the flow of a pressurized fluid through a conduit. The pulse valve includes an elongate housing having an inlet configured to couple to the conduit to receive the pressurized fluid, and an outlet configured to couple to one or more tools. In the housing, a valve assembly includes a poppet reciprocating between open and closed positions, and a poppet seat, in which the poppet closes to partially block the flow of pressurized fluid through the valve. A bypass passage is configured to connect with a valve actuation vent port such that when the poppet closes the valve actuation pressure is less than the difference between the pressure up stream of the pulse valve and a pilot within the poppet moves between disparate positions to modify fluid paths within the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to improve transmission of mud pulse telemetry signals is described. A mud pulser is placed in series with a water hammer pulse valve. While generating pulse signals, the mud pulser modulates the flow of mud downstream to the pulse valve. The pulse valve, which cycles at a frequency that is proportional to the flow rate through the tool, operates at a frequency that is effectively modulated by the mud pulser. A sensor that may be at the surface receives a mud pulse signal that comprises both an amplitude modulated component as well as a frequency modulated component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to improve transmission of mud pulse telemetry signals is described. A mud pulser is placed in series with a water hammer pulse valve. While generating pulse signals, the mud pulser modulates the flow of mud downstream to the pulse valve. The pulse valve, which cycles at a frequency that is proportional to the flow rate through the tool, operates at a frequency that is effectively modulated by the mud pulser. A sensor that may be at the surface receives a mud pulse signal that comprises both an amplitude modulated component as well as a frequency modulated component.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly is configured with a drill bit section connected to a pulse generation section. The pulse generation section includes a relatively long external housing, the particular housing length being selected for the particular drilling location. The long external housing is positioned closely adjacent to the borehole sidewalls to thereby create a high speed flow course between the external walls of the housing and the borehole sidewalls. The long external housing includes a valve cartridge assembly and optionally a shock sub decoupler. While in operation, the valve cartridge assembly continuously cycles and uses downhole pressure to thereby generate seismic signal pulses that propagate to geophones or other similar sensors on the surface. The amount of bypass allowed through the valve assembly is selectable in combination with the long external housing length and width to achieve the desired pulse characteristics.

Abstract: A self-actuated cyclical flow interruption valve on a deployment tool is positioned at a proximal end of a well completion assembly. Fluid is pumped though the self-actuated cyclical flow interruption valve and vented immediately distal of the valve, to return to surface of the well. A water hammer pulse is generated each time the self-actuated cyclical flow interruption valve closes, thereby generating an impact force that acts to push the completion equipment distally into the well. The continuous cyclic force of the impact facilitates placement of the completion equipment where desired in the well, including within a horizontal extension of the well. Fluid discharged through the self-actuated cyclical flow interruption valve circulates up to the surface through a vertical and inclined section of the well.

Abstract: A compact reaction turbine jet rotor with much lower rotary speed, reduced manufacturing cost and greater tolerance to debris and wear is disclosed. Reduced rotary speed will allow faster drilling in a wider range of formations of economic interest. A simple brake mechanism will also reduce manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A hydraulic pulse valve for use in downhole tools includes a split ring seal to limit the fluid flow available to shift a poppet in the valve from an open position to a closed position. The split ring seal provides relatively long and repeatable pressure pulses, which improve the effectiveness of the hydraulic pulse valve for borehole applications.

Abstract: A self-actuated cyclical flow interruption valve on a deployment tool is positioned at a proximal end of a well completion assembly. Fluid is pumped though the self-actuated cyclical flow interruption valve and vented immediately distal of the valve, to return to surface of the well. A water hammer pulse is generated each time the self-actuated cyclical flow interruption valve closes, thereby generating an impact force that acts to push the completion equipment distally into the well. The continuous cyclic force of the impact facilitates placement of the completion equipment where desired in the well, including within a horizontal extension of the well. Fluid discharged through the self-actuated cyclical flow interruption valve circulates up to the surface through a vertical and inclined section of the well.

Abstract: A hyper-pressure water cannon, or pulse excavator, is able to discharge fluid pulses at extremely high velocities to fracture a rock face in excavation applications. A compressed water cannon can be used to generate hyper-pressure pulses by discharging the pulse into a straight nozzle section which leads to a convergent tapered nozzle. The hyper-pressure water cannon design is relatively compact, and the pulse generator can readily be maneuvered to cover the face of an excavation as part of a mobile mining system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an actuation mechanism for a water hammer valve. The water hammer valve is initially prevented from operating, and an actuation mechanism for the water hammer valve is actuated by dropping one or more balls or other objects onto the valve. Once actuated, the pilot and piston mechanism in the water hammer valve operate to produce hydraulic pulses from an upstream pressurized fluid.

Abstract: Hydraulic pulses are produced each time that a pulse valve interrupts the flow of a pressurized fluid through a conduit. The pulse valve includes an elongate housing having an inlet configured to couple to the conduit to receive the pressurized fluid, and an outlet configured to couple to one or more tools. In the housing, a valve assembly includes a poppet reciprocating between open and closed positions, and a poppet seat, in which the poppet closes to at least partially block the flow of pressurized fluid through the valve. A pilot within the poppet moves between disparate positions to modify fluid paths within the valve. When the valve is open, a relatively lower pressure is produced by a Venturi effect as the fluid flows through a throat in the poppet seat, to provide a differential pressure used to move the pilot and poppet. An optional bypass reduces the pulse amplitude.

Abstract: A hyper-pressure water cannon, or pulse excavator, is able to discharge fluid pulses at extremely high velocities to fracture a rock face in excavation applications. A compressed water cannon can be used to generate hyper-pressure pulses by discharging the pulse into a straight nozzle section which leads to a convergent tapered nozzle. The hyper-pressure water cannon design is relatively compact, and the pulse generator can readily be maneuvered to cover the face of an excavation as part of a mobile mining system.

Abstract: A turbine drill motor capable of operation at ultra-high rotary speeds (i.e., in excess of 1000 rpm, which is very high for turbine drill motors), with a high-pressure jet-assist functionality for drilling and well service applications. The ultra-high rotary speed enables fast penetration with diamond bits, while the high-pressure jet-assist ensures adequate cooling and cuttings removal. In an exemplary embodiment, such a turbine drill motor includes a bypass channel to divert a portion of the driving fluid supply when the bit is off-bottom, to limit the no-load runaway speed of the turbine. Serial and parallel flow paths can be accommodated, and different drill bits for cutting and well-bore servicing are disclosed.

Abstract: Hydraulic pulses are produced each time that a pulse valve interrupts the flow of a pressurized fluid through a conduit. The pulse valve includes an elongate housing having an inlet configured to couple to the conduit to receive the pressurized fluid, and an outlet configured to couple to one or more tools. In the housing, a valve assembly includes a poppet reciprocating between open and closed positions, and a poppet seat, in which the poppet closes to at least partially block the flow of pressurized fluid through the valve. A pilot within the poppet moves between disparate positions to modify fluid paths within the valve. When the valve is open, a relatively lower pressure is produced by a Venturi effect as the fluid flows through a throat in the poppet seat, to provide a differential pressure used to move the pilot and poppet. An optional bypass reduces the pulse amplitude.

Abstract: A gas turbodrill with an adjustable bent housing for use in a spur lateral drilling application. The gas turbodrill includes a high-speed gas turbine, a gearbox assembly, a pivoting shaft connection point, a gimbal assembly comprising a hollow ball and socket joint, a bearing assembly and drill bit assembly. The gas turbodrill gimbal assembly enabling a bend through an angle of up to 5 degrees while drilling. Springs and the application of pressure will lock the bend in place once drilling commences to facilitate lateral drilling of the spur.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly is configured with a drill bit section connected to a pulse generation section. The pulse generation section includes a relatively long external housing, the particular housing length being selected for the particular drilling location. The long external housing is positioned closely adjacent to the borehole sidewalls to thereby create a high speed flow course between the external walls of the housing and the borehole sidewalls. The long external housing includes a valve cartridge assembly and optionally a shock sub decoupler. While in operation, the valve cartridge assembly continuously cycles and uses downhole pressure to thereby generate seismic signal pulses that propagate to geophones or other similar sensors on the surface. The amount of bypass allowed through the valve assembly is selectable in combination with the long external housing length and width to achieve the desired pulse characteristics.

Abstract: Hydraulic pulses are produced each time that a pulse valve interrupts the flow of a pressurized fluid through a conduit. The pulse valve includes an elongate housing having an inlet configured to couple to the conduit to receive the pressurized fluid, and an outlet configured to couple to one or more tools. In the housing, a valve assembly includes a poppet reciprocating between open and closed positions, and a poppet seat, in which the poppet closes to at least partially block the flow of pressurized fluid through the valve. A pilot within the poppet moves between disparate positions to modify fluid paths within the valve. When the valve is open, a relatively lower pressure is produced by a Venturi effect as the fluid flows through a throat in the poppet seat, to provide a differential pressure used to move the pilot and poppet. An optional bypass reduces the pulse amplitude.

Abstract: A hydraulic pulse valve for use in downhole tools includes a split ring seal to limit the fluid flow available to shift a poppet in the valve from an open position to a closed position. The split ring seal provides relatively long and repeatable pressure pulses, which improve the effectiveness of the hydraulic pulse valve for borehole applications.