Abstract: A well drilling method utilizing real time response to ahead of bit measurements. A well drilling method includes measuring a property of a portion of the earth prior to drilling a wellbore into the earth portion; and varying a drilling parameter in real time while drilling the wellbore, in response to measuring the property.

Abstract: A well control method can include removing from a wellbore an undesired influx from a formation into the wellbore, determining a desired pressure profile in real time with a hydraulics model, and automatically operating a flow choking device while removing the undesired influx from the wellbore, thereby influencing an actual pressure profile toward the desired pressure profile. Another well control method can include removing out of a wellbore an undesired influx from a formation into the wellbore, determining a desired wellbore pressure with a hydraulics model, the desired wellbore pressure preventing further influx into the wellbore while removing the undesired influx from the wellbore, and automatically operating a flow choking device while removing the undesired influx from the wellbore, thereby influencing an actual wellbore pressure toward the desired wellbore pressure.

Abstract: A rotating control device can include a housing assembly, a body and a clamp device which releasably secures the housing assembly to the body. The clamp device can include a piston which radially displaces a clamp section. A well system can include a rotating control device which includes at least one seal which seals off an annulus between a body of the rotating control device and a tubular string which extends longitudinally through the rotating control device. The rotating control device can also include a piston which displaces longitudinally and selectively clamps and unclamps a housing assembly to the body.

Abstract: An RCD can include a housing assembly containing a bearing assembly and a rotating seal which seals an annulus between a tubular string and a body of the RCD, and a remotely operable clamp device which selectively permits and prevents displacement of the housing assembly relative to the body. A method of remotely operating a clamp device can include rotating a threaded member which is secured relative to an RCD body, and displacing a clamp section in response to the threaded member rotation, thereby selectively securing and releasing a bearing assembly and an annular seal relative to the body. Another RCD can include a rotating seal which seals an annulus between a tubular string and a body of the RCD, and a remotely operable clamp device which selectively permits and prevents access to an interior of the body, the clamp device including a motor which rotates a threaded member.

Abstract: A method of drilling a subterranean wellbore can include extending coiled tubing into the wellbore, and actuating an impact tool interconnected to the coiled tubing, thereby delivering impacts to a drill bit. A coiled tubing drilling system for drilling a subterranean wellbore can include coiled tubing, a drill bit, and an impact tool which delivers impacts to the drill bit.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a substantially fixed orientation of a pressure control device relative to a movable rig can include rotating a body of the pressure control device while the rig rotates. A method of remotely controlling an orientation of a pressure control device relative to a movable rig can include rotating a body of the pressure control device, and controlling the rotation of the body from a location on the rig remote from the body. A pressure control device for use in conjunction with a rig can include a body, a flange, an orientation device which changes a rotational orientation of the body relative to the flange, and an orientation control system which remotely controls the orientation device.

Abstract: Equipment and methods which may be used in conjunction with an underbalanced well completion. In a described embodiment, a valve for use in a subterranean well in conjunction with a tool conveyed through the valve in a container is provided. The valve includes a passage formed longitudinally through the valve, a closure assembly which selectively permits and prevents flow through the passage, and an engagement device which engages the container as the tool is conveyed through the passage. The closure assembly permits flow through the passage when the container is conveyed into the passage, and the closure assembly prevents flow through the passage when the container is removed from the passage. Engagement between the container and the engagement device separates the tool from the container.