Abstract: The present invention relates to tools and methods for stabilizing incompetent or otherwise unstable subterranean zones or formations penetrated by a well bore during drilling. The methods basically comprise drilling the well bore through an enlarged portion of an unstable subterranean zone or formation when it is encountered, pumping a hardenable cementitious material through the well stabilization tool while moving the tool through the enlarged portion of the well bore whereby the enlarged portion is filled with the hardenable cementitious material, allowing the cementitious material to harden and then drilling the well bore through the hardened cementitious material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tools and methods for stabilizing incompetent or otherwise unstable subterranean zones or formations penetrated by a well bore during drilling. The methods basically comprise drilling the well bore through an unstable subterranean zone or formation when it is encountered, pumping a fluid through a well stabilization tool while moving the tool through the portion of the well bore in the unstable zone or formation whereby fluid jets formed by the well stabilization tool enlarge the diameter of the well bore by fluid jet erosion, pumping a hardenable cementitious material through the well stabilization tool while moving the tool through the enlarged portion of the well bore whereby the enlarged portion is filled with the hardenable cementitious material, allowing the cementitious material to harden and then drilling the well bore through the hardened cementitious material.

Abstract: Floating apparatus for well casing including a check valve disposed in a sleeve, wherein the sleeve is receivable within an outer case. In the case of a float collar, the outer case comprises coupled upper and lower casing string sections; while in the case of a float shoe, the outer case is individually coupled to a lower casing string section. The valve includes a valve housing, wherein a first cement body portion attaches the valve housing to the sleeve. When the embodiment of the invention is constructed as a float collar, the sleeve includes an annular flange that is outwardly extended therefrom and is received between ends of coupled upper and lower casing string sections for holding the sleeve and affixed valve within the outer case. A seal is provided between the flange and upper casing string section.

Abstract: Improved well casing fill apparatus and methods for filling a casing string with well bore fluid while running the string into a well bore and then cementing the casing in the well bore are provided. A well casing fill apparatus of this invention is basically comprised of a tubular housing having a well bore fluid fill port extending through a wall thereof and a closing sleeve slidably disposed in the tubular housing between an upper open position whereby the fill port is uncovered to a lower closed position whereby the closing sleeve covers the fill port. The closing sleeve includes a cementing plug landing seat thereon for receiving a cementing plug and slidably moving the closing sleeve to the closed position.

Abstract: A drill stem diverter tool for removing gelled drilling fluid and filter cake from the side of a well bore. The apparatus comprises a housing adapted to be connected into a drill string. The housing includes a plurality of diverter ports which communicate a central opening of the housing with a well annulus. A valve means which can be moved from a first position which blocks the diverter ports to a second position which opens the diverter ports is disposed in the central opening. The diverter ports are angled and offset from the center line of the housing so that the fluid exiting the ports creates a turbulent circular motion. A stop is provided to limit the movement of the valve means. The valve means may also be moved from its second position back to its first position to block communication to the well annulus through the diverter ports.

Abstract: A floating apparatus for use in a casing string. The apparatus includes an outer sleeve having a check valve centrally positioned therein. A body portion, which may be comprised of high compressive strength cement, is affixed to the check valve and the housing. The body portion has an upper end and a lower end. An upper seal is disposed above the upper end of the body and sealingly engages the housing and the outer sleeve. A lower seal is disposed in the sleeve below the lower end of the body portion, and sealingly engages the valve housing and the outer sleeve, so that fluid flowing through the outer sleeve cannot communicate with the body portion.