Abstract: A well drilling sub has a body with a threaded upper end for connection into a drill pipe string and a threaded lower end for connection and rotation with an earth boring bit. An axial passage in the body conveys drilling fluid to an outlet in the earth boring bit. Diverting nozzles in the body are in fluid communication with the axial passage. Each nozzle diverts and discharges a portion of the drilling fluid being pumped down the axial passage. Each diverting nozzle has a nozzle axis that points upward and outward and also at a oblique angle. The oblique angle lags a radial plane considering a direction of rotation of the body.

Abstract: A well chemical dispensing system includes a tubular sub for securing into a drill string. A ball stop is located within the passage. A ball filled with a liquid surfactant is pumped down the well. The ball is formed of a frangible material for shattering on impact with the ball stop, so as to dispense the surfactant, causing foaming when mixing with well fluid. Struts within the ball extend across an interior of the ball and join to inner surfaces of the ball. The struts are formed of a solid surfactant material. The ball has a spherical shape with dimples formed in an exterior surface of the sphere. A spring in the passage applies an upward force on the ball stop. The ball stop has upper and lower grids extending across the passage.

Abstract: A casing shoe secured to a lower end of a casing string is positioned a selected distance from a bottom of the well, defining an open hole portion in the well below the casing shoe. Cement is pumped through the casing shoe and back up an annulus surrounding the casing string, while leaving at least part of the open hole portion free of cement. The annulus and the open hole portion are isolated from an interior of the casing string while the cement is uncured. The casing shoe has a timer that opens the interior of the casing string to the open hole portion after a selected time sufficient for the cement to cure. The operator may then pump a tool down the casing string while displacing fluid in the casing string below the tool through the casing shoe and into the open hole portion of the well.

Abstract: Described are drilling subs that may be connected in a drill string for reducing the accumulation of debris on the exterior of the drill string or otherwise facilitating the return of drilling fluid during drilling operations. A plurality of radially spaced stabilizing blades protrude from an exterior surface of the drilling subs to define exterior flow channels therebetween through which drilling fluid returning to the surface may is directed. Diverting nozzle passages are provided that extend between an inner axial passage of the drilling subs and the exterior surface of the drilling subs. The diverting nozzle passages exhibit a radial spacing corresponding to a radial spacing of the exterior flow channels such that drilling fluid discharged from the diverting nozzle passages is directed toward the exterior flow channels.

Abstract: A well chemical dispensing system includes a tubular sub for securing into a drill string. A ball stop is located within the passage. A ball filled with a liquid surfactant is pumped down the well. The ball is formed of a frangible material for shattering on impact with the ball stop, so as to dispense the surfactant, causing foaming when mixing with well fluid. Struts within the ball extend across an interior of the ball and join to inner surfaces of the ball. The struts are formed of a solid surfactant material. The ball has a spherical shape with dimples formed in an exterior surface of the sphere. A spring in the passage applies an upward force on the ball stop. The ball stop has upper and lower grids extending across the passage.

Abstract: A casing shoe secured to a lower end of a casing string is positioned a selected distance from a bottom of the well, defining an open hole portion in the well below the casing shoe. Cement is pumped through the casing shoe and back up an annulus surrounding the casing string, while leaving at least part of the open hole portion free of cement. The annulus and the open hole portion are isolated from an interior of the casing string while the cement is uncured. The casing shoe has a timer that opens the interior of the casing string to the open hole portion after a selected time sufficient for the cement to cure. The operator may then pump a tool down the casing string while displacing fluid in the casing string below the tool through the casing shoe and into the open hole portion of the well.

Abstract: A well drilling sub has a body with a threaded upper end for connection into a drill pipe string and a threaded lower end for connection and rotation with an earth boring bit. An axial passage in the body conveys drilling fluid to an outlet in the earth boring bit. Diverting nozzles in the body are in fluid communication with the axial passage. Each nozzle diverts and discharges a portion of the drilling fluid being pumped down the axial passage. Each diverting nozzle has a nozzle axis that points upward and outward and also at a oblique angle. The oblique angle lags a radial plane considering a direction of rotation of the body.

Abstract: A fluid injection sub for a well creates eduction to draw well fluid into a mixing chamber and discharge the well fluid mixed with an injection fluid pumped down a string of tubing to the sub. The injection sub has a well fluid intake passage leading from an exterior of the housing to the mixing chamber. The injection sub also has a mixed fluid discharge passage extending from the mixing chamber to the exterior of the housing for discharging the mixed fluid exterior of the housing. A nozzle at the lower end of the mixing chamber discharges the injection fluid into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A firing head assembly has a sealed chamber containing a piston, a firing pin, and an impact detonator. The firing head assembly and a perforating charge are installed within a sub and the sub is secured into a string of conduit being lowered into a wellbore. After cementing the conduit, the operator drills out the cement in the conduit, disintegrating the chamber and exposing the sealed chamber to the fluid pressure of the drilling fluid in the conduit. The drilling fluid pressure causes the piston to drive the firing pin against the detonator, which detonates the perforating charge. The operator then pumps down a logging tool to survey the well. Fluid in the conduit below the pump-down head can flow out the displacement perforation into the earth formation while the logging tool is moving downward.

Abstract: A firing head assembly has a sealed chamber containing a piston, a firing pin, and an impact detonator. The firing head assembly and a perforating charge are installed within a sub and the sub is secured into a string of conduit being lowered into a wellbore. After cementing the conduit, the operator drills out the cement in the conduit, disintegrating the chamber and exposing the sealed chamber to the fluid pressure of the drilling fluid in the conduit. The drilling fluid pressure causes the piston to drive the firing pin against the detonator, which detonates the perforating charge. The operator then pumps down a logging tool to survey the well. Fluid in the conduit below the pump-down head can flow out the displacement perforation into the earth formation while the logging tool is moving downward.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drill pipe conveyed logging is disclosed. In a highly deviated well borehole, the apparatus comprises a hollow housing for surrounding a logging tool, lockable and releasable rotating connector joined to said housing, and weights along one side to rotate said housing against or relative to the low side of the deviated well bore. The rotating connector includes a telescoping sleeve, and can move downwardly to lock abutting shoulders, or move upwardly to permit logging tool rotation. A nonconductor housing rotatably locks with a hollow nut and compressed rings. The housing has aligned SP electrode windows aligning with SP electrodes to operate through the housing. A male wet connector enclosed in a sealed capsule is affixed at the top end of the housing and is electrically connected to the logging tool. A cooperative female wet connector in a similar closed capsule is supported on a logging cable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drill pipe conveyed logging is disclosed. In a highly deviated well borehole, the apparatus comprises a housing for surrounding a logging tool, lockable and releasable rotating standoff means along said housing, and weights along one side to rotate said housing against or relative to the low side of the deviated well bore. The apparatus further includes rotary means joining the housing to the pipe string. A male wet connector enclosed in a sealed capsule is affixed at the top end of the housing and is electrically connected to the logging tool. A cooperative female wet connector in a similar closed capsule is supported on a logging cable. The logging cable is pumped down, mechanical connection is made, separate electrical connection between the mating connectors is made, and drilling fluid is excluded by virtue of positioning the mating connectors in separate closed capsules which are filled with a selected insulating liquid.

Abstract: A side entry sub logging system has features for removing the cable should the drill pipe become stuck. A release sub is connected between the drill pipe and the side entry sub. A mandrel is carried in the side entry sub and extends into the release sub. Logging cable which passes through the side entry sub sidewall passage also passes through a passage in the mandrel. The mandrel will move between upper and lower positions. The connection between the side entry sub and the release sub will release when contacted by the mandrel in the lower position. This enables the side entry sub to be pulled straight upward, bringing along with it the cable. A plug dropped into the drill pipe from the surface blocks the passage through the mandrel, enabling fluid pressure to be applied to push the mandrel downwardly to actuate the connection between the release sub and the side entry sub.

Abstract: A side entry sub logging system has features for preventing a blowout should a kick in the casing annulus occur. A packer is mounted to the side entry sub below the sidewall passage. The packer has an elastomeric element for expansion of the element into sealing engagement with the casing. An actuating assembly is mounted in the sub for actuating the packer into sealing engagement with the casing. The actuating assembly acts to set slips in response to hydraulic pressure applied to the interior of the drill pipe from the surface. Then the drill pipe is picked up to move the elastomeric element into compression against the casing. The packer is released by removing the hydraulic pressure and lowering the drill pipe.

Abstract: A side entry sub logging system has features for removing the cable should the drill pipe become stuck. A release sub is connected between the drill pipe and the side entry sub. A mandrel is carried in the side entry sub and extends into the release sub. Logging cable which passes through the side entry sub sidewall passage also passes through a passage in the mandrel. The mandrel will move between upper and lower positions. The connection between the side entry sub and the release sub will release when contacted by the mandrel in the lower position. This enables the side entry sub to be pulled straight upward, bringing along with it the cable. A plug dropped into the drill pipe from the surface blocks the passage through the mandrel, enabling fluid pressure to be applied to push the mandrel downwardly to actuate the connection between the release sub and the side entry sub.

Abstract: A wireline apparatus and method has features that prevent the wireline from moving with respect to the drill string due to drill string movement or wave action on the drill rig. The apparatus includes a frame having a wireline pressure sealing device. The pressure sealing device is mounted to the top of the drill string. A drum is rotatably mounted to the frame on the side of the pressure sealing device. The drum is powered by a hydraulic motor and controlled by a remote unit. Wireline is wrapped around the drum and reeved over a sheave which is mounted to the frame near the top of the wireline sealing device. A lift sub is secured to the top of the frame and enables the frame to be lifted by the rig elevators. The frame provides a linkage between the elevators and the drill string to lift the drill string.

Abstract: A method for testing earth formations informs the operator of the density of the formation fluid being produced before it reaches the surface. In the method, a bypass sub is secured to the drill string. The bypass sub has a bore for receiving a wireline tool that has sensing instruments. The wireline tool also has arms that will shift a sleeve to open and close the bypass sub. The wireline tool has a density measuring device for measuring the density of the formation fluid and providing a concurrent surface indication. A reversing valve is located above the bypass sub and is of a type that provides a port for reverse circulation while the wireline tool is still downhole. Preferably, the reversing valve is shifted by the wireline tool to the open position.

Abstract: An apparatus for retrieving drill collars in an earth boring drill string when stuck. A sub is connected between two drill collars at various points. Each sub is a cylindrical member with a reduced annular or notched area at one point that is no greater in wall thickness than the drill pipe. A locator is secured to a wire line and lowered into the drill string to the vicinity of one of the subs located above the stuck point. The locator carries an explosive charge of capacity sufficient to cut drill pipe. The locator has a pivotal dog that engages a landing in the sub. The landing is spaced above the annular area a distance selected to position the explosive charge adjacent the annular area when the dog engages the landing.

Abstract: A wireline latching apparatus and method of use with wireline instruments for measuring temperature and pressure downhole in flowing oil and gas wells. The latching apparatus includes a tubular body for connection to the instrument. Three arms are mounted in the tubular body pivotally so that their upper ends open outward. A downwardly facing shoulder is located in the well pipe in the area where the measurements are to be taken. An actuating mechanism is operable to open and close the arms so that their upper ends bear against the shoulder. The instrument with the latching mechanism is lowered into the well and positioned so that the arms are adjacent the shoulder. The arms are opened to engage the shoulder and the wireline tensioned to prevent whipping of the line as fluid flows past.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use during earth boring operations when a wireline instrument is positioned within the drill string while drilling fluid is circulated, such as during directional drilling. The apparatus includes a circulating head connected to the top of the drill string that is connected to the drilling fluid pump. A wireline sealing apparatus is connected to and extends partially into the inner passage of the circulating head. The wireline sealing apparatus is of the type that has a flow tube closely fitted about the wireline and in communication with grease supplied under high pressure. The grease provides a seal while the line is stationary and while moving. Consequently, after the wireline instrument reaches the bottom of the drill string, the wireline may be pulled upward while drilling fluid is being circulated to remove slack. The wireline instrument also may be lowered and retrieved while drilling fluid is being circulated.