Abstract: A diverter for drilling mud is disclosed that has a packer housing mounted on the upper end of a riser through which drilling mud flows to the surface between the riser and the pipe string extending through the riser. A packer having a body of resilient material is located in the housing. Fluid pressure moves the body of resilient material into sealing engagement with the pipe string to divert drilling fluid laterally into a mud return line. A plurality of conduits extend vertically through the packer. Each conduit includes a flexible section extending through the body of resilient material to move with the resilient material as it is moved into and out of sealing engagement with the pipe string. Drilling mud is pumped through the conduits and nozzles attached to the lower ends of the conduits. The nozzles are positioned to divert the drilling fluid into the drilling fluid below the packer to break up large pieces of formation carried to the surface by the drilling mud.

Abstract: A rotary drilling apparatus and method are disclosed in which well tools are washed as they are pulled from the well bore and large pieces of formation are broken into pieces small enough to pass through the mud return line by directing a plurality of streams of drilling mud against the tools and the pieces of formation as they pass through the bell nipple. The material washed off the tools and the pieces of the broken up larger pieces of formation are carried from the bell nipple laterally with the mud through the mud return line. A plurality of nozzles are mounted on the bell nipple for this purpose and each nozzle includes a flow restricting member that can be easily removed and replaced when it becomes fluid cut.