Abstract: A method for reducing a skin effect in a downhole environment is provided, including the step of radiating vibrational waves at a wellbore wall such that the vibrational waves have at least one direction of greatest vibrational energy transfer directed toward the wall, thereby reducing the skin effect. An apparatus for reducing a skin effect in a downhole environment is also provided. The apparatus includes at least one vibrational wave source having at least one direction of greatest vibrational energy transfer, and a means for positioning the vibrational wave source proximate a wellbore wall.

Abstract: A flowbore fluid temperature control system comprising a valve mechanism that adjusts the flow of a fluid through a flowbore. The flowbore fluid temperature control system also comprises an actuator that adjusts the valve mechanism. The flowbore fluid temperature control system also comprises an operating system that operates the actuator and controls the flowbore fluid pressure. The flowbore fluid temperature control system selectively controls the temperature of the flowbore fluid by adjusting the flow of the fluid through the flowbore. The control system controls the actuator and also controls the flowbore fluid pressure to affect the temperature of the flowbore fluid.

Abstract: The drilling system includes a work string supporting a bottom hole assembly. The work string including lengths of pipe having a non-metallic portion. The work string preferably includes a composite coiled tubing having a fluid impermeable liner, multiple load carrying layers, and a wear layer. Multiple electrical conductors and data transmission conductors may be embedded in the load carrying layers for carrying current or transmitting data between the bottom hole assembly and the surface. The bottom hole assembly includes a bit, a gamma ray and inclinometer instrument package, a steerable assembly, an electronics section, a transmission, and a power section for rotating the bit. It may or may not include a propulsion system. The drilling system may be a gravity based drilling system that does include a propulsion system. Various motive means may be provided, such as gravity, to apply weight on the bit.

Abstract: A steering assembly includes upper and lower tubular housings connected by a universal joint. An angle cam is disposed on the end of the lower housing and projects into the upper housing. A plurality of wedge members extend axially from the upper housing and into engagement with the angle cam. Drive trains are connected to the wedge members to move the wedge members toward and away from the angle cam so as to pivot the lower housing at the universal joint and change the angle and azimuth of the lower housing with respect to the upper housing. The lower housing is connected to a bearing pack supporting a drill bit such that upon changing the angle and azimuth of the lower housing, the direction of the drilling of the drill bit is also changed. The steering assembly being connected to composite tubing having conductors in the wall thereof for conducting data and commands between the steering assembly and a processor at the surface and for providing power to the steering assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing cuttings in a deviated borehole using drilling fluids. The apparatus includes a pipe string and a bottom hole assembly having a down hole motor and bit for drilling the borehole. The pipe string has one end attached to the bottom hole assembly and does not rotate during drilling. The apparatus and methods raise at least a portion of the pipe string in the deviated borehole to remove cuttings from underneath the pipe string portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for sequentially treating multiple zones in underground formation in a single trip of the well treatment work string. In the one embodiment, the work string includes composite tubing having electrical conductors embedded within the walls, the conductors enabling power transmission and two way communication between the surface and the sensor or detectors downhole so that real time data can be sensed and communicated. Isolation packers are actuated via electrical signals from the surface communicated to the bottom hole assembly via the conductors. A detector located in the bottom hole assembly may be provided to detect perforations or other anomalies in the casing, such as joints, enabling the surface controller to position packers properly in blank segments of casing so that well intervals can be properly isolated and the adjacent formation effectively treated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing cuttings in a deviated borehole using drilling fluids. The apparatus includes a pipe string and a bottom hole assembly having a down hole motor and bit for drilling the borehole. The pipe string has one end attached to the bottom hole assembly and does not rotate during drilling. The apparatus and methods raise at least a portion of the pipe string in the deviated borehole to remove cuttings from underneath the pipe string portion.

Abstract: The bottom hole assembly of the present invention includes a drill bit driven by a positive displacement drilling motor, the motor being constructed of tubular housings, one of said housings having a bend so as to cause the bit to drill directionally, another housing containing a rotor and stator to generate power, and a flexible section between the power generation housing and the bend. A stabilizer is disposed on one end of the flexible section for engaging the wall of the borehole and the housing with the bend includes a wear pad for engaging the lower side of the borehole. The bottom hole assembly contacts the borehole at three contact points, namely at the stabilizer, the wear pad, and the drill bit, for producing the necessary build-up rate, along with the bend, and thus the curvature of the borehole being drilled.

Abstract: A hybrid package which includes a plastic shell having an integral interior configuration for support of a ceramic substrate and terminal pins, and an encapsulate for rigid retention of the pins and for sealing of the package.