Abstract: The present invention is an air injection collar for use in the drilling industry that is used to reduce the weight of the column of returning drilling mud and debris without causing unnecessary frictional wear on the drill pipe. The invention is a unique sleeve that is coupled to a drill casing that includes an input port for receiving the pressurized air or other fluid from the surface, an annular plenum extending around the drill casing, and a series of openings in the plenum leading to the inside of the drill casing. These openings disperse the pressurized air or other fluid into the upflowing mud around the central drill pipe so that it is not concentrated in one place, especially the center of the casing, where it could cause frictional damage to the drill pipe.

Abstract: The present invention is an air injection collar for use in the drilling industry that is used to reduce the weight of the column of returning drilling mud and debris without causing unnecessary frictional wear on the drill pipe. The invention is a unique sleeve that is coupled to a drill casing that includes an input port for receiving the pressurized air or other fluid from the surface, an annular plenum extending around the drill casing, and a series of openings in the plenum leading to the inside of the drill casing. These openings disperse the pressurized air or other fluid into the upflowing mud around the central drill pipe so that it is not concentrated in one place, especially the center of the casing, where it could cause frictional damage to the drill pipe.

Abstract: The present invention is an air injection collar for use in the drilling industry that is used to reduce the weight of the column of returning drilling mud and debris without causing unnecessary frictional wear on the drill pipe. The invention is a unique sleeve that is coupled to a drill casing that includes an input port for receiving the pressurized air or other fluid from the surface, an annular plenum extending around the drill casing, and a series of openings in the plenum leading to the inside of the drill casing. These openings disperse the pressurized air or other fluid into the upflowing mud around the central drill pipe so that it is not concentrated in one place, especially the center of the casing, where it could cause frictional damage to the drill pipe.

Abstract: An enhanced reaming apparatus and method are disclosed. A reaming assembly may have a motor and a pump that provide linear force, torsional force, and pressurized drilling fluid to a reamer to cause the reamer to enlarge the bore of a pilot hole. The reamer may have a body and a plurality of blade assemblies that cooperate to define two substantially symmetrical, oppositely oriented reaming sections. Each blade assembly may have an inner blade attached to the body and an outer blade extending outward from the body. Hard cutting elements may be used in place of the outer blade. The blade assemblies may be field-replaced, or the orientation of the reamer may be reversed to enhance the life of the reamer. The reamer has jets and circulation openings that release the drilling fluid into the bore to facilitate penetration and remove cuttings.

Abstract: An enhanced reaming apparatus and method are disclosed. A reaming assembly may have a motor and a pump that provide linear force, torsional force, and pressurized drilling fluid to a reamer to cause the reamer to enlarge the bore of a pilot hole. The reamer may have a body and a plurality of blade assemblies that cooperate to define two substantially symmetrical, oppositely oriented reaming sections. Each blade assembly may have an inner blade attached to the body and an outer blade extending outward from the body. Hard cutting elements may be used in place of the outer blade. The blade assemblies may be field-replaced, or the orientation of the reamer may be reversed to enhance the life of the reamer. The reamer has jets and circulation openings that release the drilling fluid into the bore to facilitate penetration and remove cuttings.