Abstract: Rotary jetting tool including a rotor with axially-opposed pressure-balanced mechanical face seals. Vented upper mechanical face seal enables the rotor to be operated with the relativity low starting torque achievable using reaction forces from offset jets energized with a pressurized fluid. When rotor is displaced axially due to set-down conditions, a pressure chamber exerts a pressure imbalance on the rotor, forcing the rotor to return to a normal operating position. Alternate structure to achieve low starting torque includes a volume disposed adjacent to a lower mechanical face seal, the volume being coupled in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid. Mechanical face seal surfaces are fabricated from ultra-hard materials, such as tungsten carbide, silicon carbide, and diamond. A gage ring designed to ensure the jets remove all of the material from the gage of the protective housing before the tool can advance can be incorporated.

Abstract: A fluid drilling head has a plurality of nozzles (3, 4, 5, 6) in a rotatable nozzle assembly (2) to provide high pressure cutting jets (7). The head is provided with a gauging ring (10) having an annular clearance (11) to the rotatable nozzle assembly (2) to provide for the passage of rock particles eroded by the cutting action of the jets (7) while regulating the progress of the drilling head in the borehole and controlling drill stalling. A stepped rotatable nozzle assembly having a smaller diameter portion (8) and a larger diameter portion (9) to extend the cutting zone of a reaming jet closer to the outer diameter of the gauging ring (10) is also described and claimed.

Abstract: A well-cleaning system (10) is provided with a control system (30) where waste liquid level sensors (35, 36) co-operate with timers (39, 40) to control the frequency and duration of the well-cleaning cycles. Chemicals can be injected into the water on demand from a well-conditioning sensor (38); and the well-cleaning system (10) can be operated when high H2S gas levels are detected in the well (20) by a H2S gas sensor (37).

Abstract: An adjustable hole cleaning device is provided for cleaning a hole in a subterranean formation. A drillstring containing the device is rotated to drill a hole through the subterranean formation. While rotating the drillstring, drilling fluid is circulated through the drillstring and the device into the hole. In response to an increase in a hydrostatic pressure of the fluid in the drillstring, cleaning elements are extended from the device to clean accumulated cuttings from the drilled hole. The cleaning elements may clean the accumulated cuttings by agitating the circulating fluid in the hole. In response to a decrease in a hydrostatic pressure of the fluid in the drillstring, the cleaning elements may be retracted back into the device. The device may also include a set of ports which hydraulically open in response to the increase of hydrostatic pressure in the drillstring to disperse drilling fluid into the hole for cleaning accumulated cuttings.

Abstract: A device for cleaning an inner pipe which comprises a nozzle head comprised of a feed borehole axially disposed therein, at least two rotation nozzles communicating with the feed borehole, at least two cleaning nozzles communicating with the feed borehole and a shaft. A rinsing nozzle communicates with the feed borehole and extends upwardly at an angle from the longitudinal axis of the feed borehole. The shaft is received in an outer sleeve whereby when the device is inserted into an inner pipe and a medium is flowed through the borehole and out of the rotation nozzles a force is generated when the medium emerging from the rotation nozzles contacts the wall of the inner pipe which force causes the nozzle head to rotate.

Abstract: A tubular body or mandrel incorporated into a string of tubular pipe, on which first and second swab cups and first and second metal brushes and a casing scraper are mounted, is run into a cased earth borehole to displace a first fluid in the borehole, usually a drilling fluid, with a second fluid, usually either a completion fluid or a workover fluid. In a first embodiment, reverse circulation, in which the second fluid is pumped into the borehole annulus above the swab cups and/or the metal brushes, and in which the first fluid is thereby pumped back towards the earth's surface through the interior of the string of tubular pipe, causes displacement of the first fluid merely by lowering the string of pipe while pumping the second fluid into the borehole annulus.

Abstract: Apparatus providing at least one high pressure fluid cutting jet and methods employing same. A gas generator powered by a combustible propellant supplies pressurized gas to propel a fluid through at least one nozzle to form a cutting jet suitable for cutting materials such as structural elements. Furthermore, nozzles may be configured to rotate in order to circumferentially sever a tubular structural element. Two or more fluid cutting jets may be configured to intersect, and may be configured to intersect proximate to at least a portion of the periphery of the tubular structural element to be severed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming metal or metal alloy casings in well bores are provided. A method of the invention comprises the steps of providing and pumping a fluid suspension of a particulate metal or metal alloy into a pipe string within a well bore having a casing forming tool connected thereto. The casing forming tool includes an internal passageway sealingly communicated with the pipe string and with a plurality of radial openings in the tool positioned around the periphery thereof. An internal heater for heating the fluid suspension and melting the particulate metal or metal alloy and an internal rotating impeller for imparting centrifugal force to the fluid suspension are provided in the casing forming tool. Centrifugal force is imparted to the fluid suspension by the rotating impeller whereby the melted particulate metal or metal alloy forms a casing which solidifies on the walls of the well bore.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning subterranean wellbores is described. The apparatus comprises a rotatable jet head with less than five axially separated nozzles through which an abrasive fluid is discharged. The nozzles are mounted with an axial separation of preferably more than 0.5 times the nozzle diameter.

Abstract: A well casing for receiving well fluid from a producing formation includes a first tubular section that has a tortuous outer surface for directing the flow of a bonding agent around the exterior of the first tubular section. The first tubular section has a central passageway. The well casing also has a second tubular section that is coaxial with and is connected to the first tubular section. The second tubular section has at least one opening for directing well fluid into a central passageway of the second tubular section.

Abstract: Apparatus for efficient cleaning of downhole equipment in boreholes, especially oil and gas wells drilled offshore from floating drilling vessels. The apparatus is a wash tool having an elongated central body with a longitudinal bore therethrough. A plurality of integral, outwardly-extending blades radiate outward from the central body. Wash ports extend radially from the longitudinal bore through the body of the blades, to the outermost surface of the blades and exiting at that point. Spiral or straight blades may be employed. A reduced diameter, extended nose portion is attached to the lower end of the tool. Removable jet nozzles may be installed in the wash ports near the outermost blade faces, to create a high velocity wash stream.

Abstract: A wash nozzle for wellbore washing operations has been invented, the wash nozzle, in one aspect having a central mandrel with a top, a bottom, and a fluid flow bore therethrough from top to bottom, at least one mandrel port through the central mandrel for fluid flow from within the central mandrel's fluid flow bore to an exterior of the central mandrel, a hollow sleeve rotatably mounted around the central mandrel, and at least one sleeve port through the sleeve for fluid flow from within the sleeve from the exterior of the central mandrel to an exterior of the sleeve, the at least one sleeve port defined by a wall on the sleeve. In one aspect the wash nozzle includes apparatus for selective rotation of the sleeve about the mandrel. In one aspect flow through the wash nozzle is stopped to effect sleeve rotation and, in one particular aspect, flow through the nozzle is then re-established. Methods have been invented using such wash nozzles for wellbore washing operations and/or cuttings removal.

Abstract: A non-plugging nozzle and self-cleaning drilling tool incorporating the nozzle is provided. The nozzle has a body that defines a central passageway extending axially from the top to the bottom of the body. The central passageway defines an inlet orifice at the top and an exit orifice at the bottom. A side passageway extends through the side wall of the nozzle and communicates with a cylindrical portion of the central passageway, the intersection of which defines a side inlet orifice that is substantially square. Because the intersection is substantially square, particles may not become trapped within the nozzle and plug the side passageway. When incorporated into a drilling tool, particularly a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit, the drilling tool becomes self cleaning. The side passageway of the nozzle is directed at the voids formed in the cutting face of the drilling tool creating a cross flow through the voids and preventing accumulation and balling therein.

Abstract: A cleaning device for a well bore which is adapted to be connected to a drill string for insertion into the well bore and through which cleaning fluid is pumped, comprises an elongated outer sleeve having an axially extending through bore therein and at least one port in the side wall of the outer sleeve, each of which ports is axially spaced along the outer sleeve. An elongated inner sleeve having, an axially extending through bore therein is coaxial with and axially slidable within the outer sleeve. An annular seating collar is located within the through bore in the inner sleeve and at least one port is provided in the side of the inner sleeve. The ports are axially spaced along the inner sleeve. Pressure sensitive stops means serve to retain the inner sleeve in place within the outer sleeve at each of a plurality of predetermined axially spaced positions in turn.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning subterranean wellbores is described. The apparatus comprises a sleeve member which is fixed to a part of the drillstring and a rotatable jet head with nozzles through which an abrasive fluid is discharged. The nozzles are mounted such that the fluid jet is directed to an area of the wellbore immediately adjacent to a leading edge of the sleeve. The nozzle head is restricted in its protrusion out of the sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically fracturing a soil formation, and thereafter utilizing or maintaining the fracture network thus formed by continuous injection of a gas stream into the fracture network, and introducing into that gas stream dry media which is entrained in the gas stream and thereby dispersed and distributed through the soil formation in substantially predictable or predetermined patterns, is described. The fracture network and/or the dry media contained therein create or enhance usefulness for a given purpose with respect to the soil formation.

Abstract: A tool for washing out drill cuttings accumulations in blowout preventer stacks connected to oil and gas well prior to testing the blowout preventers. The tool utilizes a finned tubular member and a brush to break away and fluidicly scour drill cuttings and the like from the well head casing connection and the blowout preventers and riser casing connected thereto with high pressure fluids emitted from the tool being directed into the crevices of the preventers, thereby flushing cuttings accumulations upwardly, through the riser casing to the surface for removal, prior to pressurizing the well head and testing of the system by actuating the ram type blowout preventers.

Abstract: A well regeneration apparatus and method of accomplishing same are provided. A scrubber pump is associated with a device for mechanically cleaning a well casing for washing and scrubbing a filter pipe portion of the well casing, and a gravel bed that surrounds the well casing, by means of a fluid. A feed pump is disposed above the scrubber pump, and the pressure side of the feed pump is connected to a riser that leads out of the well. A pump chamber of the scrubber pump communicates with the suction side of the feed pump. A further chamber is disposed in the vicinity of the scrubber pump and serves to accommodate the mechanically cleaning device. The pump chamber of the scrubber pump is disposed above the further chamber and serves to accommodate components of the scrubber pump that convey fluid outwardly into the gravel bed, in particular such that fluid passes out of the gravel bed, via the lower further chamber into the upper chamber of the scrubber pump, and from the upper chamber into the gravel bed.

Abstract: A fluid jetting arrangement for fluid jetting a surface including a body (B) to receive jetting nozzle extenders (NE) which in one embodiment comprise a plurality of jetting nozzle extenders having voids there between providing surfaces for controlling the relative extension of the jetting nozzle extenders for moving a jetting nozzle extender having a jetting nozzle (16) with orifice (O) therein to position the jetting nozzle with the orifice (O) to fluid jet a surface and another embodiment wherein the jetting nozzle extender (NE) is integrally formed and positioned in the body (B) to fluid jet a surface.

Abstract: A slow rotating mole apparatus for use in hydrablasting wellbores and pipelines. The apparatus generally consists of a motor section with a rotor rotatable in response to fluid flow through the motor section, a speed reducer section connected to the motor section such that an output speed of the speed reducer section is less than an output speed of the rotor, and a jetting section attached to the speed reducer section and rotated thereby at the speed reducer output speed. The speed reducer section and jetting section define a flow passage therethrough in communication with jetting ports in the jetting section so that the fluid pumped through the apparatus is jetted therefrom. The speed reducer section may include one or more gear reductions to achieve the desired rotational speed of the jetting section.

Abstract: A perforator to increase conductivity of a deposit bearing region of oil, gas, and/or water saturating a rock formation having a wellbore hole therethrough and, thus, increase production by cutting elongated openings (slots) through casing, cement bond and formation rock. The perforator is attached to the bottom end of a string of drill pipes. The string of drill pipes are connected to a surface raising and lowering device for raising and lowering the string of drill pipes into a wellbore hole. A pump pumps an abrasive liquid into the perforator through the string of drill pipes. The perforator has telescoping nozzles and double jet nozzles. The abrasive liquid is jetted at a high velocity out of the telescoping jet nozzles and the double jet nozzles. By shifting the perforator with the raising and lowering device while pumping the abrasive liquid into the perforator, slots are cut in the casing, cement bond and formation rock along wellbore axis.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for high pressure drilling are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an essentially solid drill head with horizontally extendable nozzle arms hingedly connected by shear pins thereto. Flow of high pressure fluid both extends the nozzle arms and flows through the nozzle arms, thereby fracturing and shearing material surrounding the drill head. Cessation of fluid flow returns the arms to the vertical position.

Abstract: A subsea abandoned wellhead protection system which may be installed underwater without the need for underwater assistance from divers or the like, the system allowing full site preparation and installation from the surface. The present invention teaches a new and unique system for the lowering and centering of the shelter over the wellhead, as well as a new system for the preparation of the installation site, including the removal of debris from the site and excavation of the ground surface area about the abandoned wellhead via a remote, fluid actuated, integrated excavation system.

Abstract: An extended reach penetrating tool which includes a tubing string lowered into a casing, anchored in position and including a cutting tool for forming a lateral hole in the casing. A formation penetrating tool is then substituted for the cutting tool on the tubing string and extended laterally through the hole in the casing and outwardly into the formation to a desired extent for enhancing production from the formation. The cutting tool for cutting a hole in the casing includes a laterally extendable cutting element urged radially from the tubing string by a piston and cylinder assembly with the cutting element in the preferred form being a rotatably driven cutting element which is extended radially from the tubing string into cutting engagement with the interior of the casing for forming a lateral opening.

Abstract: The device employs the jet pump principle to bring a power fluid to sedimented solids and the like plugging a conduit, and it includes at least one nozzle which directs the power fluid in a high-velocity jet against the solids to bring the solids into suspension for subsequent removal thereof using the jet pump principle.

Abstract: An apparatus for hydraulically jetting a well tool having a sliding member includes a positioning tool for operably engaging the sliding member, and a jetting tool connected at a rotatable connection to the positioning tool. The jetting tool is thus rotatable relative to the positioning tool and the well tool. The jetting tool hydraulically jets the well tool as the jetting tool is rotated relative thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for washing apparatuses in use of remedial tubing. A cylindrical housing has a fluid expansion chamber with fluid passageways communicating between the housing and the chamber. A turbulating sleeve freely rotates relative to the housing. Compression ports permit fluid to be transmitted through the housing, the passageways and into the chamber for injection through the ports to activate rotary motion of the sleeve for turbulizing washing action. A second housing is provided on the apparatus having normally closed wash ports which are angularly directed toward the remedial tubing and rearwardly relative to the apparatus. The wash ports are normally closed and may be opened, selectively, and when open, fluid flow through the apparatus is directed only through the rearwardly directed wash ports to drive particulate matter impacted exterior of the tubing and rearwardly of the apparatus from the apparatus.

Abstract: A well casing penetrator includes an elongated housing having a work fluid input chamber and enclosing an outwardly movable hydraulic cylinder driven punch for cutting an opening in a casing. A high pressure liquid jet nozzle is mounted on the end of a lance-like hose having a nozzle on its outer end which is moved outwardly or inwardly through an axial bore in the punch by a lance drive piston and cylinder assembly with outward movement serving to cut a radially extending opening in the surrounding earth. A moveable valve spool is connected to a coil compression spring which urges the spool toward a first position in the spool directs work fluid to hydraulic punch cylinder and lance drive piston and cylinder assembly so that the punch and lance-like hose are maintained in retracted position.

Abstract: Apparatus for pressurized cleaning of well flow conductors. The apparatus has a non-rotating inner mandrel, an adapter to connect the inner mandrel to a work string, a rotating housing on the exterior of the inner mandrel, and a nozzle body attached to the housing. An alternative embodiment of the invention allows cleaning tools to be attached to a modified nozzle body and rotated therewith. Fluid pressure flowing through the inner mandrel will cause the housing to rotate relative to the inner mandrel. Rotation is used to direct fluid jets in the nozzle body towards different portions of the interior of the flow conductor. Rotation of a cleaning tool can also be used for combined mechanical and hydraulic drilling to remove deposits from within a well flow conductor.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for securement onto one end of a continuous length of remedial tubing which is introduced into a subterranean well concentrically through production tubing previously positioned within the well, with the well having a deviated configuration which includes an entry portion communicating with a curved portion extending downwardly in the well from the entry portion and a generally linear end portion traversable with a production formation. The apparatus includes a cylindrical housing and an element for securement of the housing to the tubing. A fluid passageway chamber is defined exterior of the housing with fluid passageways communicating between the interior of the housing and the expansion chamber. Turbulating elements are carried exteriorly around the housing and immediate the expansion chamber and are freely rotatable relative to the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for pressurized cleaning of flow conductors. The apparatus has a first mandrel and a second mandrel telescoped therein. A cleaning tool can be attached to the second mandrel. Changes in fluid pressure flowing through the mandrels will cause the second mandrel to rotate relative to the first mandrel. Rotation is used to direct fluid jets in the cleaning tool towards different portions of the interior of the flow conductor. Rotation of the cleaning tool can also be used for hydraulic drilling of deposits within the flow conductor.

Abstract: A well casing penetrator includes an elongated housing enclosing an outwardly movable hydraulic cylinder driven punch for cutting an opening in a casing. A high pressure liquid jet nozzle is mounted on the end of a hose which moves outwardly through an axial bore in the punch when extended through the casing to cut a radially extending opening in the surrounding earth. The punch includes arcuately curved longitudinal slots along opposite sides which cause tabs to be bent back along opposite sides of the opening cut in the casing to prevent dislodging of any portion of the casing from the casing as a consequence of the operation of the punch. A spool piston is connected to a single accumulator that is pressurized to urge the spool piston toward a first position in which work fluid controlled by the spool piston retracts the hydraulic punch cylinder and a hose drive cylinder for moving the hose in the punch.

Abstract: A well cleanout system for removing accumulations of solid particles in a gravel pack screen or liner and in the vicinity of a casing or liner hanger includes a tubular extension member which may be lowered into the production fluid tubing string and secured to a nipple at the lower end of the tubing string. Coiled tubing with a nozzle arrangement on the distal end thereof is extended through the tubular extension member and into the wellbore for jetting a cleanout fluid into the wellbore to entrain solids in a fluid stream which is pumped to the surface through the production tubing. The coiled tubing, nozzle and extesnion member may be retrieved by unlocking the extension member and pulling the coiled tubing out of the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for injecting compressible fluids into multiple zones of a hydrocarbon bearing formation, in particular injecting compressible fluid at a predetermined, constant rate into multiple zones through a single tubing string. Producing zones are packed off and limited entry outlets are installed on the injection tubing string at each producing zone. Injection pressure is maintained and limited entry outlets are designed and sized such that the compressible fluid reaches sonic flow through the outlets so that the flow rate no longer responds to changes in downstream pressures.

Abstract: A well casing penetrator includes an elongated housing enclosing an outwardly movable hydraulic driven punch for cutting an opening in a casing. A high pressure liquid jet nozzle is mounted on the end of a hose which moves outwardly through an axial bore in the punch when extended through the casing to cut a radially extending opening in the surrounding earth. The punch includes longitudinal slots along opposite sides which cause tabs to be bent back along opposite sides of the opening cut in the casing to prevent dislodging of any portion of the casing from the casing as a consequence of the operation of the punch.

Abstract: An apparatus for pressurized cleaning of flow conductors. The apparatus utilizes a control slot formed in a zig-zag pattern and a pin which travels in the slot. The slot and pin assist in indexingly rotating the nozzle section of the apparatus when the apparatus is reciprocated in alternate directions in the flow conductor. Pressurized cleaning fluid is supplied to the apparatus and is directed radially outward through nozzles against the flow conductor in such a manner as to progressively clean the flow conductor as the nozzle section rotatively indexes. Another set of nozzles may be included, if desired, in the lower end of the apparatus to allow cleaning along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method for oil, gas and mineral recovery by panel opening drilling including providing spaced injection and recovery drill holes (10, 12) which respectively straddle a deposit bearing underground region (20), each drill hole including a panel shaped opening (18, 19) substantially facing the deposit bearing region (20) and injecting the injection hole (10) with a fluid under sufficient pressure to uniformly sweep the deposits in the underground region to the recovery hole (12) for recovery of the deposits therefrom. An apparatus (50) for creating such panel shaped is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for cleaning debris and precipitated materials from above a packer in a well bore. The tool includes a special overshot which attaches to a cut off tubing on a packer. The overshot has a closed off bore and a side opening which is coupled to a tubing string. A cleaning tool is pumped down the tubing and has a flexible tubing which passes through the side opening. Fluid can be circulated from the tubing to the annulus and remove precipitates. The cleaning tool has a collar location for position alignment.

Abstract: A method for cleaning well liners employing a jet carrier assembly having a plurality of jet nozzles spaced along its length each of said nozzles expelling a stream of fluid against the liner. The jet carrier is rotated at a specified rotational speed and moved at a maximum vertical speed which will produce streams of fluid having the energy needed to remove the foreign matter from any size liner with any sized slots or perforations and which will clean each point on the liner at least once.

Abstract: A method for the enhanced recovery of both natural gas and liquid petroleum from hydrocarbon-containing subterranean formations, particularly dipping subterranean formations, by the consecutive steps of introducing a gaseous displacement fluid to recover natural gas and thereafter introducing an oil-miscible displacement fluid to recover undrained oil and/or other liquid petroleum.

Abstract: A rotary method and arrangement mitigate differential sticking of a drill string during the drilling of a wellbore and for improving cuttings removal. Tool joints are used for interconnecting joints of drill pipe together into a drill string for use in drilling the wellbore. Nozzles are provided in the tool joints or drill pipe to cause a flow of drilling fluid into the wellbore from the interior of the drill string during the drilling operation to improve removal of the cuttings from the wellbore and mitigate differential sticking of the drill string.

Abstract: A jet carrier assembly for cleaning well liners has a jet tool stabilized by a centralizer proximate to each of the tool's upper and lower ends. The jet tool is an elongate member having about 4 to 8 pairs of jet nozzles axially spaced therebetween, the axial spacing between alternate pairs being equal. The jet nozzles are spaced to provide a jet fluid track that covers any given point on the liner at least once but not more than twice when the member is lifted at a constant selected vertical speed and a constant selected rotational speed. The nozzles are mounted within adapters which are in turn detachably mounted to the elongate member. The adapters, which are provided in various sizes depending upon the diameter of the well liner, are interchangeable. The centralizers are capable of axial and rotational movement along mandrels attached to the upper and lower ends of the tool.

Abstract: A device for cleaning rust and mineral deposits from the perforations in the casing of a water well which has rollers which are hydraulically expanded into contact with the inner surface of the casing, the device is then rotated to run the rollers across the clogged perforations. High pressure water jets are provided to flush away the foreign particles which have been dislodged by the rollers. The device is adjustable such that the exact extent of expansion can be set at the surface. A single free-flow hydraulic cylinder actuates the rollers into contact with the inner surface of the casing.

Abstract: A duct-forming device is disclosed for use in a well completion apparatus of the kind, wherein a bore hole casing is positioned in a bore hole and duct-forming devices of alkali- and acid-resistant metal--such as steel--are secured at spaced levels to the casing in alignment with holes machined in the casing wall. In accordance with the invention, a closure device is arranged within the duct-forming device which permits flow of predetermined amounts of liquid, such as acid, from the interior of the casing through the duct-forming device and into the producing formation, while gradually being moved by the liquid into a position in which such fluid flow is prevented.

Abstract: Apparatus for jet-cleaning wells having different-diameter casing strings, which apparatus includes an elongated member for running into the well, and a movable member having a jet body for forming a jet connected to the elongated member, which movable member moves out against the casing string responsive to application of jetting liquid between the movable member and the elongated member.

Abstract: A fluid-jet drill with a forward relatively rotatable cylindrical sleeve having a first set of openings through which fluid is directed to impinge upon the substance to be drilled and a second set of openings rearward of the forward end of the sleeve with axes directed at an angle to a tangent to the external surface of the sleeve through which a portion of the fluid is expelled to cause rotation of the cylindrical sleeve.

Abstract: The method includes circulating steam, solvent or fluids through a material such as sand while constantly agitating the material to scrub and wash entrained substances such as oil, bitumen or the like free whereupon the substances are carried back to the surface. A vibrating probe assembly is utilized which is highly maneuverable and which fluidizes the sand immediately surrounding same thus facilitating the movement of the probe and assisting in the scrubbing and separating action of the solvents or steam upon the sand. The probe includes means for extending same into the sand to the bottom of a well bore so that the vibration in conjunction with the probe configuration moves the probe through the sand in a horizontal plane or, if desired, up and down at an angle from the horizontal. The voids remaining in the clean sand are filled with water so that the probe floats on the surface of the water.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for directionally applying high pressure jets to well liners to clean openings which are plugged with foreign matter. High velocity jets of liquid having a velocity in excess of 700 feet per second are jetted from jet orifices having a standoff distance between five and 10 diameters of the orifice from the openings to remove substantially all plugging material from the openings. Apparatus for circulating foam is provided in combination with apparatus for delivering high pressure jets. New swivels and check valves permit rotation and reciprocation of the jet tool and tubing string while maintaining high pressure in the apparatus.

Abstract: This invention concerns with a high pressure grouting process. For lateral cutting of earth in the ground, a high speed core water jet, having its injection velocity equal to at least a half of the sonic one and surrounded by an air ring jet is used. For solidifying the crushed earth, a cement milk is used which is poured separately and at a lower level than that of the air-water combined jet into the space in the ground which space has been formed by the action of the core water jet.

Abstract: A jet carrier assembly for cleaning well liners has a jet tool stabilized by a centralizer proximate to each of the tool's upper and lower ends. The jet tool is an elongate member having about 4 to 8 pairs of jet nozzles axially spaced therebetween, the axial spacing between alternate pairs being equal. The jet nozzles are spaced to provide a jet fluid track that covers any given point on the liner at least once but not more than twice when the member is lifted at a constant selected vertical speed and a constant selected rotational speed. The nozzles are mounted within adapters which are in turn detachably mounted to the elongate member. The adapters, which are provided in various sizes depending upon the diameter of the well liner, are interchangeable. The centralizers are capable of axial and rotational movement along mandrels attached to the upper and lower ends of the tool.