Abstract: A drill string component includes a downhole power assembly and a center mandrel with a through-bore adapted to accommodate a flow of drilling fluid. The downhole power assembly includes a tubular battery cage disposed around the center mandrel. At least one battery is disposed in at least one bay formed in the tubular battery cage and a tubular sleeve is adapted to slide over and cover the tubular battery cage.

Abstract: A reaming tool for use in reaming a bore includes a body adapted for location in a bore. The body defines a rotor of a rotary drive arrangement. A shaft adapted for location is disposed in the body. The shaft defines a stator of the rotary drive arrangement. A seal element is disposed between the shaft and the body. The seal element defines a bearing surface for permitting sealed relative rotation of the rotary drive arrangement. The tool includes a reaming member, wherein relative rotation between the body and the shaft facilitates reaming of the bore by the reaming member.

Abstract: A drive mechanism is described for moving/controlling objects/mechanisms/systems coupled with a drillstring and/or pipe. The drive mechanism may be axially arranged on a drillstring or pipe, compact, capable of fine control and delivering high torque or the like and may be electrically and/or hydraulically powered. The drive mechanism may comprising a driving member comprising a plurality of drivers linearly translatable with respect to the driving member, each driving member having at their ends a male engaging portion and an associated driven member, comprising a plurality of female receiving portions adapted to receive a male engaging portion, the arrangement being such that linear translation of a driver causes its engaging portion to engage with a female receiving portion and the action of the engaging portion produces a reaction in the receiving portion causing displacement of the driven member in a direction other than that of the translatable driver.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention relate to bearing assemblies configured to accommodate non-uniform loading and misalignment with an adjacent bearing assembly. In one aspect of the present invention, a bearing assembly is disclosed. The bearing assembly comprises a compliance ring including a plurality of beams. Each of the beams is circumferentially spaced apart from each other. The bearing assembly further comprises a plurality of bearing elements, with each of the bearing elements positioned adjacent to a corresponding beam of the plurality of beams. Each of the bearing elements deforms one of the corresponding beams when loaded. An additional aspect of the present invention is directed to a bearing assembly in which bearing elements thereof may be mounted to a support element without using a brazing process.

Abstract: A downhole tool string, comprising a tool string bore and a drill bit located at the bottom of the tool string. The drill bit comprises a body intermediate a shank and a working surface. The working surface may comprise a substantially coaxial rotationally isolated jack element with a portion of the jack element extending out of an opening formed in the working surface to engage a subterranean formation. The tool string may comprise a driving mechanism adapted to rotate the jack. The clutch assembly disposed within the tool string bore may comprise a first end in communication with the jack element and second end in communication with the driving mechanism.

Abstract: An electrically powered and controlled tractor system includes one or more electric gripper assemblies and one or more electric power train assemblies. Power and control signals for the gripper assemblies and power train assemblies can be delivered from a ground surface via a wireline. The gripper assembly employs a motor-activated lead screw and nut combination to expand passage-gripping elements, preferably by pushing the gripping elements radially outward from locations between opposing ends of the gripping elements. A failsafe mechanism can retract the gripping elements during a power interruption. The power train assembly employs a motor-activated lead screw and nut combination to expand and contract two ore more telescoping members. The tractor system can include multiple tractor units that each includes one gripper assembly and one power train assembly. A tractor can include one power train assembly and two gripper assemblies.

Abstract: A downhole generator comprises a turbine coaxially disposed inside a section of drillstring and that will be spun when hydraulic or pneumatic flows are pushed through to a drillbit motor on a distal end. The turbine, in turn, spins permanent magnets in an orbit around the outside of a cylindrical containment shell. Such containment shell is made of titanium or aluminum and will allow the spinning magnets fields to enter and induce electrical currents in coils within. Current from the coils is rectified and filtered to provide a DC operating voltage through intrinsically safe connectors to various loads including drillstring steering controls, radars, and telemetry circuits. The hydraulic and pneumatic flows stream past all around the cylindrical containment shell from the turbine on their way to the drillbit motor.

Abstract: A downhole source of electrical power for drilling tools is driven by the rotation of a drillstring or, if the drillstring is not rotating, by the rotation of a drilling sub. The source consists of an alternator having a rotor made up of a series of coils that are mounted on, and spaced around the circumference of, a rotating drilling sub, and a stator made up of a multiplicity of permanent magnets also spaced around the circumference of the drilling sub. The stator is mounted on the drilling sub by means of bearings and incorporates a counterweight that holds the rotor relatively stationary with respect to the sub and with respect to the coils, so that rotation of the sub, either by rotation of the drillstring or by rotation of a drill motor in the drilling sub, produces relative rotation of the rotor and stator to generate an AC electrical output.

Abstract: An alternator an electronic voltage pre-regulation circuit adapted for incorporation into a drill string is provided and includes: a plurality of n-phase generators for providing alternating current (AC), wherein the AC of each generator is rectified to a direct current (DC) voltage using a respective rectifier to provide a DC power supply, and each DC power supply is arranged in series for being one of connected and disconnected from an output of the alternator. A method and a drill string are provided.

Abstract: Drilling tool (1) for drilling a well downhole where fluid is surrounding the tool and where the tool has a housing (15) and is connected to an electrical conducting means, such as a wireline. The drilling tool has a drilling head (2) and a fluid cleaner (3) for removal of elements, such as debris and formation pieces, from the fluid while drilling downhole. The fluid cleaner has a chamber (4) and a filter (5) within the chamber for separation of the elements from the fluid. The tool further comprises a pump (8) for pumping the fluid into the chamber through an inlet (11) in the drilling head (2) and through the filter before entering the well again. Furthermore, the tool comprises a driving unit for driving the pump and the drilling head.

Abstract: A generator (10) is provided for positioning downhole in a drill string (12) to generate power powering one or more downhole tools (16, 18). The generator includes a progressive cavity housing (28) and a progressive cavity rotor (13) which rotates in response to fluid passing through the progressive cavity housing. A restriction (36) in the annulus downstream from the ports controls the fluid flow in the annulus and past the restriction, and thereby the fluid flow through the progressive cavity housing. The generator may provide either hydraulic or electrical power, or both, powering the one or more tools.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves.

Abstract: A downhole generator comprises a turbine coaxially disposed inside a section of drillstring and that will be spun when hydraulic or pneumatic flows are pushed through to a drillbit motor on a distal end. The turbine, in turn, spins permanent magnets in an orbit around the outside of a cylindrical containment shell. Such containment shell is made of titanium or aluminum and will allow the spinning magnets fields to enter and induce electrical currents in coils within. Current from the coils is rectified and filtered to provide a DC operating voltage through intrinsically safe connectors to various loads including drillstring steering controls, radars, and telemetry circuits. The hydraulic and pneumatic flows stream past all around the cylindrical containment shell from the turbine on their way to the drillbit motor.

Abstract: A drilling system for use in a well bore consists of a drill string, an electrically powerable pump (8), a connector (16) for supporting the pump (8) including a through bore (32) through which fluid can flow, and a power cable (15) to provide power to the electrically powerable pump. The cuttings are pumped up through the drillpipe (3). The drill bit (4) may also be powered by the pump. Part of the cable is disposed externally to the drill string where new pipe sections are added, before passing into the drill string through a cross-over means (40) further down the drillpipe to connect to the electrically powerable pump.

Abstract: A method of running a tubular string into a wellbore comprises running a bore-lining tubular string into a wellbore substantially without rotation, while rotating a cutting structure at a distal leading end of the tubular string. Other methods provide for rotation of the string and the provision of a non-rotating stabiliser towards the leading end of the string.

Abstract: A wellbore motor includes a source of rotational motive power disposed in a wellbore, a magnetic gear member operatively coupled at an input thereof to the source; and a magnetic gear member output coupled rotationally to a rotary wellbore tool.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a downhole tool string has a rotor secured within a bore and connected to a jack element that is substantially coaxial with the rotor. A portion of the jack element extends out of an opening formed in a working face of a drill bit located at the bottom of the drill string. The jack element is adapted to rotate independent of the drill bit when the rotor and drill bit are in operation.

Abstract: A drill bit has a body intermediate a shank and a working face and has an axis of rotation. The working face has at least one cutting element and the body has at least a portion of a jack assembly. The jack assembly has at least a portion of a shaft disposed within a cavity formed in the body of the drill bit, the shaft having a distal end extending from an opening of the cavity formed in the working face. The jack assembly also has an electric motor and/or generator.

Abstract: Apparatus for drilling a borehole from a first subterranean location to a second subterranean location, comprises a casing (4) extending longitudinally inside a borehole, a conduit (6) extending longitudinally inside casing (4), and capable of being in sealing relationship therewith, at least one entry line (23,24) for liquid into the apparatus, a first annulus (22) between the casing (4) and conduit (6), at least one entry for liquid in the conduit, a tubing (14) having a first end and a second end (16), a remote controlled electrically powered drilling device (12) and remote controlled electrically powered pump, the device and pump being capable of being in fluid contact with the first end of the tubing (14), the second end (16) of the tubing (14) being inside the conduit (6) at a location more remote from the drilling device (12) than the entry for liquid in the conduit (6), with the conduit (6), tubing (14) and first end and second end (16) of the tubing (14) being adapted to provide routes for liquid con

Abstract: An assembly for use in drilling in earth borehole using a drill string including a drill bit comprising a first downhole motor having a rotor operatively connected to said drill bit, a second downhole motor distal said first downhole motor, said second downhole motor having a rotor with a passageway therethrough and a bypass valve operatively connected to the second downhole motor, the bypass valve having a first position permitting drilling fluid to flow through said passageway and a second position wherein drilling fluid is prevented from flowing through said passageway.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for drilling a borehole are disclosed. An electric motor electrically and mechanically coupled to a wired drill pipe is provided. The electric motor couples to a shaft that rotates when power is supplied to the electric motor. The shaft is couplable to a drill bit. The wired drill pipe transfers electricity to the electric motor from the surface. Operation of the electric motor rotates the shaft. The drill bit wears away earth to form the borehole in the earth.

Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly comprising a rotating bearing runner and a stationary bearing carrier, the carrier defining a plurality of thrust pad sites annularly around the carrier, with a thrust pad disposed at a site and with the carrier constraining movement of the thrust pad in a direction generally radial to the longitudinal axis of the runner while allowing the thrust pad to move in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. An embodiment comprises a rotating bearing runner having a wear resistant face and a stationary bearing carrier defining cavities disposed annularly around the carrier. A deflection element (e.g., Belleville washer) is disposed in a cavity and a pad is disposed over the deflection element. The pad is at least partially disposed within the cavity. The wear resistant face contacts the pad. Another embodiment rigidly connects pads disposed on opposite sides of a stationary bearing carrier.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves.

Abstract: An energy storage device for powering a downhole tool may be heated to an effective temperature to improve the operability of the energy storage device. The energy storage device may comprise, for example, a primary battery, a secondary battery, a fuel cell, a capacitor, or combinations thereof. The effective temperature to which the energy storage device is heated may be greater than an ambient temperature in the wellbore near the energy storage device. The energy storage device may be heated using various heat sources such as an ohmic resistive heater, a heat pump, an exothermic reaction, a power generator, a heat transfer medium, the energy storage device itself, a downhole tool, or combinations thereof. A thermal conductor may extend between the heat source and the energy storage device. Further, a thermal insulator may at least partially surround the heat source and the energy storage device.

Abstract: A downhole tractor is provided that includes a motor, at least one rotatable screw powered by the motor, and a chain engageable with the at least one rotatable screw, whereby rotation of the at least one rotatable screw moves the chain.

Abstract: A drilling system comprises a tubular member disposed in a wellbore having a downhole assembly disposed therein. At least one electrical device is disposed in the downhole assembly. A fuel cell is disposed in the downhole assembly and operatively coupled to the electrical device for providing electrical power thereto. The fuel cell extracts at least a portion of its fuel supply from the flowing drilling fluid downhole. In another aspect, a pipeline system comprises a pipeline having a fluid flowing therein. An electrically powered device is disposed in the pipeline. A fuel cell is operatively coupled to the electrically powered device for providing electrical power thereto. The fuel cell extracts at least a portion of a fuel supply from a fluid flowing in the pipeline.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for drilling a borehole are disclosed. An electric motor electrically and mechanically coupled to a wired drill pipe is provided. The electric motor couples to a shaft that rotates when power is supplied to the electric motor. The shaft is couplable to a drill bit. The wired drill pipe transfers electricity to the electric motor from the surface. Operation of the electric motor rotates the shaft. The drill bit wears away earth to form the borehole in the earth.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a power-generating device for use in drilling operations comprises a turbine comprising a housing, and a rotor assembly rotatably coupled to the housing so that the rotor assembly rotates in response to the passage of drilling mud therethrough. The power-generating device also comprises one of an alternator and a generator assembly comprising a magnet, a winding, and a housing. The power-generating device further comprises one or more wires for transmitting electrical signals between a first and a second electrical component by way of the power-generating device. The one or more wires are routed through the housing of the turbine and the housing of the one of an alternator and a generator.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly is rotatably adapted for drilling directional boreholes into an earthen formation. It has an upper stabilizer mounted to a collar, and a rotary steerable system. The rotary steerable system has an upper section connected to the collar, a steering section, and a drill bit arranged for drilling the borehole attached to the steering section. The steering section is joined at a swivel with the upper section. The steering section is actively tilted about the swivel. A lower stabilizer is mounted upon the steering section such that the swivel is intermediate the drill bit and the lower stabilizer.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves.

Abstract: A combination of a torque-generating apparatus with an alternator/generator. The torque-generating apparatus comprises a first assembly (10, 25) including a generally cylindrical member of magnetically soft material and having a longitudinal axis, and a second assembly (2) arranged coaxially within the first assembly and including an electromagnetic winding (4). The first assembly (10, 25) and the second assembly (2) are rotatable relative to each other about the axis. Relative rotation between the first (10, 25) and second (2) assemblies induces a magnetic field which generates rotational torque between the first and second assemblies. Rectification means (31) is provided to convert alternating current electrical output from the alternator/generator (22) to provide D.C. current to the electromagnetic windings (4) of the torque generating apparatus to generate an electromagnetic braking effect.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves.

Abstract: An inverted motor with a drilling utensil attached to or integrated as part of an outer motor housing that rotates around a fixed non-rotating shaft or tube. The non-rotating shaft or tube is attached to a fixed base and can extend to the end or past the end of the drilling utensil. A rotary motor is positioned between the outer rotating housing and center fixed shaft and imparts force and motion to the housing and drilling utensil. A channel traverses through the length of the shaft or tube to allow fluids or wires to fully or partially bypass the motor.

Abstract: The method of providing in excess of 60 kilowatts of electrical power to the electrical motor of a subterranean electric drilling machine through a substantially neutrally buoyant composite umbilical containing electrical conductors to reduce the frictional drag on the neutrally buoyant umbilical. Drilling and casing subterranean monobore wells are contemplated to distances of 20 miles from a wellsite. For drilling applications, the umbilical possesses a drilling fluid conduit. The umbilical also possesses high speed data communications such as a fiber optic cable or a coaxial cable that is used in the feedback control of the downhole electric drilling motor. Such umbilicals are also useful to provide power to remotely operated vehicles for subsea well servicing applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods for drilling a borehole are provided. One system includes a continuously variable transmission. An input shaft of the continuously variable transmission is coupled to a power supply. An output shaft of the continuously variable transmission is coupled to one or more system components such that the continuously variable transmission controls rotation of the one or more system components. One method for drilling a borehole includes supplying power to an input shaft of a continuously variable transmission. The method also includes controlling rotation of one or more system components using the continuously variable transmission during drilling of the borehole. The one or more system components are coupled to an output shaft of the continuously variable transmission. Also provided is a borehole that is drilled by this method.

Abstract: A combination of a torque-generating apparatus with an alternator/generator. The torque-generating apparatus comprises a first assembly (10, 25) including a generally cylindrical member of magnetically soft material and having a longitudinal axis, and a second assembly (2) arranged coaxially within the first assembly and including an electromagnetic winding (4). The first assembly (10, 25) and the second assembly (2) are rotatable relative to each other about the axis. Relative rotation between the first (10, 25) and second (2) assemblies induces a magnetic field which generates rotational torque between the first and second assemblies. Rectification means (31) is provided to convert alternating current electrical output from the alternator/generator (22) to provide D.C. current to the electromagnetic windings (4) of the torque generating apparatus to generate an electromagnetic braking effect.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating to downhole oil or gas well equipment are provided. The apparatus includes a drill pipe for an oil or gas well including a generally cylindrical hollow drill pipe having an inner diameter, an outer insulative coating attached to the inner diameter of the drill pipe, a conductive coating attached to the outer insulative coating, and an inner insulative coating attached to the conductive coating, wherein the outer insulative coating, the conductive coating and the inner insulative coating together define an insulated electrical pathway from an upper end of the drill pipe to a lower end of the drill pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for using pressure differential between completion fluid in an oil well and produced fluids to power downhole devices, including instruments and actuators. A conduit is provided bypassing a packer which seals a production string to a well casing. A control system, including a flow valve, allows fluid to flow to an electrical generator as needed to charge an electrical storage device. Downhole electrically operated devices, e.g. a temperature sensor and signal transmitter, draw power from the storage device. Alternatively, fluid may also be directed to hydraulically driven actuators to, for example, operate a production fluid control valve.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a fuel cell suitable for use downhole in an oil and gas well includes a fuel vessel that providing a source of fuel and an oxidant vessel providing a source of oxidant. A reaction zone comprises at least one cathode, at least one anode, and an electrolyte between each anode and cathode. A closed water vessel is connected to the reaction zone by at least one capillary flow path. The fuel cell also comprises a fuel conduit that connects the fuel vessel and the reaction zone. This fuel conduit comprises a fuel pressure control apparatus adapted to maintain a static pressure of fuel in the reaction zone. The fuel cell further comprises an oxidant conduit that connects the oxidant vessel and the reaction zone, and includes an oxidant pressure control apparatus adapted to maintain a static pressure of oxidant in the reaction zone.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves.

Abstract: A rotating inner member is used to drive a downhole tool housed within the hollow outer member of a dual-member drill string. The downhole tool preferably will be adapted to receive rotational energy from the inner member. In a preferred embodiment, the downhole tool is an electric generator connected to a downhole electric device. In another preferred embodiment the downhole tool is a mechanical transmission that uses the rotational energy from the inner member to drive a non-electric tool, such as a downhole hammer. This invention will increase the consistency and efficiency of downhole energy production.

Abstract: A bottomhole assembly (BHA) for use in well operations, with particular application to use in drilling with a downhole drilling motor and with coiled tubing and directional drilling, including a novel power pack, orienting tool, arrangement of bottomhole assembly tools, and method of use of the BHA for orienting while drilling.

Abstract: An inverted motor with a drilling utensil attached to or integrated as part of an outer motor housing that rotates around a fixed non-rotating shaft or tube. The non-rotating shaft or tube is attached to a fixed base and can extend to the end or past the end of the drilling utensil. A rotary motor is positioned between the outer rotating housing and center fixed shaft and imparts force and motion to the housing and drilling utensil. A channel traverses through the length of the shaft or tube to allow fluids or wires to fully or partially bypass the motor.

Abstract: The method of providing in excess of 60 kilowatts of electrical power to the electrical motor of a subterranean electric drilling machine through a substantially neutrally buoyant composite umbilical containing electrical conductors to reduce the frictional drag on the neutrally buoyant umbilical. Drilling and casing subterranean monobore wells are contemplated to distances of 20 miles from a wellsite. For drilling applications, the umbilical possesses a drilling fluid conduit. The umbilical also possesses high speed data communications such as a fiber optic cable or a coaxial cable that is used in the feedback control of the downhole electric drilling motor. Such umbilicals are also useful to provide power to remotely operated vehicles for subsea well servicing applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for horizontally drilling in wells utilizing a shoe assembly at the down hole end of upset tubing. The shoe assembly includes a fixed section and a rotatable section suspended below the fixed section. An electric motor and associated batteries and a gyroscope carried on the rotatable section enable an operator on the surface to selectively rotate and position the rotatable section to any desired angular location for drilling a hole in the well casing. After one or more holes have been cut in the casing, a drill assembly can be removed from the upset tubing and be replaced by a high pressure blaster nozzle to bore into the formation zones. The gyroscope enables the operator to accurately position the rotatable section to the same locations at which the holes have been cut. The drill assembly includes an electric motor with an associated battery, flexible drive shaft, and a hole saw.

Abstract: A downhole drilling tractor for moving within a borehole comprises a tractor body, two packerfeet, two aft propulsion cylinders, and two forward propulsion cylinders. The body comprises aft and forward shafts and a central control assembly. The packerfeet and propulsion cylinders are slidably engaged with the tractor body. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the packerfeet to cause the packerfeet to grip onto the borehole wall. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the propulsion cylinders to selectively provide downhole or uphole hydraulic thrust to the tractor body. The tractor receives drilling fluid from a drill string extending to the surface. A system of spool valves in the control assembly controls the distribution of drilling fluid to the packerfeet and cylinders. The valve positions are controlled by motors. A programmable electronic logic component on the tractor receives control signals from the surface and feedback signals from various sensors on the tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for horizontally drilling in wells utilizing a shoe assembly at the down hole end of upset tubing. The shoe assembly includes a fixed section and a rotatable section suspended below the fixed section. An electric motor and associated batteries and a gyroscope carried on the rotatable section enable an operator on the surface to selectively rotate and position the rotatable section to any desired angular location for drilling a hole in the well casing. After one or more holes have been cut in the casing, a drill assembly can be removed from the upset tubing and be replaced by a high pressure blaster nozzle to bore into the formation zones. The gyroscope enables the operator to accurately position the rotatable section to the same locations at which the holes have been cut. The drill assembly includes an electric motor with an associated battery, flexible drive shaft, and a hole saw.

Abstract: A long reach rotary drilling assembly comprises an elongated conduit extending through a bore in an underground formation, a drill bit for being rotated to drill the bore, a 3-D steering tool on the conduit for steering the drill bit, and a tractor on the conduit for applying force to the drill bit. The steering tool includes a telemetry section, a rotary section, and a flex section assembled as an integrated system in series along the length of the tool. The flex section comprises a flexible drive shaft to which a bending force is applied when making inclination angle adjustments. The rotary section includes a deflection housing which rotates for making azimuth angle adjustments. The telemetry section receives inclination and azimuth angle steering commands together with actual inclination and azimuth angle feedback signals for controlling operation of the flex section and rotary section to steer the drilling assembly along a desired course.

Abstract: A downhole drilling tractor for moving within a borehole comprises a tractor body, two packerfeet, two aft propulsion cylinders, and two forward propulsion cylinders. The body comprises aft and forward shafts and a central control assembly. The packerfeet and propulsion cylinders are slidably engaged with the tractor body. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the packerfeet to cause the packerfeet to grip onto the borehole wall. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the propulsion cylinders to selectively provide downhole or uphole hydraulic thrust to the tractor body. The tractor receives drilling fluid from a drill string extending to the surface. A system of spool valves in the control assembly controls the distribution of drilling fluid to the packerfeet and cylinders. The valve positions are controlled by motors. A programmable electronic logic component on the tractor receives control signals from the surface and feedback signals from various sensors on the tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for coiled tubing drilling of substantially horizontal shallow depth boreholes for installation of transmission or conveyance lines. A mobile platform mounts a coiled tubing reel and an adjustably mounted injector head. On the leading end of the coiled tubing is a drilling assembly, including a drill, a drill motor, and an orienter. Once the borehole has been drilled by pushing the drilling assembly through the borehole and exiting the earth's surface, a back reamer may be attached for enlarging the borehole as the coiled tubing is pulled back through the borehole. Once the borehole has been properly sized, the transmission or conveyance line may be attached to the leading end of the coiled tubing and the transmission or conveyance pipe pulled back through the borehole.