Abstract: An injection valve assembly for use in a well, where pressurized gas or fluid from uphole in the well displaces a perforated valve head from a valve seat, allows for fluid flow of the pressurized gas or fluid into the valve head and further downhole in the well toward an electric submersible pump. A compression spring is coiled around a valve stem connected to the valve head, pushing the valve stem and valve head in an uphole direction opposite to the force from pressurized gas or fluid. The compression spring is in a chamber filled with hydraulic fluid, where the hydraulic fluid can pass through a dampening system assembly and a flow restrictor assembly, thereby regulating the speed at which the valve stem and valve head can move relative to the valve seat.

Abstract: Methods and systems for penetrating a subsurface formation are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus includes a kicker configured to direct a drilling apparatus towards a well casing and a flexible hose configured to convey a fluid from a surface pump to the drilling apparatus. The drilling apparatus includes a drill bit configured to penetrate a well casing and a subsurface formation, and wherein the drilling apparatus is configured to pull the flexible hose into the subsurface formation as the drilling apparatus penetrates the subsurface formation.

Abstract: A ground drill system 10 has a drill string 14 which forms first and second mutually isolated fluid paths 16 and 18 respectively. The drill string 14 has an up hole end 20 coupled to a dual circulation rotation head 22 and a down hole end 24 which is coupled to a drilling tool 12. The drilling tool 12 is operated by the flow of fluid delivered through the first flow path 16. A second fluid outlet 26 is provided intermediate the up hole end 20 and the drilling tool 12. The outlet 26 is in fluid communication with the second fluid flow path 18 and located a constant or fixed distance from the drilling toll 12. The second fluid outlet 26 discharges a flushing fluid flowing through the flushing flow path 18 into a hole being drilled by the drilling system 10. The rotation head 22 provides torque to the drill string 14 and thus the drilling tool 12.

Abstract: A drilling machine includes a compressor coupled to a prime mover through a hydraulic clutch, wherein the hydraulic clutch is repeatably moveable between engaged and disengaged conditions. The compressor is allowed to provide air and is restricted from providing air in response to the hydraulic clutch being in the engaged and disengaged conditions, respectively. The hydraulic clutch is moveable between the engaged and disengaged conditions during operation of the prime mover.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasing gas pressure from a drill string includes a tubular housing having a circumferential sidewall, an axis, a first end, a second end and a central passage extending between the first end and the second end. A pressure member is positioned in the central passage along the axis of the housing. The pressure member is movable from a first position retracted within the housing to a second position extending past the second end of the housing. An actuator is provided to move the pressure member from the first position to the second position, where the pressure member exerts a force to move a valve member of a float valve to an open position, thereby allowing gas trapped in the drill string to flow through the central passage.

Abstract: A drilling machine includes a compressor coupled to a prime mover through a hydraulic clutch, wherein the hydraulic clutch is repeatably moveable between engaged and disengaged conditions. The compressor is allowed to provide air and is restricted from providing air in response to the hydraulic clutch being in the engaged and disengaged conditions, respectively. The hydraulic clutch is moveable between the engaged and disengaged conditions during operation of the prime mover.

Abstract: A drill and a separator apparatus and a method of prolonging bearing life are described, the separator apparatus being suitable for separating an air/water mixture into discrete air and water streams during drilling of a blast hole. The separator apparatus includes a separator body which is adapted to be installed at a distal or lower region of a drill string and when installed at the distal or lower region forms one or more separation chambers or reservoirs, each separation chamber or reservoir comprising an inlet adapted to receive the air/water mixture, a first outlet in fluid communication with a drill bit for releasing air thereto and a second outlet in fluid communication with a wall of the blast hole and disposed in the distal or lower region of the drill string to release water separated from the air/water mixture in a region adjacent the drill bit.

Abstract: A system for drilling a well bore with an under-balanced hydrostatic pressure. The system includes a tubular member containing a first port, a compression member disposed about the outer portion of the tubular member and having an internal sliding mandrel extending therefrom with a second port, an external sliding sleeve having a third port and being in contact with the internal sliding mandrel and operatively associated with the internal sliding mandrel, and a compressible seal disposed about the external sliding mandrel that is responsive to a longitudinal weight transferred to the compression member. In a closed position the first, second and third port are misaligned and in an open position the first, second and third ports are aligned.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes a well bore extending from the surface to the subterranean zone, and a well bore pattern connected to the junction and operable to drain fluid from a region of the subterranean zone to the junction.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes a well bore extending from the surface to the subterranean zone, and a well bore pattern connected to the junction and operable to drain fluid from a region of the subterranean zone to the junction.

Abstract: A system for drilling a well having a wellbore includes a first pipe string positioned in the wellbore with a first annulus being present between the first pipe string and the wellbore. A second pipe string, smaller in diameter than the first pipe string, is positioned within the first pipe string to form a second annulus between the first pipe string and the second pipe string. The second pipe string is configured to be attached to a drill bit. A first rotator is operably associated with the first pipe string to rotate the first pipe string in a first direction at a first speed, and a second rotator is operably associated with the second pipe string to rotate the second pipe string in a second direction at a second speed.

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: A system and method for drilling a well bore with an under-balanced hydrostatic pressure. The system used in the method includes a tubular member containing a first port, a compression member disposed about the outer portion of the tubular member and having an internal sliding mandrel extending therefrom with a second port, an external sliding sleeve having a third port and being in contact with the internal sliding mandrel and operatively associated with the internal sliding mandrel, and a compressible seal disposed about the external sliding mandrel that is responsive to a longitudinal weight transferred to the compression member. In a closed position the first, second and third port are misaligned and in an open position the first, second and third ports are aligned.

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: A system and method for drilling a well bore with an under-balanced hydrostatic pressure. The system comprises a tubular containing a first port and wherein a well bore annulus is formed between the well bore and the tubular member, and a compression member disposed about the outer portion of the tubular member, the compression member having extending therefrom an internal sliding mandrel, and wherein the internal sliding mandrel contains a second port. The system further comprises an external sliding sleeve operatively associated with the internal sliding mandrel, wherein the external sliding sleeve containing a third port, and wherein in a closed position the first, second and third port are misaligned and in an open position the first, second and third port are aligned. The system also includes a compressible seal disposed about the external sliding sleeve and in contact with the internal sliding mandrel, the compressible seal responsive to a longitudinal weight transferred to the compression member.

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: A system for facilitating flow of settled solids with drilling fluid from a container, the system including pressure nozzle apparatus with at least one nozzle from which is flowable fluid under pressure, powered rotation apparatus for selectively rotating the pressure nozzle apparatus so that the at least one nozzle is movable within the container as fluid is pumped through the at least one nozzle into the container; and, in one aspect, translation apparatus for moving the pressure nozzle apparatus with respect to the container as fluid under pressure is pumped to the at least one rotating nozzle.

Abstract: A method for integrating a batch cement process with a cuttings reinjection process, the method comprising: equipping a batch cement skid with a particle classifier and a grinding pump, such that the batch cement skid sequentially implements the cuttings reinjection process and the batch cement process is disclosed. An apparatus for performing a batch cement process and a cuttings reinjection process, the apparatus comprising: a first tank and a second tank, a particle classifier having a coarse effluent stream feeding into the first tank and a fine effluent stream feeding into the second tank, and a grinding pump in fluid communication with the first tank and the particle classifier is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for horizontal ground drilling, in particular for rock drilling, by means of a ground drilling apparatus which can be driven forward in rotation and percussively, the apparatus having compressed air and drilling medium applied to it alternately or simultaneously, and the compressed air and the drilling medium being supplied via one channel.

Abstract: A system for controlling drilling mud density at a location either at the seabed (or just above the seabed) or alternatively below the seabed of wells in offshore and land-based drilling applications is disclosed. The present invention combines a base fluid of lesser/greater density than the drilling fluid required at the drill bit to drill the well to produce a combination return mud in the riser. By combining the appropriate quantities of drilling mud with a light fluid, a riser mud density at or near the density of seawater may be achieved to facilitate transporting the return mud to the surface. Alternatively, by injecting the appropriate quantities of heavy fluid into a light return mud, the column of return mud may be sufficiently weighted to protect the wellhead. At the surface, the combination return mud is passed through a treatment system to cleanse the mud of drill cuttings and to separate the drilling fluid from the base fluid.

Abstract: An underground drilling method and apparatus generates intense pressure pulses at a location at the surface. The pressure pulses propagate down through a drill string to a drill bit. The pulses may be generated by creating water hammer in flowing drilling mud. Intensity of the acoustic pulses is increased in the bit nozzles. Vigorous pulsing of the fluid exiting the bit nozzles results in better cleaning of the hole bottom and faster drilling. The pulses may be used to drive the operation of various down hole tools. One type of tool has multiple pistons arranged in series. High pressure pulses move the pistons to generate strong mechanical vibration in the drill string. Vibration of the drill string may also reduce the friction between the drill string and the hole, resulting in lower torque requirements.

Abstract: A method for circulating drilling fluid in a well system includes drilling a substantially vertical well bore from a surface to a subterranean zone and drilling an articulated well bore from the surface to the subterranean zone. The articulated well bore is horizontally offset from the substantially vertical well bore at the surface and intersects the substantially vertical well bore at a junction proximate the subterranean zone. The method includes drilling a drainage bore from the junction into the subterranean zone and pumping a drilling fluid through the drill string when drilling the drainage bore. The method also includes providing fluid down the substantially vertical well bore through a tubing. A fluid mixture returns up the substantially vertical well bore outside of the tubing. The fluid mixture comprises the drilling fluid after the drilling fluid exits the drill string.

Abstract: A drill bit shaft member for tapping a hole in a blast furnace is disclosed. The drill bit shaft member comprises an elongate rod, a first fluid pressure inlet, a second fluid pressure inlet, a chamber in fluid communication with the first fluid pressure inlet and the second fluid pressure inlet, and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber. A liquid and a gas are combined in the drill bit shaft member to form a mist to provide cooling for the drill bit shaft member. By cooling the drill bit shaft member, certain components that would normally be destroyed may be re-used.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for producing a pressurized stream of substantially inert gas. The apparatus includes a compressor having an intake manifold and an output manifold. The intake manifold receives a substantially inert gas stream and the output manifold receives a stream of pressurized gas from the compressor. The apparatus further includes a compressed gas re-circulation conduit connecting the output manifold to the intake manifold such that a portion of the pressurized gas from the compressor is re-circulated from the output manifold back to the intake manifold to maintain the gas pressure within the intake manifold above atmospheric pressure and to prevent atmospheric gases from being drawn into the intake manifold.

Abstract: A pumping system for injecting buoyant spheres into an oil or gas well having a feeder containing a plurality of buoyant spheres; and a sphere pump in proximity to the feeder, having first and second rotatable wheels, wherein the first wheel has a plurality of notches and the second wheel has a corresponding plurality of notches, such that during rotation of the wheels the first and second wheel notches temporarily combine to form a plurality of pockets, wherein each pocket receives then ejects one of the plurality of buoyant spheres from the feeder during rotation of the first and second wheels.

Abstract: A method for increasing the efficiency of drilling operations by using a drilling fluid material that exists as supercritical fluid or a dense gas at temperature and pressure conditions existing at a drill site. The material can be used to reduce mechanical drilling forces, to remove cuttings, or to jet erode a substrate. In one embodiment, carbon dioxide (CO2) is used as the material for drilling within wells in the earth, where the normal temperature and pressure conditions cause CO2 to exist as a supercritical fluid. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC—CO2) is preferably used with coiled tube (CT) drilling equipment. The very low viscosity SC—CO2 provides efficient cooling of the drill head, and efficient cuttings removal. Further, the diffusivity of SC—CO2 within the pores of petroleum formations is significantly higher than that of water, making jet erosion using SC—CO2 much more effective than water jet erosion.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for use in an underbalanced drilling process using exhaust gases wherein some constituents of the exhaust gas combine with water to form acids. The present invention provides a means of deacidifying drilling fluids. The pH of the drilling fluid is monitored and adjusted to prevent corrosion of equipment by acidic drilling fluids. The drilling fluid may also be optionally treated with anti-scaling agents. The drilling fluid may be a gas, a liquid or a combination of both or it may be gasified oil based drilling fluid.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus includes a drill string, a drilling head located at a first end of the drill string, a drilling fluid pump located at a second end of the drill string, wherein the drilling fluid pump pumps a drilling fluid along the length of the drill string to the drilling head, and a traveling wave generator coupled to the drill string at a location downstream of the drilling fluid pump, wherein the traveling wave generator generates a series of ramped pressure pulses that are applied to the drilling fluid. The ramped pressure pulses are compressed by a reduction of the cross-sectional area of the drill string, and further by time compression caused by varying propagation rates of different portions of the pressure pulses pressure pulse if substantially formed at a surface of a drilling substrate. A shock wave associated with the compressed pressure pulse is generated substantially at the location of a surface of a drilling substrate.

Abstract: A casing or tubing segment or segments are disclosed which can be used to create a parasite annulus during drilling. The cased wellbore receives a string containing valves and the drillstring operates through it. As the mud circulates, the segments of the tubing or casing provide communication at various depths from the parasite annulus (i.e., the outermost annulus) into the circulating mud, which is the innermost annulus. Each valve is adjustable to alter the amount of differential pressure required in order to open it. The valves are also in hydraulic pressure balance so that only the pressure added by the injected gas acts to open them. The valves close by a spring bias.

Abstract: In an underground borer with down hammer having a vehicle body 1, a guide stilt 2 standing on the vehicle body, and a rotary machine 4 having its bottom coupled with a screw shaft 3 and a down hammer B, a supply unit 5 is interposed between the rotary machine 4 and the screw shaft 3, a fluid conduit 6 is formed centrally of the screw shaft 3, compressed air conduits 7 and 7' are formed to surround the fluid conduit 6, and a fluid jetting pipe 8 is arranged centrally of the down hammer B to extend until the inside of a bit body 9 so that water may be discharged, along with high-pressure compressed air, from a central portion of the bottom surface of the bit body during boring to cool the bit body, promote anti-wear properties, suppress powdery dirts, reduce noises and increase the boring speed.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus are provided for processing the drilling mud used to flush cuttings from the bore hole while maintaining control of bore hole pressure. Air is injected into the lower regions of drilling mud in the working pits to agitate the drilling fluids and thus maintain particulate additives in suspension while simultaneously facilitating the settling of larger cuttings from the earth formations. Air is also injected into the bottom of the drilling mud and other waste fluids which are placed into the discard pit to evaporate the water and thereby accelerate consolidation or ultimate drying of the drilling mud for final disposal. This can be done as required during the drilling operation so that the consolidated or dried drilling mud can then be more easily and economically handled for transport to a hazardous waste disposal site, or can be more easily covered with earth while remaining in the discard pit.

Abstract: Means are provided to drill generally horizontal bores through heterogeneous fill and hard strata. A carriage providing power means to rotate a spindle is mounted on a generally horizontal track and is adapted to move longitudinally along the track. Swivel means about the spindle are provided with means to introduce a combined gas and liquid stream, suitably air and water, into a drill pipe connected to the spindle and through an impact drill mounted at the end of the drill pipe to power the drill and to flush cuttings from the hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to the balancing of the pressures in drilled strata, the pressures being lower than that of the liquid columns contained in the entire well.The hydrostatic level of fluid, e.g. a liquid, in the bottom of the well is selected to obtain the balance and the fluid is caused to flow, to additionally serve as a drilling fluid, by separating the fluid into two columns, communicating at either end, between the tubing of the well and a set of rods therein and within the set of rods, and injecting a fluid of lower density into the upper part of one of the columns.

Abstract: A drill system for drilling very large holes in the earth, of diameters up to from 10 to 20 feet, by means of a rotary bit carrying a plurality of cutters, wherein the bit assembly is pressed against the bottom of the hole, so that the unit pressure against each of the cutters will be adequate for their optimum performance. The force holding the bit in contact with the bottom of the hole is created by the weight of the drilling liquid on top of the bit. A fluid seal is maintained between the outer edge of the bit and the wall of the bore hole. Liquid flows down the annulus around the drill pipe and through a plurality of orifices in the bit, terminating at the bit cutters. Rock cuttings are washed radially inwardly to a central drill pipe, which supports the bit, and through which torque is applied to the bit. The pressure drop in the orifices serves to create a differential pressure above and below the bit. The differential pressure times the exposed surface area of the bit provides the hold down force.