Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for cooling a drilling mud in a drilling operation. In aspects, the disclosure includes drawing the drilling mud from a last active volume mud tank of a plurality of active volume mud tanks and conducting the drilling mud to a heat-exchanger apparatus and then returning the drilling mud to the last active volume mud tank. In other aspects, the disclosure includes a variable frequency drive (“VFD”) for controlling a pumping rate of an electrically driven pump for the drilling mud, wherein the VFD is capable of adjusting the pumping rate for pumping of the drilling mud through a heat-exchanger apparatus. In further aspects, systems and methods are provided that use a tube-and-shell heat exchanger. The aspects are independently capable of providing improved efficiency. These and other aspects are preferably used in combination for greater efficiency.

Abstract: A spindle device includes a cover member. The cover member has, formed therein, a gas flow path configured to flow a compressed gas for providing sealing between a chuck portion as a rotating member and the cover member and sealing between the chuck portion and the spindle housing. The gas flow path includes a first conduit configured to communicate the outside of the cover member and a second conduit configured to allow the first conduit to communicate with a gap between the chuck portion and the spindle housing, the second conduit being larger than the outlet of the first conduit. The outlet of the second conduit faces a surface of the spindle housing.

Abstract: A chip antiscatter mechanism is included and configured to suppress scattering of chips generated during machining of a machining object. The chip antiscatter mechanism includes chip stirring means configured to stir the chips, by jetting a gas into a dry machining region above a table including the machining object, fluid curtain forming means configured to form a fluid curtain by jetting a fluid such as liquid or gas membranously from above to an outside of the dry machining region so as to surround the dry machining region, and to form a closed region including the dry machining region by the membranous fluid curtain, and discharging means configured to receive and discharge the fluid jetted membranously by the fluid curtain forming means.

Abstract: A system and method have a choke in fluid communication with a rotating control device. The choke controls flow of drilling mud from the rotating control device to a gas separator during a controlled pressure drilling operation, such as managed pressure drilling (MPD) or underbalanced drilling (UBD). A probe is in fluid communication with the drilling mud between the choke and the gas separator. During operations, the probe evaluates gas in the drilling mud from the well passing from the choke to the gas separator.

Abstract: Dry earthen material from an oil/gas well drilling rig is injected into an elongated vessel with a number of rings of nozzles that are arranged in conjunction with a number of water and/or chemical spray nozzles and a baffling system to knock the air/gas out of the cuttings and vent it. A relatively thick muddy waste is produced which may be easily disposed of.

Abstract: A jet system is beneficial in keeping a drilling particulates of a drilling fluid evenly mixed within an upright storage tank having a side wall, a top wall and a bottom wall. The jet system has a nozzle on each half section of a horizontally disposed upper arm and a plurality of nozzles on each half section of a lower rotatable arm disposed adjacent the bottom wall for keeping particulates of the drilling fluid suspended above the upper and lower arm. The upper arm redistributes and suspends particulates of the drilling fluid from near the bottom of the tank above the upper arm to thereby keep particulates of the drilling fluid suspended throughout the entire volume.

Abstract: In a well drilling system a fire suppression apparatus includes a pressure rated bell nipple or enclosure member mounted on the blowout preventer and including an elongated central passage opening at one end to an enlarged bore portion adjacent a restabbing flange. Diametrically opposed convergent nozzles open into the enlarged bore portion and are connected to a source of pressure water and/or a source of pressure fire extinguishing fluid by way of a manifold and respective remotely controllable shut off valves and check valves. The enclosure replaces a conventional bell nipple and provides an added measure of fire suppression protection in the event of uncontrolled flow of well fluids from the well. Branch conduit sections are connected to the main conduit section of the enclosure to provide a cuttings evacuation fluid flow line and a fill up or well fluid diversion line.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a container for preventing spilling of drilling mud onto the rig floor to thereby save the mud for later reuse includes a diametrically split and hinged barrel having a fixed lower seal assembly and a movable upper seal assembly which engage the outer wall of the drill pipe respectively below and above a joint connection that is to be unthreaded. Upon disconnection and upward movement, the upper seal moves upward with the pipe to totally eliminate wear which otherwise would result in seal and mud leakage.

Abstract: On the tool spindle of a machine tool, a hollow ring is mounted on the headstock or on the sleeve flange thereof and is provided on its underside with an annular clearance forming an endless ring nozzle. A pressurized fluid is introduced into the channel of the hollow ring and passes out of the annular clearance in the form of a closed fluid curtain, so that a closed space surrounding the machining station is formed. So as to obtain a permanent seal with the fluid curtain, an annular element comprising a deflecting ring, a filter ring and a straightening ring is built into the annular channel and as a result the latter is subdivided into an upper and a lower partial ring channel. The suspended dust formed during the machining of a workpiece is held back by the fluid curtain, but the machining point is still visible and unimpeded access is possible.

Abstract: A diverter for drilling mud is disclosed that has a packer housing mounted on the upper end of a riser through which drilling mud flows to the surface between the riser and the pipe string extending through the riser. A packer having a body of resilient material is located in the housing. Fluid pressure moves the body of resilient material into sealing engagement with the pipe string to divert drilling fluid laterally into a mud return line. A plurality of conduits extend vertically through the packer. Each conduit includes a flexible section extending through the body of resilient material to move with the resilient material as it is moved into and out of sealing engagement with the pipe string. Drilling mud is pumped through the conduits and nozzles attached to the lower ends of the conduits. The nozzles are positioned to divert the drilling fluid into the drilling fluid below the packer to break up large pieces of formation carried to the surface by the drilling mud.

Abstract: A mudline casing hanger assembly in which the support collet 16 has the upper end and support segments biased outwardly, with the lower end (34) push down portion biased inwardly. The lower end can be expanded (58) at the support elevation with load applied on a nonlocking shoulder (36).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transportable cooling system for cooling drilling mud in the course of drilling for geothermal sources or deep well drilling. The cooling system includes a mud carrying radiator provided with a water sprinkler assembly and fan for cooling the exterior thereof. Both the water sprinklers and the fans are controllable in their rate in response to a signal combining the well outlet temperature. In this manner cooling demands of a well bore can be anticipated, allowing for deep well drilling.