Abstract: A system and methods of using air compressors to create a jet vacuum to accelerate the drilling fluid circulation, which is located on the surface, or down the hole through passages along the well casings or drilling pipes. The jet vacuum is applied to help suck up the drilling fluids with cuttings. They are used in addition to the pumps and boosters to push and circulate the drilling mud or aerated-compound fluid. The invention accelerates the drilling fluid circulation and reduces the number of pumps and boosters.

Abstract: Air compressor systems, upgrade kits, computer readable medium, and methods for controlling an air compressor for improved performance. The methods may include receiving a working air requirement; determining an estimated air pressure of the air compressor to deliver the working air requirement; measuring a pressure of the air compressor; comparing the measured pressure with the calculated estimated air pressure; if the measured pressure of the air compressor is greater than the determined estimated air pressure by a predetermined greater amount, then decreasing an output control of the air compressor; and if the measured pressure of the air compressor is less than the calculated estimated air pressure by a predetermined lesser amount then increasing the output control of the air compressor. The air compressor may be controlled based on a measured pressure of delivered working air. An oil control system may shut off oil to parts of the air compressor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for boring into the earth near a Kudzu vine root system to apply herbicidal helium gas to the roots and eradicate the Kudzu vine. The technique uses a perforated tube with a drill bit that protrudes from one end of the tube to bore into the earth near the vine roots. Boring is stopped when all of the tube perforations are below the earth's surface. About 0.5 cubic meters of helium gas are applied to flow through the tube enabling the helium gas to flow out through the tube perforations and attack the Kudzu vine through the vine's root system.

Abstract: An arrangement in a rock drill rig 10 has an inlet valve 31 arranged upstream from a displacement compressor 32 that is used for supplying an air flow 34 to at least one flushing hole 23 in the surface of a drill bit 20. The rock drill rig 10 also has an air regulator 35 arranged to regulate the system pressure in the air flow path 34 downstream from the compressor and a detector for detecting air flow through the at least one flushing hole 23 in the surface of the drill bit. The detector has a pressure sensor 36, arranged between the air regulator 35 and the inlet valve 31, for measuring the reduced system pressure.

Abstract: Injection of gas into a managed pressure drilling system to provide for operation of the drilling system in a pressure window defined by the pore pressure of a formation being drilled and a fracture pressure of the formation. The gas is injected through gas injection ports and drilling fluids are allowed to flow between the drilling annulus and the gas injection system though a plurality of flow ports that are disposed vertically below the gas injection ports in the borehole being drilled. The gas injection ports and the flow ports are configured so that when gas is flowing through the gas injection ports, the flow ports are sealed.

Abstract: A cuttings transfer system including a separator configured to separate cuttings from a slurry and a transfer line configured to receive the cuttings from the separator. The system further including a valve in fluid communication with the transfer line and the separator, wherein the valve is configured to control a flow of the cuttings from the separator to the transfer line, and an air transfer device coupled to the transfer line that is configured to supply a flow of air through the transfer line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control of a compressor (8) at a rock drilling apparatus, said rock drilling apparatus including a power source for driving a compressor (8) at a rock drilling process, said compressor (8) being arranged to operate according to a first mode and according to a second mode, wherein, in said first mode, the work produced by the compressor (8) is arranged to be controlled by controlling the rotation speed of said compressor (8), and wherein, in said second mode, the work produced by the compressor (8) is arranged to be controlled by controlling the air flow at the compressor inlet.

Abstract: An offshore universal riser system (OURS) and injection system (OURS-IS) inserted into a riser. The OURS/OUR-IS provides a means for pressurizing the marine riser to its maximum pressure capability and easily allows variation of the fluid density in the riser. The OURS-IS includes a riser pup joint with provision for injecting a fluid into the riser with isolation valves. The OURS includes a riser pup joint with an inner riser adapter, a pressure test nipple, a safety device, outlets with valves for diverting the mud flow, nipples with seal bores for accepting RCDs. The easy delivery of fluids to the OURS-IS is described. A method is detailed to manipulate the density in the riser to provide a wide range of operating pressures and densities enabling the concepts of Managed Pressure Drilling, Dual Density Drilling or Dual Gradient Drilling, and Underbalanced Drilling.

Abstract: An apparatus assists in preventing the accumulation of debris in a flow path during the formation of a borehole. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a drill head including a drive shaft for driving a drilling element to form the borehole. Preferably, the drilling element includes a passage forming a flow path for debris from the borehole. A carrier positioned adjacent the flow path is connected to at least one agitator connected to the carrier for agitating debris in the flow path. A related method pertains to manufacturing a drill head including an agitator.

Abstract: A pressurized fluid flow system for a reverse circulation down-the-hole hammer having a cylinder coaxially disposed in between an outer casing and the piston. This piston reciprocates due to changes in pressure of the pressurized fluid contained inside of a front chamber and a rear chamber at opposite sides of the piston, where the flow into and out of these chambers is controlled solely by the overlap or relative position of the piston and the cylinder as a supply chamber and a discharge chamber, which are defined by recesses on the inner surface of the outer casing and separated by a dividing wall, respectively, supply to and discharge from the front and rear chambers, the pressurized fluid. An internal chamber may also be provided in between the piston and a sampling tube coaxial with the outer casing for a more efficient filling of the chambers.

Abstract: A fluid handling system for drilling cuttings utilizes a constant and gravity managed liquid level between a substantially atmospheric separator and a shale shaker to maximize fluid residence time within the separator and ensure substantially all of the gas entrained in the cuttings is evolved and passed to a flare thus preventing evolution of the gas at the shale shaker. Solids from the separator are combined with liquid recirculation from and returning to the shale shaker. Optionally, a vacuum degasser is positioned between the separator and the shale shaker and separated gases are passed from the degasser to the flare. This method and system is particularly applicable to balanced, underbalanced and air drilling operations where the flow of gas is intermittent and unpredictable.

Abstract: A system for handling drill cuttings conveys cuttings into bulk tanks via a conduit. The bulk tanks have a lower portion that converges to an elongated opening. A conveyance member positioned at the elongated opening forces the cuttings out of a discharge port at the bottom of the bulk tank. Once suitable conveyance member is a screw-type conveyor coupled to a motor that applies a motive force to the cuttings. The bulk tank lower portion can be formed as a wedge or trough that generally conforms to the configuration of the conveyance member. The bulk tanks hold the cuttings until it can be discharged via the discharge port to a transport vessel for processing or disposal. For offshore operations, the system includes a separation unit on the rig that forms the cuttings from fluid returning from the wellbore and a cuttings flow unit that conveys the cuttings from the separation unit to the bulk tanks.

Abstract: A method for the circulation of gas when drilling or working a well. The method includes the step of pressurizing at least two chambers of a multi-chambered accumulator with inert gas. The chambers of the multi-chambered accumulator are operatively connected to one another and individually or in combination isolatable from each other. The method also includes isolating at least one chamber of the accumulator that has been pressurized with inert gas such that during drilling or working the well the isolated chamber remains pressurized with gas that has not been mixed with well gas returns. Pressurized gas is extracted from one or more of the non-isolated chambers of the accumulator and injected into the well. At least a portion of the gas returns from the well is collected, compressed and delivered to at least one of the non-isolated chambers of the multi-chamber accumulator.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.

Abstract: A fluid handling system for drilling cuttings utilizes a constant and gravity managed liquid level between a substantially atmospheric separator and a shale shaker. Substantially all of the gas entrained in the cuttings is evolved and passed to a flare for preventing evolution of the gas at the shale shaker. Solids from the separator are combined with liquid recirculation from and returning to the shale shaker. Optionally, a vacuum degasser is positioned between the separator and the shale shaker and separated gases are passed from the degasser to the flare. This method and system is particularly applicable to balanced, underbalanced and air drilling operations where the flow of gas is intermittent and unpredictable.

Abstract: Vessels for selectively holding drilling cuttings material and methods employing such vessels; the vessels, in at least certain aspects, having a body with a hollow container with an interior space for receiving drilling cuttings material and from which the material may exit from the body; a first opening through which the material enters into the container; a second opening through which the material passes out from the container; and movement apparatus with a movement member within the container movable adjacent the second opening to facilitate passage of the material into the second opening; and in certain aspects, the vessels having moisture-content sensor apparatus on the body for sensing moisture content of material within a vessel; conduit apparatus for conducting drilling cuttings from the exit opening; valve apparatus for selectively controlling flow of material in the conduit apparatus; and a controller in communication with the moisture-content sensor apparatus and the valve apparatus for selective

Abstract: A power system includes a power unit, a screw compressor, a hydraulic pump, and a hydraulic control system. The screw compressor is connected to the power unit to be driven thereby for compressing air. The screw compressor has an air intake opening and an adjustable air intake valve mechanism for opening and closing the air intake opening. The hydraulic pump pressurizes hydraulic fluid, and the hydraulic control system is operably connected to the pump and to the air intake valve mechanism for utilizing the pressurized hydraulic fluid to adjust the air intake valve mechanism. The compressed air is delivered to an air reservoir which returns lubrication oil back to the compressor in quantities commensurate with the degree of openness of the air intake opening.

Abstract: A power swivel provides the rotational force to drill consolidated subsurface strata while an unrestricted airflow through the swivel and down a drill string remove cuttings from the borehole. The power swivel is configured to mount on direct push equipment, such as a cone penetrometer, to eliminate the need for a conventional drilling rig when a consolidated layer is encountered during direct push operations. A drilling nipple and pack-off are provided near the surface to maintain the air flow during drilling and to direct the cuttings to a desired location. Also, a dual-valved air delivery system provides safe, remote-controlled air flow to the swivel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the riser base pressure and detecting well control problems, such as kicks or lost circulation, during drilling of an offshore well using a gas-lifted riser. The pressure control apparatus preferably includes two separate control elements, one to adjust the pressure at the surface (prs) and the mass flow rate out of the top of the riser ({dot over (m)}o) to compensate for changes in riser base pressure (prb) and the other to adjust either or both of the boost mud flow rate (qb) and lift gas flow rate (qg) to maintain a constant or nearly constant mass flow rate entering the base of the riser ({dot over (m)}i). According to the method of the present invention, the well return flow rate (qw) is preferably determined by directly measuring various other parameters and then computing qw from the measured parameters. The computed value of qw may be compared to the drill string flow rate (qc) to detect well control problems, such as kicks or lost circulation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for substantially continuously drilling and disposing of drill cuttings and dust to minimize airborne contamination while providing protection against overload using enhanced computer control. A drill stem with a bit is used to form the drill hole. A flushing mechanism utilizes vacuum or pressurized water to create a bailing fluid flow for flushing the cuttings and dust from the drill hole for disposal. A transducer monitors at least one first parameter of the bailing fluid flow, and a sensor may also monitor at least one second parameter of a flow of a driving fluid under pressure for feeding the drill stem and bit into the earth. A controller is utilized to regulate the rate of feed and/or driving of the stem and bit dependent on the levels of the parameters being monitored.

Abstract: The present invention is a lance for removing dirt or other substances from an underground hole, by the use of air and water under high pressure. The water is used as an abrading material or lance to loosen dirt in a hole or to pick or chip off substances which are attached to a pipe. A limited amount of water is used during the operation of the apparatus, to prevent the formation of wet mud.

Abstract: A flushing system for supplying compressed flushing air to a drill string for flushing cuttings during a drilling operation includes an air compressor having an inlet valve at the compressor inlet, and a turnvalve at the compressor outlet. Those valves are biased to a normal state, but when actuated, the inlet valve is to reduce the inlet air volume, and reduce the outlet air volume and pressure. If flushing air conducted to the drill string is temporarily reduced or terminated, while the compressor continues to operate, air pressure builds up and is conducted to both the inlet valve and turnvalve for reducing the volume and pressure of air emitted from the compressor outlet. In this way, the energy required to operate the compressor is significantly reduced.

Abstract: The drilling fluid returns from underbalanced drilling are introduced into a separator and a separate gas stream is recovered. The gas stream is cleaned at the well site to remove entrained liquid and particulate solids, to produce gas suitable to be fed to a compressor. The cleaned gas is compressed to re-injection pressure and recycled to the well.

Abstract: An underground method and apparatus for recovery of mineral deposits from sloping seams including high pressure water jet mineral dislodgement from underground deposits and water borne transport of dislodged mineral to an underground recovery site, and compressed air injection for transport of water borne mineral deposits from the underground recovery site to the surface.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling the supply of air into a rock drilling machine. In the method, the air supply of an air compressor in a power unit operated by a diesel engine is adjusted so that when the percussion pressure of the percussion device of the rock drilling machine is high, the amount of air supplied by the compressor is small, and vice versa. In the arrangement, the pressure fluid pump of the hydraulic motor of the compressor is an adjustable-displacement pump, the volume flow of the pressure fluid supplied by the pump being adjusted inversely proportionally to the pressure of the supply conduit of the percussion device of the rock drilling machine.

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: The mud of a drilling well is treated by injecting a liquid polymer chemical into the suction of a main circulating mud pump rather than by pouring the liquid chemical into the open collar of a drill pipe joint while making a connection. This causes the mud to exhibit lower gel strengths and obtain a bore hole more nearly to gauge.

Abstract: A rotary well drilling system employs a drill string with a drill bit affixed at its lower end for the drilling of a borehole. Drilling fluid is circulated through the drill string to remove drill cuttings. To break out a section of drill pipe from the drill string, the drill string is raised to a point where the drill string joint to be broken is above the drilling rig floor. Compressed gas is injected into the drill string to displace the column of drilling fluid to a level below such drill string joint. The compressed gas is vented and the drill pipe is broken out of the drill string.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a continuous supply of air pressure downhole during a well bore drilling operation, even during the addition of a pipe section to the drill string, and comprising a housing installed at the surface of the well at the position of the drilling equipment wherein the upper end of the drill string is separated from the drive mechanism in order that a new piece of drill pipe may be added to the drill string, a flapper or closure member pivotally secured within the housing normally held in an open position by the outer periphery of the drill string and spring urged in a direction toward the open end of the sleeve through which the drive mechanism passes when the drive mechanism has been backed off or removed for the addition of a section of pipe to the drill string, and a by-pass line in communication with the interior of the housing for directing air pressure from the air supply to the housing when the flapper member is in the closed position whereby the air pressure may be circulated d

Abstract: A drilling machine for drilling floors or walls having a frame in which a drilling rod is displaced by a screw member. A container on the frame is placed around the drilling rod to fasten the frame to the floor or wall, to cool the drill, and to collect the drilling debris.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for complete reverse air vacuum drilling by entrainment of chips and dust in a high velocity air stream created by applying a vacuum to the drill stem or the annulus of a drilled hole, removing the drilled particles by entrainment in the flow of air created by the vacuum and collection of the drilled particles for visual or other analysis.

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.