Abstract: A stripper head assembly for holding back pressure while stripping a work-string from pressurized well environment is disclosed. The stripper head assembly comprises a stripper head, a stripper insert, a stripper rubber, one or more retention bushing assemblies, one or more retention pins, and one or more retention apertures. The stripper head comprises an outer portion of the stripper head assembly. The stripper head comprises, from top to bottom, a top portion, a body portion, a lower neck portion and a flange base. A portion of the stripper insert fits within a portion of the stripper rubber. A portion of the stripper rubber fits within a portion of the stripper head.

Abstract: A method includes conveying a wellbore isolation device into a wellbore, the wellbore isolation device including a primary valve arranged within a central flow passage. A fluid is then circulated through the central flow passage and into a tubing attached to a downhole end of the wellbore isolation device and in fluid communication with the central flow passage. The primary valve is moved from a first position to a second position and thereby diverts the fluid into an annulus defined between the wellbore and the wellbore isolation device. The primary valve may then be moved to seal the central flow passage and thereby prevent the fluid from flowing into the annulus or into the tubing.

Abstract: A stripper head assembly for holding back pressure while stripping work-strings in and out of pressurized well environments, wherein, the stripper head assembly comprises a stripper head, a stripper insert, a stripper rubber, and one or more retention pins. The stripper head comprises an outer portion of the stripper head assembly. The stripper head comprises, from top to bottom, a top portion, a body portion, a lower neck portion and a flange base. A portion of the stripper insert fits within a portion of the stripper rubber. A portion of the stripper rubber fits within a portion of the stripper head. A portion of one or more bolts attaches to a portion of the stripper head.

Abstract: Wireline valves with internal tool trap flappers are provided. In one embodiment, a wireline valve includes a main body with a bore sized to allow a downhole tool to pass through the main body of the wireline valve and a flapper positioned within the main body. The flapper is positioned with respect to the bore of the wireline valve such that the flapper can be moved between an open position that permits passage of the downhole tool through the bore of the main body of the wireline valve and a closed position that prevents passage of the downhole tool through the bore of the main body of the wireline valve in at least one direction. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drive shaft for a machine tool, for example a core drilling machine, able to be connected to a drilling tool, in particular a core bit, is disclosed. The drive shaft contains a cavity which substantially extends over the whole length of the drive shaft and along the rotational axis. The cavity contains at least one inflow opening where, through the at least one inflow opening, water can be fed along the drive shaft into the drilling tool. In the drive shaft, an insertion device is provided in the cavity, through which water is guided for cooling the drive shaft, firstly, in a first direction and then in a second direction, where the water comes into direct contact with the inner side of the cavity at least in the first direction.

Abstract: A rotating control device (RCD), for use in drilling a wellbore, includes an RCD body, a sealing element, and a bearing assembly disposed within the RCD body and supporting an inner mandrel to rotate relative to the RCD body. The sealing element is carried by the inner mandrel, and the bearing assembly includes a bearing sealed in an internal bearing fluid chamber. The internal bearing fluid chamber includes a bearing fluid maintained at a pressure greater than a pressure of wellbore fluid in an interior of the RCD body by a pressure compensating piston between the bearing fluid contacting a first end of the piston and the wellbore fluid contacting a second, opposite end of the piston.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swivel comprising a static portion (1, 2, 124, 126) and a rotating portion (3, 120), which portions are coaxially rotatable about a longitudinal axis, wherein the static portion (1, 24, 124, 126) and the rotating portion (3, 120) electrically contact each other for transmission of electricity and/or signals/data between said portions, and which comprises an hole (30), which is centrally arranged and which runs coaxially along said longitudinal axis, for passage of a fluid, wherein the static portion comprises a housing (1) and a bottom (2), and the rotating portion comprises an axis part (3), which comprises an integrated bottom part (36) supported by said bottom (2), and that said axis part (3) comprises an integrated bottom part (36) which is supported by said bottom (2), and that said axis part (3) comprises a tubular upper part (32) extending upwards from said integrated bottom part (36), with said centrally arranged hole (30) for passage of a fluid is arranged.

Abstract: Latching device for a drilling device comprising a latching body mountable in an outer tube, an unlatching tube slidably mountable around the latching body, two latches attached to the latching body and pivotable between a deployed position in which the latch cooperates with the outer tube in order to latch the latching body to said outer tube and a retracted position for unlatching the latching body from the outer tube, a piston sliding around the latching body and secured to the unlatching tube, and a compression spring mechanism pressing the piston towards the latches in order to maintain the latches in their deployed position, a pulling force exerted on the unlatching tube compressing the spring mechanism to prevent the piston from pressing against the latches which position themselves in their retracted position.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for a law profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs.

Abstract: A downhole tool may include a tubular member having an axis, a wall with a bore, and an orifice extending radially from the bore through the wall. A piston may be configured to be co-axially mounted in the bore of the tubular member and be axially reciprocated therein, the piston having a piston bore. An aperture may extend radially from the piston bore to the bore of the tubular member. First and second glands formed in an outer surface adjacent the aperture. The first gland may be axially spaced apart from the second gland. In addition, a seal system can be configured to be mounted to the piston. The seal system can include a primary seal for the first gland, a secondary seal for the second gland, and the secondary seal is harder than the primary seal.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for a low profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs. An embodiment allows a LP-RCD to be removably disposed with a LP-RCD housing by rotating a bearing assembly rotating plate. A sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly by rotating a seal retainer ring. Alternatively, a sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly with a seal support member threadedly attached with the LP-RCD bearing assembly. The seal support member may be locked in position with a seal locking ring removably attached with threads with the LP-RCD bearing assembly over the seal support member. Spaced apart accumulators may be disposed radially outward of the bearings in the bearing assembly to provide self lubrication to the bearings.

Abstract: A drilling mud collection apparatus for containing a drill pipe connection so as to collect and drain drilling fluid, mud or the like draining from a length of tubing as it is removed from the connection at the well, in a device commonly known as a mud bucket. A preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes fluid-driven linear actuators positioned to urge the pivot point of engaged enclosure components from an open position, for receiving or releasing the drill pipe connection, to a closed position for enveloping same to facilitate the collection of liquids therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for containing fluid or gas that is released when two adjoining sections of pipe are disconnected. The apparatus can comprise two or more arcuate sections hinged together to form a generally cylindrical or tubular containment chute that can be releasably enclosed around a pipe joint. Latching mechanisms can hold the apparatus around the pipe joint. The apparatus can have one or more sealing members at each end of the containment chute that engage the pipe above and below the pipe joint so that the pipe joint is completely enclosed and sealed off. A spout located on the sidewall of the apparatus allows fluid or gas that is released when the pipe joint is broken to flow from the apparatus through the spout into a hose connected to the spout, whereby the hose can divert the fluid or gas to a receptacle or container.

Abstract: A system to extend a lateral bore section using laser light comprises a first umbilical connected to a deflection member having a drive gear, a lateral exit port and at least one deployable seal intermediate a proximal end and the lateral exit port, and a second umbilical having an exterior movable by the drive member through a pathway of the deflection member ending at the lateral exit port to controllably advance a drill head connected to a leading end of the second umbilical. Optical fibers of the second umbilical transmit laser light from a surface end to optical elements in the drill head that condition laser light for heating a targeted portion of a bore wall. The first umbilical positions the deflection member within a primary bore section, and the second umbilical is controllably advanced to extend a lateral bore by the drive gear of the deflection member.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining constant circulation of drilling fluid includes a valve section (5) at the top of each section of drill pipes to be connected to or removed from the drill string. The valve section (5) has a top inlet for axial circulation and a side inlet (5b) for radial circulation. Two separate valves (5c, 5d) within the valve section controls flow through the inlets. An external valve control device (4) has a circulation adapter (4b) for connecting drill fluid at operational pressure to the side inlet (5b) and separate activating adapters (4c, 4d) connecting to the couplings for opening or closing the valves (5c, 5d).

Abstract: A conduit assembly for use in a drilling system that may include an upper section, an intermediate section and a lower section. The upper section may include a first seal. The first seal may include an opening that may be sized and configured to receive and form a seal with an inner drill string. The first seal may include one or more slits that may extend from an outer edge of the first seal to the opening of the first seal. The intermediate section may include an outlet for a flushing medium. The outlet may include a projection that may extend into a hollow interior of the intermediate section. The lower section may be sized and configured to be connected to and disconnected from a connecting portion of an outer drill string. The lower section may be sized and configured to be connected to and disconnected from the intermediate section.

Abstract: A wellbore obstruction-clearing tool connected to the bottom of a tubing string, such as casing, utilizes a sleeve which is axially and rotationally moveable in response to axial reciprocation of a tubing string to engage and clear obstructions in the wellbore. Fluid is discharged through the casing and the tool to engage the obstructions and to convey debris through the annulus to surface. Thus, the obstructions are cleared from the wellbore, permitting the casing to be advanced, without the need to rotate the casing.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for a low profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The outer diameter of the lateral outlet flange may be substantially the same as the height of the LP-RCD housing and bearing assembly after the bearing assembly is positioned with the LP-RCD housing. The sealing element may be aligned with the lateral outlet, and may be replaced from above. Different embodiments of attachment members for attaching the LP-RCD housing with a lower housing allow the LP-RCD housing to be rotated to align the lateral outlet with the drilling rig's existing line to mud pits or other locations. In one embodiment, the LP-RCD bearings are positioned radially inside the LP-RCD housing. In another embodiment, the LP-RCD bearings are positioned radially outside the LP-RCD housing. One embodiment allows rotation of the inserted tubular about multiple planes.

Abstract: An adaptor for setting a self-drilling, chemically anchorable, fastening element (5) includes a rotor member (21) rotatably supported in the adaptor housing (36) and having at its opposite ends (23,25) respectively, a coupling section (24) for connecting the rotor member (21) with a drilling tool (8) for joint rotation therewith, and a coupling receptacle (26) for fixedly receiving a free end (6) of the fastening element (5). Support elements (52,53) are provided in one of two housing parts (41,51) for rotatably supporting the rotor member (21). Sealing elements (42), which are provided in another housing part (41), for a connection channel section (32) that connects a connection opening (37) in the housing (36) for the ejection medium (4) with a feeding channel (31) in the rotor member (21).

Abstract: An external water delivery system includes a water box front head, a collet configured to interface with the water box front head, a polymer sleeve configured to be positioned between the water box front head and the collet, a shank, and at least one seal positioned within the sleeve. The sleeve and seals are configured to provide a water chamber when coupled to the shank. An inner of the sleeve provides a bearing surface for the shank.

Abstract: A well drilling head housing comprises a sidewall structure, a ram and selective displacement means. The sidewall structure defines a central bore configured for having a bearing assembly removably seated therein. The ram is slideably mounted on the side wall structure and is disposed within a passage extending through the sidewall structure. The selective displacement means is coupled between the ram and the sidewall structure. The selective displacement means, is configured for moving the ram to an engaged position in which the ram is engaged with the bearing assembly for securing the bearing assembly in a seated position within the central bore and a disengaged position in which the ram is disengaged from the bearing assembly thereby allowing the bearing assembly to be removed from within the central bore.

Abstract: Disclosed are hydrocarbon recovery drill string apparatus, subterranean hydrocarbon recovery drilling methods, and subterranean hydrocarbon recovery methods. In one embodiment, a hydrocarbon recovery drill string apparatus includes an elongated assembly within which a rotatable drill rod is received. The assembly comprises a longitudinal axis, a drill rod entrance end, and a drill rod exit end. The assembly comprises a tailcuttings diverter pipe proximate the drill rod exit end, with the tailcuttings diverter pipe defining an initial fluid flow path of the tailcuttings from the longitudinal axis which is acute from the longitudinal axis. Other apparatus and method aspects are contemplated.

Abstract: A well drilling head housing comprises a sidewall structure, a ram and selective displacement means. The sidewall structure defines a central bore configured for having a bearing assembly removably seated therein. The ram is slideably mounted on the side wall structure and is disposed within a passage extending through the sidewall structure. The selective displacement means is coupled between the ram and the sidewall structure. The selective displacement means, is configured for moving the ram to an engaged position in which the ram is engaged with the bearing assembly for securing the bearing assembly in a seated position within the central bore and a disengaged position in which the ram is disengaged from the bearing assembly thereby allowing the bearing assembly to be removed from within the central bore.

Abstract: A well drilling head housing comprises a sidewall structure, a ram and selective displacement means. The sidewall structure defines a central bore configured for having a bearing assembly removably seated therein. The ram is slideably mounted on the side wall structure and is disposed within a passage extending through the sidewall structure. The selective displacement means is coupled between the ram and the sidewall structure. The selective displacement means is configured for moving the ram to an engaged position in which the ram is engaged with the bearing assembly for securing the bearing assembly in a seated position within the central bore and a disengaged position in which the ram is disengaged from the bearing assembly thereby allowing the bearing assembly to be removed from within the central bore.

Abstract: An equipment housing configured for having a bearing assembly of a well drilling head mounted therein has a sidewall structure and a replaceable wear sleeve. The sidewall structure defines a central bore thereof. The central bore is configured for having a bearing assembly positioned therein. The replaceable wear sleeve is removably mounted on the sidewall structure within the central bore. The wear sleeve includes a tapered inside face configured for being engaged by a mating tapered face of bearing assembly.

Abstract: A rotating control device has a bowl including a central passage configured for having a bearing assembly positioned therein. A bowl sleeve ledge is integral the bowl within the central passage. The bowl sleeve is removably disposed within the central passage. Movement of the bowl sleeve along a length of the central passage is constrained by the bowl sleeve ledge and movement of the bowl sleeve radially with respect to the length of the central passage is constrained by a central passage surface. A sealing device of a first configuration is engaged between an exterior surface of the bowl sleeve and the central passage surface. The bearing assembly has an exterior surface of its outer barrel engaged with the interior surface of the bowl sleeve. A sealing device of a second configuration is engaged between the interior surface of the bowl sleeve and the exterior surface of the outer barrel.

Abstract: A stripper rubber insert comprises a central bore and a plurality of retention member bores substantially perpendicular to the central bore. The retention member bores are angularly spaced apart around a perimeter of the stripper rubber insert. Each one of the retention member bores extends through an exterior insert edge face and an interior insert edge face. Each one of the retention member bores includes a respective retention member securing structure therein.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for a low profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs.

Abstract: An adapter comprises a generally cylindrical adapter, engagement member bores, retention member bores, and attachment means configured for allowing the adapter to be fixedly attached to a mating portion of the drilling head equipment. The engagement member bores extend effectively parallel to the central bore. The retention member bores are each adjacent a respective one of the engagement member bores. The retention member bores are positioned such that the engagement pin bores and retention member bores intersect. The retention member bore is configured for having a retention member engaged therein in a manner allowing the retention member to be selectively displaced along a length of the retention member bore. The adapter includes a central bore to accommodate a down hole tubular. The attachment means includes a surface adjacent the central bore comprising fastener bores substantially parallel to the central bore for facilitating connection of the adapter to the drilling head equipment.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods for reducing the pressure of a circulating fluid in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention an ECD (equivalent circulation density) reduction tool provides a means for drilling extended reach deep (ERD) wells with heavyweight drilling fluids by minimizing the effect of friction head on bottomhole pressure so that circulating density of the fluid is close to its actual density. With an ECD reduction tool located in the upper section of the well, the friction head is substantially reduced, which substantially reduces chances of fracturing a formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for use in wellbores and particularly, but not exclusively, to circulating subs used during downhole drilling operations. The apparatus includes a control groove and a pin received within the control groove for determining whether or not a longitudinal movement of a piston in a given direction relative to the apparatus body will move the apparatus between open and closed configurations. The apparatus further includes a control member located between and movable relative to the body and the piston. The control groove is defined in one of the piston and control member, and the pin is provided on the other of the piston and control member. Means are also provided for constraining movement of the piston relative to the body to longitudinal movement only. The invention thus provides an apparatus which has improved reliability in moving between open and closed configurations.

Abstract: A connector is provided for selectively connecting or disconnecting a stripper rubber to or from drilling head equipment such as a bearing assembly. A generally cylindrical adapter connected to the equipment defines a primary bore accommodate a down hole tubular. One or more cam pin bores, adapted to house one or more cam pins, are positioned radially around the adapter substantially parallel to the primary bore. One or more cam lock bores adapted to house one or more at least partially rotatable cam locks, are offset from the pin cam bores such that each cam pin bore partially intersects a corresponding cam lock bore to form an apertaure through which the cam lock engages the cam pin. One or more cam pins are connected to the stripper rubber; and one or more at least partially rotatable cam locks house in the cam lock bores of the adapter optionally engage or disengage the pin cams to respectively connect or disconnect the stripper rubber to or from the equipment.

Abstract: An adjustable fluid collecting device with two shells pivotally movable relative to each other wherein the fluid collecting device is movable between an open position in which the shells are distanced from each other and a closed position in which the shells touch, an actuator and a lever assembly wherein the operation of the actuator results in equal but opposite movement of the shells and the mechanical advantage increases as the shells move toward the closed position. A rigid frame which substantially surrounds the two shells, actuator and lever assembly is provided. Optionally, the apparatus can be equipped with an integral pipe spinner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is used in the cleaning out of sand in underbalanced gas wells. The present invention includes a valve subassembly equipped with an emergency shutin device to remotely control the actuation of the valve via an air or hydraulic control line. Operatively coupled to the inlet of the valve subassembly is a swivel subassembly which further enables the coupling to a tubing string. A lifting assembly attaches the valve subassembly to an elevator of a well service rig. A hardened elbow coupled to an outlet of the valve subassembly directs the gas/sand mixture being removed from the well through a hose to a collection pit. The use of the apparatus of the present invention in a sand cleanout operation allows joints of pipe to be tripped into and out of the tubing string all the while keeping the emergency shutdown device actuator connected and operational.

Abstract: A controlled leakage seal assembly having a first stationary portion adapted to be connected in substantially fluid-tight relation to a source of drilling fluid and a second portion adapted to be connected in substantially fluid-tight relation to a rotary portion including a washpipe. The seal includes a first housing and a stack of radially inwardly extending, spaced apart annular stators, and a second seal housing and stack of spaced apart radially outwardly extending annular rotors interleaved with one another. The seal assembly, a cartridge, permits the first and second housings to rotate relative to each other in substantially fluid-tight relation except for the drilling fluid entering an outlet region at greatly reduced pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the seal is held by a sleeve that permits the cartridge to be removed and replaced while the fluid connections to the sleeve remains.

Abstract: A connector is provided for selectively connecting or disconnecting a stripper rubber to or from drilling head equipment such as a bearing assembly. A generally cylindrical adapter connected to the equipment defines a primary bore to accommodate a down hole tubular. One or more cam pin bores, adapted to house one ore more cam pins, are positioned radially around the adapter substantially parallel to the primary bore. One or more cam lock bores adapted to house one or more at least partially rotatable cam locks, are offset from the pin cam bores such that each cam pin bore partially intersects a corresponding cam lock bore to form an aperture through which the cam lock engages the cam pin. One or more cam pins are connected to the stripper rubber; and one or more at least partially rotatable cam locks housed in the cam lock bores of the adapter optionally engage or disengage the pin cams to respectively connect or disconnect the stripper rubber to or from the equipment.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods for reducing the pressure of a circulating fluid in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention an ECD (equivalent circulation density) reduction tool provides a means for drilling extended reach deep (ERD) wells with heavyweight drilling fluids by minimizing the effect of friction head on bottomhole pressure so that circulating density of the fluid is close to its actual density. With an ECD reduction tool located in the upper section of the well, the friction head is substantially reduced, which substantially reduces chances of fracturing a formation.

Abstract: A flowhead for a well testing system is disclosed. The well testing system comprises a plurality of threaded connection pipes extending from the surface to a subterranean zone of interest which is isolated for testing purposes. Fluid flows from the subterranean zone into the flowhead and is directed to a flare and related measuring instrumentation. The flowhead includes a swab inlet with a swab valve, a kill line with an associated valve and a flow line with an associated valve. The line connecting directly to the well preferably comprises an outer swivel element integral with a body of the flowhead and a roller bearing supported inner swivel element rotatably mounted therein.

Abstract: A tube (1) in a borehole (2) in the ground (3) is displaced. The tube is simultaneously displaced along and about its axis, such that it is axially introduced into or retracted from the borehole. According to the invention, displacing the composed tube about its axis comprises an oscillating movement. The invention further relates to a device for displacing a tube in a borehole.

Abstract: Two types of isolation tools are disclosed for installation between the upward end of the LMRP and the lower end of a riser string in the drilling of a subsea well using dual gradient techniques, one of which is especially adapted for rotation about a rotating drill sling. Each type includes insert packer adapted to be closed about the drill string to divert drilling fluid in the annulus between the drill string and the subsea wellhead into lines extending along the side of the riser to the surface. The insert is selectively removable to permit conventional drilling.

Abstract: A system for drilling a subsea well from a rig through a subsea wellhead below the rig includes a wellhead stack which is mounted on the subsea wellhead. The wellhead stack includes at least a subsea blowout preventer stack and a subsea diverter. A drill string extends from the rig through the wellhead stack into the well to conduct drilling fluid from the rig to a drill bit in the well. A riser which has one end coupled to the wellhead stack and another end coupled to the rig internally receives the drill string such that a riser annulus is defined between the drill string and the riser. A well annulus extends from the bottom of the well to the subsea diverter to conduct fluid away from the drill bit. A pump has a suction side in communication with the well annulus and a discharge side in communication with the rig and is operable to maintain a selected pressure gradient in the well annulus.

Abstract: A rotating diverter for isolating fluid in a well from other fluid above the well is provided. The rotating diverter includes a housing body which has a bore running through it. A retrievable spindle assembly which includes a spindle and a bearing assembly is disposed in the bore. The bearing assembly supports the spindle for rotation. The spindle is adapted to receive and seal around a tubular member, and rotation of the tubular member rotates the spindle within the bore. A lock member is disposed in the housing body to secure the retrievable spindle assembly to the housing body.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a subsea borehole fluid pressure is proposed for use with a conductor casing positioned below the mudline and within a normal pore pressure environment. The apparatus includes a pump for moving a fluid through a tubular into a borehole. The fluid, before being pumped, exerts a pressure less than the pore pressure of an abnormal pore pressure environment. The fluid in the borehole is then pressurized by the pump to at least a borehole pressure equal to or greater than the pore pressure of an abnormal pore pressure environment. A pressure housing assembly allows for the drilling of a borehole below the conductor casing into an abnormal pore pressure environment while maintaining the pressurized fluid between a borehole pressure equal to or greater than the pore pressure of the abnormal pore pressure environment, and below the fracture pressure of the borehole in the abnormal pore pressure environment.

Abstract: A swivel chamber that streamlines the procedure for retrieving core samples from a wireline diamond core drill. The swivel chamber includes a housing, a rotary seal, overshot and wire cable packing. The swivel chamber is threaded at one end for attachment to a drill rod. The other end of the swivel chamber allows for the connection of a cable packing housing. The swivel chamber has two spaced fluid inlets to drive the drilling cycle and the core retrieval cycle. Contrary to previous designs, the swivel chamber remains in place during both cycles.

Abstract: A borehole drilling apparatus has a jacket attachable to a well head and through which a drill rod passes and which carries pressurized drilling fluid to a working end of the drill rod and out into an annulus of the borehole. The jacket has a drill rod seal and an outlet port leading from the interior of the jacket to a pressure regulator. The pressure regulator comprises an annular space through which fluid can flow from an inlet to an outlet. The annular space is defined between an inner rod and a surrounding elastomer pipe. In use, the elastomer pipe is squeezed radially inwards toward the inner rod by fluid pressure maintained between the outside of the elastomer pipe and a surrounding housing. A sampling system is in communication with the outlet port at a location upstream of the regulator.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for drilling wells in which the annulus between the casing and drill string is sealed below the kelly and blowout preventers and drilling fluid returns are conducted from below the seal to the exterior through the drilling head. The annulus may be controlled below the seal to permit lubricating the seal through the blowout preventers while maintaining the well under complete control. A surface controlled subsurface valve may control drilling fluid returns.

Abstract: The device for producing a drilled hole with an undercut includes a drilling tool having a shank and a drilling head faced with a plurality of diamond chips, a drilling tool-holder structured to hold the drilling tool and a rotatable sleeve having an axial throughgoing passage for the drilling tool and the drilling tool-holder and also having a lateral connecting pipe for a cooling and flushing liquid. So that the drilled hole with the undercut can be made in a single working step using the same drilling tool, the shank of the drilling tool (2) is provided with a stop collar (12) and also a cross-sectionally enlarged portion (17). The shank of the drilling tool (2) tapers uniformly toward the drilling head (11) and also tapers uniformly toward the stop collar (12).

Abstract: A rotary tool holder of the type including a stationary shell adapted to be reciprocally positioned within a bushing plate and a shaft mounted rotatably within the stationary shell. An annular space is provided between the shaft and the shell and the shell includes an enlarged diameter collar portion proximate one end of the shell and a reduced diameter pilot portion extending from the collar portion to the other end of the shell. The pilot portion is slidably received in the bushing plate and the collar portion receives a pressurized coolant fitting. Needle bearings are provided in the annular space between the shell and the shaft proximate the pilot portion and a pair of annular seals are provided in the annular space between the shell and the shaft proximate the collar portion. The annular seals are positioned on opposite sides of a radial passage formed through the collar portion and through the shaft for communication with a central axial bore in the shaft.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved drilling head which provides for the formation of a continuous seal about a drilling string, where the drilling string consists of varying diameter drill string components. A stationary bowl configured to pass a drill string is provided with an annular grove about the top so as to allow for the attachment of a connecting clamp. An assembly carrier is provided which is removably disposable within the bowl and to which a lower stripper rubber may be attached. A bearing assembly adapted for placement within the assembly carrier is provided with an upper rotatable stripper rubber of smaller diameter that the lower stripper rubber so as to form a seal on smaller diameter drilling strings.

Abstract: A diverter apparatus for use in conjunction with earth drilling operations to divert cuttings from the area surrounding the bore hole, and including a pneumatically extensible and retractable ground-engaging skirt which surrounds the bore hole.