With Tool Shaft Having Plural Passages For Drilling Fluid Patents (Class 175/215)
  • Patent number: 12065887
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are signal-transparent and actuator-transparent tubulars for use with downhole tubular strings are. The signal-transparent tubulars include a tubular connector configured to engage with and connect to a different downhole tubular, the tubular connector formed from metal, a signal-transparent portion connected to the tubular connector, the signal-transparent portion formed from a composite material, and at least one of a sensor, an actuator, and a transmitter arranged within the signal-transparent portion and at least partially surrounded by the composite material, wherein the composite material of the signal-transparent portion is selected to be transparent to a characteristic of a signal that is detectable by or transmitted by the at least one sensor, actuator, and/or transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Lehr
  • Patent number: 12055016
    Abstract: A return exhaust assembly (50) for a reverse circulation hammer H comprises return tube (52) having first and second ends and a seat (56) at or near the first end (54). An exhaust sleeve (58) has: a section (60) seated and resiliently supported on the seat (56); and, a portion (62) that extends to and includes an end (64) of the exhaust sleeve (58) distal the section (60). The portion (60) surrounds a length of the return tube (52) with an annular clearance 66 formed between the return tube (52) and the sleeve (58) from a down hole end of the seat (56) to the distal end (64) of the exhaust sleeve (58). This arrangement allows relative movement, and therefore a degree of misalignment between the exhaust sleeve (58) and the return tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ignis Technologies Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Peter Warwick Boswell
  • Patent number: 12024990
    Abstract: A downhole integral gas separator and pump assembly, The assembly comprises a drive shaft; a separation chamber concentrically disposed around the drive shaft; a gas flow path and liquid flow path separator having a gas phase discharge port open to an exterior of the assembly, and having a liquid phase discharge port; a fluid mover mechanically coupled to the drive shaft having an inlet fluidically coupled to the liquid phase discharge port of the gas flow path and liquid flow path separator, and having an outlet; a housing that retains the drive shaft, the gas flow path and liquid flow path separator, and the fluid mover; and a pump discharge coupled to a downstream end of the housing, wherein the pump discharge is fluidically coupled to the outlet of the fluid mover and is configured to connect to a production tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Donn J. Brown, Ketankumar Kantilal Sheth, James Milton Parmeter
  • Patent number: 11982176
    Abstract: A system for monitoring an annular fluid level may include a floating element disposed on a surface of a drilling fluid within an annulus of the well, during mud cap drilling operations. The system may also include an antenna disposed above the floating element. The antenna may be configured to transmit a first signal to the floating element, and to receive a second signal from the floating element in response to the first signal. The system may also include a processor configured to determine a time value that measures a time between a transmittal, by the antenna, of the first signal and a receipt, by the antenna, of the second signal. The processor may also determine a state of a drilling fluid level within the annulus based on the time value, and update a drilling program for the well based on the state of the drilling fluid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Affleck, Krzysztof Karol Machocki, Chinthaka Pasan Gooneratne, Timothy Eric Moellendick
  • Patent number: 11939850
    Abstract: A treatment system comprises a treatment bladder associated with a volume of a tubing-casing annulus of a wellhead system to be treated. The treatment bladder contains a treatment fluid and is at an elevated pressure. The treatment bladder is coupled to the tubing-casing annulus utilizing a fluid conduit through a lower fluid junction. The fluid conduit permits two-way fluid communication between the treatment bladder and the tubing-casing annulus. A method for treating the tubing-casing annulus includes coupling the treatment bladder containing the treatment fluid of the treatment system to the tubing-casing annulus of the wellhead system using the fluid conduit, establishing two-way fluid communication between the tubing-casing annulus and the treatment bladder though the fluid conduit, halting fluid communication though the fluid conduit, and decoupling the treatment bladder from the tubing-casing annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Mohamed Larbi Zeghlache, Salem H. Suwadi
  • Patent number: 11781386
    Abstract: A mud loss treatment drilling tool includes the tool having an upper tooljoint to a lower end of an above drill pipe string, one or more tanks with a through channel for a drilling fluid flow, a lower tooljoint connected to a BHA assembly at least comprising a drill bit; the tank arranged for holding a swellable sealant agent; the swellable sealant agent arranged for mixing with water to swell; the tank provided with an outlet to the through channel for the swellable sealant agent, so as for, when an undesired mud loss is detected, for flushing all or part of the swellable sealant agent into the through channel, so as for a mixture of the swellable agent and the water to start reacting to swell during the time it takes the mixture to reach a fracture extending from a well under drilling by said BHA, so as for continuing to swell and block the fracture to stop the undesired mud loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: TOPI AS
    Inventors: Jafar Abdollahi, Inge Manfred Carlsen
  • Patent number: 11753872
    Abstract: Various drill bits, drilling systems and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a drill bit comprises a bit body having a face and a shank, at least one insert having a convex engagement surface coupled with the face and at least one wear insert coupled with the shank. In one particular embodiment, the at least one wear insert may be positioned immediately adjacent a coupling end of the shank. The at least one wear insert may include a superabrasive table which may be bonded with a substrate. The at least one wear insert includes a wear surface defined in the superabrasive table. In one embodiment, the superabrasive table may comprise polycrystalline diamond. Similarly, the inset having a convex engagement surface may include a superabrasive material, such as polycrystalline diamond, bonded with a substrate. Such a drill bit may be used, for example, in a top hammer percussion drilling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: APERGY BMCS ACQUISITION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Grant K. Daniels, Nathan A. Tulett
  • Patent number: 11739862
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tubing component for the oil and gas industry. The tubing component includes an outer tube and an inner tube within the outer tube, said tubes being so configured to create a space between each other over a specified length. Each end of the inner tube is secured to the internal surface of the outer tube by a frustoconical fillet weld so that said space is leak-tight. The inner tube has a first internal diameter ID along a first length starting from each end of said tube, and a second, smaller internal diameter ID? along a second length beyond the first length. The tubing component further includes a protective metallic layer extending at least over the fillet weld. Also disclosed is a method for producing this tubing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Vallourec Tube-Alloy, LLC
    Inventor: Gabriel Roussie
  • Patent number: 11713629
    Abstract: A drill rod can include a body having an outer surface, an inner surface, a longitudinal axis aligned with a drilling axis, and at least one longitudinally extending groove extending radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis relative to the inner surface. The inner surface and the at least one longitudinally extending groove can cooperate to define an interior space through which an inner assembly can be received as the inner assembly is advanced and retracted relative to the drilling axis. The at least one longitudinally extending groove of the body of the drill rod can be configured to permit axial flow of fluid through the drill rod as portions of the inner assembly engage the inner surface of the body of the drill rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: LONGYEAR TM, INC.
    Inventor: Vincent Primevert
  • Patent number: 11686165
    Abstract: A coiled tubing system (10) for use in deploying a tubing string (12) into a conduit (14) comprises the tubing string (12) and a fluid discharge apparatus (26) disposed at a distal end of the tubing string (12). The tubing string (12) includes a first tubing portion (28) comprising composite coiled tubing and a second tubing portion (30) comprising metallic coiled tubing. The system (10) is configured to deploy the tubing string (12) and the fluid discharge apparatus (26) into the conduit (14), the fluid discharge apparatus (26) operable to generate pressure pulses which facilitate transport of the tubing string (12) further along the conduit 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: PARADIGM FLOW SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: Robert Bain, Hugh MacKenzie
  • Patent number: 11629990
    Abstract: Systems include a floating device disposed on a top of a column of drilling fluid in an annulus of a wellbore. The floating device includes a capsule. A transmitter or a reflector may be coupled to the capsule. The floating device may transmit signals to a surface region from the annulus or receive signals from the surface region and reflect at least a portion of the received signals. A receiver in the surface region receives transmitted signals or reflected signals from the floating device and determines a distance between the floating device and a reference point in the surface region. The distance indicates a level of the drilling fluid in the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Krzysztof Karol Machocki, Michael Anthony Affleck
  • Patent number: 11578542
    Abstract: A while drilling mud loss treatment method includes providing a drilling tool main body with a through bore connected to an above arranged wired drill pipe string with a communication line to a topsides monitoring and control system, the drilling tool main body connected to a below arranged one or more drill collar sections with a lower of said drill collar sections connected to a drill bit, and drilling in a well. The main body is provided with an annular tank with a swellable sealant and the annular tank has a valve to an outlet to the through bore. A control system in the main body receives MWD sensor signals from an MWD sensor system and controls the valve having a valve actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: PRORES AS
    Inventors: Jafar Abdollahi, Inge Manfred Carlsen
  • Patent number: 11428050
    Abstract: A hybrid rotary drill bit having at least one fixed blade and at least one rolling cutter assembly is configured for reverse fluid flow from an annulus, through junk slots and into a fluid pathway system located substantially centrally to a bit body. The fluid pathway system may be located underneath a portion of the at least one fixed blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Mitchell Rothe
  • Patent number: 11377919
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a method for minimizing formation damage while drilling an oil or gas well. An Annular Pressure Control Diverter is designed to be positioned below the conventional blowout preventer stack, and is activated during near balanced drilling operations to seal the annulus between the drill pipe and the production casing. Returned drilling fluid and produced fluids are diverted up the annulus between the production casing and intermediate casing and through a well head located below an all-inclusive BOP stack. The seal elements within the Annular Pressure Control Diverter do not rotate. Doors are provided on each side of the Annular Pressure Control Diverter to permit changing of the seal elements. The Annular Pressure Control Diverter also is used to ensure the capture of methane while drilling in a hydrocarbon bearing reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Hughes Tool Company LLC
    Inventor: William James Hughes
  • Patent number: 11203903
    Abstract: Various drill bits, drilling systems and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a drill bit comprises a bit body having a face and a shank, at least one insert having a convex engagement surface coupled with the face and at least one wear insert coupled with the shank. In one particular embodiment, the at least one wear insert may be positioned immediately adjacent a coupling end of the shank. The at least one wear insert may include a superabrasive table which may be bonded with a substrate. The at least one wear insert includes a wear surface defined in the superabrasive table. In one embodiment, the superabrasive table may comprise polycrystalline diamond. Similarly, the inset having a convex engagement surface may include a superabrasive material, such as polycrystalline diamond, bonded with a substrate. Such a drill bit may be used, for example, in a top hammer percussion drilling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: APERGY BMCS ACQUISITION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Grant K. Daniels, Nathan A. Tulett
  • Patent number: 10975679
    Abstract: This disclosure is related to real-time calibration of drilling modeling programs and to the estimation of pipe stretch to perform corrections for the inclination and azimuth measurements and the estimation of pipe twist to perform corrections to the tool face setting. A measurement tool with a plurality of sensors is disposed along the drill string. Measurements are taken continuously during the drilling process from each of the sensors to determine torque, bending moment, and axial force data. This information is iteratively coupled with a mechanical torque-drag model (based on standard mechanics of deformable materials and on wellbore mechanics) to accurately estimate stretching and twisting of the drill string in real-time or near-real-time and thereby promote accurate wellbore placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Robello Samuel
  • Patent number: 10948110
    Abstract: Flow through connectors and pressure sensing devices as well as their methods of use are described. In some instances a pressuring sensing device may include a ceramic body with a flow path extending through the ceramic body and at least one non-ceramic body attached to the ceramic body. The at least one non-ceramic body may include one or more attachment features formed therein and the flow path extends through the at least one non-ceramic body as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Dynisco Instruments LLC
    Inventor: Louis Panagotopulos
  • Patent number: 10920397
    Abstract: Apparatuses that include a nozzle, vacuum units, and vacuum trucks for excavating material, for instance, around buried utility lines. Multiple embodiments include an (e.g., air and water) nozzle, for instance, that breaks up material (e.g., earth) that is picked up with vacuum. Various embodiments include vacuum, compressed air, and water systems. Various nozzles include two passageways or tubes (e.g., one inside the other), exit orifices (e.g., from each passageway), or a combination thereof. Tubes may be concentric or a passageway may be between inner and outer tubes. Nozzles may be configured to be hand guided by an operator while excavating the material. Embodiments may include air and water valves, controls, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: KAISER PREMIER LLC
    Inventors: Brandon R. Buchleiter, Marcus A. Thomas, Christopher R. Hall, Daniel J. Kluesner, Jason E. Habrock
  • Patent number: 10689921
    Abstract: One illustrative production/annulus bore stab disclosed herein includes a one-piece body that comprises a first cylindrical outer surface and a second cylindrical outer surface and a plurality of individual fluid flow paths defined entirely within the one-piece body. In this illustrative example, each of the individual fluid flow paths is fluidly isolated from one another and each of the fluid flow paths comprise a first inlet/outlet at a first end of the fluid flow path that is positioned in the first cylindrical outer surface and a second inlet/outlet at a second end of the fluid flow path that is positioned in the second cylindrical outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Murphy
  • Patent number: 10280690
    Abstract: A drill head including: an elongate housing, a first end of the housing being coupled to an end of a drill pipe in use; a base at a second end of the housing, one or more drill cutters being attached to the base; a supply passageway at least partially within the housing, the supply passageway being supplied with a flow of gas in use; a return passageway at least partially within the housing, a first end of the return passageway being connected to an end of an inner tube extending inside the drill pipe in use, and a second end of the return passageway forming an opening in the base proximate to the one or more drill cutters; and one or more ports for directing at least some of the flow of gas from the supply passageway into the return passageway in a flow direction extending away from the base and towards the inner tube, to thereby cause loose material to be drawn into the return passageway through the opening and transported away from the drill head via the inner tube in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: TallyWalker Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Henry Albert Wilson, Nathan Brooks
  • Patent number: 10161199
    Abstract: A dual member drill string that has a plurality of dual member drill string sections, The drill string may be used in horizontal directional drilling operations. Each drill string section has an outer member and an inner member that may rotate independently of the outer member. The outer member has a pin end and a box end. The inner member has a pin end disposed within the pin end of the outer member and a box end disposed within the box end of the outer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg L. Slaughter, Jr., Cody L. Sewell
  • Patent number: 10060224
    Abstract: An annular space is made smaller with a hub on an inner member that supports a base ring from which extend bristles that are preferably wire whose proximity is close enough to retain debris from passing through while leaving sufficient fluid paths to allow fluid movement in opposed directions in response to relative axial movement of the components that define the annular space. In one application a running tool for a liner string that has a hanger/packer is contemplated. Movement of the running string after the hanger is set and the liner is released from the string keeps the barrier in the annular space while allowing movement of an initially inserted gel put there on assembly to migrate from the annular space through the debris barrier. The running tool can have a cap on the liner top that eventually is moved away as the running tool is picked up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Steve M. Cortez, Jack D. Farmer
  • Patent number: 9937599
    Abstract: A debris removal apparatus for a milling machine. In one embodiment, the debris removal apparatus includes a hollow, cylindrical suction member that attaches to a tool shaft which holds an end mill to rotate with the tool shaft. The debris removal apparatus further includes a nonrotating canister that applies a suction force to the suction member. The suction member is dimensioned to fit within a hole being cut by the end mill as the end mill is fed into the hole, and to extract debris created by the end mill via the suction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Wesley E. Holleman, Nicholas Ryan Farrell, Gary Lipczynski
  • Patent number: 9797398
    Abstract: An operational control device is disclosed for a positive-displacement pump having a motor, means for actuating the motor, state sensor means for detecting an actual operating parameter (e.g., pressure) of the pump, and operating mode means for controlling an operating mode of the pump. A first actuating mode of the operating mode means is set by the actuating means below a first operating-parameter threshold value (P1). This mode brings about a constantly rising pump pressure in the direction of an operating-parameter setpoint value (Pset) in a variable manner, which is dependent on a detected change in the operating parameter over a predefined time interval. A second actuating mode is set as normal operation to the operating-parameter setpoint value by the actuating means above the first operating-parameter threshold value. P1 is fixed or is calculated as a fraction of the operating-parameter setpoint value and/or a pump parameter correlated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Allweiler GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Werner, Michael Jackle, Christian Hopf
  • Patent number: 9702210
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for drilling a wellbore using a concentric dual drill string. Multiple individually selectively isolable crossover ports intervaled may be provided along the length of the drill string thereby facilitating pumping a well control fluid within a wellbore annulus without the need to run-in or trip-out the drill string. Multiple one way check valves may be included at various points within an inner pipe of the dual drill string to minimize settling of particulate matter during long periods of non-circulation. In an offshore arrangement, the drill string may be used without a marine riser. A rotating control device is provided, and a hydraulic power unit is located at the seafloor for controlling and lubricating the rotating control device. A pump may be located at the seafloor for managing wellbore annulus pressure via the rotating control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ron J. Dirksen, Derrick W. Lewis
  • Patent number: 9416655
    Abstract: A downhole modular tool includes a first module, a second module, a third module, and one or more connectors for connecting the first, second, and third modules. Each module includes a drill collar, a drilling fluid passageway, a first fluid passageway, and a second fluid passageway. The one or more connectors connect any one of the first, second, and third modules, to another of the first, second, and third modules to transfer the drilling fluid, the first fluid, and the second fluid between the connected modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ashers Partouche, Steven G. Villareal, Julian J. Pop, Albert Hoefel, Kent D. Harms
  • Patent number: 9404482
    Abstract: An operational control device is disclosed for a positive-displacement pump having a motor, means for actuating the motor, state sensor means for detecting an actual operating parameter (e.g., pressure) of the pump, and operating mode means for controlling an operating mode of the pump. A first actuating mode of the operating mode means is set by the actuating means below a first operating-parameter threshold value (P1). This mode brings about a constantly rising pump pressure in the direction of an operating-parameter setpoint value (Pset) in a variable manner, which is dependent on a detected change in the operating parameter over a predefined time interval. A second actuating mode is set as normal operation to the operating-parameter setpoint value by the actuating means above the first operating-parameter threshold value. P1 is fixed or is calculated as a fraction of the operating-parameter setpoint value and/or a pump parameter correlated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Allweiler GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Werner, Michael Jackle, Christian Hopf
  • Patent number: 8978785
    Abstract: A downhole tool to separate liquid from a drilling fluid includes a multi-vein cyclonic separator disposed within a housing, the cyclonic separator including at least two veins extending in a spiral along the length of the cyclonic separator, holes in the housing positioned adjacent to edges of veins of the cyclonic separator to allow liquid accelerated from the drilling fluid to exit the housing, and wherein the cyclonic separator is configured to provide high centrifugal forces to the drilling fluid downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction
    Inventor: Vincent Wayne Shotton
  • Patent number: 8904703
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Jacob Harrison Schindler
  • Publication number: 20140353041
    Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore with a downhole tool having a cam piston, and a rotary piston includes providing a first flow of fluid to the downhole tool. The first flow of fluid causes the cam piston to move axially downward, thereby rotating a rotary valve of the rotary piston, which in turn places the downhole tool in a compressed position to activate a secondary tool. Next the formation may be drilled with the downhole tool in a compressed position. A second flow of fluid may be provided to the downhole tool to move the cam piston axially downward thereby rotating the rotary valve and deactivating the secondary tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jianbing Hu
  • Patent number: 8679298
    Abstract: The present a system structured to allows an operator to remotely switch between cutting and boring while removing solid carbonaceous residue from large cylindrical vessels called coke drums utilizing—a cutting head for ejecting high pressure fluids into the coke bed; a flow diversion apparatus; and a shifting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah
  • Patent number: 8555962
    Abstract: The invention concerns a unit for a down hole well tool comprising a tool unit comprising at least one first fluid conduit and a return fluid conduit in use forming a well annulus space between the tool unit and the well bore. The tool unit is arranged with at least one piston provided for dividing the well annulus space into at least two well annulus spaces. The communication of fluid between the adjacent well annulus spaces at each side of the piston is controlled by the relative movement between the first fluid conduit and a control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Reelwell AS
    Inventor: Ola M. Vestavik
  • Patent number: 8550187
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling apparatus for working the ground comprising a drill drive for driving a drill string in a rotating manner and a rotary feedthrough for passing a construction material from a construction material hose into the interior of the drill string, whereby the rotary feedthrough has a first line connection for the construction material hose and a second line connection, rotatable relative to the first line connection, for the drill string. In accordance with the invention provision is made for the rotary feedthrough to have a rotary device for actively rotating the second line connection relative to the first line connection. The invention also relates to a method for working the ground, which can be carried out, in particular, by means of a drilling apparatus according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Sebastian Bauer
  • Patent number: 8439132
    Abstract: A microtunnelling apparatus and system that includes an external drive system having rotational and linear thrust drive means, a drill head section having drill rotor and drill rod and connecting to intermediate drill rods allowing extension of the boring hole created by the drill head section driven by the drive system. The drill head includes a modular construction having a plurality of circular disc like elements, a bearing module, a steering module, a spacer module, and a mounting module, for axial alignment and abutment and mounting within a cylindrical steering shell. Directional steering of the drill head includes a plurality of substantially radially extending channels in steering module, each with an hydraulically movable protuberance movable by control means to redirect the outer steering casing and thereby redirect the drill head section mounted on the distal end of the drill rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Andis Salins, Stuart Harrison
  • Patent number: 8272456
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Pine Trees Gas, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph A. Zupanick
  • Publication number: 20120090853
    Abstract: An assembly of a drill pipe and a connector (10) for connecting a hose (50) to a side-bore (52) of a the drill pipe (54), the drill pipe (54) having a wall (54a) enclosing a main bore (54b), and the side-bore (52) extending through the wall (54a) from the main bore (54b) to the exterior of the drill pipe (54), the connector (10) comprising a hose connector body (12) which forms a first end of the connector (10) which is adapted to be connected to the hose (50), and a drill pipe connector body (14) which forms a second end of the connector (10) which is connected to the drill pipe (54), the connector (10) having an exterior surface and an interior surface which encloses a bore (20, 22) extending from the first end of the connector (10) to a second end of the connector (10), the drill pipe connector body (12) being provided with at least one bayonet connector formation (44) which extends from the exterior surface of the connector (10) generally radially outwardly relative to the bore (20, 22), the bayonet conne
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Managed Pressure Operations Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Christian Leuchtenberg, Rae Younger, Alex Macgregor, Jonathan Buckland
  • Patent number: 8151906
    Abstract: A microtunnelling apparatus and system that includes an external drive system having rotational and linear thrust drive means, a drill head section having drill rotor and drill rod and connecting to intermediate drill rods allowing extension of the boring hole created by the drill head section driven by the drive system. The drill head includes a modular construction having a plurality of circular disc like elements, a bearing module, a steering module, a spacer module, and a mounting module, for axial alignment and abutment and mounting within a cylindrical steering shell. Directional steering of the drill head includes a plurality of substantially radially extending channels in steering module, each with an hydraulically movable protuberance movable by control means to redirect the outer steering casing and thereby redirect the drill head section mounted on the distal end of the drill rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Andis Salins, Stuart Harrison
  • Publication number: 20110203848
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for drilling a wellbore into an earth formation is disclosed, which apparatus, according to one embodiment, may include a drill string configured to be conveyed into a wellbore, wherein an annulus is formed between the drill string and a wellbore wall, a first flow device configured to circulate a first fluid from an annulus to a bore of the drill string, and a second flow device positioned downhole of the first flow device, the second flow device configured to circulate a second fluid from the bore of the drill string to the annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Sven Krueger, Volker Krueger, Jens-Uwe Bruns, Karsten Fuhst, Joerg Breitenfeld
  • Patent number: 7845432
    Abstract: A microtunnelling apparatus and system that includes an external drive system having rotational and linear thrust drive means, a drill head section having drill rotor and drill rod and connecting to intermediate drill rods allowing extension of the boring hole created by the drill head section driven by the drive system. The drill head includes a modular construction having a plurality of circular disc like elements, a bearing module, a steering module, a spacer module, and a mounting module, for axial alignment and abutment and mounting within a cylindrical steering shell. Directional steering of the drill head includes a plurality of substantially radially extending channels in steering module, each with an hydraulically movable protuberance movable by control means to redirect the outer steering casing and thereby redirect the drill head section mounted on the distal end of the drill rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Andis Salins, Stuart Harrison
  • Patent number: 7810573
    Abstract: A method for retrofitting a downhole drill string with a flow through subassembly having a hollow outer body or barrel with a plurality of outwardly extending blades. Fluid flow inlets are provided in the lower section of the body below the blade openings and flow outlets are provided in an upper section above the blades. A fluid flow bypass channel is formed in the outer body and extends between said blades and from said fluid inlet to said fluid outlet. Drilling fluids outside of the subassembly may flow through the inlet, up the fluid flow bypass channel and out the outlet thereby bypassing any plug or pack-off formed between the subassembly and the well bore. Thus, an existing subassembly may be retrofitted to provide a fluid flow bypass channel around the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Shamrock Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery D. Baird
  • Patent number: 7694753
    Abstract: A drill rod assembly including inner and outer drill rods. The drill rod assembly further including flow passages that are in fluid communication with an annular fluid flow path defined between the inner and outer drill rods. The passages preventing blockage of a drill string fluid flow path when a number of drill rod assemblies are interconnected to form a drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robin Carlson, Randy R. Runquist, Tod J. Michael, Shawn Moyer
  • Patent number: 7665549
    Abstract: A fluid channeling device (10) is for a down-hole drill assembly (1) having a central axis (1c) and advanceable into a hole in a downward direction (D) along the axis (1c). The assembly (1) includes a drill member (2) with an inner surface (2a) bounding a central bore (2b) and an outer surface (2c). The channeling system includes at least one passage (12) provided within the drill member (2) so as to extend generally between the drill member inner (2a) and outer surfaces (2c). A generally annular channeling member (14) is disposeable about a portion of the drill member (2) and has at least one inlet port (20), at least one discharge port (16), and a passage (12) extending between the inlet (20) and discharge ports (16). The inlet port (20) is fluidly connectable with the drill member passage (12) to fluidly couple the central bore (2b) with the discharge port (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Secoroc AB
    Inventor: Leland H. Lyon
  • Patent number: 7581601
    Abstract: A system to re-inject drill cuttings slurry into a well formation for the storage of the cuttings. The system may include a pressure containing conduit that creates a flow path to an annulus within the well formation. The system may include an injection inlet, a drilling guide base, an injection adapter having a circular gallery, an injection mandrel having at least one injection port, and an annulus created between the injection mandrel and an inner casing. The slurry may be injected into the annulus while still drilling the wellbore. The location of the injection inlet may be positioned relative to the circular gallery of the injection adapter such that a cyclone effect is created within gallery minimizing erosion due to the flow of the slurry. The injection mandrel may be adapted to allow the passage of drilling mud to a downhole drilling location while injecting slurry into the casing annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Aker Kvaerner Subsea, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcio Laureano, Thomas William Robertson
  • Publication number: 20080314644
    Abstract: A device for a borehole arrangement, in which a casing for a borehole is formed of at least one casing section, and in which there is placed at a downhole end portion of the casing at least one downhole tool, for example a drilling tool, wherein the casing is provided with two or more pipe bores, each separately extending continuously through a substantial part of the length of the casing and being separated in a fluid-tight manner from adjacent pipe bores and from an external annulus defined by the external mantle surface of the pipe and a borehole wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: International Research Institute of Stavanger AS
    Inventor: Eric Cayeux
  • Patent number: 7389831
    Abstract: A system for boring horizontal boreholes and installing products using a dual member drill string. The system is comprised of a boring machine with a frame and a rotary drive supported on the frame, a downhole tool, and a dual member drill string. The drill string comprises an inner member disposed within a tubular outer member such that the inner member is rotatable independent of the outer member. The outer member has at least one helical projection supported on an exterior surface of the outer member. The projections on the outer member function as an auger to clear spoils and support the bore. The auger arrangement with the dual member drill string can be used in forward reaming or backreaming operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Stanley Mullins, Jerry W. Beckwith, Kelvin P. Self, Brent G. Stephenson, Floyd R. Gunsaulis
  • Patent number: 7377283
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for substantially cleaning fill from a borehole is described variously including running a coiled tubing assembly into the wellbore, creating a fluid vortex by circulating cleaning fluid through the coiled tubing, and pulling the coiled tubing and coiled tubing assembly out of the hole at a speed sufficient to substantially clean the particulate solids from the wellbore. An apparatus for substantially cleaning fill from a hole, including vertical, horizontal, or deviated wells also is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Scott A. Walker, Jeff Li, Graham Wilde
  • Patent number: 7357198
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Mcgarian, Rory McCrae Tulloch, Neil Andrew Moir
  • Patent number: 7322432
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a diverter tool used in a pipe string used to lower a liner and a cutting apparatus on the end thereof into a partially cased wellbore. The diverter tool has a diverter body that defines a longitudinal flow passage and has the diverter ports defined therethrough to communicate a drilling fluid displaced through the pipe string into the liner into an annular space around the diverter tool. The diverter tool has a closure member so that when the wellbore is drilled to its desired depth, the diverter ports through which drilling fluid is diverted may be closed and the liner may be cemented in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry E. Rogers, Nicholas C. Braun, Steven L. Holden
  • Patent number: 7143846
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for drilling, being carried out by a drilling apparatus, having a drilling device (1) that comprises a casing part (2) and a drilling unit (3), in the drilling head (I) of which there are first drilling means (4) for drilling a center hole and second drilling means (5) for reaming of the center hole for the casing part (2) as well as flushing flow arrangement (6) for flushing of waste, being generated. At least during the drilling situation, the first drilling means (4) are coupled by a power transmitting and, in order to enable removal of the same from the hole, removable arrangement, such as a bayonet coupling or like, with the second drilling means (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: OY Atlas Copco Rotex AB
    Inventors: Jorma Järvelä, Vesa Järvelä
  • Patent number: 7066283
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for drilling a directional or horizontal wellbore in a hydrocarbon formation using concentric coiled tubing drill string having an inner coiled tubing string and an outer coiled tubing string defining an annulus there between. A bottomhole assembly comprising a directional drilling means is provided at the lower end of the concentric coiled tubing drill string for reverse circulation drilling. Directional drilling means comprises a reciprocating air hammer and a drill bit, a positive displacement motor and a reverse circulating drill bit, or a reverse circulating mud motor and a rotary drill bit, and a bent sub or housing. Drilling medium is delivered through the annulus or inner coiled tubing string for operating the directional drilling means to form the directional or horizontal wellbore. Exhaust drilling medium comprising drilling medium, drilling cuttings and hydrocarbons are removed from the wellbore by extraction through the other of the annulus or inner coiled tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: PresssoL Ltd.
    Inventor: James I. Livingstone