Abstract: Method and apparatus for drilling a well bore in a hydrocarbon formation using concentric drill string having an inner pipe and an outer pipe defining an annulus there between. A drilling means such as an air hammer or a rotary drill bit and driving system is provide at the lower end of the concentric drill string and drilling medium is delivered through the annulus or inner pipe for operating the drilling means to form a borehole. Drilling medium, drilling cutting and hydrocarbon are removed from the well bore by extracting the drilling medium, drilling cutting and hydrocarbon through the other of the annulus or inner pipe.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for drilling a well bore 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 therebetween. A drilling device comprising a reciprocation air hammer and a dull bit, a positive displacement motor and a reverse circulating drill bit, or a reverse circulating mud motor and a rotary drill bit, is provided at the lower end of the concentric coiled tubing drill string. Drilling medium is delivered through the annulus or inner coiled tubing string for operating the drilling device to form a borehole. Exhaust drilling medium comprising drilling medium, drilling cuttings and hydrocarbons is removed from the well bore by extraction through the other of the annulus or inner coiled tubing string.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing cuttings in a deviated borehole using drilling fluids. The apparatus includes a pipe string and a bottom hole assembly having a down hole motor and bit for drilling the borehole. The pipe string has one end attached to the bottom hole assembly and does not rotate during drilling. The apparatus and methods raise at least a portion of the pipe string in the deviated borehole to remove cuttings from underneath the pipe string portion.

Abstract: An assembly for drilling a deviated borehole includes a bottom hole assembly connected to a string of coiled tubing and includes a bit driven by a downhole motor powered by drilling fluids. A surface pump pumps the drilling fluids downhole through a cross valve to provide a first path directing drilling fluids down the coiled tubing flowbore and a second path directing drilling fluids down the annulus. The bottom hole assembly has a downhole valve allowing flow between the flowbore and the annulus. A first flow passageway directs drilling fluids down the coiled tubing flow bore and then up the annulus and a second flow passageway directs drilling fluids down the annulus and the up the flowbore. The bottom hole assembly includes a subsurface pump capable of pumping drilling fluids from the second fluid passageway to the surface. The bottom hole assembly includes an electric motor to rotate the subsurface pump and the motor is provided with power conduits embedded in a wall of the coiled tubing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for under balanced drilling comprising a production casing extending vertically from the ground to the area where the drilling is taking place, a concentric casing mounted within the production casing and forming therewith an outer annulus, a concentric casing connecting at its lower end with an upper end of an injection tool, the injection tool having a lower end connecting with a packer assembly which includes a packer and slips, and a drill string having a drill bit at the lower end thereof extending downwardly through the concentric casing, the injection tool, and packer assembly to the area where the drilling is taking place, the injection tool having a generally cylindrical body and a plurality of spaced spiral flutes extending outwardly from the cylindrical body to the inner wall of the production casing and forming therebetween spiral openings through which fluid may be forced downwardly through the outer annulus and against the packer, each flute having an upwardly directed spi

Abstract: A method and system of drilling straight directional and multilateral wells utilizing hydraulic frictional controlled drilling, by providing concentric casing strings to define a plurality of annuli therebetween; injecting fluid down some of the annuli; returning the fluid up at least one annulus so that the return flow creates adequate hydraulic friction within the return annulus to control the return flow within the well. The hydraulic friction should be minimized on the injection side to require less hydraulic horsepower and be maximized on the return side to create the desired subsurface friction to control the well.

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

Abstract: Method and apparatus for substantially cleaning fill from a borehole, variously including in preferred embodiments disturbing, particulate solids of fill while RIH, entraining particulates while POOH, jetting downhole while RIH and jetting uphole while POOH, and controlling at least one of a pump rate regime or a POOH rate regime.

Abstract: A method of drilling and lining a bore in an earth formation comprises providing a tubular outer elongate member and an inner elongate member located within the outer member. At least one of the members is spoolable. A drill bit is mounted to one of the members and a bore is drilled by advancing the drill bit through the earth formation and advancing the members through the bore.

Abstract: The invention concerns a reverse circulation rock drill having a backhead attached to a piston and cylinder assembly between the backhead and a drill bit assembly and around a sample tube with the outer walls of the sample tube and piston profiled to provide air paths for power and exhaust strokes of the piston, a O-ring seal being provided in the backhead as a check valve.

Abstract: A drilling tool for drilling bore holes into the ground and for removing the drilled material using an air-lifting process. The drilling tool has a drilling head equipped at its lower surface with curing elements, whose upper surface is connected to hollow drilling rods having an inner conveying channel and from whose lower surface boring material mixed with a rinsing liquid is removed via the conveying channel. At the lower surface of the drilling tool head, inside a radial channel connected to the conveying channel, a cross-flow of the rinsing liquid, flowing radially inwards and having a high flow velocity, is produced for the purpose of carrying along the boring material.

Abstract: A drill head for an apparatus for directional boring includes a bit having a cutting portion for use in steering, such as a gage tower mounted with carbide studs, suitable for cutting both hard and soft rock, a holder for a device for detecting angular orientation of the bit, and a pneumatic hammer connected head to tail with the bit at the front end. The valve in the hammer initiates reciprocation of the hammer in response to rearward movement of the bit, such as in response to a pushing force exerted by the drill string. The drill string components are preferably keyed to one another so that the orientation of the cutting portion of the bit used for steering is automatically matched to the position of the sonde. The sonde may project laterally so that its mass centroid is on the opposite side of the cutting portion of the bit used for steering to provide better cutting action. Such a drill head is suited for drilling in soil, soft rock and hard rock conditions.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention permits control of down hole fluid pressures during under balanced drilling, tripping of the drill string, and well completion to substantially avoid “killing” of the well and thereby damaging the producing formations in the well bore. The system and method utilizes separate and interconnected fluid pathways for introducing a downwardly flowing hydrodynamic control fluid through one fluid pathway and for removing through the other fluid pathway a commingled fluid formed by mixing of the hydrodynamic control fluid and the well bore fluids flowing upwardly in the well bore.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for transporting loosened soil from a hole, trench or excavation, comprising a probe device and internal nozzles which are spaced from a distal end of the probe device and are directed towards the longitudinal axis of that probe device. Air pulsed through the nozzles lifts the soil along the tube to a discharge chamber.

Abstract: A method and system of drilling straight directional and multilateral wells utilizing hydraulic frictional controlled drilling, by providing concentric casing strings to define a plurality of annuli therebetween; injecting fluid down some of the annuli; returning the fluid up at least one annulus so that the return flow creates adequate hydraulic friction within the return annulus to control the return flow within the well. The hydraulic friction should be minimized on the injection side to require less hydraulic horsepower and be maximized on the return side to create the desired subsurface friction to control the well.

Abstract: A drill head for an apparatus for directional boring includes a bit having a cutting portion for use in steering, such as a gage tower mounted with carbide studs, suitable for cutting both hard and soft rock, a holder for a device for detecting angular orientation of the bit, and a pneumatic hammer connected head to tail with the bit at the front end. The valve in the hammer initiates reciprocation of the hammer in response to rearward movement of the bit, such as in response to a pushing force exerted by the drill string. The drill string components are preferably keyed to one another so that the orientation of the cutting portion of the bit used for steering is automatically matched to the position of the sonde. The sonde may project laterally so that its mass centroid is on the opposite side of the cutting portion of the bit used for steering to provide better cutting action. Such a drill head is suited for drilling in soil, soft rock and hard rock conditions.

Abstract: A hydraulic underreamer for enlarging a wellbore includes improved packer, cutting, jet pump, and mill sections. Each of the sections and their associated advantages are described herein in detail. The packer section is designed to minimize wear on its sealing elements, the cutting and jet pump sections are designed to minimize pressure requirements and optimize hydraulic efficiency, and the mill section has a removable center assembly which allows effective well control when pulling the underreamer out of a “live” well filled with a gas, such as methane.

Abstract: A hydraulic underreamer for enlarging a wellbore includes improved packer, cutting, jet pump, and mill sections. Each of the sections and their associated advantages are described herein in detail. The packer section is designed to minimize wear on its sealing elements, the cutting and jet pump sections are designed to minimize pressure requirements and optimize hydraulic efficiency, and the mill section has a removable center assembly which allows effective well control when pulling the underreamer out of a “live” well filled with a gas, such as methane.

Abstract: A hydraulic underreamer for enlarging a wellbore includes improved packer, cutting, jet pump, and mill sections. Each of the sections and their associated advantages are described herein in detail. The packer section is designed to minimize wear on its sealing elements, the cutting and jet pump sections are designed to minimize pressure requirements and optimize hydraulic efficiency, and the mill section has a removable center assembly which allows effective well control when pulling the underreamer out of a “live” well filled with a gas, such as methane.

Abstract: A hydraulic underreamer for enlarging a wellbore includes improved packer, cutting, jet pump, and mill sections. Each of the sections and their associated advantages are described herein in detail. The packer section is designed to minimize wear on its sealing elements, the cutting and jet pump sections are designed to minimize pressure requirements and optimize hydraulic efficiency, and the mill section has a removable center assembly which allows effective well control when pulling the underreamer out of a “live” well filled with a gas, such as methane.

Abstract: A downhole cutting separator is disclosed. The separator can be mounted anywhere on the drillstring. The separator employs a seal which directs the normally circulating fluid during the cutting or milling operation in through an internal passage in the tool. The cutting-laden fluid passes through a slotted liner where the cuttings drop out and are collected in a compartment within the tool. The circulating fluid exits the tool into the annulus. The tools can be used in series so that the lowermost tool takes out the large cuttings, while an upper tool takes out finer cuttings. Provisions can be made to bypass the tool should it become plugged with cuttings by using rupture discs or movable sleeves responsive to pressure differential. A portion of the body assembly can be magnetic to further assist in removal of cuttings as the circulating flow passes through the tool.

Abstract: A hydraulic underreamer for enlarging a wellbore includes improved packer, cutting, jet pump, and mill sections. Each of the sections and their associated advantages are described herein in detail. The packer section is designed to minimize wear on its sealing elements, the cutting and jet pump sections are designed to minimize pressure requirements and optimize hydraulic efficiency, and the mill section has a removable center assembly which allows effective well control when pulling the underreamer out of a "live" well filled with a gas, such as methane.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for maintaining drilling fluid circulation while attaching joints of pipe to a drill string during the operation of drilling a well borehole. A chamber is clamped over a thread joint connecting two joints of drill string pipe. An inlet valve is opened to flow drilling fluid into the chamber under pressure. The thread joint is then broken, the chamber is partitioned with a ram thereby forming an upper and lower sub chambers, and drilling fluid circulation is continued through the lower sub chamber and down the borehole through the drill string. The thread joint of another joint of drill string to be added is positioned in the upper sub chamber, pressure is equalized between the upper and lower sub chambers, the ram is opened, the thread joint is made, and drilling fluid is reestablished through the drill string without interruption.

Abstract: A drill bit (6) is equipped with one or more fluid jets (7) that are activated during a portion of the rotational movement of the drill bit (6). A processor (41) located with other down-hole sensors (33-38), is programmed with parameters defining the desired path of the borehole (8). The sensors (33-38) determine the actual spatial location of the drill bit (6) and provide the processor (41) with corresponding information. The processor (41) compares the actual drilling path to the desired path, and if a correction is required, a switching module (3) allows a pressurized drill fluid to be sequentially switched to selected jets (7) during rotation of the drill bit (6) to thereby erode the formation in a direction toward the desired path. With this arrangement, the problems of directional control by surface-located equipment are overcome.

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: An improved bit body for a tri-cone drill bit has a bit body affixed to a terminal end of drilling string. The drilling string has at least one fluid passageway formed in its wall. The drilling string is dual passage drilling string formed of an inner drilling string and an outer drilling string. The terminal end of the inner drilling string has an area of reduced outer diameter. A cylindrical shroud is affixed to the drilling string and surrounds the area of reduced diameter and an upper portion of bit body, forming a shroud chamber. The shroud chamber communicates the fluid passageway of the drilling string with the fluid ports of the bit body. The lower edge of the shroud is closely spaced to an outer diameter portion of the drill bit body adjacent the recesses. Therefore, the shroud and recesses form fluid ports through which fluid may be directed to cool and remove debris from the roller cutters.

Abstract: An integrated safe excavation apparatus utilizing supersonic air jets coupled with high flow, pneumatic vacuum transport and a unique separation system to excavate earth and other like material for the purpose of repairing, replacing or installing buried utility lines, remediating contaminated soils, uncovering buried objects containing discarded hazardous waste, safely exposing unexploded ordnance and other like operations.

Abstract: A drill rod suitable for a hydraulic drilling apparatus, at the drilling end (I) of which there is a drilling device (1), that includes at least drilling equipment (2) and hammering equipment (5) as well as preferably flushing equipment (10) also, to drill a hole by use of the drilling equipment (2) by a feeding motion along the longitudinal axis (s) of the drilling device (1) and by a rotational motion (w) around the longitudinal axis (s) as well as by a to-and-from or a like hammering motion (t). The drilling device (1) has jointing equipment (3) for fastening of a drill rod (4) preferably in a removable way to increase the drilling depth of the drilling apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tools and methods for stabilizing incompetent or otherwise unstable subterranean zones or formations penetrated by a well bore during drilling. The methods basically comprise drilling the well bore through an enlarged portion of an unstable subterranean zone or formation when it is encountered, pumping a hardenable cementitious material through the well stabilization tool while moving the tool through the enlarged portion of the well bore whereby the enlarged portion is filled with the hardenable cementitious material, allowing the cementitious material to harden and then drilling the well bore through the hardened cementitious material.

Abstract: A common problem with reverse circulation downhole hammers is retention of the sample tube that extends through the actual hammer component., There is a tendency for the sample tube to become loose in its mounting, and the resulting movement through vibration results in accelerated wear which rapidly leads to failure of the component In this application, the sample tube for use in a reverse circulation downhole hammer comprises a sample tube that has a lower end connected to a drill bit sample delivery aperture and an upper end connected to a drill string sample delivery tube. The sample tube has at least one projection intermediate the upper and lower ends of the sample tube that has a non-circular cross section extending radially from the sample tube. The projection locates within a recess that has a corresponding cross sectional shape, the recess being fixed with respect to the hammer to prevent rotation of the sample tube with respect to the hammer.

Abstract: A drill pipe (10, 100, 220, 200, 210, 250) is disclosed which includes a cylindrical pipe section (12), a box end (14), a pin end (16) and a hydraulic hose assembly (202, 18) or tube (212, 90, 260) inserted between the box and pin ends and extending within the cylindrical pipe section. All, or the majority of drilling fluid passes through the hydraulic hose assembly (202, 18) or tube (212, 90, 260). The interior surface of the cylindrical pipe section (12) may or may not be exposed to the drilling fluid but any corrosion generated by metal-to-fluid contact is generally trapped between the hose or tube and the pipe section. The reduced volume of the hydraulic hose assembly (202, 18) or tube (212, 90, 260) relative to conveying the drilling fluid through the interior of the cylindrical pipe section reduces significantly the waste of drilling fluid, allows the fluid to be pressurized more rapidly to initiate drilling operation, and limits fluid spill damage to the environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tools and methods for stabilizing incompetent or otherwise unstable subterranean zones or formations penetrated by a well bore during drilling. The methods basically comprise drilling the well bore through an unstable subterranean zone or formation when it is encountered, pumping a fluid through a well stabilization tool while moving the tool through the portion of the well bore in the unstable zone or formation whereby fluid jets formed by the well stabilization tool enlarge the diameter of the well bore by fluid jet erosion, pumping a hardenable cementitious material through the well stabilization tool while moving the tool through the enlarged portion of the well bore whereby the enlarged portion is filled with the hardenable cementitious material, allowing the cementitious material to harden and then drilling the well bore through the hardened cementitious material.

Abstract: A drill rig for drilling in potentially hazardous areas includes a drill having conventional features such as a frame, a gear motor, gear box, and a drive. A hollow rotating shaft projects through the drive and frame. An auger, connected to the shaft is provided with a multiplicity of holes. An inert gas is supplied to the hollow shaft and directed from the rotating shaft to the holes in the auger. The inert gas flows down the hollow shaft, and then down the hollow auger and out through the holes in the bottom of the auger into the potentially hazardous area.

Abstract: A reverse circulation down-the-hole drill includes an outer wear sleeve (1) and a backhead (2) assembly located at one end of the outer wear sleeve (1) for connecting the drill to a double-walled drill string and to a source of pressure fluid to actuate the drill. A fluid diverter (5) is mounted inside the outer wear sleeve (1) adjacent to the backhead (2). An inner tube (9), concentric with the outer wear sleeve (1) and extending into the fluid diverter (5), defines at least part of a central return passageway in the drill. A bit (10), located by a chuck (3) at the other end of the outer wear sleeve (1), is slidably mounted on the inner tube (9) in an annular chamber (28, 30) defined by the outer wear sleeve, by the inner tube, by the diverter at one end (28), and by the bit at the other end (30).

Abstract: A drilling column has a percussive drilling head attached to a lower end thereof. The drilling column includes a skirt extending downwardly from a lower end thereof in surrounding relationship to the drilling head. The skirt is disposed in eccentric relationship to the drilling head, so that an enlarged space is formed at one side of the drilling head. An air duct arrangement extends through the drilling column for supplying compressed air to the drilling head. That compressed air exits the drilling head through a front face thereof and then flows upwardly through the enlarged space in the skirt and then travels through a discharge channel arrangement formed in the drilling column. In that way, cuttings entrained in the compressed air are removed upwardly from the drill hole. The drilling column is sealed-off with respect to the upper open end of the drill hole by a chuck pipe, enabling compressed air or liquid to be introduced from above ground into a gap surrounding the drilling column.

Abstract: A drillstring terminating in a drill bit is run into a borehole. A reduced solid content drilling fluid is pumped through the drillstring and out the bit, wherein the drilling fluid impinges upon and disintegrates formation material in cooperation with the bit. An annulus fluid having a density greater than that of the drilling fluid is continuously pumped into the annulus between the borehole and drillstring, wherein the annulus fluid extends substantially from the surface to the bottom of the drillstring. Drilling fluid and cuttings resulting from disintegration of formation material are returned to the surface through a substantially unobstructed tubular passage in the drillstring. The annulus fluid is maintained under a selected and controlled pressure in the annulus, wherein an interface is formed at the drill bit at which annulus fluid mixes with the drilling fluid and is returned along with the drilling fluid and cuttings and drilling fluid is substantially prevented from entering the annulus.

Abstract: A reversible casing for a fluid-actuated, percussive, down-the-hole drill is provided with a tubular body having an internal surface forming a bore extending along a longitudinal axis. The internal surface has a profile that is a mirror image about a centerline axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The profile is provided with alternating undercut portions and land portions, with a portion of the undercut portions being in an annular scalloped configuration comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending parallel grooves in the internal surface.

Abstract: A device for drilling holes (1) in the crust of the earth, especially for drilling oil wells, wherein a rotary bit (2) is fitted in a drill string (4), within which drilling fluid is pumped downwardly and, upon return, conveys cuttings to the surface. A piston (5) is mounted on the drill string (4) above the bit (2) and adapted to form a sliding seal against the wall of the hole (1). A seal (8) is mounted above the piston (5) within the hole (1) and adapted to seal against the wall of the hole (1), against the drill string (4), against a return line (6) adapted to conduct drilling fluid with cuttings from the under side of the piston (5) to the top of the seal (8), as well as against a pipe (9) communicating with a pump (10) adapted to pump liquid in between the seal (8) and the piston (5), whereby liquid pressure acting against the upper face of the piston (5) urges the bit (2) against the bottom of the hole (1).

Abstract: A drill stem arrangement and method in which the motor for providing the hammer action is in the drill stem near to the drill bit. The motor is driven by pressurised liquid and a proportion of the liquid is used for flushing drill cuttings and cooling the drill bit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a tool through a drill string in slimhole drilling operations is disclosed. A fluid passage such as a groove is formed in the inner wall of the pipe joint to permit the passage of fluid from one pipe section to an adjacent pipe section as a tool is transported through the pipe joint. In one embodiment of the invention, the tool can comprise a core barrel for retrieving a core sample from the wellbore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing drilling mud within entrained cuttings is provided using a pump for forcing fluid into a borehole, such that the fluid mixes with cuttings formed during the formation of the hole. The pipe receives the fluid and entrained cuttings at a first end of the pipe and returns the fluid and entrained cuttings to the surface at the second end of the pipe. At the first end of the pipe, air is injected into the drilling fluid with entrained cuttings to form bubbles therein, thereby increasing the velocity of the fluid and entrained cuttings through the pipe. In one alternative embodiment, a suction is provided at one end of the pipe to increase the speed of fluid and entrained cuttings therethrough. In a third embodiment of the present invention, an Archimedes screw is used to remove the fluid and entrained cuttings from the borehole.

Abstract: Drill string component for use at drilling with a liquid driven down-the-hole drilling machine (1) comprising three coaxial tubes (2,4,6) for forming channels for supply of driving medium to the down-the-hole drilling machine, return of the driving medium after it has done its work and supply of flushing medium to the bore hole. The outer tube (2) of the drill string component is provided with a first end piece (7) which is axially displaceable relative to the outer tube and axially lockable relative to the outer tube in an outer position so that the inner tubes (4,6) are protected against damage when the drill string component is not connected with another drill string component, the hammer device (1) or a rotary device (9) for rotation of the drill string.

Abstract: An hydraulic device for forming a cavity in a borehole. The device includes generally the following modular sections: a hub section for connection to a drill pipe; hydromonitor (cutting nozzle); hydroelevator (eductor); and drill bit box. Through each section, except the drill bit box, extends first and second concentric pipelines for delivering fluid into the device and directing slurry out of the device. Only the drill pipe extends to the surface to receive standard well blowout prevention equipment. The second pipeline releases slurry into a casing which channels, in cooperation with an upper portion of the first pipeline and the drill pipe, the slurry to the surface. The hydromonitor includes a nozzle which is hydraulically associated with the first pipeline, and extends through the second pipeline, for delivering fluid into the borehole to form the cavity. The eductor pulls spent cutting fluid, coal fines, etc., out of the cavity as the slurry.

Abstract: A soft excavator (10, 90, 110, 130) is disclosed which utilizes a jet of high velocity fluid flow such as air or water flow, preferably supersonic, through a nozzle (48, 92, 112) to excavate a material, such as the ground. A second passage for air flow is provided which is directed by an evacuator skirt (52, 102) in a direction along the excavator generally opposite the direction of discharge of the high velocity excavating flow to entrain the material excavated for disposal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for simultaneously and separately emplacing two streams of different materials through a drillstring in a borehole to a downhole location for lost circulation control. The two streams are mixed outside the drillstring at the desired downhole location and harden only after mixing for control of a lost circulation zone.

Abstract: An improved sealing system for a sealed bearing assembly used in earth drilling. The bearing assembly has a first tubular member, and a second tubular member telescopically received in the first tubular member. The second tubular member has an interior passage through which drilling fluids pass under pressure from on surface pumps. A clearance space is provided between the first tubular and the second tubular member defining a lubricant filled bearing chamber. The improvement is in the seal at a pump end of the bearing chamber which consists of a first floating piston, a second floating piston spaced from the first floating piston, and a fixed seal intermediate the first floating piston and the second floating piston. A first chamber is provided between the first floating piston and the fixed seal. The first chamber is filled with lubricant. A second chamber is provided between the fixed seal and the second floating piston. The chamber has a passage to external of the first tubular member.

Abstract: The drilling system of this invention provides a drill mast mounted on a turntable. The turntable may be mounted on any type of undercarriage or carrier. The drill mast can be positioned around the perimeter of the turntable, it can be positioned near to, or away from, the turntable. The drill mast is carried on a trunnion mounting and can be oriented along Y and Z axis' with respect to the turntable X axis for drilling angle holes. A pipe joint breaker assembly is provided adjacent the lower end of the drilling mast. This assembly can accommodate different size pipe diameters. The drilling systems of this invention is specially adapted to reverse-circulation sample drilling employing a down-the-hole hammer drill. The drilling head configuration provides for simultaneous feeding into a multi-walled drill string of drilling mud, compressed air into the drill string to operate the hammer drill and to feed the hammer drill bit head, and withdrawing of sample-containing return air.

Abstract: A dry, vertical shaft drilling system including an inverted raiseboring cutterhead fitted with air nozzles and vacuum pickups. Weights are detachably stacked above the cutterhead. Cuttings are extracted through the weights into a swivel circumscribing the drill string. The swivel is a transition from the rotating cutterhead to the stationary extraction riser pipes disposed above the swivel. Non-rotating stabilizers stabilize the drill string.

Abstract: The drilling system of this invention is specifically adapted to reverse-circulation sample drilling employing a downhole hammer drill. The drilling head configuration provides for simultaneous feeding into a multi-walled drill string with drilling mud, compressed air to operate the hammer drill, to feed the hammer drill head and withdrawing of the return air. The system includes a triple-walled drill rod especially adapted for downhole hammer drilling that eliminates the need for a separate drive casing string.

Abstract: A pneumatic percussion hammer for attachment to a drill tube is coaxially constructed about an outflow tube which is mounted therein for axial removal and replacement when worn. A cylindrical piston moves axially between a top sub wherein a drill stem is screwed, and an anvil of a bit at the bottom. A casing and the piston are configured to valve the flow of pressurized air therethrough for reciprocating motion of the piston and an outflow that carries debris through the outflow tube and drill stem.