Abstract: A core barrel head assembly having a longitudinal axis can comprise an elongate tube body having an outer surface, an interior cavity, a proximal end, and a distal end. The elongate tube body can define a helical groove that extends from the interior cavity to the outer surface of the elongate tube body. The helical groove can be configured to allow the elongate tube body to elastically extend and compress. The elongate tube body can define at least one aperture that extends between the interior cavity and the outer surface. The core barrel head assembly can further comprise a valve body that is attached to the elongate tube body and is movable with respect to the proximal end of the elongate tube along the longitudinal axis, as the elongate tube body compresses. When sufficiently compressed, the valve body restricts flow through the at least one aperture.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the instant application are directed to a steel coring drilling machine and a method for replacing trench well exploration which can be applied in a large scale for horizontal drilling and exploring on the surface. The steel coring drilling machine includes a base, a main machine, a drilling tool, a drill rod and a steel coring system. The main machine is installed on the base, which is capable of adjusting the installation angle of the main machine, the drill rod is installed on the main machine, and the main machine is used to drive the rotation and feed of the drill rod. The front end of the drill rod is fixedly connected with the drilling tool. The back end of the drill rod is connected with the steel coring system. The axis of rotation of the drill tool is collinear with the axis of rotation of the drill rod.

Abstract: An overshot tool for releasable connection to a head assembly as part of a core barrel drilling apparatus. The overshot tool comprises a primary engaging portion and a secondary engaging portion and is configured for the automated coupling and de-coupling to a head assembly via selected engagement of the head assembly by the engaging portion. The overshot tool is configured to both deliver and retrieve a head assembly from a latched position at a cutting end the core barrel.

Abstract: An inner tube assembly releasably latchable with a core barrel of a core drilling apparatus. The inner tube assembly includes a valve housing having a fluid flow port and a position guide to control a position of the valve body within the valve housing to open and close the port in response to a fluid pressure acting on the valve body.

Abstract: A core catcher comprising: a cap configured to be secured to a first end of a core liner such that when the first end of the core liner is inserted into sediment a sample sediment core enters the core liner through the cap; a cross-beam coupled to the cap and mounted across the first end of the core liner such that a cross-section of the first end of the core liner is divided into two openings; a flexible member secured to the cross-beam such that the flexible member, the cross-beam, and the cap form a dual-flap valve designed to allow the sediment core to enter the core liner through the two openings and to prevent the sediment core from escaping the core liner through the cap.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use in an inner tube member of a core barrel head assembly positionable within a drill string of a drilling apparatus. The piston member of the valve assembly is located between a fluid pressure communication port and a fluid flow port to hold the retracting case in an up position and the latches retracted. After an increased fluid pressure has pushed the piston member past the annular element or bushing, the piston member substantially restricts fluid flow through the bushing and allows the retracting case to move to a down position and extend the latches. If the latches are not extended due to an obstruction or misalignment, the retracting case will prevent the piston member from completely passing through the bushing, thus maintaining high fluid pressure due to the flow ports remaining closed, and indicating to the driller that the latches have not properly latched.

Abstract: A downhole sampling tool includes a cam configured to rotate about a central axis. Two or more pistons engage a cam track such that rotation of the cam causes the pistons to reciprocate between first and second piston positions. Corresponding fluid flow lines are opened and closed when corresponding ones of the plurality of pistons reciprocate between the first and second piston positions.

Abstract: A head assembly includes a body, a spearhead operatively associated with the body and configured to translate axially relative to the body, and at least one latch operatively associated with the spearhead and the body. The latch is configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the body in response to axial translation of the spearhead relative to the body. In an extended position, the latch covers more than 25% of the circumference of the body adjacent the latches.

Abstract: A head assembly includes a body, a spearhead operatively associated with the body and configured to translate axially relative to the body, and at least one latch operatively associated with the spearhead and the body. The latch is configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the body in response to axial translation of the spearhead relative to the body. In an extended position, the latch covers more than 25% of the circumference of the body adjacent the latches.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the production of hydrocarbons from a wellbore. One or more combination tools can be disposed along a casing string inserted into a wellbore. Each combination tool can contain a body having a bore formed therethrough; a sliding sleeve at least partially disposed in the body; one or more openings disposed about the body at a first end thereof, and a valve assembly and a valve seat assembly at least partially disposed within the bore at a second end thereof. While initially permitting free bidirectional flow of fluids within the casing string, the sliding sleeve within each combination tool can be manipulated to close the valve within the tool, thus permitting pressure testing of the casing string. The sliding sleeve can be further manipulated to open the one or more openings thereby permitting hydraulic fracturing and production of a hydrocarbon zone surrounding the combination tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking device (4) for a wire line core drilling system comprising an inner tube (2) by means of which core samples are collected, and an outer tube (1) connected to a drill bit, which locking device is applied in the rear end of the inner tube. The locking device (4) comprises locking members (7, 9) so designed that, when the inner tube has been inserted into the outer tube and has assumed the correct position inside the outer tube for drilling, in one and the same movement it simultaneously effects mechanical locking of the inner tube (2) in relation to the outer tube (1) and release of a gripping means (10; 25) of an accompanying device (5; 26) connected to the inner tube.

Abstract: The invention concerns a core barrel, in particular for oil exploration, comprising a string, an external tube (2) fixed at the front end of the string, a core bit mounted on a front section (3A) of the external tube, and an internal tube assembly (8) mounted in the external tube and comprising hydrodynamic means transforming a core sampling line pressure into a load thrusting said assembly towards the core barrel front, the front section of the external tube being mounted axially sliding, limited by front and rear stop elements (12A, 12P), in a rear section (3P) of the same external tube to project therefrom longitudinally, the assembly comprising a support stop (14) arranged to thrust selectively forward the front section of the external tube, means being arranged between the inner tube (9) proper and said front section such that the latter can be driven in rotation about its longitudinal axis independently of said internal tube, a motor (7) capable of driving the core bit in rotation relative to the string

Abstract: A minimum volume apparatus and method is provided including a tool for obtaining at least one parameter of interest of a subterranean formation in-situ, the tool comprising a carrier member, a selectively extendable member mounted on the carrier for isolating a portion of annulus, a port exposable to formation fluid in the isolated annulus space, a piston integrally disposed within the extendable member for urging the fluid into the port, and a sensor operatively associated with the port for detecting at least one parameter of interest of the fluid.

Abstract: The drilling apparatus includes a wire line core barrel head assembly that has a latch body seatable on a drill string landing shoulder and retained in a latch seated position by a latch assembly spring urged to a latch seated position, fluid seals on the latch body to facilitate fluidly propelling the head assembly in an upward direction, valve mechanism in a latch body bypass channel to restrict fluid flow therethrough to provide a signal of the latch body seating on the landing shoulder and then opening together with being retractable to an open position by a latch retractor prior to the latch body being retracted and second valve mechanism to block axial outward flow in the bypass channel. The fluid seals are mounted to a latch body adaptor that may be removed to convert from an up-hole to a down-hole assembly.

Abstract: A pressure and temperature core sampler comprises a tool for recovering cores specifically enabling the evaluation of methane hydrate resources. Because methane hydrate tends to decompose under conditions of pressure decrease and/or temperature increase as the samples are retrieved to the surfaces a coring tool in accordance with the present invention provides a self-contained system for retrieving core samples at or near in situ pressure while cooling the core sample. The coring tool is preferably a wire line retrievable device that provides for nearly continuous coring during the drilling operation.

Abstract: The drilling apparatus includes a wire line core barrel having a head assembly and a drilling tool connected to the head assembly. The head assembly includes a latch body with a landing shoulder seatable on the drill string landing ring, latches seatable in a drill string latch seat and a fluid bypass channel for bypassing from one axial side of the landing shoulder to the other, a bushing in the bypass channel, a valve member movable in the channel from an axial outer bypass channel open position and an axial inner second position extending into the bushing for one of blocking axial inward fluid flow through the bushing and restricting inward flow through the bushing. A spring is provided in the bore inwardly of the bushing for abutting against the valve member in its second position to urge the valve member axially outwardly.

Abstract: A core drilling latch assembly for use in terrestrial core drilling operations. The latch assembly incorporates features and elements which affect the flow of drilling fluids past the latch assembly and toward the drill bit, depending upon whether the latch assembly has contacted the landing ring in the drill string and whether the latch assembly has locked in place within the string. Accordingly, the latch assembly signals the drilling crew by pressure fluctuations when the latch assembly is in proper position within the drill string, and whether it is locked in position.

Abstract: The core barrel apparatus includes a wire line core barrel inner tube having a latch body main body portion and an inner portion threaded together to cooperatively provide a radial outer groove mounting a landing ring seatable on the drill string landing ring with the latches seatable in the drill string latch seat and a radial inner groove mounting a bushing surrounding the axial bore of the bypass channel for bypassing fluid between portions of the latch body on axial opposite sides of the latch body ring. The valving mechanism in the bore includes the bushing and may include a valve spring axially inwardly of bushing and a valve ball. The valve ball and bushing may be of a resiliency to permit the ball passing through the bushing under fluid pressure or prevent the ball passing through the bushing. Overcenter linkage connected to the latches is retractable by a retractor pin.

Abstract: A core drilling latch assembly for use in terrestrial core drilling operations. The latch assembly incorporates features and elements which affect the flow of drilling fluids past the latch assembly and toward the drill bit, depending upon whether the latch assembly has contacted the landing ring in the drill string and whether the latch assembly has locked in place within the string. Accordingly, the latch assembly signals the drilling crew by pressure fluctuations when the latch assembly is in proper position within the drill string, and whether it is locked in position.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for taking samples of soil and other materials in an efficient manner as well as for maintaining a high level of integrity of the samples. Using a wire line and a release and retrieve assembly, the sampling tube is lowered into an auger that has been bored into the ground to the desired depth. Once lowered to the bottom of the auger, the sampling tube is locked into place and the release and retrieve assembly is removed from the auger. A portion of the sampling tube extends beyond the drill bit. As the auger is drilled farther into the ground, the sampling tube is filled with soil or whatever material is present, without such soil or other material having been disturbed by the drill bit. This provides integrity of the sample. After the sample has been collected in the sampling tube, the release and retrieve assembly is reinserted into the auger and reattached to the sampling tube, which is then unlocked and retrieved out of the auger.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for rotary drilling of core samples from the wall of a wellbore. The apparatus comprises a coring bit, a motor, a bit box rotatably mounted within a housing adapted to traverse the wellbore, a plunger for extracting the core sample from the bit and discharging the core sample into a storage barrel which has a sponge liner. The sponge liner in the barrel adsorbs liquid hydrocarbons which may be expelled from the porosity in the core sample by gas exsolution.

Abstract: A wire line core barrel inner tube assembly has a latch body with a miximum diameter portion providing a shoulder seatable on a drill string landing ring and a fluid bypass channel extending through the maximum diameter portion and a valving assembly. The valving assembly includes a resilient valve seat in the bypass channel and a ball seatable on the valve seat to block fluid flow in a downward direction through the channel, movable upwardly off the valve seat from the seated position to permit fluid flow through the seat in the opposite direction and movable through the seat to a channel open condition after a preselected fluid pressure has been exerted on the ball in a direction to move the ball from the ball seated position and through the valve seat.

Abstract: A simple low-cost and highly passive bitless nonrotational nondeviating jam-proof thin-kerf Newtonian hydraulics retrievable core-sampling method and apparatus that advances its circular core kerf through the rock by a combination of high-pressure droplet-impact and abrasive particle-jet effects, and which is independent of the weight of any drillpipe, drill collars, or any other heavy cylindrical conduit or tubular conduit associated with the coring operation. The Newtonian hydraulics features high-pressure solids-free fresh water or solution-weighted brine as the drilling fluid, which excavates rock along the inner periphery of the circular core kerf by droplet-impact effects of the high-pressure and high-velocity circular sheet of drilling fluid and by the abrasive particle-jet effects of the deflected drilling fluid and excavated rock particles along the outer periphery of the circular core kerf.

Abstract: A wire line core barrel inner tube assembly having a latch body that has a maximum diameter, axial intermediate portion providing a downwardly facing annular shoulder seatable on a drill stem landing ring and a fluid bypass channel extending through the maximum diameter portion and a valving assembly mounted by and cooperating with the latch body for controlling fluid flow through said channel. The valving assembly is operable to a position blocking the bypass channel but permits the inner tube assembly to move down faster than the fluid flow in the drill stem during the time the inner tube assembly moves downwardly in the drill stem.

Abstract: A corebarrel for use downhole and having an outer tube and an inner tube which are relatively rotatable and interconnected through a bearing assembly, and a solid state survey device for use in oriented coring and disposed within the inner tube below the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A retrieval device, suitable among other uses for lifting solid and liquid materials from underground locations, comprises a generally cylindrical section, a plurality of projecting members extending from said generally cylindrical section and hinged or otherwise flexibly secured thereto so as to be capable of movement between a first position in which they are aligned with the surface of said generally cylindrical section and a second position in which they are inclined inwards towards the axis of the cylinder, and flexible webs extending between adjacent projecting members.

Abstract: The longitudinal position of an inner barrel within a core barrel assembly can be adjusted and locked in the field without necessitating the disassembly of the cartridge cap assembly within the core barrel tool, and therefore without entailing loss of expensive rig time. The inner tube is coupled through a swivel assembly to a cartridge cap. The cartridge cap is threadedly coupled to the coring tool, and in particular to the outer tube. Thus, the cartridge cap is arranged and configured to be rotated, and thus longitudinally adjusted with respect to the outer tube. An upper portion of the cartridge cap is provided with a plurality of radially expanding fingers. A jam nut is disposed within a cylindrical array formed by the fingers, and is threadably engaged with the inside surface of the fingers.

Abstract: A well coring apparatus (10) includes an outer barrel (12) and an inner barrel (18). A hollow sponge (50) is disposed along a liner (52) for insertion into the inner barrel (18). The sponge (50) is operable to absorb subterranean fluid from a well core (54). A plurality of reinforcing members (56) are disposed on the inner surface of the liner (52) to prevent movement of the sponge (50) with respect thereto. A plurality of orifices (58) are disposed in the surface of the liner (52) to allow gas and/or fluid to escape from the interior thereof when the subterranean fluid contained within the core (54) bleeds into the sponge (50).

Abstract: A wire line core barrel for retrieving a core sample within a drill string. The wire line core barrel includes a conventional inner tube and also includes a generally cylindrically shaped retrieving assembly disposed above a generally cylindrical elongate body having a fluted periphery comprising a plurality of longitudinal ribs and longitudinal channels. Means for attaching the inner tube assembly to the drill string are mounted on the ribs of the elongate body. The channels of the elongate body provide a straight, longitudinal passageway for fluids flowing through the drill string.

Abstract: A device in core drilling for indicating when a core barrel placed in a rotatable hollow drill rod is no longer capable of receiving a further quantity of reamed-out core material includes a valve which at said condition of the barrel constricts the passage for flushing medium flowing between the core barrel and the bore of the drill rod so that a readable flushing medium pressure increase occurs. The valve closes off said passage incompletely to allow a minor quantity of flushing medium to be taken to the drill bit mounted at the bottom of the drill rod, thereby to prevent said drill bit from being burnt out.

Abstract: An inner tube element for a coring apparatus comprising a double tube, made of synthetic resin reinforced with fibers and provided at its ends with connecting nipples, is entirely made of synthetic resin and overlaps, at each of its ends, a part of the nipples having a rough surface gripped by said fibers, preferably in the form of webs of glass fibers.The inner tube element is manufactured by a process in which two nipples or couplings are placed onto a cylindrical mandrel having a constant section and rotating about its longitudinal axis, at a predetermined distance corresponding to the tube element to be manufactured, a part of said nipples having an inner diameter substantially identical to the diameter of the mandrel and having a rough surface, and fibers coated with a synthetic resin are wound helically onto said cylindrical mandrel, so as to overlap the rough part of said nipples.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining a core at in situ pressure of sedimentary deposits at the bottom of a well bore or body of water. The core barrel has a pressure chamber that is closed and opened by a ball valve actuated from the surface. When in position above the sedimentary deposits to be cored, a sample tube is extended from the pressure chamber into the sedimentary deposits to obtain a core. The sample tube is retracted into the pressure chamber and the valve closed to trap ambient pressure in the chamber. The sample tube and valve are operated from the surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for interchanging the central portion of a drill tool with a core barrel is disclosed. The interchange is effectuated without the need for raising the drilling tool with the drive turbine. Both the core barrel and the central portion of drilling tube have barrel tubes associated therewith and a seating associated with a receiver tube rotating with the tool holds the barrel tube in a vertical position. The end of the core barrel is spaced from the inside end of the barrel of the drilling tool to avoid friction and facilitate the cutting of the core.