Abstract: A well system includes a tubular string comprising a plurality of tubular segments and positioned in a wellbore drilled into a subterranean zone, and a landing sub connected to a bottom end of one of the plurality of tubular segments. The landing sub includes a landing sub central bore and a landing sub locking profile on an inner surface of the landing sub central bore. The well system also includes a valve assembly configured to be pumped down the tubular string by fluid flowing in a downhole direction through the tubular string and to land within the landing sub central bore. The valve assembly includes a main body with a valve central bore and a flapper configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position. In the closed positon the flapper seals against a flapper seat and blocks fluid from flowing in an uphole direction through the valve central bore.

Abstract: A drive sub for a drilling assembly includes a tubular body configured to receive and releasably engage a drilling tool. The body has inner and outer faces and further has a castellated edge provided on its operative downhole end, which edge defines a plurality of lugs separated from each other by intervening slots. In one aspect the drive sub has a contour profile provided at least partially along a circumference of the castellated edge, wherein the contour profile traverses the castellated edge substantially from the inner face to the outer face. In another aspect the drive sub has a channel provided in each of the lugs, wherein the channel at least partially traverses the lugs and leads from an inlet opening on the castellated edge to an outlet opening on the outer face. The contour profile and/or channel facilitate flow of drilling fluid and cuttings past the lugs during use.

Abstract: A drilling control mechanism of a core drilling rig has a tooth drill and a core drilling rig. The core drilling rig is inside the tooth drill and engages with the drill in a sliding manner. A locking recess is formed at an inner wall of the tooth drill. A locking latch recess is formed at an outer wall of the core drilling rig and has a locking latch therein. The locking latch has a spring. When the locking recess is directly opposite the locking latch recess, the spring extends and the locking latch partially enters the locking recess. The core drilling rig has a central rod, a fluid channel activation module, an outer barrel, and outer barrel unlocking module and a flow diverging module. The central rod passes through the inner cavities of the fluid channel activation module, the outer barrel unlocking module and the flow diverging module.

Abstract: A method can include directing fluid flow longitudinally through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a longitudinally compressed circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and longitudinally elongating the circulating valve assembly while the fluid flow is ceased, and then increasing the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow after the elongating to pass outwardly through a housing of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Another method can include directing a fluid flow through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and decreasing then increasing a flow rate of the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow to pass outwardly through a housing assembly of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Circulating valve assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method can include directing fluid flow longitudinally through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a longitudinally compressed circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and longitudinally elongating the circulating valve assembly while the fluid flow is ceased, and then increasing the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow after the elongating to pass outwardly through a housing of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Another method can include directing a fluid flow through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and decreasing then increasing a flow rate of the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow to pass outwardly through a housing assembly of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Circulating valve assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device and a method for transferring and storing a deep in-situ core in a sealed and pressure-maintaining manner includes a pressure vessel, a sealed storage vessel, a control system, a pressure regulation system and at least one spherical valve. The pressure vessel includes a first barrel and a first end sealing piston mounted at a first end of the first barrel and being slidable in the pressure vessel. The sealed storage vessel includes a second barrel and a second end sealing piston which is mounted at a first end of the second barrel. At least one spherical valve is connected between the first barrel and the second barrel. The pressure regulation system is configured for regulating an amount of water in the second barrel. The control system includes a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a controller.

Abstract: A wellbore is drilled in a formation using a drill string assembly that includes a drill string. A drill bit is connected to a downhole end of the drill string. A notching tool is connected to the drill string. After drilling the wellbore to a depth from a surface in the formation, the drilling is paused. The notching tool is rotated. a notch is formed with the rotating notching tool. In subsequent operations, DSA is removed from the well and the fracturing fluid pumped from the surface can create fractures at the locations of notches. These fractures would improve wellbore connectivity with the reservoir for better oil and gas recovery.

Abstract: A wellbore is drilled in a formation using a drill string assembly that includes a drill string. A drill bit is connected to a downhole end of the drill string. A notching tool is connected to the drill string. After drilling the wellbore to a depth from a surface in the formation, the drilling is paused. The notching tool is rotated. a notch is formed with the rotating notching tool. In subsequent operations, DSA is removed from the well and the fracturing fluid pumped from the surface can create fractures at the locations of notches. These fractures would improve wellbore connectivity with the reservoir for better oil and gas recovery.

Abstract: A drill bit is disclosed for drilling a borehole. In an embodiment, the bit includes a bit body having a central axis, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a radially outer surface. The bit body includes a flow passage extending axially from the first end, and a cutting structure disposed at the second end. In addition, the bit includes an actuating member disposed within the flow passage. The actuating member includes a throughbore, a radially outer surface, and a fluid flow port extending radially from the throughbore to the radially outer surface of the actuating member. The actuating member is configured to move axially relative to the bit body between a first position restricting fluid communication between the throughbore and the borehole through the fluid flow port and a second position allowing fluid communication between the throughbore and the borehole through the fluid flow port.

Abstract: A system and method for boring a hole in rock with a digger derrick; which utilizes a hollow stem auger, a kelly bar, and a core barrel with a top support member with a hole therein for receiving the kelly bar with a detachable central pilot bit thereon which is translatable up and down with respect to the core barrel as the kelly bar and auger are manipulated. The kelly bar is selectively positionable with respect to the auger so as to allow the ability to retract the pilot bit inward into the core barrel and to shorten the separation between the pilot bit and the auger.

Abstract: A wireline or drill pipe retrievable coring tool with an inner barrel to receive a core, a bottom coring tool valve operable to seal off a bottom of the inner barrel and at least one pressure canister operable to receive fluid from the core in the inner barrel. The pressure canister is operable to significantly reduce the pressure inside the inner barrel utilizing an expandable chamber to receive fluid from the core as the tool is removed from the wellbore. In one embodiment, a bottom valve mechanism moves the cored formation materials out of the way of the bottom valve before the bottom valve is closed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling device for producing a borehole in the ground with a drilling tool driven in a rotating manner for removing ground material and a container for receiving the removed ground material, wherein the container has a lower feed opening, through which the removed ground material can be introduced into the container. It is envisaged that the drilling tool comprises at least one drill flight arranged below the container and that in an inlet area to the container between the drill flight and the feed opening an inlet section is provided, the pitch of which is increased with respect to a pitch of the drill flight.

Abstract: A wellbore ball valve includes a ball-type valve closure having an interior, central bore. A lower ball carrying assembly defines a first annular, sealing seat surface in contact with and adapted to seal with the exterior of the valve closure. The first seat surface defines a first through hole. An upper assembly defines a second annular seat surface in contact with the exterior of the valve closure. The second seat surface defines a second through hole. The second through hole is shaped differently from the first through hole in that it at least partially overlaps with the central bore while the first through hole is sealed from the central bore.

Abstract: A system for use with a subterranean well can include a fluid oscillator which discharges pulsating fluid from a tubular string in a direction at least partially toward an end of the tubular string proximate a surface of the earth. A method can include discharging a fluid from the tubular string, thereby applying a reaction force to the tubular string, which reaction force biases the tubular string at least partially into the well. Another method can include discharging a pulsating fluid from a fluid oscillator in a direction at least partially toward an end of the tubular string, and drilling into an earth formation with a drill bit connected at an opposite end of the tubular string in the well.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a downhole assembly has a downhole tool string component with a bore adapted to accommodate drilling mud having a central passage and at least one periphery passage. At least two movable segments are peripherally positioned around a bore wall adapted to constrict a diameter of the central passage and are adapted to divert drilling mud into the at least one periphery passage. At least one opening mechanism is adapted to move a portion of the at least two movable segments toward the bore wall.

Abstract: A system and method for removing contaminated pilings is provided, the system including a casing to enclose the piling and a pressurized air system for excavating soil and contaminated materials from around the piling and material from the piling itself, capturing the excavated soil and contaminated material as it rises within the piling by action of the pressurized air, and a closure mechanism at the bottom of the casing for enclosing and removing the piling without spreading contamination to the surrounding environment. Clean fill material, such as sand, can be injected through the air nozzles or optional sand ports on the casing to fill the void left from the removed piling.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for crushing the earth under the ground by boring a hole; inserting a drill head having radially directed water jet thereon down the hole to the desired stratum; rotatingly moving the drill head upwardly while jetting water radially to form a cylindrical crushed area; lowering the drill head to the original depth; extending a water jet extender arm radially to a projecting position; again rotatingly moving the drill head upwardly while jetting water from the nozzles on the radial outward portions of the extender arm to radially enlarge the cylindrical crushed area, the rotation of the extender arm also stirring the already crushed area; returning the extender arm to an original waiting position; and lifting the drill head out of the hole.

Abstract: An open ended cylindrical casing is provided with a pair of semicircular blades rotatably mounted to the lower open end of the casing so that the blades may be rotated from a digging position where they project downward from the lower end of the casing to a flat position, substantially forming a bottom to the lower end of the casing. To excavate a cylindrical hole the casing is dropped with the blades in the projecting position into the ground causing the blades to dig in a shovel-like manner. By rotating the blades upward substrate is lifted into the casing, and the casing is pulled deeper into the substrate. Lifting the casing out of the hole, the blades act as a bottom to the casing carrying dirt within the casing.

Abstract: An electric pump assembly (1) for lifting fluids in wells comprises a plurality of electric pumps (20) and (24) located at axially spaced apart locations in the well each pump having an axial aperture (21) to permit wire line operations to be conducted in the well below the assembly (1). Adjacent pumps (20) and (24) can rotate in opposite directions about a common axis to effect torque balancing. Each pump (20) can have a transformer (50) to permit local adjustment of voltage and means (40) are provided for sequential operation of the pumps. Assembly can be supported on cable (12), (14) or on production tubing (60) assisted by packers.

Abstract: An acoustically operated downhole blowout preventer using a specially configured sleeve valve to inflate a resilient packer for shutting the wellbore annulus.

Abstract: A cable tool (10) includes a tool bit (12), a drill stem (14) and an adapter (16). Openings (32) are formed in a cutting face (18) of the tool bit (12) and inclined bores (34) extend upwardly within the tool bit (12) to an upwardly extending bit passageway (36). A retention chamber (46) is formed in the drill stem (14) communicating with the bit passageway (36) for storing rock and earth particles. An adapter passageway (52) communicates with the retention chamber (46) and includes a liquid drain (24) to drain water from the adapter passageway (52) and the retention chamber (46). Optionally, a flapper valve (64) may be mounted within the retention chamber (46) adjacent the bit passageway (36).

Abstract: A drill string safety and kill valve for a string of drill pipe used for drilling wells including a tubular valve body connectible in the drill pipe, a ball valve in the body mounted to rotate between open and closed positions for controlling flow through the body, a longitudinally movable tubular ball valve operator in the body connected with the ball valve, a spring biased flapper valve in the ball valve operator mounted to permit downward flow and to close responsive to upward flow for raising the ball valve operator to close the ball valve, a side port provided in the side of the ball valve positioned upwardly when the ball valve is closed for pumping drilling fluids downwardly into the bore of the closed ball valve, and a spring biased lower ball valve seat moved downwardly by downward flow of drilling fluid when the ball valve is closed to allow pumping into a well for killing the well after valve closure.

Abstract: A valve adapted for installation at the lower end of a drilling kelly for closing the bore of the kelly when adding a section of drill pipe so that the mud content of the kelly is not discharged onto the derrick floor; the valve also being adapted with minimum change in parts, to be inverted and installed at the upper end of the kelly to serve as a safety valve, providing blow out protection.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in pressure core barrels of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,548,958 wherein a controlled pressure is maintained on a core sample during surfacing. Among the improvements provided by the present invention are an improved arrangement of the pressure control valve, a means for positively latching the assembly (both in the open and closed positions) and the provision of a hydraulic assist for moving the outer barrel to the sealing position. Another feature provides an improved device for flushing of the mud from the core sample while it is under high pressure to facilitate the further sampling of the core after freezing of the section.

Abstract: Coring apparatus for obtaining core samples which may comprise: an outer barrel assembly, the lower end of which is adapted for connection to a core bit, the upper end of which is adapted for connection to a drill string; an inner barrel assembly concentrically disposed within the outer barrel assembly and having first and second axially spaced and fluid communicating chambers therein; and valve means carried by the inner barrel assembly and movable from an open position, in which a core sample may be received by the first chamber, to a closed position, sealingly enclosing the core sample within the first chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for drilling holes in the ground. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical drilling tool having one end coupled to a motor assembly for rotating the tool by way of an elongate rotatable sleeve. A hydraulic jack is disposed in the sleeve for rotation therewith. The piston rod of the jack extends longitudinally of the drilling tool and carries a valve-action member arranged to allow drilled material to enter the drilling tool and to retain the material therein. The piston rod is movable longitudinally relative to said tool for the discharge of said material.The apparatus of the invention is able to drill holes rapidly in a large variety of soils.

Abstract: A down hole forward and back scuttling tool capable of being removably connected to a power driven drill string and to an expandable reamer to transmit torque from the drill string to the reamer as the latter is transversely expanded and rotated to form an elongate cavity in the lower portion of the bore hole. The reamer is of a conventional type that permits fluid under pressure to discharge therefrom. The tool during the reaming operation permits fluid under pressure to flow downwardly in a first path through the drill string, tool and reamer to exit from the latter into the cavity and then upwardly through an annulus shaped space defined between the side wall of the bore hole and drill string to the ground surface. Cuttings from the reaming operation drop downwardly due to gravity to the bottom of the cavity. It is desirable that such cuttings be removed from the cavity prior to the latter being packed with gravel. The tool permits these cuttings to be retrieved.

Abstract: A drilling grab for pile foundations and well boreholes wherein the drilling grab comprises a grab body supporting circular grab spades which tilt from an open position to a closed position about pivot pins carried by the grab body. A radially projecting abutment interchangeably connected to the outer periphery of the grab body is engageable with the back of the grab spades when the same are in an open position. The abutment overlaps the periphery of the grab body and is characterized in that they consist of extension members adapted to grab spades of different sizes. The members are supported on radially projecting ribs located on the grab body.

Abstract: A drilling tool connected in a drilling string includes a pressure responsive rotatable ball valve for enabling drilling fluid flow down the bore of a drill string which automatically rotates closed for blocking flow through the bore of the drill string when incipient pressure conditions indicate the direction of flow through the bore may be reversed. Means for releasably locking the ball in the open position in response to a preselected directional pressure to enable the running of other tools and the like through the bore of the drilling string are provided. The drilling tool may be employed for controlling an undesired flowing stream of fluid from the bore of the drilling string by stabbing the tool to connect with the drilling string utilizing a stabbing member which is removed after connecting to enable the ball valve to rotate closed to control the flowing stream.