Abstract: An automated roughneck system is described which includes a base module, a removable spinner module for spinning pipe to connect or disconnect drill pipes at threaded interfaces, which automatically self-centers itself around a drill pipe and automatically adjusts to a varied range of drill pipe diameters, a removable torque module for torqueing drill pipe and which automatically self-centers itself around a drill pipe and automatically adjusts to a varied range of drill pipe diameters, an extension module including a first plurality of extension arms that extend between a central hub of the extension module and the base module, and a second plurality of extension arms that extend between the central hub and supporting structure that supports the spinner and torque modules thereon, with each of the base, extension, spinner, and torque modules being hydraulically powered, and being controlled by controls at the remote operator control console.

Abstract: A system includes one or more sensors configured to sense at least one characteristic of fluid entering a well, one or more sensors configured to sense at least one characteristic of fluid exiting a well; and one or more control systems that receive data from at least one of the sensors.

Abstract: Drilling instruments may include a flexible portion, such as a flexible conduit and/or a universal joint. Sensors may be utilized to detect the position of various portions of the drilling instrument, such as the flexible conduit, the universal joint, and/or a drill bit assembly.

Abstract: An underreamer for increasing a diameter of a wellbore. The underreamer may include a body having an axial bore extending at least partially therethrough. An electromagnetic activation system may be disposed at least partially within the bore of the body. A valve may be disposed within the bore of the body and coupled to the electromagnetic activation system. The valve may include a mobile element and a static element. The mobile element may be coupled to the electromagnetic activation system and move from a first position where the mobile element obstructs fluid flow through the valve to a second position where the mobile element permits fluid flow through the valve. A cutter block may be movably coupled to the body and move radially-outward as the mobile element moves from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A rotary steerable drilling system that is operable to drill vertical wellbores and automatically maintain a vertical wellbore drilling path. The system includes a control module for operating solenoid valves that control an amount of fluid pressure applied to bias pad piston/cylinders. The control module is operable to determine when the system is deviating from vertical, in what direction the system is deviating, and where the bias pads are in relation to the direction of deviation. Based on these determinations, the control module actuates the requisite bias pads by controlling the amount of fluid pressure applied to the bias pad piston/cylinders to direct the system back to the vertical drilling path.

Abstract: An underreamer for increasing a diameter of a wellbore. The underreamer includes a body having an axial bore extending at least partially therethrough. A mandrel is disposed within the bore of the body and has a port formed radially therethrough. A sleeve is disposed radially-outward from the mandrel. The sleeve blocks fluid flow through the port in the mandrel when the sleeve is in a first position, and the sleeve is axially-offset from the port in the mandrel when the sleeve is in a second position. A flow tube is coupled to the mandrel. The sleeve moves from the first position to the second position when fluid flows through the flow tube and through a channel disposed in the mandrel. A cutter block is movably coupled to the body and is responsive to fluid flow from the axial bore through the port in the mandrel.

Abstract: A system includes a drill string to which a sensor is attached, a rotation unit configured to rotate the drill string, and a displacement unit configured to longitudinally displace the drill string. A processor is coupled to the rotation and displacement units. The processor is configured to coordinate sampling, by the sensor, of three-dimensional space surrounding the sensor while rotating and displacing the drill string. The processor is further configured to coordinate adjusting of at least one of drill string rotation and drill string displacement so that acceptable spatial sampling of the space surrounding the sensor is achieved.

Abstract: A mechanical specific energy downhole drilling assembly having a bottomhole assembly including drill pipe and a drill bit, a weight on bit and torque sub for sensing torque, weight on bit and revolutions per minute of the drill bit; a command and control sub for receiving input from the weight on bit and torque sub for determining instantaneous mechanical specific energy of the downhole drilling assembly and an anti-stall tool responsive to real time mechanical specific energy information from the command and control sub to adjust the weight on the drill bit to maximize rate of penetration of the drill bit.

Abstract: Methods for drilling wells using magnetic ranging while drilling to position the wells with respect to one another are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a method of drilling a well includes leaving a drill string in position within a primary well, and drilling a secondary well using the drill string as a target for magnetic ranging while drilling such that the secondary well is positioned with a specified orientation relative to the drill string.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus including a drill bit and a nutation device. The drilling apparatus is configured to enable the drill bit to be rotated at a rotation frequency while the nutation device simultaneously nutates the drill bit at a nutation frequency. The nutation device may include a vibrating device for imposing vibrations upon the drilling apparatus at a vibration frequency, thereby causing nutation of the drill bit at the nutation frequency. The drilling apparatus may include a tuning mechanism for tuning the vibration frequency of the vibrating device. A method including rotating a drill bit at a rotation frequency and simultaneously nutating the drill bit at a nutation frequency.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of conducting a drilling operation are provided. One embodiment of the method includes drilling a borehole, predicting a value of a first parameter relating to the drilling of the borehole using a geomechanical model, estimating a value of a second parameter from measurements taken by a sensor, updating the geomechanical model based at least in part on the estimated value of the second parameter, predicting a second value of the first parameter using the updated geomechanical model, and altering a drilling parameter for drilling the borehole based on the predicted second value of the first parameter.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for measuring and analyzing refracted acoustic energy. A plurality of receivers mounted are on a downhole tool, and are arranged and adapted to receive refracted acoustic energy from a downhole formation. Measurements of refracted acoustic energy is analyzed such that information relating to an azimuthal direction relative to the downhole tool of an interface within the downhole formation can be estimated. The receivers can be mounted on a drill collar as part of a LWD tool and steering of the drilling trajectory can be based in part on the estimated formation information.

Abstract: A remote controlled drilling rig that is fully functional includes a drilling rig, an electrical assembly, and a remote. The drilling rig includes a truck for towing a semi-trailer on which is positioned a derrick and a drilling assembly. The electrical assembly is positioned within the drilling rig and includes a battery for powering components of the drilling rig, in addition to a receiver and circuit board for receiving and processing command signals respectively. The receiver is communicably coupled to a transmitter housed within a casing of the remote. A plurality of controls is used to send input commands to the transmitter, which are in turn transmitted to the receiver in order to control functions of the drilling rig, such as raising and lowering the derrick. A draw-works assembly allows for raising and lowering a traveling block within the derrick by winding and unwinding a drilling cable connected between.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in connection using a drill having a drilling element for forming a borehole in a face of a mine passage includes a drill guide for engaging the drilling element while permitting the drilling element to move toward the face for forming the borehole. The drill guide includes a keeper for keeping the drilling element in a desired position, which keeper is biased for pivoting movement upon the application of a manual force between an active position for capturing the drilling element and a retracted position for releasing the drilling element. A low profile drill guide is also disclosed, as is a guard for a drill guide, and also related methods.

Abstract: A method and system for steering a rotary steerable tool in a borehole. A method includes rotating a deflection sleeve about a steerable shaft. A deflection ramp is aligned to deflect the shaft in a predetermined direction by the rotating. The deflection sleeve is axially displaced along the steerable shaft. The steerable shaft is deflected by the displacing.

Abstract: A method for using a power swivel with tilt capable of being tilted to any angle up to an adjustable maximum tilt angle. The method allows adjusting the tilting power swivel's angle of tilt to line up with pipe staged at various angles as required by different rigs. The method allows for adjusting the maximum extension of the tilt cylinder, and further allows the power swivel to be repeatedly positioned at a desired angle for the duration of a job. The method requires the addition of only one hydraulic fluid supply hose, thereby allowing a simple live hose reel with four hoses. The method for using a power swivel with tilt promotes safety, efficiency, and saves time by eliminating the need for a stabbing man hanging in the derrick.

Abstract: A remote controlled tilting power swivel capable of being tilted to any angle up to an adjustable maximum tilt angle. The tilting power swivel angle of tilt can be adjusted to line up with pipe staged at various angles as required by different rigs. Adjusting the maximum extension of the tilt cylinder allows the power swivel to repeat a desired angle for the duration of a job. The system requires the addition of only one hydraulic fluid supply hose, thereby allowing a simple live hose reel with four hoses. The tilting power swivel promotes safety, efficiency, and saves time by eliminating the need for a stabbing man hanging in the derrick.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a method and apparatus for horizontal directional drilling with a tool library. Various methods include storing a plurality of operational tool profiles in memory, the operational tool profiles of the plurality respectively associated with a plurality of boring tools attachable to a drill string for HHD and each of the operational tool profiles of the plurality including operating parameters for the boring tool of the plurality with which the operational profile is associated, and selectively displaying the operational tool profiles on a display screen based on user input.

Abstract: A system for damping vibration in a drill string can include a valve assembly having a supply of a fluid, a first member, and a second member capable of moving in relation to first member in response to vibration of the drill bit. The first and second members define a first and a second chamber for holding the fluid. Fluid can flow between the first and second chambers in response to the movement of the second member in relation to the first member. The valve assembly can also include a coil or a valve for varying a resistance of the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A wellbore machining device is proposed for machining a tubular component of a wellbore. The device includes a control unit at the surface level of the wellbore and a down-hole tool unit connected to the control unit through a wire line. The tool unit includes an elongated guide member, a tool member movably supported on the guide member with respect to at least three axes of motion and a plurality of actuators controlled by the control unit and adapted to move the tool member with respect to the axes of motion. The tool unit further includes two anchor members each mounted to an axial end of the guide member and adapted to releasably clamp the tool unit to the tubular component. The control unit and the tool unit form a computer numerical control device (CNC device) wherein the actuators are electric servo motors controlling an actual position of the tool member with respect to a path and/or a sequence of desired position defined by the control unit.

Abstract: A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the method includes monitoring operating parameters for drilling rig equipment and bottom hole assembly (BHA) equipment for a BHA, where the operating parameters control the drilling rig equipment and BHA equipment. The method includes receiving current inputs corresponding to performance data of the drilling rig equipment and BHA equipment during a drilling operation and determining that an amount of change between the current inputs and corresponding previously received inputs exceeds a defined threshold. The method further includes determining whether a modification to the operating parameters has occurred that would result in the amount of change exceeding the defined threshold and identifying that a problem exists in at least one of the drilling rig equipment and BHA equipment if no modification has occurred to the operating parameters. The method includes performing a defined action if a problem exists.

Abstract: An automated rod manipulator system for moving a drill rod section from a storage magazine to a drill rig and connecting the drill rod to a drill string of the drill rig without manual manipulation of any parts. The automated rod manipulator system may comprise a magazine to store and dispense a plurality of drill rod sections, a carriage to convey one of the plurality of drill rod sections from the magazine to a transfer position; and a gripping arm coupled to a drill rig mast of a drilling rig, the gripping arm operable to convey one of the plurality of drill rod sections from a transfer position to a position aligned with a spindle center line of the drilling rig. The automated rod manipulator may also include a control system and an alignment assembly for aligning the drill rod section on a spindle centerline of the drill rig.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for producing a planar cavern are provided. The planar cavern is formed by first creating a continuous bore that extends through a subsurface resource deposit. The drill head used to create the bore can be steered in response to information about the concentration of the resource in the strata through which the drill head is passing, in order to keep the bore within resource deposit. The continuous bore can be formed by connecting first and second bores at a point within the subsurface resource deposit. After the continuous bore has been formed, a sawing assembly is placed within the continuous bore. The sawing assembly is then moved, in a continuous or in a reciprocating fashion, within the continuous bore. As the sawing assembly is moved, it is maintained under tension, to create a planar cavern. By thus exposing a large area of the resource deposit, a relatively large amount of the resource deposit can be dissolved in a solvent introduced to the planar cavern per unit time.

Abstract: An autodriller provides an automatic self calibration system to predict both axial and rotational friction coefficients from the surface measurements such as hookload and surface torque while a drill bit is off bottom. The friction coefficients are used to calculate the friction forces between drillstring and the wellbore while the bit is on bottom during drilling operation to estimate downhole weight on the bit and bit torque, and use the estimates to alter the drilling process.

Abstract: The invention is a system and methods for conducting automated, unmanned and unattended drilling operations. The system comprises an unmanned and unattended landing and launch vehicle capable of navigating to a location and reversibly coupled to an automated drilling platform. The automated drilling platform can autonomously conduct drilling operations, such as, collecting core samples. Automated drilling operations may comprise deploying a core drilling rigid mast that autonomously feeds pipe sections onto the rigid mast proportional to depths drilled, then extracting the pipe sections containing core samples sequentially from the mast head, securing the core samples in the launch and landing vehicle, retracting the mast head from the bore line and securing it in the launch and landing vehicle. Once drilling is complete, the automated drilling platform may be de-coupled from the landing and launch vehicle before re-launching the vehicle and returning the samples to an accessible terrain or location.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating at least one of a dynamic motion of a portion of interest of a drill string and a static parameter associated with the portion of interest, the apparatus having: a plurality of sensors operatively associated with the drill string at at least one location other than the portion of interest; and a processing system coupled to the plurality of sensors, the processing system configured to estimate at least one of the dynamic motion and the static parameter using a measurement from the plurality of sensors as input.

Abstract: The present specification describes a drill bit for drilling a cavity. The drill bit may include a chassis, a plurality of gauge pad sets, and at least one gauge pad structure. The chassis may be configured to rotate about an axis. The plurality of gauge pad sets may each include at least one gauge pad. The at least one gauge pad structure may moveably couple at least one of the gauge pads of at least one of the plurality of gauge pad sets with the chassis.

Abstract: This disclosure relates in general to a method and system for controlling a drilling system for drilling a borehole in an earth formation. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for controlling dynamic interactions between the drilling system for drilling the borehole and an inner surface of the borehole being drilled to steer the drilling system to directionally drill the borehole. In another embodiment of the present invention, data regarding the functioning of the drilling system as it drills the borehole may be sensed and interactions between the drilling system for drilling the borehole and an inner surface of the borehole may be controlled in response to the sensed data to control the drilling system as the borehole is being drilled.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring drilling fluid components in real time. One system includes solids control equipment fluidly coupled to a borehole and configured to receive drilling fluid from the borehole, the solids control equipment having a first optical computing device arranged adjacent the inlet and configured to optically interact with the drilling fluid as it enters the solids control equipment and thereby generate a first output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the drilling fluid, a second optical computing device arranged adjacent the outlet and configured to optically interact with the drilling fluid as it exits the solids control equipment and thereby generate a second output signal corresponding to the characteristic of the drilling fluid, and a signal processor communicably coupled to the first and second optical computing devices and configured to receive the first and second output signals and provide a resulting output signal.

Abstract: An implement pose control system and method is provided for a machine. The system and method include determining an actual implement pose having a first actual angle component relative to the first implement rotational axis and a second actual angle component relative to the second implement rotational axis. A desired implement pose may be determined that has first and second desired angle components relative to the first and second implement rotational axes. First and second axis errors may be determined, and the first and second actuators may be automatically operated in response to the error signals.

Abstract: A method for directional drilling of a wellbore includes automatically rotating a drill string having a steerable drilling motor at an end thereof in a first direction so that a measured torque related parameter thereon reaches a first value. The drill string is automatically rotated in a second direction so that the measured torque related parameter reaches a second value lower than the first value. A rate of release of the drill string is automatically controlled so that at least one of selected drilling fluid pressure and a range thereof is maintained.

Abstract: The presence of organosulfur compounds in a substance may make analyses of the substance difficult, particularly in the presence of interfering compounds. Methods for analyzing a substance may comprise: providing a substance comprising an organosulfur compound; optically interacting electromagnetic radiation with the substance and an integrated computational element; and analyzing for the organosulfur compound in the substance using the integrated computational element.

Abstract: A directional drilling tool is provided, which comprises a first end (2) attachable to a drill string, and a second end (4) attachable to a drill bit. A swivel section (6) is provided intermediate the first and second ends (2,4) and has a first swivel member (18) non-rotatably attached to the first end (2) and a second swivel member (20) rotatably coupled to the first swivel member (18) and rotatable relative thereto about a first axis of rotation which is co-axial with a longitudinal axis (LI) of the tool. A first actuator is adapted to selectively rotate the second swivel member (20) about the first axis of rotation.

Abstract: A drilling machine includes a compressor coupled to a prime mover through a hydraulic clutch, wherein the hydraulic clutch is repeatably moveable between engaged and disengaged conditions. The compressor is allowed to provide air and is restricted from providing air in response to the hydraulic clutch being in the engaged and disengaged conditions, respectively. The hydraulic clutch is moveable between the engaged and disengaged conditions during operation of the prime mover.

Abstract: A method for sequencing drill holes for a mobile drill rig is disclosed. The method may include receiving a hole pattern having a plurality of planned holes and generating at least a first group of parallel pathways and a second group of parallel pathways between the plurality of holes of the hole pattern. The first group of pathways may be angled relative to the second group of pathways. The method may also include selecting between the first group of pathways and the second group of pathways based on which group of pathways includes fewer total pathways.

Abstract: A distributed drilling simulation system includes a choke manifold, a high pressure manifold, a blowout preventer console, a choke console, a remote console, a driller console, a teacher console and a graphic projecting unit, wherein the driller console, the remote console, the blowout preventer console, the choke console, the choke manifold, and the high pressure manifold are interconnected through a PPI (processor/peripheral interface) protocol. The teacher console is connected with the PPI protocol through a PPI interface. A communication program and a main control program run on a main control computer and a graphic processing program runs on a graphic computer. The invention has the advantages of realizing high-degree top driving drilling simulation, enhancing the field sense for teaching and training, shortening the training period and reducing the training cost.

Abstract: This disclosure relates in general to a method and system for controlling a drilling system for drilling a borehole in an earth formation. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for controlling dynamic interactions between the drilling system for drilling the borehole and an inner surface of the borehole being drilled to steer the drilling system to directionally drill the borehole. In another embodiment of the present invention, data regarding the functioning of the drilling system as it drills the borehole may be sensed and interactions between the drilling system for drilling the borehole and an inner surface of the borehole may be controlled in response to the sensed data to control the drilling system as the borehole is being drilled.

Abstract: A system includes a valve subassembly configured to be disposed along an internal flowline exit of a first internal flowline within a downhole drilling module. The valve subassembly includes an active valve configured to regulate flow of a fluid through the internal flowline exit and a passive valve configured to be passively controlled based on a differential pressure between a first volume of the downhole drilling module and a second volume surrounding the downhole drilling module.

Abstract: A drill bit direction system and method is disclosed that modifies or biases the stochastic movement of the drill bit to change a drilling direction of a drilling system. The direction of the drill bit is monitored to determine if the direction happens to align in some way with a preferred direction. If the direction isn't close enough to a preferred or desired direction, stochastic motion of the drill bit in the borehole may be controlled and/or motion of the drill bit under a side force acting on the drill bit to direct the drilling may be focused or biased to modify the direction of drilling closer to the preferred direction. Any of a number of stochastic motion control mechanisms or biasing mechanisms can be used. Some embodiments can resort to conventional steering mechanisms to supplement the stochastic motion control or side force biasing mechanisms.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an underbalanced drilling (UBD) expert system that provides underbalanced drilling recommendations, such as best practices. The UBD expert system may include one or more Bayesian decision network (BDN) model that receive inputs and output recommendations based on Bayesian probability determinations. The BDN models may include: a general UBD BDN model, a flow UBD BDN model, a gaseated (i.e., aerated) UBD BDN model, a foam UBD BDN model, a gas (e.g., air or other gases) UBD BDN model, a mud cap UBD BDN model, an underbalanced liner drilling (UBLD) BDN model, an underbalanced coil tube (UBCT) BDN model, and a snubbing and stripping BDN model.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for expert systems for well completion using Bayesian decision networks to determine well completion recommendations. The well completion expert system includes a well completion Bayesian decision network (BDN) model that receives inputs and outputs recommendations based on Bayesian probability determinations. The well completion BDN model includes a treatment fluids section, a packer section, a junction classification section, a perforation section, a lateral completion section, and an open hole gravel packing section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanism to remotely initiate actuation of a device positioned in a borehole. The disclosure includes a magnetically initiated actuation mechanism.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for improved drilling operations through the use of real-time drilling data to predict bit wear, lithology, pore pressure, a rotating friction coefficient, permeability, and cost in real-time and to adjust drilling parameters in real-time based on the predictions. The real-time lithology prediction is made by processing the real-time drilling data through a multilayer neural network. The real-time bit wear prediction is made by using the real-time drilling data to predict a bit efficiency factor and to detect changes in the bit efficiency factor over time. These predictions may be used to adjust drilling parameters in the drilling operation in real-time, subject to override by the operator. The methods and systems may also include determining various downhole hydraulics parameters and a rotary friction factor. Historical data may be used in combination with real-time data to provide expert system assistance and to identify safety concerns.

Abstract: Provided is apparatus for use in resonance enhanced rotary drilling, which apparatus comprises: (i) an upper load-cell for measuring static and dynamic axial loading; (ii) a vibration isolation unit; (iii) optionally an oscillator back mass; (iv) an oscillator for applying axial oscillatory loading to the rotary drill-bit; (v) a vibration transmission unit; (vi) a lower load-cell for measuring static and dynamic axial loading; (vii) a drill-bit connector; and (viii) a drill-bit, wherein the upper load-cell is positioned above the vibration isolation unit and the lower load-cell is positioned between the vibration transmission unit and the drill-bit, and wherein the upper and lower load-cells are connected to a controller in order to provide down-hole closed loop real time control of the oscillator.

Abstract: Predicting a drill string stuck pipe event. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: receiving a plurality of drilling parameters from a drilling operation; applying the plurality of drilling parameters to an ensemble prediction model comprising at least three machine-learning algorithms operated in parallel, each machine-learning algorithm predicting a probability of occurrence of a future stuck pipe event based on at least one of the plurality of drilling parameters, the ensemble prediction model creates a combined probability based on the probability of occurrence of the future stuck pipe event of each machine-learning algorithm; and providing an indication of a likelihood of a future stuck pipe event to a drilling operator, the indication based on the combined probability.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a mining vehicle and a method of moving a boom of a mining vehicle. The boom is provided with several boom joints and there is a mining work device at a distal end of the boom. One or more boom joint positions are determined and stored in a memory medium. A control unit of the mining vehicle may automatically move the boom to a predetermined transport position.

Abstract: A method for aggregating data for a drilling operation. The method includes acquiring the data from a number of data sources associated with the drilling operation, synchronizing a timing of the data for aggregating the data to generate synchronized aggregated data, determining a drilling context based on the synchronized aggregated data, and assigning the determined drilling context to the synchronized aggregated data. The method further includes analyzing the synchronized aggregated data in the drilling context to generate an analysis and presenting the analysis to at least one user.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that enable the removal or reduction of moisture and any other volatile substances within downhole tools. A purging gas can be allowed to flow into the downhole tool, where it begins to interact with and dry the moisture present as well as dilute the gaseous environment therein. Then purging gas then can exit the tool, thereby removing the moisture and any other potentially polluting or corrosive gases in the tool. A vacuum pump and desiccant jar assembly also can be used to further remove moisture from the tool.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a roller cone drill bit including a bit body having at least one support arm extending therefrom, a cone assembly containing bearings or retaining balls and rotatably mounted on a journal extending from each support arm, a lubricant reservoir disposed in each support arm, a lubricant chamber disposed in each support arm and fluidly coupled to the bearings or retaining balls, a bore disposed in each support arm to communicate lubricant between the lubricant reservoir and the lubricant chamber, and a pressure release mechanism disposed within the bore. The pressure release mechanism may be operable to relieve lubricant from the lubricant reservoir into the lubricant chamber when lubricant pressure within the lubricant reservoir exceeds pressure of the lubricant in the lubricant chamber. According to another embodiment, the disclosure relates to methods of relieving lubricant in such a bit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for precisely controlling the rotation of a drill string. A sensor monitors the rotation of the drill string and transmits the rotational information to a computer. The computer controls the rotation of the motor driving the drill string and rotates the drill string through an angle input by the operator. The computer may also utilize the sensor's rotational information to oscillate the drill string between two predetermined angles. The computer may also receive orientation information from a downhole tool sensor. The downhole tool information may be combined with the rotational information to enable the computer to accurately reorient the downhole tool.