Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling drilling operations include using a statistical model to identify at least two controllable drilling parameters having significant correlation to one or more drilling performance measurements. The methods and systems further generate operational recommendations for at least two controllable drilling parameters based at least in part on the statistical model. The operational recommendations are selected to optimize one or more drilling performance measurements.

Abstract: A drill string suitable for use in directional drilling of a borehole, comprising a rotatable shaft at the leading end of which is a drill bit, and wherein the shaft comprises a variable friction inducing member, which provides rotational friction by physical contact with an inside face of the borehole, the friction inducing member being arranged to exert a first rotational frictional force when the shaft in the vicinity of the member is substantially rotating and a second rotational frictional force when the shaft in the vicinity of the member is substantially not rotating, wherein the first rotational frictional force is less than the second rotational frictional force.

Abstract: A rotary steerable drilling tool with an electromagnetic steering system can include a drill collar, a bit shaft, an orientation control module, a mud tube, a mud tube coupler, a universal joint, a mud sealing device, and a drill bit. The bit shaft can be mechanically coupled to the drill collar through the universal joint and the orientation control module and rotate about the universal joint. The orientation and the inclination angle of the bit shaft against the drill collar can be controlled by the orientation control module with the electromagnetic steering system. The orientation control module can include an array of electromagnets, an array of permanent magnets, a rotor, and a set of bearings. The orientation control module can be coupled to the bit shaft through the rotor. The movement of the rotor can be driven by the interaction between the array of electromagnets and the array of permanent magnets.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are used in conjunction with a system for performing horizontal directional drilling, the system including a drill string extending from a drill rig to a boring tool such that the boring tool is steerable based on a roll orientation. The system also includes an arrangement for generating steering commands for guiding the boring tool to a target position. Responsive at least in part to the steering commands, a display is configured to selectively indicate each of a rotate command, a push command and a spin command. A steering indicator is described which indicates a current roll orientation of the boring tool. A 3-D grid can be animated and centered on either a steering or target indicator. Rounding of a steering command ratio can limit the display of target roll orientations to only those that a given boring tool transmitter is capable of sensing and indicating.

Abstract: A rotary steerable drilling system includes a gear box driven by a driveshaft having an input rotatable in a first direction and an output rotatable in an opposite direction. An output of the gear box has a first axis of rotation, and a rotatable tubular bit sleeve annularly arranged around a distal portion of the driveshaft is pivotable to have a second axis of rotation and includes a connector assembly on a distal end of the bit sleeve for coupling the bit sleeve to a drill bit. A spherical CV joint couples the bit sleeve to the drive-shaft, eccentric cams are movably positioned on the driveshaft, a differential gearing system is connected to the eccentric cams, and a pressure applying device is connected to the eccentric cams. When activated, the pressure applying device applies pressure to modify the speed of rotation of the eccentric cams. A method of rotary steerable drilling is disclosed.

Abstract: A wearable stabilizer pad and method of directionally drilling a wellbore is disclosed. The wearable stabilizer pad is mounted on a component of a bottom hole assembly. The component of the bottom hole assembly is rotated in the wellbore thereby wearing the stabilizer at a predetermined wear rate by contacting the wellbore wall. Wearing of the stabilizer at the predetermined wear rate as it rotates and contacts the wellbore wall steers the bottom hole assembly in a curve portion of the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lift system comprising a drum that rotates about an axis, a drive mechanism operable to rotate the drum about the axis, an elongate member (e.g., a cable) having a wound portion wound around the drum and a vertical portion extending downward to the article being lifted, and a low profile adjuster for adjusting a vertical length of the elongate member. The low profile adjuster comprises a first guide adapted to support the article to be lifted and including a first pathway, and a second guide movable relative to the first guide. The elongate member transitions from the vertical portion, through the first pathway to a non-vertical (e.g., horizontal) portion, and to the second guide. Adjustment of a distance between the first guide and the second guide results in adjustment of a vertical position of the first guide relative to the elongate member.

Abstract: Processes and systems for drilling a borehole wherein a gravitational energy term, a torsional energy term, a hydraulic energy term and a hydromechanical specific energy which is the sum thereof may be determined using real-time data and compared against corresponding setpoints. The hydraulic energy term may include a hydraulic energy reduction factor so as to account for the distance between the fluid nozzle of the drill bit and the rock and may include the kinematic viscosity of drilling fluid. One or more drilling parameters, such as weight on bit, revolutions per minute, drilling fluid flow rate, or combinations thereof, may be adjusted based upon such comparison to approximate the least amount of energy required to destroy and remove a given unit volume of rock. The setpoints may be changed manually or automatically at the direction of the user.

Abstract: Air compressor systems, upgrade kits, computer readable medium, and methods for controlling an air compressor for improved performance. The methods may include receiving a working air requirement; determining an estimated air pressure of the air compressor to deliver the working air requirement; measuring a pressure of the air compressor; comparing the measured pressure with the calculated estimated air pressure; if the measured pressure of the air compressor is greater than the determined estimated air pressure by a predetermined greater amount, then decreasing an output control of the air compressor; and if the measured pressure of the air compressor is less than the calculated estimated air pressure by a predetermined lesser amount then increasing the output control of the air compressor. The air compressor may be controlled based on a measured pressure of delivered working air. An oil control system may shut off oil to parts of the air compressor.

Abstract: Integrated methods and systems for optimizing drilling related operations include global search engines and local search engines to find an optimal value for at least one controllable drilling parameter, and decision trees to select algorithms such as between learning mode algorithms and application mode algorithms for generating operational recommendations based on the results from global and local search engines. The operational recommendations are used to optimize the objective function, mitigate dysfunctions, and improve drilling efficiency.

Abstract: A system for forming a subsurface wellbore includes a rack and pinion system including a chuck drive system. The chuck drive system operates a drilling string. An automatic position control system includes at least one measurement sensor coupled to the rack and pinion system. The automatic position control system controls the rack and pinion system to determine a position of the drilling string.

Abstract: A drill bit for use in drilling a borehole is described that includes a body including a side, face section and a passage in the body. The drill bit further includes a rubbing member disposed in the face section and configured to control a depth of cut for the drill bit, wherein the rubbing member comprises a thermally responsive material in thermal communication with the passage configured to control a position of the rubbing member with respect to the face section.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and program product facilitate the automation of an oil & gas process, e.g., a drilling process, through the use of a dynamic phase machine incorporating multiple autonomous agents. A master plan may be queried during the performance of an oil & gas drilling process, e.g., by a drilling automation system and/or agents registered therewith, to provide data associated with the oil & gas drilling process and thereby assist the drilling automation system with implementing the process.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling rock drilling with a percussion device belonging to a rock drill to deliver stress waves to rock through a tool by pushing the tool against the rock by means of a feed motor and rotating simultaneously the tool by means of a rotation motor, whereby the maximum feed force is determined, pressure medium is supplied to the feed motor and to the rotation motor and the feed force is controlled according to the drilling conditions. The feed force is controlled on the basis of the feed speed and the rotation torque. The apparatus has a load control valve which controls the feed.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for controlling slide drilling on a drilling rig are described. The methods include detecting current differential pressure of a mud motor and/or weight on bit (WOB) at a surface of a borehole, predicting current reactive torque of the mud motor based on the current differential pressure and/or WOB, and automatically adjusting surface torque and/or angular offset of a tubular adjacent the surface to counteract the current reactive torque and to keep the mud motor at a desired toolface orientation in the borehole.

Abstract: A downhole intelligent reamer controller detects the difference between rotary drilling and sliding drilling, responds appropriately and quickly to multiple changes between rotary drilling and sliding drilling that may occur several times each stand of pipe. Additional controls prevent deployment of reamer members at inappropriate times such as when drilling out cement, testing, and running in and out of the wellbore. In one embodiment, a separate modular control sub is disclosed that may be utilized with and/or removably secured to an expandable reamer and/or other types of downhole tools.

Abstract: A multi purpose hoisting device for use on a floating vessel having a deck, including: a load bearing structure to be mounted on the vessel; a main hoisting mechanism for raising/lowering an object above the deck and including: at least one main hoisting winch; an upper cable pulley block supported by the load bearing structure; a travelling cable pulley block; a main hoisting cable associated with the at least one main hoisting winch and passed over pulleys of the upper cable pulley block and of the travelling pulley block in a multiple fall configuration, such that the travelling cable pulley block is moveable relative to the load bearing structure by using the at least one main hoisting winch; a main hoist heave compensation mechanism associated with the main hoisting cable for damping the effect of sea-state induced motion of the vessel onto an object supported by the main hoisting cable.

Abstract: An automatic drilling system includes a top drive comprising a proximity sensor disposed in a housing thereof. A portion of the top drive is coupled to elevators through load transfer springs such that axial loading applied to the elevators results in relative movement between a link load collar and a load ring. A proximity sensor is mounted such that the relative movement results in a change in signal output thereof. A processor is in signal communication with the proximity sensor and is configured to operate a drive shaft motor. The processor is configured to disable rotation of the motor when the relative movement is indicative of axial loading on the elevators.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the weight on a drill bit and axial forces along a drill string drilling though an earthen formation. The apparatus comprising an LVDT incorporated into a torsional bearing of a magneto-rheological damping system such that the LVDT senses the relative displacement and accelerations between a bearing mandrel portion and a bearing casing portion of the torsional damper. The LVDT is calibrated with respect to a spring in the damping system that resists relative motion between the bearing mandrel and bearing casing such that the output of the LVDT can be transformed into the force associated with the weight on the drill bit, and the same LVDT accelerations combined with the mass distribution along the drill string to determine axial stresses.

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 drilling system comprises a drilling parameter sensor in communication with a sensor application 22 that generates processed data from raw data that is received from the drilling parameter sensor. A process application 24 is in communication with the sensor application 22 and generates an instruction based on the processed data. A priority controller is in communication with the process application 24 and evaluates the instruction for release to an equipment controller 14 that then issues the instruction to one or more drilling components.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling a borehole into an earth formation includes: a drill bit configured to be rotated to drill into the formation; a drill tubular coupled to the drill bit and configured to rotate the drill bit; a steering device coupled to the drill string and configured to impart a force on the drill string to control a direction of drilling; and a controller configured to communicate a control signal to the steering device. The control signal includes information for directing actuation of the steering device for steering the drill bit in an intended drilling direction. The controller is further configured to direct the steering device to provide a compensating force on the drill string that prevents or reduces an azimuthal deviation from the intended drilling direction due to drill bit walking.

Abstract: In one aspect, a drill bit is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a bit body and a pad that extends from a retracted position to an extended position from a bit surface at a first rate and retracts from the extended position to a retracted position at a second rate that is less than the first rate.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for rotating a drill string to overcome issues related to static friction during drilling. An embodiment includes a drive system configured to rotate the drill string through variable angular displacements and at variable rotation speeds based on control signals received by the drive system, and a control system configured transmit the control signals to the drive system, wherein the control system is configured to generate the control signals based on pipe characteristics within the drill string and friction values associated with the drill string to establish a rotation pattern of the drive system to approach a desired effective reach of surface torque generated by the drive system on the drill string.

Abstract: A position and velocity measuring tool for use on a top drive of a drilling rig having a variable frequency drive connected to an electric motor and power supply. The position and velocity measuring tool further has a processor connected to the variable frequency drive and a data storage and computer instructions for presenting an operator directional drilling steering system dashboard with numerous visual components which creates and uses a virtual encoder eliminating a failure point of a mechanical encoder.

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 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 method of controlling a downhole operation includes: deploying a work string into a wellbore, the work string comprising a deployment string and a bottomhole assembly (BHA); digitally marking a depth of the BHA; and using the digital mark to perform the downhole operation.

Abstract: A method of drilling a subterranean bore hole comprising a) pumping a drilling fluid down a drill string, the drill string having a drill bit at an end thereof, b) rotating the drill string about its longitudinal axis to that the bit forms bore hole in the ground, the method further comprising the steps of: c) changing the rate of pumping of the drilling fluid into the drill string in response to a change in the speed of rotation of the drill string, and/or changing the speed of rotation of the drill string in response to a change in the rate of pumping of the drilling fluid into the drill string.

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: A method for directional control of a drilling system, having steps of using an inclination and azimuth hold system to develop a path to be followed by the drilling system, wherein the inclination and azimuth hold system calculates an inclination angle of a tool face and an azimuth angle of the tool, generating a set point attitude to establish the path to be followed by the drilling system and controlling the drilling system to drill along the path obtained by the inclination and azimuth hold system.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic weight-on-bit sensor calibration is described. Embodiments of the invention automatically compensate the measurements of a weight-on-bit sensor based on one or more of mass, hole inclination, buoyancy, drag, and mud flow, resulting in a more accurate axial force measurement below the weight-on-bit sensor at various hole inclinations. This measurement is observed by removing some of the effects masking the actual force being applied to the axial face of the drill bit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for drilling to a target location include a control system that receives an input comprising a planned drilling path to a target location and determines a projected location of a bottom hole assembly of a drilling system. The projected location of the bottom hole assembly is compared to the planned drilling path to determine a deviation amount. A modified drilling path is created to the target location as selected based on the amount of deviation from the planned drilling path, and drilling rig control signals that steer the bottom hole assembly of the drilling system to the target location along the modified drilling path are generated to intersect the planned drilling path if the amount of deviation from the planned path exceeds a first threshold amount of deviation.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a system providing automatic and manual control of a brake lever on band brake drawworks of a wellbore drilling rig. The system comprises a pneumatic cylinder attached to the brake lever; and a control means in fluid communication with the pneumatic cylinder, the control means being operationally configured to run the pneumatic cylinder in response to information obtained by the control means concerning one or more drilling parameters and operationally configured to disable the pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: A system and a method manage and use data related to a wellbore or a drill string. The system and the method may provide remote access to tools in a drill string using a network. In addition, the tools have access to the data. In a disclosed embodiment, the tools are able to automatically access the data needed to optimize or improve function of the tools.

Abstract: A system and method for the drilling of ground holes by a track steer drill rig including a drilling arrangement that permits the speed of drilling holes to be balanced against the stability of the hole thus formed.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for automatic control of the drilling an oil well. The system includes an autodrilling interface enabling parameter input data to be input and enabling the display of system output data, a controller, a hydraulic control system and at least one sensor configured to the hydraulic control system. The controller receives parameter input data from the autodrilling interface and at least one sensor and provides output instructions to the hydraulic control system such that the hydraulic control system operates to control drilling based on controller instructions and sensor data.

Abstract: A method for automated drilling of a borehole in a subsurface formation includes drilling the borehole using a set of drilling control variables assigned a set of values. An automated drilling index of the drilling is monitored. The automated drilling index of the drilling is a combination of a first index that depends on a rate of penetration of the drilling and a second index that depends on a mechanical specific energy of the drilling. The values assigned to the set of drilling control variables are selectively adjusted at least once during the drilling based on the monitoring of the automated drilling index.

Abstract: A method of automatically picking up a drill bit off the bottom of an opening in a subsurface formation, comprises a) setting a predetermined level of differential pressure across a mud motor at which pickup of the drill bit is to be initiated; b) monitoring the differential pressure across the mud motor; c) allowing differential pressure across the mud motor to decrease to the predetermined level; and d) when the predetermined level is reached, automatically picking up the drill bit.

Abstract: A method of automatically placing a drill bit used to form an opening in a subsurface formation on a bottom of the opening being formed comprises a) increasing a flow rate in a drill string to a target flow; b) controlling a flow rate of fluid into the drill string to be substantially the same as a flowrate of fluid out of the opening; c) allowing a fluid pressure to reach a relatively steady state; and d) automatically moving the drill bit toward the bottom of the opening at a selected rate of advance until an increase in measured differential pressure indicates that the drill bit is at the bottom of the opening.

Abstract: Method, system, and apparatus for evaluating drilling accuracy performance in drilling a wellbore that can include: (1) monitoring an actual toolface orientation of a tool, e.g., a downhole steerable motor, by monitoring a drilling operation parameter indicative of a difference between the actual toolface orientation and a toolface advisory; (2) recording the difference between the actual toolface orientation and the toolface advisory; and (3) scoring the difference between the actual toolface orientation and the toolface advisory.

Abstract: A system for optimizing a rate-of-penetration of a drill string includes a plurality of sensors in operable communication with the drill string and a controller in operable communication with the plurality of sensors. The controller is connectable to a downhole active vibration control device and capable of outputting a signal to the downhole active vibration control device for optimizing the rate-of-penetration of the drill string.

Abstract: Processes and systems for drilling a borehole wherein a gravitational energy term, a torsional energy term, a hydraulic energy term and a hydromechanical specific energy which is the sum thereof may be determined using real-time data and compared against corresponding setpoints. The hydraulic energy term may include a hydraulic energy reduction factor so as to account for the distance between the fluid nozzle of the drill bit and the rock and may include the kinematic viscosity of drilling fluid. One or more drilling parameters, such as weight on bit, revolutions per minute, drilling fluid flow rate, or combinations thereof, may be adjusted based upon such comparison to approximate the least amount of energy required to destroy and remove a given unit volume of rock. The setpoints may be changed manually or automatically at the direction of the user.

Abstract: An anti-stall tool in an oil well drilling assembly that controls reciprocation of the drill bit by a controller that alters weight-on-bit (WOB) depending upon measured downhole pressure or torque at the downhole motor. The controller receives preset high and low working pressure limits for the downhole motor and keeps the drill bit rotating by maintaining WOB during normal drilling operations, increasing WOB if sensed working pressure indicates that drill bit loading or torque is undesirably low, and reversing WOB by retracting the drill bit if excessive working pressure or torque is sensed.

Abstract: A drill string suitable for use in directional drilling of a borehole, comprising a rotatable shaft at the leading end of which is a drill bit, and wherein the shaft comprises a variable friction inducing member, which provides rotational friction by physical contact with an inside face of the borehole, the friction inducing member being arranged to exert a first rotational frictional force when the shaft in the vicinity of the member is substantially rotating and a second rotational frictional force when the shaft in the vicinity of the member is substantially not rotating, wherein the first rotational frictional force is less than the second rotational frictional force.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus includes a tubular body including an upper connection and a lower connection with a drill bit disposed thereon, and an axial borehole therethrough, wherein the upper connection is configured to attach to a drillstring, primary cutter blocks coupled to the tubular body and configured to selectively expand radially therefrom. The drilling apparatus further includes backup cutter blocks coupled to the tubular body and configured to selectively expand radially therefrom, and an activation system configured to selectively expand and collapse the primary and backup cutter blocks in response to changes in weight applied to the primary and backup cutter blocks.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling a load on a downhole component of a well drilling system is disclosed. The system includes: a downhole tool disposed in a drillstring and configured to be movable within a borehole, the drillstring configured to allow a drilling fluid to be advanced therethrough and into the borehole; at least one sensor disposed within the downhole tool for in-situ measurement of at least one physicochemical property of an environment surrounding the downhole tool; and a processor configured to monitor the at least one physicochemical property and at least one of i) provide physicochemical property information to a user during a drilling/steering operation, ii) adjust a load on the downhole component based on the environment information and iii) shut down the system in response to a detection of a measured physicochemical property beyond a selected threshold.

Abstract: Control system (40) for a machine for digging and/or drilling earth, wherein the machine for digging and/or drilling earth (10) comprises a digging head (11) arranged to dig the soil, a flexible load-bearing element (12) arranged to support the digging head (11) during normal operation, at least a first (13) and a second winch (14), each of which in turn comprises a drum (32, 33) about which at least part of the flexible load-bearing element (12) can be wound, and a motor (30, 31) arranged to actuate the drum (32, 33); the control system (40) has an electronic control unit (43) adapted for controlling the movement of the winches (13,14), and velocity sensor means arranged in each branch of load-bearing cable (12) coming out from the winches (13,14) adapted for monitoring the movement of such a load-bearing cable.

Abstract: A drilling rig having a top drive has a pipe gripper with a mandrel having an upper end for connection to and rotation with a drive string extending downward from the top drive. The pipe gripper has gripping elements that move radially into engagement with a string of pipe. A pull-down mechanism is mounted to the rig and secured to a non-rotating portion of the pipe gripper for exerting a downward force on the mandrel. A sensor is operatively coupled to the top drive to sense weight being supported by the top drive. A controller is linked to the sensor and the pull-down mechanism for controlling the downward force exerted on the mandrel by the pull-down mechanism in response to the weight sensed by the sensor.

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.