Abstract: An earth boring apparatus for driving a boring tool, the tool having a head for penetrating the earth and a longitudinally extending rotary drive shaft (15) for advancing the head. A carriage (18) is mounted to support frame (10) for advancing movement so as to advance and retract the drive shaft (15) and head. A drive shaft extension can be fitted between the carriage (18) and the drive shaft (15) thereby extending the effective length of the drive shaft (15). The apparatus includes a shaft engaging member (40) associated with the frame (10) and selectively operative to engage the shaft (15) having the head thereon and to inhibit rotation thereof thereby enabling the carriage (18) to be retracted and the drive shaft extension to be fitted between the carriage (18) and the shaft (15).

Abstract: Maximum rate of drill bit penetration in high speed coring is achieved by precise control of bit weight and bit speed. The automatic drilling system of this invention makes it possible to quickly reach and maintain this optimum combination or "sweet-point" each time the core bit is started. The required speed and weight is input into the system by the operator. A controller electronically senses the bit weight and provides instantaneous feedback to a hydraulically driven drawworks which is capable of maintaining a precise weight on the bit throughout varying penetration modes. The drilling system uses a combination of equipment that includes a hydraulic system for the control of the drawworks; a solid-state strain gauge load cell apparatus built into the swivel assembly for continuously weighing the drill string; an electronic load control circuitry for determining the bit weight, drill string weight, and for maintaining the bit weight control; and, a top drive system for high speed rotation of the string.

Abstract: The invention relates to the braking, by means of a control lever, of the winch of a derrick equipped with a band brake and located away from the lever. The lever and the band brake are included in a servo-control circuit and connected by an electric transmission line. A force return is provided on the lever by means of a torque motor receiving the position error signal relative to the mobile end of the band in relation to the control value position given by the lever.

Abstract: A system for directional drilling and related method of use is described herein which utilizes a drillstring suspended within a wellbore with an MWD and downhole turbine or motor connected adjacent a drill bit on a lower end of the drillstring, and with a top drive and/or rotary table connected adjacent an upper end of the drillstring. Within the method, desired limits of drilling associated parameters are inputted into a memory associated with a programmable digital computer. While drilling the wellbore, transmitted values of the drilling associated parameters are inputted into the memory. If the transmitted values are outsude of the desired limits, necessary adjustments are calculated and then made to weight-on-bit (WOB), RPM and/or drillstring azimuthal orientation to bring the transmitted values within the desired limits.

Abstract: The invention relates to the monitoring of the drilling operations of a well using a drill bit mounted at the end of a drill string, which can be taken up by the travelling block of a lifting gear installed in a derrick, in order to permit the addition or removal of members from the drill string. By measurement with the aid of sensors associated with the lifting gear and connected to a processing unit, the altitude and the hook load of the travelling block, it is possible to plot the curve, form which it is possible to deduce information concernig the structure and the behavior of the well being drilled.

Abstract: A method of and an arrangement for controlling rock drilling when a feeding beam (3) is displaced so that the forward end thereof makes contact with a rock surface to be drilled. The arrangement comprises a displacing device for displacing the feeding beam in the longitudinal direction thereof and a control device for controlling the operation of the displacing device. The control means comprise a control element which is mounted at the forward end of the feeding beam (3) so that when the feeding beam is displaced in the longitudinal direction, the control element is the first to make contact with the rock surface. The control element is connected to stop the operation of the displacing device of the feeding beam (3) when it hits the rock surface.

Abstract: An automatic sewer rodding machine having a carriage mounted storage reel rotatably driven by a hydraulic drive. A rod feed system also mounted on the carriage has a hydraulic drive to feed sewer cleaning rod out and back. An automatic rod feed reversing system senses resistance to rod movement and automatically reverses rod travel for a predetermined time period. After the period times out rod travel is restored to normal operation. The automatic reversing system continuously cycles the sewer cleaning rod into an obstruction in a sewer line until it is cleared. Switch selection of normal or reverse automatic rod feed or entirely manual operation is provided.

Abstract: A programmed automatic drill control for optimizing the drilling of subterranean holes by large drilling machinery such as blast hole drills. Sensing means are provided to sense a first set of drilling parameter limits to effect maximum r.p.m. of the motor to rotate the pipe drilling bit and to sense a second set of drilling parameter limits to effect a maximum rate for the motor to drive the hoist pull-down mechanism. These conditions will prevail until a sensed limit is reached or the drilling conditions require operation along a torque or force limit set value. When a limit is reached, the control will regulate at a value of r.p.m. or rate which is consistent with maintaining operation at the limit value.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring the stretch of a wire line used in well drilling operations by first measuring the amount of stretch in the deadline by measuring rotation of the dead sheave which supports the deadline, and multiplying the length of the wire line by the ratio of the amount of elastic stretch in the deadline to the length of the deadline. Equipment depth in the well is determined by measuring the movement of the wire line and applying a correction for the wire line stretch. If desired, a correction can also be applied for any errors in the split block separation. The ratio of the amount of stretch in the deadline to the length of the deadline may be employed to provide measurement of the hookload on the traveling block.

Abstract: A method of apparatus for controlling in a wellbore the force applied to a rotating drill bit of the type having fluid circulating through an opening in the lower end thereof. One aspect of the method comprises sensing the torque in the drill bit and varying the flow of the circulating fluid through the drill bit responsive to the torque. Apparatus is provided for maintaining constant torque in the drill bit by varying the fluid flow through the bit, which varies in turn the weight applied to the bit and therefore bit torque.

Abstract: A method for optimizing percussive drilling, especially rock drilling, in which method the operation of the drilling device is adjusted for a desired drilling result to be obtained. According to the invention, a stress wave created in a drill rod as a result of a stroke is measured and the drilling device is adjusted on the basis of the measured stress wave. The adjusting is carried out e.g. by means of the damping rate or the spectrum of the measured stress wave or the shape of the stress wave and/or the energy fed by the different portions thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining complete loading on a drill bit at the end of a drill string in a borehole employ at least three rosette strain gauges uniformly disposed on an instrument sub to measure torque and axial force on the sub, two bending moments in mutually perpendicular directions, and two shear forces in mutually perpendicular directions. These measurements are used to obtain torque on bit, weight on bit, two side forces on the bit normal to each other, and two bending moments on the bit normal to each other which, in turn, can be used to control the bit movement.

Abstract: An automatic drilling control system is disclosed for a conventional drilling apparatus and rig having a drill line rolled up or fed off the drum during drilling by the engine and extending through a crown block and traveling block to a fixed point providing a dead line. The crown block and traveling block form a pulley system for supporting a drill pipe during drilling. A weight indicator gauge on the drilling console is hydraulically actuated from a pressure sensor connected to the dead line. A conventional brake drum controls the rate of feed out of the drill line to determine the tension of the dead line. A double-acting, fluid-actuated cylinder and piston connected to the brake handle positively move it to control the brake force on the drum. A three-way electric solenoid valve controls the application of pressurized fluid selectively to the piston in response to a pressure transducer in the hydraulic line from the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the rotational torque of a drill bit powered by a downhole motor. The downhole motor is suspended from a hydraulic ram at the lower end of a string of drill pipe. A torque sensor detects the reactive torque in the downhole motor during drilling. In response to the detected torque level, pressurized drilling fluid from the downhole motor is provided to the hydraulic ram thereby varying the weight applied to the drill bit in order to maintain a constant torque level.

Abstract: A dirigible drilling head is provided with a hydraulic pulser in its rotating inner tube in the form of a spindle piston which can obstruct the flushing medium passage and is displaced by a hydraulic circuit including a hydraulic valve. The hydraulic valve is in turn actuated by a miniature electronic circuit so that a variety of input parameters from respective sensors can be delivered to the circuit and transformed into respective hydraulic pulses which are monitored by a differential pressure pickup connected to the line feeding the flushing liquid to the string.

Abstract: A rock drilling apparatus for drilling with high pressure hydraulic jet including a rock drill body (11), a drill tool (12) coupled to said body (11) and a feeding device (15) with a motor (16) for feeding said body and tool to and fro the working face. The drilling tool (12) has an inner rotating tube (40) with a high pressure nozzle body (41) at the nose thereof and an outer tube (42) surrounding said inner tube (40). Said outer tube (42) is provided with a hard metal collar (61) at the front end for protecting the nozzle body (41) and for calibration of the drill hole size. A sensing device including a pressure operated switch 73 and an adjustable time relay (83) is adapted for sensing the feed resistance met by said collar (61) and causing said feed motor (16) to retract said drill body (11) and tool (12) when a preset value of the resistance is exceeded.

Abstract: The invention pertains to tensioners for maintaining a load between two relatively movable structures, such as an offshore drill ship or the like and a riser pipe. First and second tensioner bodies are mounted for relative reciprocation, and are further functionally interconnected with the first and second offshore structures respectively. Relative movement of the offshore structures tends to cause corresponding relative reciprocation of the tensioner bodies. A force is applied between the tensioner bodies tending to reciprocate them in a first directional mode and thereby supporting the offshore riser pipe with respect to the offshore support structure. A balancing chamber cooperative between the tensioner bodies communicates with a source of pressurized fluid for resisting reciprocation of the tensioner bodies in the first directional mode, but includes an outlet for egress of the pressurized fluid to permit such reciprocation under controlled conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of automatic drilling with an in-hole motor particularly of the turbine type. The invention relates to apparatus and process by which the draw works responsive to a signal generated by an in-hole tachometer in the form of a train of pulses of period responsive to the rpm of the motor is sensed by a pressure transducer which generates a signal which is responsive to the rpm of the motor telemetrically in the form of the train of pulses. The signal is converted into a pressure applied to the brake of the draw works driven to hold the tension on the drilling lines and thus holds the rpm of the motor substantially consistant. In the best mode disclosed, this is accomplished by producing an electrical signal responsive to the train of pulses and storing said signal between pulses and generating a pneumatic pressure responsive to the stored signal and applying a force to said driver responsive to said last named pressure.

Abstract: The invention comprises generally apparatus for use with an underground mine-shaft roof-bolting machine having a torque motor, a pinning rod held for rotation by the torque motor, a controllable arrangement for exerting upward thrust on the torque motor to force the pinning rod upwardly into the roof of a mine shaft, and a manual control for the upward thrust arrangement. An infrared source is held stationary with respect to the rod, and a detector moves upwardly with the rod. The detector receives radiation from the source and emits a signal which varies in accordance with the source to detector distance. This signal is used to control the upward thrust applied to the torque motor in accordance with the length of a pinning rod exposed below the roof being bolted. In one embodiment, the detector produces a signal based on the intensity of the received light.

Abstract: A motion compensator for disposition between an offshore support structure and an offshore well structure movable with respect thereto comprises a compensator assembly interconnected with the support structure and the well structure such that relative movement between said structures will cause movement within the compensator assembly, and a position indicator including a cam assembly for measuring the relative movement within the compensator assembly, and a transducer operatively associated with the cam assembly for translating its measurements into a signal.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for preventing runaway lowering of a hook block in an oil drilling rig characterized by monitoring the instantaneous values of hook load and speed and using these values together with parameters associated with the rig drawworks to calculate an energy value which must be dissipated during a braking stop by the drawworks brake. The brake or an emergency brake associated with the drawworks is automatically actuated when the calculated energy value reaches a predetermined value representative of the maximum energy absorbing capability of the brake. The brake may also be automatically activated when the position of the hook block reaches predetermined upper and lower limits.

Abstract: A method of and a system for laying a pipe underground wherein a head attached to the leading end of the pipe to be laid underground is caused to move in vibratory movement while a propelling force is exerted on the rear end of the pipe to obtain penetration of the earth by the pipe. While the head is forced to move ahead by the propelling force exerted on the rear end of the pipe, the vibration of the head is measured. When the vibration drops in magnitude, the propelling force is decreased to reduce the speed at which the head is forced to move ahead; so as to cause restoration of the vibration to the original level, and when the vibration rises, the propelling force is increased to increase the speed at which the head is forced to move ahead.

Abstract: A device for disabling the draw works of a well drilling apparatus responsive to the locking of the drill string by a blow out prevention device. The device comprises an air-actuated valve connected for regulating the flow of air to the air-actuated clutch of the draw works. A second valve regulates the flow of pressurized air to the air actuated valve. The second valve is responsive to the actuation of the blow out prevention device by an accumulator valve.

Abstract: The invention comprises generally apparatus for use with an underground mine-shaft roof-bolting machine having a torque motor, a pinning rod held for rotation by the torque motor, a controllable arrangement for exerting upward thrust on the torque motor to force the pinning rod upwardly into the roof of a mine shaft, and a manual control for the upward thrust arrangement. The invention utilizes a light beam to detect buckling of the pinning rod and to disable the upward thrust arrangement.

Abstract: A system for automatic control of a rotary drill comprises a unit for computing the value of drilling tool penetration per single revolution, said unit connected with its inputs to respective transducers and with its output--to an element for comparison of the current value of drilling tool penetration per single revolution thereof with the preset value of such penetration. The preset value of drilling tool penetration is computed by computer means connected with its inputs to respective transducers and to setters of input parameters. With its outputs, the computer means is connected to the element for comparison of the current value of drilling tool penetration per single revolution thereof with the preset value of such penetration, to regulators of drilling tool axial load and rotation frequency and to an element for comparison of the current value of specific drillability of the rock being drilled with the preset value of specific drillability.

Abstract: A recoil system and method for supporting a marine riser which is extended from offshore well head equipment to a floating platform are disclosed. The purpose of the recoil system is to prevent a violent collisin of the riser with the platform when the riser becomes separated from the well head equipment during a planned or an emergency disconnect operation. Upon disconnection of the riser from the well head equipment, the lifting force applied to the riser is reduced to a predetermined lower level and the riser is retracted to an elevated position above the well head equipment to permit unobstructed excursions of the riser. A variable lifting force is applied to the riser to maintain the riser substantially in equilibrium in the retracted position as the floating platform heaves relative to the riser in response to wave action.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for displacing a crane lift hook and hook cable to follow the relative vertical motion between a crane and a loading deck such as occurs between floating vessels and a fixed crane. In the method, the hook cable is paid out or reeled in to maintain the hook a substantially constant distance from the deck in order to facilitate loading or unloading of cargo from the hook. The apparatus for achieving the method includes a vertically displaceable sheave over which the lift cable is reeved, a power ram to displace the sheave, and motive means operating the power ram. Preferably, the power ram is subjected to a constant upward pneumatic force to provide at least a portion of the force for displacing the moveable sheave upwardly to reel in the cable, such as in response to an upward heave of the deck relative to the crane.

Abstract: A searching method for optimizing the rate of penetration of a drill into a given medium based upon the two drilling parameters of thrust and speed of revolution. Preset base values of both parameters are input into the drilling control mechanism at the start of the process. Thereafter, based upon readings from an automatic penetration rate calculator, incremental changes are automatically made to one of the parameters, the other being held constant, until a maximized rate of penetration is established. Subsequently, the other parameter, previously held constant, is changed until a new maximized penetration rate is found. This optimized penetration rate searching is continuously and automatically effected until the drilling process is completed. The method additionally provides for the allowance of a wait period between successive incremental changes for accommodating response times of the system as well as instabilities which may occur as the result of nonlinear process dynamics.

Abstract: Apparatus for drilling a well at a location submerged below a body of water includes a buoyant foundation structure. The foundation structure is floatable on the surface of the body of water and is subject to vertical motion in response to waves and the like. A riser handling and tensioning mechanism is mounted to the foundation structure and is operable for moving a riser pipe along a substantially vertical line from and to the foundation into and out of connection with the submerged location. The riser handling and tensioning mechanism is also operable for applying tension to a riser pipe connected to the submerged location. The handling and tensioning mechanism includes vertically disposed hydraulic rams mounted to the foundation structure. Holding means are releasably engageable with a riser pipe adjacent its upper end and are connected to the rams for movement along the riser line by the rams.

Abstract: An apparatus employed in the searching of the optimized rate of penetration of a drill into a given medium based upon the two drilling parameters of thrust and speed of revolution. Preset base values of both parameters are input into the drilling control mechanism at the start of drilling. Thereafter, based upon readings from an automatic penetration rate calculator, the apparatus effects automatic incremental changes to one of the parameters, the other being held constant, until a maximized rate of penetration is established. Subsequently, the other parameter, previously held constant, is changed until a new maximized penetration rate is found. This optimized penetration rate searching is continuously and automatically effected until the drilling process is completed. The apparatus additionally provides for the allowance of a wait period between successive incremental changes for accommodating response times of the system as well as instabilities which may occur as the result of nonlinear process dynamics.

Abstract: A device for facilitating directional drilling of small diameter holes radially of a mine long hole comprising a segmented sleeve for movement through a guide channel in a main drill unit. A small bit is driven by a flexible shaft which passes through the segmented sleeve. The segmented sleeve remains partially in the guide channel and extends partially out of the guide channel in a straight line from the guide channel. The segments are joined in a manner permitting a 90.degree. turn in the guide channel but allowing no curvature in the portion of the segmented sleeve extending from the guide channel.

Abstract: Apparatus for compensating for variations in the distance between an object or load suspended by a string of rods from a floating support or vessel and the sea floor therebelow so as to control the movement of the object or load with respect to the sea floor. There is both active and passive compensation provided by respective cylinder and piston assemblies associated with pressure accumulators. The passive compensation acts like spring. The active cylinder and piston assembly is of the double action type and disposed in parallel with the passive assembly. The active assembly compensates for residual vertical oscillations and operates as a function of two parameters : the position of the piston rod with respect to the cylinder of the active assembly and the velocity of the floating support with respect to the sea floor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a motion compensator to permit relative movement between an underwater well installation and a vessel on the water surface. The motion compensator includes telescoping elements, seals between the telescoping elements and ports to permit lubrication of the seals. A method of using the motion compensator is also disclosed. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application which, of course, is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A method for drilling boreholes utilizing a plurality of simultaneously operated boring tools. During a drilling operation the loading forces on the tools are measured and constantly compared with a predetermined limiting value representative of a limiting loading value and the variation of a limiting loading value with respect to time. If these limiting values are exceeded at least one working parameter of the tools is adjusted such as feed force, feed speed or track speed of the tools. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dual marine riser for use in drilling deepwater oil and gas wells from a floating vessel, the marine riser incorporating concentric inner and outer risers, the outer riser being provided with one or more remotely-actuatable valves adapted to bring the annular space between the risers into communication with surrounding sea water in order to equalize pressures over the wall of the outer riser when the inner riser has been installed.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting the tension to which a suspended member can be subjected is disclosed. The apparatus responds to excessive tensile stress by increasing in length at a rate to keep such stress from exceeding a predetermined level. The present invention includes a closed cylinder with a piston disposed therein. Connected to the piston is a piston rod which extends through an opening in one end of the cylinder. The cylinder and piston rod are adapted to connect with a suspended member and a hoisting means. A bypass conduit connects the cylinder chambers by extending from one side of the piston to the other. In the conduit, there is a flow control regulator which actuates when the pressure on one side of the piston reaches a predetermined level, corresponding to a proportional tensile stress, permitting fluid to flow through the conduit in such a volume that the pressure on that side of the piston is maintained at the predetermined level.

Abstract: A wave motion compensating and drill string drive apparatus for use in connection with offshore drilling operations includes a kelley with a mandrel telescopically disposed therein and providing a hydraulic ram whose working volume is supplied with fluid at a preselected pressure such that a constant weight can be imposed by the drill string on the bit as the vessel undergoes vertical motion. The hydraulic fluid is supplied to the ram via a swivel coupling to enable the kelley and mandrel to rotate relative thereto, and the members are coupled by slidable splines for the transmission of torque from the rotary to the drill string.

Abstract: A fluid actuated counterbalancing apparatus and method for maintaining substantially constant height of the upper end of a string of members suspended from a vessel floating on a body of water wherein such position is controlled by a buoyant element floating in the water in a vertical open ended tube extending downwardly into the body of water to a virtually stable water level.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the drilling functions of a full profile rock drill in which the speed of rotation of the cutting head and the feed force of the cutting head are controlled so that the rate of penetration of the drill bit reaches its optimum rate as a function of the feed force. The full profile of drilling apparatus has a part of the cutting head in which cutters are freely rotatable. The change of the rate of penetration of the cutting head into the rock is measured during the drilling operation, and the drilling functions are controlled on the basis of the measured results so that the cutting head feed force is either increased or decreased.

Abstract: A ship in which a string of heavy pipe is raised or lowered vertically beneath the ship at a substantially constant velocity in spite of heaving movement of the ship. The equipment for raising and lowering the pipe string is supported by the vessel through heave compensation means that permits vertical movement of the ship relative to the pipe raising and lowering mechanism. The heave compensation means is a passive damped pneumatic-hydraulic spring system for isolating the vertical movement of the ship from the pipe raising and lowering equipment. The spring system operates over a very wide range of load imposed by the raising, lowering and supporting of a very long heavy pipe string.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for monitoring the speed at which a pipe string is lowered into or pulled out of a well bore during a well drilling operation. The system includes a unit which derives an electrical signal as a function of instantaneous pipe speed and a monitoring system which compares signals representative of instantaneous velocities with respect to predetermined velocity limits and provides physiological indications whenever such limits are transgressed. Also included are visual indicator means and recorder means, as well as a loop control system for automatic regulation of the speed.