Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling bucket and a method for producing a bore with a drilling bucket, wherein the drilling bucket is driven in a rotating manner and introduced into the ground, wherein ground material is removed and received in an internal space of a tubular base body of the drilling bucket, and for emptying the drilling bucket is withdrawn from the bore and a bottom on the tubular base body is folded open. According to the invention the drilling bucket is rotated in a reversing manner during emptying, wherein ground material received in the drilling bucket is pressed against at least one impact wall and, in doing so, the ground material is specifically compacted and deformed for easier loosening from the internal space.

Abstract: An air-cooled earth-boring drill bit including a plurality of lugs. Each lug includes a pin flange. A first roller race is distal to the pin flange. A thrust flange is distal to the first roller race. At least one pin flange vent slot is arranged in a surface of the pin flange opposite the first roller race. The at least one pin flange vent slot opens in a direction of a load side of a bearing. At least one thrust flange vent slot is arranged in a surface of the thrust flange facing the first rollers. The at least one thrust flange vent slot opens in the direction of the load side of the bearing. A plurality of flow passages are arranged within the lug to supply fluid to the at least one pin flange vent slot and the at least one thrust flange vent slot.

Abstract: A controlled slip connection system is configured to be coupled between a drill pipe and a directional drilling assembly, and the slip connection system is configured to enable continual rotation of the drill pipe while providing a rotationally stationary surface for a mud motor of the directional drilling assembly to react against.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus (1) provides continuous rotation, and in some embodiments also vertical translation of the drill bit, such that weight can be kept on the bit and drilling can continue uninterrupted during connections. The connection is made in a pressure chamber formed by seals (2, 4) and spacers (15, 16). An upper snubber (5) grips the drill string above the joint and a lower snubber (6) grips it below the joint. The top drive is decoupled as the snubbers take over drill string drive, and apply a differential torque so that the connection is made. This achieves continuous rotation during the connection, and by use of an extension sub (18) drilling is also continuous.

Abstract: Disclosed is a landing sub for a wiper. The wiper is adapted for internal removal of drilling mud from a drill string during its pull-out from a borehole. The landing sub is mountable in the drill string, the landing sub includes a longitudinal bore for through-flow of drilling mud and a landing seat for receiving the lower end of the wiper during pumping of drilling mud through the drill string, and the landing seat is equipped with at least one duct or passage for through-flow of drilling mud past the lower end of the wiper during continued pumping of drilling mud in the drill string.

Abstract: A system for preventing the performance of an out-of-sequence reaming operation during the machining of holes in a lamination of fiber-reinforced plastic material. The system automatically stops or inhibits a reaming operation if a sensing tip of the reamer encounters an incompletely drilled pre-hole or blank material (i.e., no pre-hole) instead of a fully drilled pre-hole. The system does not require any human intervention to inhibit the reaming operation. In one embodiment, the human or operator cannot re-start the reaming process until the machine tool or reaming equipment is reset. In some cases the reset may require manual intervention.

Abstract: Inside blowout preventer release tool body having a one-piece planar upper section and a one-piece tubular lower section. In one embodiment, the upper section includes a pair of longitudinal members defining a central open region, the longitudinal members joined at one end having a formed lifting feature configured to accept a manipulator cable or chain. The lifting feature is positioned such that when the release tool body and an inside blowout preventer connected thereto are lifted by the rig hoist using cables, chains, and the like, they are easily moved over, aligned with, and connected with a working drillpipe while minimizing possibility of slipping off the cables or chains. The lower section includes a threaded end mating with a mating end of an inside blowout preventer, a central longitudinal bore to accept a release rod, and an upper end formed to accept the lower ends of the longitudinal members of the upper section.

Abstract: A drilling method comprising running a drill string (12) part way into a bore (11); then pumping fluid through the drill string; then running the drill string further into the bore; and then reconfiguring a check valve (20) located towards the distal end of the drill string from a running configuration, in which the valve permits flow both up and down the string, to a drilling configuration in which the valve permits flow down through the string but prevents flow up through the string.

Abstract: A check valve for a drill string fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system allows for drilling mud to travel from a source up the drill string, through the drill string, through a downhole tool assembly, to a port located at a surface of a boring tool. The check valve rests in a socket within the downhole tool assembly, with a forward face extending into a gallery within the bit. When the ambient pressure within the fluid delivery system exceeds the ambient pressure in the borehole, mud flows through the system to the ports and into the borehole. When the ambient pressure within the borehole exceeds the ambient pressure in the fluid delivery system, the pressure is applied to the forward face, causing the check valve to close, preventing contaminants from the borehole from entering the fluid delivery system.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasing gas pressure from a drill string includes a tubular housing having a circumferential sidewall, an axis, a first end, a second end and a central passage extending between the first end and the second end. A pressure member is positioned in the central passage along the axis of the housing. The pressure member is movable from a first position retracted within the housing to a second position extending past the second end of the housing. An actuator is provided to move the pressure member from the first position to the second position, where the pressure member exerts a force to move a valve member of a float valve to an open position, thereby allowing gas trapped in the drill string to flow through the central passage.

Abstract: A flow stop valve positionable in a downhole tubular, and a method. The flow stop valve is in a closed position when a pressure difference between fluid outside the downhole tubular and inside the downhole tubular at the flow stop valve is between a threshold value, thereby preventing flow through the downhole tubular. The flow stop valve is in an open position when the pressure difference between fluid outside the downhole tubular and inside the downhole tubular at the flow stop valve is above a threshold value, thereby permitting flow through the downhole tubular.

Abstract: A flow stop valve (20) positionable in a downhole tubular (6), and a method, are provided. The flow stop valve (20) is in a closed position when a pressure difference between fluid outside the downhole tubular (6) and inside the downhole tubular (6) at the flow stop valve (20) is below a threshold value, thereby preventing flow through the downhole tubular. The flow stop valve (20) is in an open position when the pressure difference between fluid outside the downhole tubular (6) and inside the downhole tubular (6) at the flow stop valve (20) is above a threshold value, thereby permitting flow through the downhole tubular (6).

Abstract: A mud saver valve, positionable at the bottom of the drill string, above the bit, which includes an elongated body portion; portion of the valve housing a compressible spring a pressure; a valve mechanism which is a sliding sleeve moveable between open and closed positions within the valve; while in the closed position, drilling fluid cannot pass through the valve; when a combination of static and pump pressure exceeds the setting pressure of the dome, the sleeve will be moved by actuation pistons to the open position, at which drilling fluid is allowed to through the valve. Also, wherein when the valve is normally closed, as long as the fluid column pressure is less than the setting pressure, the valve remains closed, and allows the drill string to be disconnected and a section of pipe can added without the fluid draining from the drill column above the bit, and thus saving fluid.

Abstract: A drill string flow control valve may comprise a valve housing, a valve sleeve axially movable within a valve housing from a closed position to an open position, a biasing mechanism biasing the valve sleeve into a closed position, and a plurality of pressure ports for allowing a differential pressure to be exerted on the valve sleeve. The valve may include a piston axially movable within the valve housing and bearing against the valve sleeve which piston may be used to initiate movement of the valve sleeve. The piston includes a flow passage therethrough in fluid communication with the interior of the valve sleeve and a ball valve disposed to control fluid flow through the piston. The valve may include a flow restriction in the flow path within the valve sleeve and disposed between pressure ports formed in the wall of the valve sleeve. Methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: The downhole flow control means or downhole blowout preventor (downhole BOP) of the present invention is adapted for use during reverse circulation drilling with both concentric drill pipe and concentric coiled tubing. The downhole BOP comprises an inner tube member having an inner passage therethrough and an outer casing forming an annular passage between the inner tube member and the outer casing. The inner passage and the annular passage of the downhole BOP is in fluid communication with the inner passage and annular passage, respectively, of the concentric drill pipe or concentric coiled tubing. The downhole BOP further comprises two valve means, preferably a check valve and a ball valve, for closing off the annular passage and the inner passage of the downhole BOP, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the downhole BOP further comprises an electric actuator for opening and closing the ball valve.

Abstract: Drill string flow control valves and more particularly, drill string flow control valves for prevention of u-tubing of fluid flow in drill strings are provided. Drill string flow control valves may comprise a valve housing, a valve sleeve axially movable within a valve housing from a closed position to an open position, a piston axially movable within said valve housing and bearing against the valve sleeve, a biasing mechanism for biasing the valve sleeve into the closed position, a static pressure port for actuating said piston utilizing internal fluid pressure within said valve and a plurality of dynamic pressure ports for allowing a differential pressure to be exerted on the valve sleeve during dynamic flow conditions. The differential pressure exerted on the valve sleeve may be the result of an upstream pressure and a downstream pressure during fluid flow through said valve.

Abstract: A status indicator for determining a position of an extendable member in an expandable apparatus. The status indicator is configured to decrease a cross-sectional area of a portion of a fluid path extending through an expandable causing a pressure of a fluid within the fluid path to increase when an extendable member of the expandable apparatus is in an extended position. By determining the pressure of the fluid within the fluid path, one can determine the position of the status indicator within the fluid path and thereby determine whether the extendable member of the expandable apparatus is in the extended or a retracted position.

Abstract: A downhole valve assembly is attached to a drillstring and includes an upper drillstring connection, a lower drillstring connection, and a tubular body comprising a through bore, and further includes a weight activated mechanism configured to close the through bore when the drillstring is lifted.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a two-way actuator. The actuator includes, a tubular, movably positionable within a structure between at least a first position and a second position, the tubular having a first density selected such that buoyancy forces urge the tubular toward the first position in response to submersion of the tubular within a fluid having a second density that is greater than the first density, and at least one flow resistor disposed at the tubular configured to urge the tubular toward the second position in response to fluid flow interacting with the at least one flow resistor.

Abstract: A downhole valve comprises a tubular body and a valve member. The valve member is normally closed and in the closed position may prevent or restrict passage of a working fluid through the body. The valve member is movable to an open position, a first working fluid pressure differential being necessary to move the valve member from the closed position and a lower second working fluid pressure differential being necessary to maintain the valve member in the open position.

Abstract: Drill string flow control valves and more particularly, drill string flow control valves for prevention of u-tubing of fluid flow in drill strings are provided. Drill string flow control valves may comprise a valve housing, a valve sleeve axially movable within a valve housing from a closed position to an open position, a piston axially movable within said valve housing and bearing against the valve sleeve, a biasing mechanism for biasing the valve sleeve into the closed position, a static pressure port for actuating said piston utilizing internal fluid pressure within said valve and a plurality of dynamic pressure ports for allowing a differential pressure to be exerted on the valve sleeve during dynamic flow conditions. The differential pressure exerted on the valve sleeve may be the result of an upstream pressure and a downstream pressure during fluid flow through said valve.

Abstract: A tubular downhole tool string component having a sidewall with a fluid passageway formed therein between a first end and second end, and a valve mechanism disposed within the fluid passageway adapted to substantially cyclically build-up and release pressure within the fluid passageway such that a pressure build-up results in radial expansion of at least a portion of the sidewall and wherein a pressure release results in a radial contraction of the portion of the sidewall. The valve mechanism disposed within the fluid passageway comprises a spring. Radial expansion and contraction of the portion of the sidewall varies a weight loaded to a drill bit disposed at a drilling end of the drill string.

Abstract: A system and method for drilling a well bore with an under-balanced hydrostatic pressure. The system comprises a tubular containing a first port and wherein a well bore annulus is formed between the well bore and the tubular member, and a compression member disposed about the outer portion of the tubular member, the compression member having extending therefrom an internal sliding mandrel, and wherein the internal sliding mandrel contains a second port. The system further comprises an external sliding sleeve operatively associated with the internal sliding mandrel, wherein the external sliding sleeve containing a third port, and wherein in a closed position the first, second and third port are misaligned and in an open position the first, second and third port are aligned. The system also includes a compressible seal disposed about the external sliding sleeve and in contact With the internal sliding mandrel, the compressible seal responsive to a longitudinal weight transferred to the compression member.

Abstract: An embodiment of the apparatus includes a housing having a first flow bore and a second flow bore, the first flow bore having a drilling fluid flowing therein, a device disposed in the second flow bore to receive a fluid flow, and a diverter disposed between the first and second flow bores, the diverter having a first position preventing the drilling fluid from flowing into the second flow bore and a second position allowing a portion of the drilling fluid to flow into the second flow bore and through the device. Another embodiment includes a variable second position directing the drilling fluid into the second flow bore at a variable flow rate. A further embodiment includes a drill collar as the housing and a power generation assembly as the device to receive the fluid flow. Embodiments of a method of diverting a fluid flow in a downhole tool include diverting a portion of a first fluid flow to a second flow bore, and further varying a flow rate of the fluid to the second flow bore.

Abstract: A device and the relative are described, for the insertion of a new drilling string-element into a drilling-string essentially including a short pipe-shaped body (C) having, at opposite ends thereof, a device suitable for screwing the body onto drill pipes, in which two valves are housed, of which one valve (A) is radial to said short body, interceptable from the outside by means an adaptor and equipped with a suitable safety plug, the other valve (B) being axial with respect to the body.

Abstract: A flexible/rigid drilling assembly that can be flexible enough to bend around and into a curved hole form a vertical well to the horizontal with a short horizontal hole extension. When the flexible/rigid drilling assembly is placed in the short horizontal hole extension it can be converted to a rigid assembly and provide stability for a drill bit on its end to drill a straight horizontal out into an oil, gas or water. High static drilling fluid pressure with low compression force on the flexible/rigid drilling assembly is used to keep it in a flexible configuration while being placed in the short horizontal hole extension. Then the flexible/rigid drilling assembly is rotated to release the high static drilling fluid pressure. With the high static drilling fluid pressure released and with the high compression forces required to operate the drill bit the flexible/rigid drilling assembly transition into its rigid configuration and provide stability for a drill bit in drilling a straight horizontal drain hole.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole tool string component comprises a fluid passageway formed between a first and second end. A valve mechanism is disposed within the fluid passageway adapted to substantially cyclically build-up and release pressure within the fluid passageway such that a pressure build-up results in radial expansion of at least a portion of the fluid passageway and wherein a pressure release results in a contraction of the portion of the fluid passageway. The valve mechanism disposed within the fluid passageway comprises a spring. Expansion and contraction of the portion of the fluid passageway varies a weight loaded to a drill bit disposed at a drilling end of the drill string.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for adding and removing tubulars whilst containing the pressure within a drill string and/or maintaining circulation of drilling fluid down a drill string using a diverter sub which is able to open up to mud flow from a side mud port and close off the flow of mud from above the drill string with or without continuous rotation of the drill string.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and systems for mitigating trouble zones in a wellbore in a preferred pressure condition and completing the wellbore in the preferred pressure condition. In one aspect, a method of reinforcing a wellbore is provided. The method includes locating a valve member within the wellbore for opening and closing the wellbore. The method further includes establishing a preferred pressure condition within the wellbore and closing the valve member. The method also includes locating a tubular string having an expandable portion in the wellbore and opening the valve member. Additionally, the method includes moving the expandable portion through the opened valve member and expanding the expandable portion in the wellbore at a location below the valve member. In another aspect, a method of forming a wellbore is provided. In yet another aspect, a system for drilling a wellbore is provided.

Abstract: A technique is presented for providing a double-barrier to formation fluids during drilling operations with a concentric drill string having an inner bore and an annulus. A primary flow control system is used to provide a first barrier to formation fluids in the inner bore and annulus of the drill string. A backup flow control system is used to provide a second barrier to formation fluids. The backup flow control system comprises a backup inner bore shutoff valve and a backup annulus shutoff valve. The backup inner bore shutoff valve is dropped from the surface through the inner bore of the drill string. The backup inner bore shutoff valve has spring-biased tabs that are configured to extend outward to contact an inner surface profile of the inner bore of the drill string. The backup annulus shutoff valve may be provided with the profile to receive the spring-biased tabs from the backup inner bore shutoff valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of a medium. The apparatus comprises a base having a plurality of arms extending from the base. The base and arms define a cage. A valve member is positioned within the cage. The apparatus further includes a biasing housing disposed within the base, and wherein a spring is disposed within the biasing housing. The apparatus further includes a passageway formed about the valve member when the valve member is opened so that the medium flows on the outer portion of the biasing housing, and wherein the flow of the medium in an opposite direction urges the ball into engagement with the valve seat. When the valve is open, the medium collapses the spring and the valve member blocks the flow of the medium from entering the biasing housing. A method of drilling a well with the flow valve positioned on a work string is also disclosed.

Abstract: Drill string flow control valves and more particularly, drill string flow control valves for prevention of u-tubing of fluid flow in drill strings are provided. Drill string flow control valves may comprise a valve housing, a valve sleeve axially movable within a valve housing from a closed position to an open position, a biasing mechanism for biasing the valve sleeve into the closed position, and a plurality of pressure ports for allowing a differential pressure to be exerted on the valve sleeve. The differential pressure exerted on the valve sleeve may be the result of an upstream pressure and a downstream pressure. By allowing a differential pressure resulting from a fluid flow to act on the valve sleeve, u-tubing in a drill string can be prevented or substantially reduced. Methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: The downhole flow control means or downhole blowout preventor (downhole BOP) of the present invention is adapted for use during reverse circulation drilling with both concentric drill pipe and concentric coiled tubing. The downhole BOP comprises an inner tube member having an inner passage therethrough and an outer casing forming an annular passage between the inner tube member and the outer casing. The inner passage and the annular passage of the downhole BOP is in fluid communication with the inner passage and annular passage, respectively, of the concentric drill pipe or concentric coiled tubing. The downhole BOP further comprises two valve means, preferably a check valve and a ball valve, for closing off the annular passage and the inner passage of the downhole BOP, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the downhole BOP further comprises an electric actuator for opening and closing the ball valve.

Abstract: A device is for channeling solids and fluids within a reverse circulating, fluid operated drill that has first and second ends, an axis extending between the ends, a casing and a piston. The casing has a bore extending between the drill ends and drive and valve chambers defined within the bore, the piston being movably disposed within the bore. The channeling device includes an elongated body disposeable within the casing bore so as to extend along the casing axis and through the piston. The body has a longitudinal axis, a first end locatable proximal to the drill first end, and a second end spaced from the first end and locatable proximal to the drill second end. A material transport passages extends axially between the two body ends and provides a path for moving solid materials through the drill. A fluid passage is configured to couple the valve and drive chambers.

Abstract: Drill string flow control valves and more particularly, drill string flow control valves for prevention of u-tubing of fluid flow in drill strings are provided. Drill string flow control valves may comprise a valve housing, a valve sleeve axially movable within a valve housing from a closed position to an open position, a biasing mechanism for biasing the valve sleeve into the closed position, and a plurality of pressure ports for allowing a differential pressure to be exerted on the valve sleeve. The differential pressure exerted on the valve sleeve may be the result of an upstream pressure and a downstream pressure. By allowing a differential pressure resulting from a fluid flow to act on the valve sleeve, u-tubing in a drill string can be prevented or substantially reduced. Methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for introducing a fluid into a borehole, in which there is arranged a tubular drill string including a drill bit, wherein the drill bit is provided with a passageway between the interior of the drill string and the borehole, and with a removable closure element for selectively closing the passageway in a closing position, and wherein there is further provided a fluid injection tool comprising a tool inlet and a tool outlet, the method comprising passing the fluid injection tool through the drill string to the closure element, and using it to remove the closure element from the closing position, passing the fluid injection tool outlet through the passageway, and introducing the fluid into the borehole from the interior of the drill string through fluid injection tool into the borehole.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for drilling a directional or horizontal wellbore in a hydrocarbon formation using concentric drill string having an inner pipe and an outer pipe defining an annulus there between. A bottomhole assembly comprising a directional drilling means such as an air hammer or a rotary drill bit and driving system is provide at the lower end of the concentric drill string and drilling medium is delivered through the annulus or inner pipe for operating the directional drilling means to form a borehole. Exhaust drilling medium, drilling cutting and hydrocarbon are removed from the wellbore by extracting the exhaust drilling medium, drilling cutting and hydrocarbon through the other of the annulus or inner pipe.

Abstract: The steel drill string attached to a drilling bit during typical rotary drilling operations used to drill oil and gas wells is used for a second purpose as the casing that is cemented in place during typical oil and gas well completions. Methods of operation are described that provide for the efficient installation a cemented steel cased well wherein the drill string and the drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass down into the earth. The normal mud passages or watercourses present in the rotary drill bit are used for the second independent purpose of passing cement into the annulus between the casing and the well while cementing the drill string into place during one single pass into the earth. A one-way cement valve is installed near the drill bit of the drill string that allows the cement to set up efficiently under ambiently hydrostatic conditions while the drill string and drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass into the earth.

Abstract: A valve (30), a drill string valve assembly (10) and a method of drilling using compressed fluid as a drill drilling fluid are described. The valve and valve assembly (10) may be used in order to prevent escape of compressed fluid during the time that a connection is being made into the drill string. The valve (10) can be insertable into a drill string inner diameter to seal against fluid passage past the body except through the valve (30) and can be selected to maintain fluid pressure in the drill string when the upper end of the drill string is open to atmosphere. The valve can also be capable of being releasably engaged to a drive mechanism, such as a top drive (40) which is handling the drill string (12) to be slidably moved within the drill string, as driven by the drive mechanism, but releasable from the drive mechanism, when the drive mechanism is removed from the drill string.

Abstract: A method for drilling a borehole includes; providing a drill string of drill pipe including a center bore, a distal end, a bit assembly at the distal end; hanging a liner from the drill string, thereby forming an annular space between the drill string and the liner and with the bit assembly extending from a lower end of the liner; positioning the drill string with the liner attached thereto in a borehole such that a second annular space is formed between the liner and the borehole wall; operating the bit assembly to proceed with drilling the borehole; and circulating drilling fluid down through the center bore of the drill string out through the bit assembly and down through the second annular space between the liner and the borehole wall, the drilling fluid returning up through the annular space between the drill string and the liner.

Abstract: The steel drill string attached to a drilling bit during typical rotary drilling operations used to drill oil and gas wells is used for a second purpose as the casing that is cemented in place during typical oil and gas well completions. Methods of operation are described that provide for the efficient installation of a cemented steel cased well wherein the drill string and the drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass down into the earth. Different physically alterable bonding materials may be substituted for cement. A one-way cement valve is installed near the drill bit of the drill string that allows the cement to set up efficiently under ambient hydrostatic conditions while the drill string and drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass into the earth.

Abstract: A valve assembly connects into a drill string for opening and closing at least one inner passage within the drill string of the drill string. The valve assembly includes an annular valve assembly carried in an annular passage that moves between the open and closed positions in response to downward fluid pressure from the surface through the annular passage. The valve assembly also includes an inner valve assembly carried in an inner passage of the drill string. The inner valve assembly is a two-way valve that is actuated between open and closed positions by pressure pulses from the surface through the inner passage. The valve assembly can be used within coiled tubing.

Abstract: A mud saver valve being operable in conjunction with a top drive unit to retain mud in the top drive unit when a tubular is disconnected therefrom. The valve utilizes a spring-loaded piston to control the flow of mud or other fluid onto the work area and environment while the top drive unit is being connected to the new tubular and re-connected to the original tubular string. The valve further comprises multiple check valves for evaluating as well as monitoring wellbore pressure. The valves provides for full bore flow passages for the mud or fluid being pumped into a tubular fluidly connected to the top drive.

Abstract: A valve assembly connects into a drill string for opening and closing a passage within the drill string. The valve assembly has an inner valve member for opening and closing an inner passage of the drill string. The valve member moves between the open and closed positions in response to axial movement of the drill string. Lifting the drill string causes the upper portion to move upward relative to the lower portion, bringing along with it the valve member, while the valve sleeve remains stationary with the lower portion, opening the valve. The valve assembly can include an annular valve assembly for opening and closing an annular passage located around the inner passage. The annular valve assembly is opened and closed by increasing the pressure in the annular passage above the annular valve assembly.

Abstract: The steel drill string attached to a drilling bit during typical rotary drilling operations used to drill oil and gas wells is used for a second purpose as the casing that is cemented in place during typical oil and gas well completions. Methods of operation are described that provide for the efficient installation of a cemented steel cased well wherein the drill string and the drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass down into the earth. Methods of operation are described wherein at least one geophysical parameter is measured with a geophysical parameter sensing member located within the drill string. A one-way cement valve is installed near the drill bit of the drill string that allows the cement to set up efficiently under ambient hydrostatic conditions while the drill string and drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass into the earth.

Abstract: Equipment and methods which may be used in conjunction with an underbalanced well completion. In a described embodiment, a valve for use in a subterranean well in conjunction with a tool conveyed through the valve in a container is provided. The valve includes a passage formed longitudinally through the valve, a closure assembly which selectively permits and prevents flow through the passage, and an engagement device which engages the container as the tool is conveyed through the passage. The closure assembly permits flow through the passage when the container is conveyed into the passage, and the closure assembly prevents flow through the passage when the container is removed from the passage. Engagement between the container and the engagement device separates the tool from the container.

Abstract: A valve assembly connects into a drill string for opening and closing the inner passage within the drill string. The valve member moves between the open and closed positions in response to axial movement of the drill string. The valve member has an upper portion and a lower portion. A valve member and valve sleeve are located within an inner passage. Lifting the drill string causes the upper portion to move upward relative to the lower portion, bringing along with it the valve member, while the valve sleeve remains stationary with the lower portion, opening the valve.

Abstract: A method for drilling wells in which the tubular can be added or removed from the drill string whilst mud and drilling fluids being circulated continuously and kept separated from the environment to reduce pollution. A connector is used with an inlet and outlet for the mud etc. and which incorporates rams to seal off and separate the flow of mud as a tubular is added or removed.

Abstract: A valve assembly connects into a drill string for opening and closing the inner passage within the drill string. The valve member moves between the open and closed positions in response to axial movement of the drill string. The valve member has an upper portion and a lower portion. A valve member and valve sleeve are located within an inner passage. Lifting the drill string causes the upper portion to move upward relative to the lower portion, bringing along with it the valve member, while the valve sleeve remains stationary with the lower portion, opening the valve.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for a dynamic mudcap drilling and well control assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises of a tubular body disposable in a well casing forming an outer annulus there between and an inner annulus formable between the body and a drill string disposed therein. The apparatus further includes a sealing member to seal the inner annulus at a location above a lower end of the tubular body and a pressure control member disposable in the inner annulus at a location above the lower end of the tubular body. In another embodiment, the assembly uses two rotating control heads, one at the top of the wellhead assembly in a conventional manner and a specially designed downhole unit. Finally, the assembly provides a method for allowing the well to produce hydrocarbons while tripping the drill string.