Abstract: Device in impact machines. The device comprises a set of rods comprising a number of rods (6) which are journalled in a surrounding set of tubes (7) by means of elastic bushings (52, 53). One of the bushings is provided with a lip (54) which sealingly rests against the rod (6) when flushing medium is not supplied to the space between the set of rods and the set of tubes but allows passage of flushing medium at drilling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating an underground bore hole using high pressure fluid within a drill string to disturb and displace the subsoil. The drill string is steerable by increasing the pressure of the fluid above a predetermined range to a second range and apparatus is responsive thereto to effect a bending movement and change in the direction of the drill string.

Abstract: An actuator for an appliance associated with a ducted body, through the duct of which flows an incompressible fluid, includes a differential piston axially moveable within the duct and operatively connected to the appliance. The piston has a tubular shape and a central bore which includes a first profiled throttling portion the minimum internal diameter of which is smaller than the internal diameter of the duct. A protruding profiled element secured in the duct body is disposed coaxially with the piston and cooperates therewith for selectively increasing the loss of head of the incompressible fluid as it flows in the direction of circulation. A spring is arranged between the piston and part of the drill string for biasing the piston in a direction of movement opposite the direction of circulation of the incompressible fluid. A measurement is provided for measuring the pressure of the incompressible fluid at the first end of the drill string.

Abstract: A device for borehole hydraulic mining includes a pipeline for delivering fluid into the hole accommodated inside a pipeline for bringing pulp to the surface and featuring a constant inside diameter along the entire length of this pipeline. The pipeline for delivering fluid into the hole carries a hydraulic jet. The device also has a hydraulic elevator with a fluid and pulp mixing chamber secured to the lower end of the pipeline for bringing pulp to the surface, and a nozzle secured to the lower end of the pipeline for delivering fluid into the hole. The fluid and pulp mixing chamber and the nozzle of the hydraulic elevator enclose the pipeline for drilling fluid into the hole with clearances allowed.

Abstract: A manually operated downhole for an underground earth boring apparatus having a pneumatically operated earth boring tool. A drill pipe is connected to the tool and to a source of pneumatic fluid. A valve is positioned in the drill pipe substantially adjacent to the tool between the tool and the source of pneumatic fluid. This downhole valve controls the flow of pneumatic fluid to the tool. The valve is operable in response to pushing or pulling on the drill pipe.

Abstract: A thermal jacket shield for a drilling motor which permits drilling operations in high temperature wells without failure of the motor. The thermal shield includes a multiple passageway casing to shroud the motor and through which is circulated drilling fluid used to operate the drilling motor. The motor is positioned within concentric inner and outer shells which form a fluid annulus through which the fluid is circulated. An intermediate housing sub connected to the lower end of the drilling motor includes a nozzle through which a controlled quantity of drilling fluid is passed into the annulus formed by the inner and outer annular shells. Outlet ports in the outer shell allow the drilling fluid to flow to the exterior of the tool. As a result, cooling fluid is continuously passed through the jacket shield to maintain the operating temperature of the motor at an acceptable temperature.

Abstract: A well bore annulus wiper plug is disclosed. The wiper plug has a central body and inner and outer elastomeric ribs. The ribs are generally in the shape of truncated cones. To operate the device, it is inserted in the annular space between well casing and a drill string. Fresh drilling mud is circulated downwardly through the annular space above the wiper plug. The wiper plug scrapes both the outside of the drill pipe and the inside of the casing free of a previous well fluid.

Abstract: A drill string has a bulge equipped with a system of n injection ducts connecting the interior of the string surrounding annular space and opening upwardly into the space to divert a part of the drilling fluid supplied to the bit. This arrangement makes it possible to produce below the bulge a pressure decrease H markedly greater than 10 meters of water by setting the flow of drilling fluid in the system of injection ducts at a value, expressed in m.sup.3 /s, equal to approximately: .sqroot.10H.times.S.times.s33 n, S and s being the cross-sections, expressed in m.sup.2, respectively, of a part of the portion of the annular space included between the periphery of the bulge and the drill string and of the group of n injection ducts.

Abstract: A drill string stabilizer includes a cylindrical sleeve 11 coaxially surrounding a central tubular element 10 and fixed thereto by a plurality of helical blades 17 extending between the facing surfaces of the sleeve and the element. Converging truncated cones 13, 16 are provided on both ends of the sleeve. The upwardly flowing drilling mud establishes an annular fluid bearing between the sleeve and the borehole, while the helical blades implement a pumping function to enhance the discharge of the mud and cuttings.

Abstract: The device has, inside a duct (11) through which flows an incompressible fluid, a first profiled throttling element (17), a differential piston (10) subjected on one side to the pressure upstream of the profiled element (17) and on the other side to the pressure reduced by the element (17), a profiled surface (18) on the piston on the side subjected to the reduced pressure and a second profiled element (16) which are intended to interact to reduce the passage of fluid as a result of the movement of the piston in a first direction and increase the loss of head substantially, and a spring (15) returning the piston (10) in its second direction of movement. The device can serve particularly for actuating a stabilizer of a set of drill rods. In this case, the differential piston has inclined slopes.

Abstract: A drilling fluid pulse generator for use above a drill bit to produce pulsations in drilling fluid flow. An autocycling valve briefly interrupts the flow of fluid to bit jets to reduce the effective hydrostatic pressure at the drilling face and to hydraulic energy in the drill string to thoroughly scour the hole face when the briefly closed valve reopens. An alternate configuration provides a bypass route for fluid diverted from the bit, and the bypass includes jet nozzles to add energy to the return fluid stream to further reduce the effective hydrostatic pressure at the drilling face.

Abstract: A down hole hammer comprising a substantially cylindrical casing having a top sub at one end and a drill bit support at the other; a central passageway extending through the top sub, casing and drill bit support; a central tube coaxial with the casing and extending from the bottom of the top sub to the top of the bit support thereby defining an annular space between its outer surface and the internal face of the casing, its inner bore forming part of the central passageway; an annular piston reciprocatively accommodated within the annular space for movement between an impact position at which said piston abuts the drill bit support, and a raised position at which said piston is spaced from the drill bit support; fluid porting being provieded to said annular space to effect the reciprocation of the piston between the raised and impact positions, the exhaust from the annular space during reciprocation of the piston being exhausted into the central passageway; a fluid by-pass extending between the top sub and th

Abstract: A downhole tool positioned intermediate the mud motor and the drill bit, for reducing the hydro-static head near or around the bit. What is provided is an upper body portion threadably attachable to the mud motor and having an internal shaft with a bore therethrough for allowing mud to flow down the shaft rotatable during the the operation of the tool. The upper body portion further includes a gear member on the outer wall of the shaft for rotatably engaging the pair of upper gear members which imparts rotation to a pair of lower gear members for further imparting rotation to a fan member located in the lower portion of the tool.

Abstract: A downhole separator sub for separating drilling mud into a more dense portion and a less dense portion. The apparatus includes a barrel having a central opening therethrough and a cyclone separator cartridge positioned in the central opening. The barrel is attachable to the drill string and the drill bit. The cyclone separator cartridge includes an upper insert, an intermediate cyclone separator housing and a lower insert. An annular flow passage is defined between the cyclone separator housing and an inner surface of the barrel. The upper insert includes an inlet passage providing communication between an upper portion of the barrel central opening and the annular flow passage. The lower insert includes a cyclone inlet providing communication between the annular flow passage and a cyclone chamber in the cyclone separator housing.

Abstract: A boring head for duo-pipe drilling apparatus comprises a body having a passage for material return extending therethrough from the cutting end to the coupling end, the passage having an inlet at the cutting end displaced from the axis of rotation of the head and extending substantially across the full radius thereof, and an exit at the coupling end co-axial with the axis of rotation. The cutting end comprises one or more teeth having attacking edges overlying the inlet and beveled for mechanically displacing material into the inlet upon rotation of the head. Fluid supply galleries open into the passage for directing pressurized fluid from the duo-pipe system towards the exit of the passage for flushing cut material to the exit. The coupling end of the boring head is adapted for connection to the duo-pipe system with the annular passage of the duo-pipe system in communication with the fluid supply galleries and with the inner tube of the duo-pipe system in communication with the exit of the passage.

Abstract: A downhole motor and bearing assembly for high pressure operation has a tubular housing with an inlet and outlet for flow of drilling fluid. A stator is supported in the housing and a rotor is supported for rotary movement in the stator. An open tubular shaft is connected to the rotor for rotary movement in the housing. The bearing assembly has bearing members in the housing in fixed spaced relation for carrying downward and upward longitudinal thrust loads. Since the motor is designed for high pressure operation, conventional bearings tend to wear out rapidly. In this motor and bearing assembly, the pressure of drilling fluid passing through the motor is bled into the down hole side of the bearings where the pressure is applied against an upset on the bearings shaft having an exposed area on the lower side sufficient to produce an upward thrust partially or completely offsetting the downward thrust produced by the pressure drop across the drill bit.

Abstract: A transformable circulation tool for reversing the path of drilling fluid at the drill bit without removing the drill string from the borehole annulus is provided by a substantially hollow body having a chamber with external ports disposed between a section of the body having a through passage and a by-pass passage in combination with a diverter mounted on a telescoping member having means for engaging the body during drilling and disengaging the body for rotation of the diverter with respect to each of the passages. A seal is rotatably mounted to the substantially hollow body between the ports to divide the well borehole into an upper conventional flow portion and a lower portion where the flow of the drilling fluid can be reversed upon command from the surface.

Abstract: An annulus access valve system having a plurality of valves installed in, and forming a part of, a drill string in a well bore whereby fluid may be pumped into the annulus through the valves individually or in combination as desired. Each valve has a valve body connected to the drill string in which defines a longitudinal opening therethrough and a transverse port therein interconnecting the longitudinal opening with the annulus. A longitudinally slidable valve seats on a replaceable valve seat defining a closed position of the transverse port in the valve. The valve sleeve is biased in the closed position by a spring. An actuator, uniquely sized for a specific valve in the drill string, is utilized to engage the valve sleeve and move it to an open position by hydraulic pressure applied thereabove so that fluids may be pumped down the drill string through the transverse port into the annulus. A flow control valve is positioned in the actuator so that some fluid may be directed therebelow as desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for directing "supercharged," i.e., high velocity streams of drilling fluid upward around a reduced area between the apparatus and the borehole. These high velocity "supercharged" streams, by virtue of the Bernoulli effect become very low in static fluid pressure. These high velocity, low pressure streams decrease the hydrostatic pressure at the drill bit and accomplish a more efficient drilling by the bit. What is provided is a main tool body positioned along the drill string intermediate a section of drill pipe and the drill bit. The tool further comprises lower an external body portion which is rotated at a rotational velocity three times slower than the rotation of the velocity of the drill string.

Abstract: A borehole excavation apparatus and method which employs a down-hole positive displacement pump to circulate the drilling fluid and lift the excavated rock to the surface through nonmetallic composite pipe. The excavation of rock occurs by use of apparatus which produces a combination of percussion impact, cavitation, and hydrostatic depressuring which utilizes the pore pressure and elastic energy stored within the rock to fracture the rock into small pieces. The down-hole positive displacement pump and the excavation tool are actuated by the axial oscillation of a weighted momentum unit which in turn is actuated by the axial oscillation of the nonmetallic composite pipe, which in turn is actuated by the oscillating motion of a rocker beam at the surface where the drilling fluid and excavated rock particles are discharged.

Abstract: A drill pipe joint for insertion in a drill pipe comprises a body having an axial bore therethrough and comprising generally cylindrical upper and lower portions and a widened cylindrical intermediate portion at the upper end of which at least three cutouts are formed for insertion therein of removable attached members each provided with an upwardly directed internal passage connecting the bore to an interchangeable nozzle mounted in the upper end of the passage and situated on a diameter intermediate the outside diameter of the intermediate portion and that of the upper portion of the body.The joint is particularly suitable for passing through a zone in which circulation is lost and is arranged in the drill pipe string above the level of the zone of lost circulation.

Abstract: A downhole drilling motor located near the end of a rotary drill string is powered by the drilling fluid for driving a rotary drill bit for the drilling of an oil or gas well or the like. Substantially all of the drilling fluid that exits the power producing section is channeled toward the nozzles of the drill bit with a small portion being diverted through the bearings of the motor. A series of elastomer flow restrictor elements, each responding to increased fluid pressure by reducing the flow area therethrough, controls the fluid flow through the bearings to within a narrow range of flow rates.

Abstract: A drill bit assembly for a rotary drill having a source of fluid under pressure and three bearing mounted rotary cutting cones for drilling into relatively hard material comprises an elongated housing with a first end adapted for engagement with the drill and a second end including the cutting cones or tools for engagement with the material to be drilled. A plenum chamber is provided within the housing for receiving pressurized fluid and for dividing the pressurized fluid into three portions. A first portion of the pressurized fluid is directed downwardly for impringement upon the material being drilled to pick up and remove dust and cuttings from the vicinity of the cutting cones. A second flow of the pressurized fluid is directed upwardly to remove the dust and cutting cones from the drill hole. The third flow of fluid is directed through the cutting cone bearings to cool the bearings during the drilling operation.

Abstract: A drill bit assembly has an elongated housing in which a drill is provided with a generally cylindrical shape for receiving an enlarged tool end with somewhat greater diameter, the tool having cutting cones for cutting a drill hole in material to be drilled. Air is fed to a plenum chamber within the housing out of which are fed two air flows. The first flow is directed to the region of the cutting cones and is of reduced magnitude sufficient only for removing dust and cuttings away from the bit assembly up along the sides of the bit. A plurality of vanes are provided on the housing to direct the first flow into a helical path the general pitch of the vanes. The vanes are caused to overlap one another in the direction of flow.

Abstract: A packer and pressure differential drilling tool and method of controlled pressure balanced drilling in Big Hole well bores and shafts, characterized by a large diameter packer slideably engaged with the well bore over a drill bit and through which a dual drill pipe operates and isolates drilling fluid from a hydrostatic head of fluid standing in the well bore surrounding the dual drill pipe, the packer functioning as a non-rotatable ram slideable down the well bore and supporting said hydrostatic head and applying the weight thereof to the drill bit through anti-friction bearings, cuttings being flushed through the dual drill pipe by means of aerated drilling fluid or by an upwardly disposed jet pump, or both, so as to establish a reduced and/or underbalanced condition at the bit-to-bore bottom interface and operating the drill bit at an increased rate of penetration while maintaining a higher pressure condition in the well bore above the packer, the packer being weight set or hydraulic set, and the jet pump

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a cylindrical casing or housing with an interior passageway in which is mounted a fluid divider comprising three air divider legs each of which is a tapered plate formed with a concave cavity or air scoop with curved upper edges that are joined together in the center so that the legs diverge downwardly and outwardly in the drill string passageway of the cylindrical housing. The legs support a divider hood dome on which is mounted three separate curved plates defining three air channels. The fluid is directed into the concave scoops then into channels that lead to the outside of the housing in an upwardly direction. Fluid also spills over the air divider scoops and travels onto the bit, cooling the bit and chip removal from around the rollers.

Abstract: An improved construction is provided for a transverse passageway and a nozzle of a drilling sub of the type used to eject drilling fluid from the transverse passageway to create a vortex in an annulus surrounding the drilling sub.

Abstract: A drilling sub is provided in a drill string above a drill bit. The drilling sub includes a nozzle oriented to eject drilling fluid from said drill string into an annulus between the drill string and a well bore hole at an elevation above the drill bit with a horizontal velocity component tangential to said annulus to thereby impart a swirling motion to drilling fluid in the annulus. This creates a vortex extending down to the drill bit to enhance the cleaning of cuttings from the bore hole and to reduce a pressure differential thereby increasing a penetration rate of the drill bit.

Abstract: A pump for a reverse circulation rotary drilling rig is described which is designed to prevent drilling fluid from coming into contact with the pump bearing. A generally cylindrical-shaped housing is secured to the lower end of the Kelly bar and is in fluid communication with the interior thereof. The housing defines first and second spaced-apart compartment areas having a fluid passageway extending therebetween at one side of the housing. A rotatable shaft extends downwardly through the Kelly bar, through the first compartment area, through the space between the compartment areas and into the second compartment area. An impeller is mounted in the second compartment area and is designed, upon rotation of the shaft, to pump drilling fluid upwardly through the pipe string, outwardly through the second compartment area, through the fluid passageway and the first compartment area upwardly through the Kelly bar.

Abstract: An arrangement for drilling deviated wellbores, such as in extended reach drilling, which is particularly designed to reduce the chance of pressure-differential sticking of the drill string by removing the drilling cuttings from the wellbore bottom by reverse circulation of the drilling fluid using a pump powered by the cones of the rotary bit. The drill string is turned by a rotary, and as the drill string turns, the cones turn as they are rolled on the bottom of the hole. A power drive is taken off the bit cones, and powers a pump which pumps mud from the annulus, around and through the bit, and up the drill pipe. In this way, troublesome cuttings are kept out of the annulus, and the cuttings are more effectively removed by pumping up and out the drill pipe.

Abstract: In a combination for the drilling of a gas, oil, water and/or steam well comprised of a well hole, which is being drilled, well casing, which extends at least part of the way down the well hole, rotatable drill pipe, which extends down the well hole to the bottom thereof and which contains a passageway through the center thereof, a drill bit attached to the bottom of the drill pipe, means for rotating the drill pipe and the drill bit, and means for forcing a fluid, such as, drilling mud, down the passageway of the drill pipe to and through the drill bit, an annulus being formed by the region between the well casing and side of the well and the drill pipe, the fluid exiting out the annulus, the improvement which comprises a reverse circulating tool or device located in the casing, the device comprising a cylindrical main body, means for attaching the device to the top portion of the drill pipe, means for attaching the device to the bottom portion of the drill pipe, a first passageway in the main body communica

Abstract: A rock bit used for drilling with air as the circulating fluid, and a centrifugal separator to filter liquid and other contaminants from the air diverted to the bit bearings. The filter generates a fluid vortex with radial vanes, each having plural pitches, located within the shank of the bit. Bearing coolant passages, located beneath the separator, receive filtered air from a central, filtered air location. The vortex centrifugally forces the water and other contaminants outwardly into nozzle passages that direct fluid toward the bottom of the borehole.

Abstract: In drilling a hole using reverse circulation and the Venturi effect, drilling fluid is caused to flow through the annulus between the set of drill pipes and the hole and to rise under reduced pressure in the interior of the drill pipes to a level at which it is ejected outside the drill pipes, using a fluid diverting device connected in the set of drill pipes and which includes a Venturi tube, the device causing ejection of the fluid from the interior of the pipes, drilling fluid being pumped from the surface in the interior of the drill pipes to the device in which it is diverted into the Venturi tube to cause upward flow of fluid from the drill tool.

Abstract: An air injection sub for use with a dual conduit drill pipe string is provided having inner and outer concentric tubular members which are connected to the corresponding inner and outer conduits of a dual conduit string to provide isolated annular and central passageways and is particularly characterized by improved injection means in the inner tubular member which allows fluid to pass from the annular passageway into the central passageway through a plurality of apertures which open into the central passageway at a plurality of levels and angular positions, is field adjustable and provides improved erosion resistance.

Abstract: An air lift system for large diameter borehole drilling is disclosed. The system is applicable in drilling operations where a vertical pilot hole is drilled below the point to which the borehole will later be enlarged and a slant hole is drilled obliquely to intersect the pilot hole near its nether position. During the drilling operation, the circulation system pumps drilling fluid down the annulus of the borehole to cool the cutterhead and to mix with the cuttings. The drilling fluid carrying the cuttings then moves down the pilot hole and up through the slant hole. A plenum is located in the slant hole to assist in the lifting of the drilling fluid. The plenum includes a tapered transition pipe, a tapered discharge horn, and an air diffusion ring located at the throat of the discharge horn. The diffusion ring is utilized to inject outside air into the drilling fluid passing therethrough.

Abstract: Drilling apparatus mounted on a self-propelled base equipped with a joint to permit use on uneven terrain and drilling at various angles with respect to the terrain surface; embodiments of the invention feature suction apparatus for removing drill cuttings, and foldable masts.

Abstract: A borehole drilling apparatus adapted for connection to a drilling string, wherein the cuttings pass through the center of the drill bit and are adapted for conveyance to the surface through a central pipe of the drilling string, a labyrinth seal being located between the outer perimeter of the apparatus and the wall of the borehole to provide an annular region of relatively immobile or stagnant fluid around the apparatus to forestall movement of fluid upwardly and downwardly past the labyrinth seal, part of the drilling fluid being conducted in a downward direction below the seal to force cuttings toward and through the center of the drill bit for upward conveyance through the central pipe, another portion of the drilling fluid being discharged above the seal for upward conveyance through the annulus between the drilling string and wall of the borehole to the top of the latter, whereby any formation material which may drop into the borehole annulus will be forced upwardly through such annulus to the top of t

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to be connected in a drill string is disclosed. It utilizes an axially located turbine which is driven by the mud flow through the drill string. The turbine is supported by a shaft and connected to an appropriate gear train. The gear train rotates an outer sleeve which has multiple turns of an external screw thereon. The screw or helix extends toward the wall of the drill bore. The helix lifts the column of mud in the annular space above the drill bit away from the drill bit thereby reducing the back pressure just above the drill bit. This improves the jetting action of the mud pumped through the drill bit and provides for a more rapid excavation of the immediate vicinity, thereby increasing the rate of penetration of the drill bit.

Abstract: A jet flow alternator for reversing the flow of a confined fluid stream which includes selectively controlled tubes to cause said stream to flow in either one of two directions under pressure.