Abstract: A system and method is provided for protecting the exterior surface of drill pipe bodies from abrasion and wear during drilling operations alternatively using a hardbanded pipe collar inserted into a drill pipe body; a hardbanded pipe sleeve slid over a section of the drill pipe body; or a hardbanded circumferential built up section of the drill pipe body.

Abstract: A bit retainer system comprising a casing, a driver sub adapted to be disposed around a shank of a bit, and a bit retainer. The driver sub comprises a threaded connector, a threaded pin end configured to engage with the hammer case, and a stop. The bit retainer comprises a load carrying threaded connector configured to engage with the threaded connector of the driver sub, and a catch thread configured to retain the head of a bit to the system.

Abstract: A method of drilling a borehole into an earth formation using a drill string having an upper part and a lower part which is more flexible than the upper part, the method involving drilling a first section of the borehole, drilling a second section of the borehole from the first borehole section, the second section extending at a selected inclination angle relative to the first section. During drilling of the second section the drill string is lowered through the borehole in a manner that the upper drill string part remains in the first section and the lower drill string part extends into the second borehole section.

Abstract: A steering tool for use in a well bore is disclosed. The tool includes at least one extendable and retractable blade deployed thereon. The blade is elastically spring biased radially inwards towards the tool such that upon removal of an actuating force, the blade retracts. In exemplary embodiments, the blade includes at least one spring-like, elastically deformable member disposed to elastically spring bias the blade. The spring-like member may include first and second elongated leg portions located on opposing sides of a sprung hairpin portion. Tools embodying this invention may be advantageous for small diameter applications.

Abstract: An expandable centralizer is disclosed having a body having a first portion of circular cross-section and a second portion of polyhedral cross-section. Centralizing members are arranged on the faces of the second portion which, in a first position, limit the diameter of the tool so that it can pass through small openings in a wellbore. The centralizing members can then be moved hydraulically across the faces to extend and provide support for the expandable downhole tool in larger openings within the wellbore.

Abstract: A tool is presented for making density measurements of a formation surrounding a wellbore, comprising a collar housing in a drill string. The housing has at least one first section with a first outer diameter, and at least one sensing section with a second outer diameter located proximate the at least one first section. The second outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter. A radioactive source is disposed in the sensing section of the housing. At least two detectors are disposed in the sensing section and spaced from the radioactive source and are positioned to detect radiation resulting from gamma rays emitted by the source.

Abstract: A centralizer for use in centralizing casing or other tubulars such as tubulars in an oil or gas well comprising an annular body with a bore extending through the body and one or more blades, the centralizer being adapted to fit around a tubular to be centralized, and comprising a tempered metal such as austemperized ductile iron (ADI).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing cuttings in a deviated borehole using drilling fluids. The apparatus includes a pipe string and a bottom hole assembly having a down hole motor and bit for drilling the borehole. The pipe string has one end attached to the bottom hole assembly and does not rotate during drilling. The apparatus and methods raise at least a portion of the pipe string in the deviated borehole to remove cuttings from underneath the pipe string portion.

Abstract: The drill string element has at least one bearing zone for bearing against the wall of the borehole during drilling. The bearing zone comprises at least one bearing segment extending in the axial direction and having an outside surface that is cylindrical and of constant diameter greater than the diameter of any other portion of the surface of the element, and also having a guide zone that is circularly symmetrical about the axis of the drill string element. The bearing zone preferably also has a drilling fluid activation zone extending axially in a disposition adjacent to the bearing segment. The guide zone presents a radius of curvature not less than one-third the outside diameter of the bearing segment.

Abstract: A profiled element for rotary drilling equipment and applications to components of a string of drill pipes has an area of abutment on the wall of a drilling hole having a maximum diameter constituting the maximum diameter of the rotary drilling equipment and a turbulence area for producing an activation of the circulation of a drilling fluid in the annulus. The profiled element also has a deflection area adjacent to the abutment area and to the turbulence area, having at least one surface inclined with respect to the axis of the rotary drilling, whose meridian line moves away from the axis in the direction going from bottom to top, in the service position of the profiled element in the drilling hole.

Abstract: The drill device has a body with a front end and a rear end and which is connectable to the shaft of a drilling apparatus. A plurality of angularly spaced apart slots are formed in the exterior of the device which extend between the front and rear ends. Each slot has a lip extending from each of its front and rear ends respectively. A cutting member is provided for each of the slots with each cutting member having a connecting portion located in one of the slots and having a forward end and a rearward. Each connecting portion has a hook near its front and rear ends respectively for connection to the lips of the slot in which it is located.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing cuttings in a deviated borehole using drilling fluids. The apparatus includes a pipe string and a bottom hole assembly having a down hole motor and bit for drilling the borehole. The pipe string has one end attached to the bottom hole assembly and does not rotate during drilling. The apparatus and methods raise at least a portion of the pipe string in the deviated borehole to remove cuttings from underneath the pipe string portion.

Abstract: A guide tube for use in a rock drill string includes a main portion, a sleeve disposed at a first end of the main portion, and a male thread portion disposed at a second end of the main portion. The sleeve forms a recess having a female thread. A flush channel extends through the guide tube. The main portion includes a section of reduced cross-section disposed adjacent the sleeve for defining a generally radially extending shoulder between the waist and the sleeve. The shoulder serves to support the guide tube on a rig as percussion is applied to the guide tube for loosening a threaded joint between the guide tube and another member.

Abstract: Logging-while-drilling gamma ray back scatter density system with elements configured to minimize material between sensor and the borehole environs, maximize shielding and collimation efficiency, and increase operational reliability and ruggedness. The system comprises a drill collar with a cavity in the outer wall, and an instrument package containing a sensor. The instrument package is disposed in the cavity and protrudes from the outer wall of the collar. Embodied as a density LWD system, the sensor consists of a gamma ray source and two detectors mounted within an instrument package framework made of high Z shielding material. A stabilized containing an alignment channel in the inner surface is disposed around the collar and receives the protrusion. The source and detectors are preferably positioned within the instrument package so that they fall within a radius defined by the outer surface of the collar. The source is threaded directly into the high Z material framework of the instrument package.

Abstract: A profiled element for rotary drilling equipment and applications to components of a string of drill pipes has an area of abutment on the wall of a drilling hole having a maximum diameter constituting the maximum diameter of the rotary drilling equipment and a turbulence area for producing an activation of the circulation of a drilling fluid in the annulus. The profiled element also has a deflection area adjacent to the abutment area and to the turbulence area, having at least one surface inclined with respect to the axis of the rotary drilling, whose meridian line moves away from the axis in the direction going from bottom to top, in the service position of the profiled element in the drilling hole.

Abstract: An expandable reamer shoe is provided for use with expandable casing in a borehole. The reamer shoe has a number of reaming members in the form of blades which remain closed against the body of the shoe when inserted through casing, and can then be expanded to underream below the casing. Additionally, the expandable reamer shoe is made substantially of a drillable material so that the borehole can be extended beyond the point reached by the expandable reamer shoe.

Abstract: A tubing centralizer for borehole drilling disclosed. The centralizer includes a retaining collar and an outer sleeve. In a method for installing the centralizer onto a joint of tubing, the retaining collar is mounted onto the joint of tubing and the outer sleeve is installed thereover.

Abstract: A drill bit is assembled to the makeup end of a drill string by means of a breakable washer comprising a ring-shaped body having an inner diameter and an outer diameter. A radially extending first surface of the ring-shaped body is planar and substantially perpendicular to a centerline axis through the body. A second radially extending surface has an angle with reference to the first surface that results in a radially diverging configuration.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a downhole tool with an improved means of transmitting data to and from the tool through the use of wired pipe capable of transmitting a signal and/or power between the surface of the well and any components in a drill string. In one aspect, a downhole tool includes a body, and a mandrel disposed in the body and movable in relation to the body. A conducive wire runs the length of the body and permits signals and/or power to be transmitted though the body as the tool changes its length.

Abstract: Grip and guiding device for directional drilling, in order to drill straight or curved holes with a predetermined path. The device includes a drill string (11-21) comprising parts which rotate during drilling, including a drill bit (11) or a water hammer on its front end and a non-rotating packer unit (14) with a packer tubing (28) comprising one or several projecting pressure pads (25,31-32) arranged behind the drill bit (11) or the water hammer. The pressure pad or pads are arranged to be pressed out towards the drill hole wall by means of the pressure from a drill fluid when this exceeds a certain level. The pressure pad (25) or the pressure pads (25A-25C) may be arranged asymmetrically and/or affects the packer tubing (28) asymmetrically, e.g. by having different heights. The pressure pad(s) force guiding ribs on the opposite side into the hole wall in order to prevent rotation of the packer unit (14). The pressure pad or pressure pads can on deactivation be withdrawn for performing linear drilling.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing abrasive wear within a housing that includes a body having at least one protrusion selectively positioned and extending outwardly from the outer surface thereof, the body being placed concentrically within the housing and rubbing against the inside surface thereof as the body is moved within the housing. The body is provided with a plurality of slides residing in a like number of grooves formed on the outside surface thereof, each of the slides having a groove formed in at least one side surface thereof The slides are affixed to the body by deforming the material comprising the body into the groove formed in the slide by striking the surface of the material comprising the body adjacent the groove in which the slide resides with enough force to deform the material comprising the body into the groove formed in the side surface of the slide. The apparatus is particularly effective for use with the sucker rod of a pump jack for a subterranean petroleum well.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes first and second drill string sections interconnected by a joint, which may be a flex coupling such as a loose splined connection. A resilient, fluid-tight tube extends through the joint and is fixed and sealed to interior surfaces of the drill string sections and provides a restoring force which tends to strengthen the joint.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively controlling the direction of a well bore comprising a mandrel rotatable about a rotation axis; a direction controller means comprising at least two parts configured to apply a force to said mandrel with a component perpendicular to the said rotation axis; a housing having an eccentric longitudinal bore forming a weighted side and being configured to freely rotate under gravity; and a driver for selectively varying the angle of the force relative to the weighted side of the housing about said rotation axis, the driver being configured to move the two parts independently of one another.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for sinking drill holes, in particular exploration and extraction drill holes, with a drill pipe, which at its end facing the floor to be mined is provided with a guide point fixed in the longitudinal direction of the drill pipe and a drill head with at least one cutting element. The drill head can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the drill pipe between a top position, in which the guide point projects beyond the at least one cutting element, and a bottom position in which the at least one cutting element is positioned at the same height as the end of the guide point or projects beyond same in the operating direction. When the drill head is in the top position, the drill pipe is moved in the direction of the drill hole to be produced until the guide point by cooperating with the floor fixes it in position. Then the drill head is moved into its bottom position in order to produce the drill hole.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing abrasive wear within a housing that includes a body having at least one protrusion selectively positioned and extending outwardly from the outer surface thereof, the body being placed concentrically within the housing and rubbing against the inside surface thereof as the body is moved within the housing. The body is provided with a plurality of slides residing in a like number of grooves formed on the outside surface thereof, each of the slides having a groove formed in at least one side surface thereof The slides are affixed to the body by deforming the material comprising the body into the groove formed in the slide by striking the surface of the material comprising the body adjacent the groove in which the slide resides with enough force to deform the material comprising the body into the groove formed in the side surface of the slide. The apparatus is particularly effective for use with the sucker rod of a pump jack for a subterranean petroleum well.

Abstract: A component which is adapted for use in a down hole environment such as in a well bore (WB), the component being provided with friction reduction means (20) comprising a rotatable member (28) mounted in a ball bearing race (27), the ball contacting the wall of the well bore (WB) such that the rotatable member (28) rotates upon the ball bearings to allow the component to be repositioned as necessary in any direction.

Abstract: A downhole drilling assembly including a housing having an upper end for connection to a drill string and a lower end, a fluid passage extending through the housing from the upper end to the lower end, a power unit contained within the housing, a drive assembly extending within the housing between the power unit and the lower end of the housing such that a mandrel chamber is defined between the drive assembly and the housing, a radially movable first stabilizer associated with the housing and located between the power unit and the lower end of the housing, an axially movable mandrel contained within the mandrel chamber, the mandrel being associated with a stabilizer actuator for causing radial movement of the first stabilizer in response to axial movement of the mandrel, and a sensor apparatus located between the power unit and the lower end of the housing for sensing at least one drilling parameter.

Abstract: A stabilizing sleeve device for an impact drill bit used in underground drilling operations. The cylindrical tubular device has arcuate keys on a bottom edge for interlocking with keyways in the shoulder of a hammer drill bit and a locking key groove in its top edge.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling into earth formations comprising an elongated body having spiral contoured stabilizers for up to a 360-degree stabilization to protect the cutting cones, the elongated body has multiple adjustable openings or nozzles to direct the pressurized fluid medium first to the cutting cone area and bottom of the drill hole to convey the dust and cuttings up the bore hole, a second, adjustable opening or nozzle adds more pressurized fluid means spirally up the contoured annular area in the stabilizer area, and a third, adjustable opening or nozzle at the upper end of the contoured stabilizer to add more pressurized fluid means in the drill pipe annular area to convey the dust and cuttings to the surface of the bore hole, the elongated body has replaceable cutting cones, and bearings and shank assemblies for rebuilding to original specifications.

Abstract: A controllable stabilizer (16; 116) in which an outer sub-assembly (22) is rotatably mounted around an inner sub-assembly (20). An annulus (58; 158) is movably mounted around the outer sub-assembly (22) to be radially displaced in a predetermined direction by selective hydraulic energisation of individual pistons (52; 152) in a piston/cylinder array (48; 148). The piston(s) selected to be energised are determined by a directionally-sensitive control system (18). The outer sub-assembly (22) carries a hydraulic pump (38; 138) operated by a driving mechanism (28; 128) carried on the inner sub-assembly (20); this pump (38; 138) provides hydraulic power for the pistons (52; 152). An alternator (34+56; 134+156) is similarly mounted and driven to provide on-board electrical power for the control system (18).

Abstract: A drill pipe protector assembly for providing hydraulic lift and improved sliding lubrication to a drill string. The protector defines a tubular sleeve that is attached to a section of drill pipe and resides over the outer diameter of the drill pipe while moving within an associated well casing or well hole. The sleeve is adapted to provide hydraulic lift and sliding lubrication relative to the well casing and thus, increase the proclivity of the drill pipe to slide down the hole while also reducing the development of cutting dams. The sleeve includes a plurality of radially oriented openings which direct drilling mud from the annular space between the sleeve and drill pipe to the annular space between the sleeve and the casing or outer well wall. The sleeve also includes a plurality of wedge shaped longitudinal channels in communication with the radial openings.

Abstract: The drilling assembly includes an eccentric adjustable diameter blade stabilizer having a housing with a fixed stabilizer blade and a pair of adjustable stabilizer blades. The adjustable stabilizer blades are housed within openings in the stabilizer housing and have inclined surfaces which engage ramps on the housing for camming the blades radially upon their movement axially. The adjustable blades are operatively connected to an extender piston on one end for extending the blades and a return spring at the other end for contracting the blades. The eccentric stabilizer also includes one or more flow tubes through which drilling fluids pass that apply a differential pressure across the stabilizer housing to actuate the extender pistons to move the adjustable stabilizer blades axially upstream to their extended position. The eccentric stabilizer is mounted on a bi-center bit which has an eccentric reamer section and a pilot bit.

Abstract: Drill pipe protection rings for filling external identification slots in drill pipe tool joints prevent damage to the internal seals of a drilling head. The rings are formed from resilient elastomeric materials. In cross-section, each ring has slightly convex inner and outer surfaces, and a series of circumferentially spaced-apart, hemispherical bumps located along its inner surface. One ring is mounted within each slot on each drill pipe section. The rings stretch slightly while being installed, but form a tight fit once they are properly seated. When installed, the outer surfaces of the rings will protrude slightly outward from or beyond the slots. The hemispherical bumps help align and center the rings within the slots. Without the rings, sharp edges of the slots on the drill pipe tool joints could cause severe damage as they passed through the drill head. However, with the rings, the outer surfaces of the slots are substantially filled to prevent their edges from cutting or gouging the elastomers.

Abstract: A tubular drill pipe section to be used in a well bore is disclosed. The drill pipe section includes upper and lower tool joints, a main steel tubular portion extending upwardly from the lower joint and terminating near the upper tool joint, and an elongated steel protector tube extending downwardly from the upper tool joint and secured to the upper end of the main portion. The main portion has a much lesser wall thickness throughout substantially its entire length than the protector tube. The protector tube is made of AISI 4100 series chrome-molly steel that is quenched and tempered to give it high strength and high hardness (30-38 HRc) with a Martensite small, close knit, grain size. This hard material reduces the penetration of the slip teeth into the wall of the pipe section and increases the fatigue life of the protector to beyond that of the main steel tubular portion.