Abstract: A method and apparatus for penetrating a side of a well casing and/or drilling into earth strata surrounding the well casing, utilizing a rotating fluid discharge nozzle, and an abrasive introduced into the fluid downstream of apparatus for rotating the nozzle. Apparatus for rotating the nozzle can include a motor operable by pressurized fluid, or another suitable rotating power source The introduction of the abrasives will not adversely affect or harm the apparatus for rotating the nozzle, yet will provide the enhanced drilling capability. The abrasive stream can be used for drilling or cutting through a metal well casing, as well as cement and the adjacent strata.

Abstract: An offset rock bit (12) has a steering face (28) and a shoe (30) provided by a recess formed into the steering face (28). A slot (66) formed into the shoe (30) for receiving a pull back adapter (50) in a centrally located position in the forward end of the offset rock bit (12). The pull back adapter (50) has a pull back eye (52) with a central axis (62) which is aligned with a centrally disposed longitudinal axis (20) of the offset rock bit (12) and the tool string (10). This aligns the pull back eye (52) of the pull back adapter (50) with a borehole formed using the offset rock bit (12). The pull back adapter (50) also includes side edges (54, 56) which are configured for centering the pull back adapter (50) and pull back conduit within the borehole.

Abstract: A method and system for excavating a subterranean formation including pumping a fluid through a nozzle such that an exit velocity of the fluid is greater than an entrance velocity of the fluid. A plurality of solid material impactors may be circulated with the fluid through the nozzle. A substantial portion by weight of the solid material impactors has a mean diameter of approximately 0.100 inches or less. The substantial portion by weight of solid material impactors exit the nozzle, contact the formation and rebound into a junk slot.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for drilling a wellbore using a rotary drill bit with a bit body having a plurality of mechanical cutters to cut away formation material as the wellbore is formed and a directed energy mechanism to direct energy into the formation. The energy from the directed energy mechanism is used to enhance the cutting of the mechanical cutters by fracturing surrounding material to facilitate drilling in the direction of the directed energy.

Abstract: A head includes an outer cylindrical body with at least one upper inlet for fluids, at least one outlet side nozzle and at least one helical duct having a helical central line. The duct connects the upper inlet to the nozzle and imparts the fluid flowing through it a helical motion about the longitudinal axis of the outer body towards the nozzle. The helical duct is progressively tapered towards the nozzle and includes a terminal length of the duct which is radiused to the nozzle in a tapered manner, both when viewed in cross-sectional planes parallel to the longitudinal axis and tangent to the helical central line, as well as when viewed in cross-sectional planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing nozzle jet columns underground comprising a bore and nozzle rod arrangement (1) for producing a borehole and a nozzle jet column in the region of the borehole, and a measuring device (14) for measuring the nozzle jet column, in particular the diameter of the nozzle jet column, the measuring device (14) being at least partially integrated into the bore and nozzle rod arrangement (1) so that it is possible to measure the nozzle jet column using the mechanical measuring device (14) without the bore and nozzle rod arrangement (1) having previously been withdrawn from the borehole.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling through an earthen formation to form a borehole includes a bit body having a central axis, an internal plenum, and an underside. The underside includes an annular outer region. The bit body includes an outer receptacle extending from the plenum to the outer region. In addition, the drill bit comprises a first and a second cone cutter. Each cone cutter comprises an outer region distal the bit axis. Further the drill bit comprises an outer sleeve having an upstream end received by the outer sleeve receptacle and a through passage. The through passage includes an upstream section having an upstream axis and a downstream section having a downstream axis that is skewed at an angle ? relative to the upstream axis. A projection of the downstream axis passes between the outer regions of the first and second cone cutters.

Abstract: Utilization of geothermal energy in depths above 5 km could contribute considerably to resolving the global problems related to a lack of energy and to glasshouse gases from fossil fuels. The invention describes innovative equipment which makes deep holes in geological formations (rock) by disintegrating the soil into blocks carried to the land surface through the excavated hole filled with liquid, using transport modules yielded up by gas buoyancy interaction in the transport module utilizing supercavitation. In an opposite direction—by help of negative buoyancy—the necessary energy carriers, materials and components, or entire devices required for rock excavation, are carried to the bottom. The opportunity to transport rock in entire blocks reduces energy consumption considerably, because the rock is disintegrated in the section volumes only. Some of the extracted rock and material carried from the surface is used to make a casing of the hole using a part of the equipment.

Abstract: Sleeve arrangement for a drill rig, especially adapted for damping sound and sealing to the ground, said drill rig comprising a feed beam (4) having a drill end (41) and a rear end (42), said feed beam (4) comprising a first and a second part (411, 412) near the drill end (41), the first part (411) near the drill end (41), the first part (411) being fixed in relation to the feed beam (4), and the second part (412) being movable in relation to the feed beam (4) in a longitudinal direction. The invention is characterized in that said sleeve arrangement comprises a first flexible element (100) attached to the first part (411), and a second flexible element (200) attached to the movable second part (412), such that said first and second flexible elements (100, 200) are movable in relation to each other, wherein said second flexible element (200) is capable of taking an upper and a lower position, as well as all positions therebetween.

Abstract: Method is provided for drilling of formations containing carbonate minerals with flexible tubing capable of being turned in a very short radius. The very flexible tubing may be placed inside a work string in a well with coiled tubing and a micro-jet bit on the tubing be diverted to a selected direction and depth. Acidic drilling fluid pumped through the micro-jet bit allows high rates of drilling with hydrochloric acid. A slip joint between coiled tubing and the flexible tubing may be used to allow jet drilling without movement of the coiled tubing and use of a jet bit with forward-facing jets. Mixing of acid and base solutions downhole may be used to provide hotter acid solutions for drilling.

Abstract: A steel body bit nozzle assembly comprising a bit body having a port therein with a sleeve disposed adjacent a nozzle in the port and an annular seal disposed between an outer wall, each of the sleeve and the nozzle and a wall of the port, each seal being received and compressed in an annular seal groove located between its respective component and the bit body. A nozzle pocket insert assembly and a method of manufacturing or retrofitting a steel body bit for use of the nozzle pocket insert assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for excavating a subterranean formation, according to which a suspension of liquid and a plurality of impactors is introduced into at least one cavity formed in the body member. The suspension is discharged from a nozzle disposed in the cavity towards the formation so that the impactors remove at least a portion of the formation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a support pier having a single or multiple compacted aggregate lifts in a soil matrix, wherein the apparatus includes a vertical, hollow tube with a bulbous leading end or head element that is forced into the soil matrix. The hollow tube includes a mechanism for releasing aggregate from the lower head element of the tube as the tube is lifted incrementally. The same hollow tube is then utilized to compact the released aggregate. The process may be repeated to form a series of compacted lifts comprising a pier.

Abstract: A tool used for cutting coke or other hard materials in drums, adapted for being mounted to a boring rod with which the water can be run under pressure into the tool thus that, the water can be run toward the boring and cutting nozzles, being provided with a valve mechanism that can rotate about a coupling angle for releasing and closing the flow channel ports depending on a control input, with a first coupling position of the valve mechanism for boring and another coupling position for cutting, whereby the valve mechanism can be coupled at a water pressure reduced to the coupling pressure by rotating about the coupling angle, is simplified as to construction and handling in that the valve mechanism comprises a valve body in the water intake area of the casing, which has a cylindrical shape and a section for the water flowing inside the casing, as well as being rotationally mounted and having the possibility to be lifted and lowered in a cylindrical section of the inner wall of the casing, the valve body bein

Abstract: Sleeve arrangement for a drill rig, especially adapted for damping sound and sealing to the ground, said drill rig comprising a feed beam (4) having a drill end (41) and a rear end (42), said feed beam (4) comprising a first and a second part (411, 412) near the drill end (41), the first part (411) being fixed in relation to the feed beam (4,) and the second part (412) being movable in relation to the feed beam (4) in a longitudinal direction. The invention is characterized in that said sleeve arrangement comprises a first flexible element (100) attached to the first part (411), and a second flexible element (200) attached to the movable second part (412), such that said first and second flexible elements (100, 200) are movable in relation to each other, wherein said second flexible element (200) is capable of taking an upper and a lower position, as well as all positions there between.

Abstract: The fluid perforating/cutting nozzle is configured to provide long life to the nozzle. The nozzle is composed of a cylindrical shaft defining a bore for the passage of cutting fluid and having inlet and outlet ends, a shank portion and a relatively large diameter shroud disposed on the outlet end. The shroud protects both the nozzle and the tool from the high pressure cutting fluid reflecting off the surface of a workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting horizontally into an earthen formation including a nozzle assembly having a gauge ring mechanism and/or a centralizer mechanism that allows the nozzle assembly to remain along a consistent axis of travel during cutting. Embodiments can provide horizontal jetting into the earth's strata from both cased and uncased wells utilizing a rotating, swirling, pulsing or cavitating nozzles which can keep a relatively cuttings free downhole environment.

Abstract: A method of drilling, completing and producing a deep geothermal reservoir to allow the economical extraction of thermal energy from geologic strata, which may be termed as Hot Dry Rock (HDR).

Abstract: A chuck assembly, an assembly for an earth-boring drill assembly, and a method of retaining a drill bit for an earth-boring drill assembly, the drill assembly including a casing. The assembly includes a drill bit having a generally cylindrical head, a chuck connectable to the casing and operable to support the bit, the chuck having an outer surface with a radially-outwardly extending chuck ridge, an axially-extending first slot being defined in the ridge, a sleeve having an inner surface with a radially-inwardly extending sleeve ridge engageable with the chuck ridge to limit axial movement of the sleeve relative to the chuck, the sleeve having a first lug supported on the inner surface, the first lug being positionable in the first slot to limit relative rotational movement between the sleeve and the chuck. The assembly may also include a retainer assembly provided between the sleeve and the bit.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for drilling a wellbore (1) into an earth formation. The system comprises an expandable tubular element (4) extending into the wellbore, whereby a lower end portion (11) of the wall of the tubular element (8) extends radially outward and in axially reverse direction so as to define an expanded tubular section (10) extending around a remaining tubular section (4) of the tubular element. The expanded tubular section is extendable by downward movement of the remaining tubular section relative to the expanded tubular section whereby said lower end portion (14) of the wall bends radially outward and in axially reverse direction.

Abstract: A system and method for excavating a wellbore through a subterranean formation that includes a drill string having an inner passage for flowing a suspension of fluid and impactors. The drill string includes a flow control device to block flow in the drill string passage or in the annulus formed between the drill string and the wellbore inner wall from lowing into the bit when flow is reduced or stopped. The flow can take place due to fluid density differences resulting from impactors being in suspension in the fluid. The flow control device includes a selectively openable and closable valve. Valve embodiments include valves having flapper elements, a plurality of cables suspended in an annular configuration, and whisker elements.

Abstract: Device (34) for separating particles and/or drops of solid/fluid material out of a fluid, which device comprises a cyclone (14) with an inlet (16) and an outlet (28). The device comprises a centrifuge (36) that is arranged to separate particles and/or drops of solid/fluid material from the outlet fluid in said cyclone (14). The centrifuge (36) is located downstream of the cyclone (14) and is located in the cyclone (14). The centrifuge's axis of rotation is arranged to extend in the same direction as the cyclones axis of rotation and that the centrifuge (25) comprises a plurality of lamellae (40) that is arranged coaxially on a shaft (42) at a distance from one another so that fluid channels are formed between adjacent lamellae (40) and so that fluid flows in between adjacent lamellae (40) in a direction from the lamellae's periphery (4Op) towards said shaft (42) when said centrifuge (36) is in use.

Abstract: Apparatus for driving an open-ended conductor pipe into the ground. The apparatus includes, in combination, an open-ended conductor pipe capable of being driven into the ground, a drill string, a device for pumping fluid through the drill string, an arrangement for supporting the conductor pipe on the drill string, and a reciprocable impact driver supportable by the drill string within the conductor pipe. The apparatus further includes a device for reciprocating the reciprocable impact driver using fluid pumped through the drill string, an anvil capable of transferring the percussive force of the reciprocable impact driver to the conductor pipe, and jets for jetting fluid into the lower portion of the conductor pipe.

Abstract: A system and method according to which at least one vessel injects a suspension of liquid and a plurality of impactors into a formation to remove at least a portion of the formation.

Abstract: An internally rotating nozzle for facilitating drilling through a subterranean formation is rotatably mounted internally within a housing connected to a hose for receiving high pressure fluid. The rotor includes at least two tangential jets oriented off of center for ejecting fluid to generate torque and rotate the rotor and cut a substantially cylindrical tunnel in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A cryogenic system is described for boring a small-diameter hole through various materials including rock, soil and stone. It employs a valveless technique in a borehead [3000] where cryogenic fluid [7] fills at least one pulsejet [3100] which has proximal [3001] and distal [3003] ends. The cryogenic fluid [7] is frozen into a plug [8] near the distal end [3003], acting as a valve. Cryogenic fluid [7] just distal to the frozen plug [8] is rapidly heated by thermal units [3510, 3530] causing it to become a rapidly-expanding gas bubble. The rapidly-expanding gas bubble forces any liquid [7] distal to the expanding gas out of the distal end [3003] of each pulsejet [3100] causing it to impact the material [I]. Rapidly repeating this process causes the system to bore a hole through the material [I].

Abstract: Sleeve arrangement for a drill rig, especially adapted for damping sound and sealing to the ground, said drill rig comprising a feed beam (4) having a drill end (41) and a rear end (42), said feed beam (4) comprising a first and a second part (411, 412) near the drill end (41), the first part (411) being fixed in relation to the feed beam (4,) and the second part (412) being movable in relation to the feed beam (4) in a longitudinal direction. The invention is characterized in that said sleeve arrangement comprises a first flexible element (100) attached to the first part (411), and a second flexible element (200) attached to the movable second part (412), such that said first and second flexible elements (100, 200) are movable in relation to each other, wherein said second flexible element (200) is capable of taking an upper and a lower position, as well as all positions there between.

Abstract: A bearing for a wellbore tool includes a flow device. The flow device may be a pump such as a positive displacement pump or a hydrodynamic pump. In arrangements, a pump stator connects to a wellbore wall. A pump rotor rotates with a drilling motor, and/or a drill string. Rotation of the pump rotor may generate a pressure differential to displace the fluid. The pump may be configured to flow fluid across a gap between a rotating section and a non-rotating section of the bearing. The fluid may be drawn from a wellbore annulus and also returned into the wellbore annulus. The bearing may support thrust loadings and/or a radial loadings. In embodiments, inserts in the bearing may be used to filter the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to stop the influx of down hole fluids while drilling utilizing the downhole Supercharger Process including the steps of providing a down hole fluid supercharger tool in he drilling operation; detecting permeable zones at the surface while drilling utilizing the down hole supercharger process; locking the tool into a standard, continuous (non-intermittent) drilling mode; and resuming the supercharger process after the permeable zone has been penetrated. The invention also includes an method that detects permeable zones while utilizing the down hole supercharger process by monitoring pressure fluctuations at the surface, and an apparatus that controls the operation of the down hole supercharger from supercharger cycle to a conventional drilling mode by varying the compression on the tool (weight on bit).

Abstract: Downhole fluid jet cutting tools having extendible and retractable arms with cutting heads on the ends are disclosed. The jet cutting tools permit casing and other downhole surfaces to be cut utilizing a cutting fluid forced through a jet nozzle assembly. Inflation of an inflatable member within the passageway of the tool moves the jet nozzle assembly when cutting fluid pressure inflates the inflatable member. As a result, a cutting head of the jet nozzle assembly is extended and cutting fluid is forced at high pressure from the passageway to the cutting head where it is expelled through nozzles for cutting casing and the like. The jet cutting tools permit the cutting head to be extended, retracted, and re-extended or redeployed multiple times without the need for being retrieved from the wellbore.

Abstract: Methods and systems for installing a drawworks on a drilling rig, the method, in certain aspects, including moving a drawworks on movement apparatus on the ground adjacent a drill floor of a rig, connecting the drawworks to the drill floor, moving the movement apparatus away from the rig, and raising the drill floor with the drawworks thereon using raising apparatus of a rig substructure supporting the drill floor. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A method for installing rig structure (e.g. cabin, house, a doghouse) on a drilling rig, the method including: connecting support apparatus to a substructure of a drilling rig, supporting a drilling floor; moving a movement apparatus supporting a rig structure to position it adjacent the support apparatus, by moving movement apparatus on ground adjacent the substructure, moving the support apparatus into a connecting orientation with respect to the structure; connecting raising apparatus to the structure, the raising apparatus connected to the support apparatus; raising the structure up to the drill floor with the raising apparatus; and securing the structure to the support apparatus. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: An injection system and method is described. In several exemplary embodiments, the injection system and method may be a part of, and/or used with, a system and method for excavating a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A sleeved hose assembly for lateral jet drilling through an ultra-short radius curve. The sleeved hose assembly includes a wire-wound high-pressure hose inserted inside a reinforcing sleeve. In general, wire-wound high-pressure hoses exhibit transverse moduli that are insufficient to resist buckling forces encountered during lateral drilling. A sleeve is selected to encompass a wire-wound high-pressure hose and to exhibit a transverse stiffness sufficient to prevent the combination of the wire-wound high-pressure hose and the sleeve (i.e., a “sleeved hose assembly”) from buckling during lateral drilling. Also disclosed are a method for drilling a lateral borehole using such a sleeved hose assembly, and a method for drilling an ultra-short radius curve using such a sleeved hose assembly. In a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment, the sleeve includes a fiber reinforced epoxy composite having a transverse modulus of about 10 GPa.

Abstract: A jetting hose is conveyed downhole retracted within a tubing string for jetting lateral boreholes from a main wellbore, is released at the jetting depth and pumped from the tubing string and into a lateral borehole with jetting fluid. A piston is secured to the upper end of the jetting hose, and the pumped jetting fluid drives the piston. A speed control regulates the penetration rate of the jetting hose into the formation independent of the tubing string weight.

Abstract: A method and system for excavating a subterranean formation using a fluid comprising pumping the fluid through at least one nozzle such that a velocity of the fluid when exiting the nozzle is greater than a velocity of the fluid entering the nozzle. A plurality of solid material impactors are introduced into the fluid and circulated with the fluid through the nozzle. A substantial portion by weight of the solid material impactors has a mean diameter of equal to or less than approximately 0.100 inches. The fluid is pumped at a pressure level and a flow rate level sufficient to satisfy an impactor mass-velocity relationship wherein a substantial portion by weight of the solid material impactors has a minimum kinetic energy of approximately 0.075 Ft Lbs when exiting the nozzle. The substantial portion by weight of solid material impactors exit the nozzle and contact the formation.

Abstract: A system and method for making a hole in an object, the system having jet means for generating an abrasive jet formed of a mixture of a fluid and abrasive particles, and for blasting the abrasive jet with an erosive power into impingement with the object in an impingement area, thereby eroding the object in the impingement area. The system further has a rotating means for moving the impingement area along a selected circular trajectory in the hole about its circumference, and modulation means for modulating the erosive power of the abrasive jet while the impingement area is being moved along the selected trajectory.

Abstract: An apparatus for deflecting a tubular string preferably comprising at least one side nozzle near the lower end of a first tubular string. The nozzle permits passage of a fluid therethrough from the first tubular string bore and deflects the first tubular string in a substantially horizontal direction. A second tubular string may be lowered over the deflected first tubular string. The second tubular string and the first tubular string are preferably lowered into the sea floor for maintaining their deflection. A method for deflecting a first tubular string and securing the first tubular string in the deflected state preferably comprises lowering the first tubular string axially so that the lower end of the first tubular string is near the sea floor. Preferably, a fluid, such as seawater, is propelled down through the bore of the first tubular string and through at least one side nozzle near the lower end of the first tubular, wherein the fluid moving through the side nozzle deflects the first tubular string.

Abstract: A nozzle for use on a rotary drill bit for forming a subterranean borehole includes a body and at least one passageway extending through the body from an inlet to an exit aperture. The passageway has a converging region and a diverging region. At least a portion of the diverging region of the fluid passageway is substantially bifurcated. A rotary drill bit for forming a borehole in a subterranean formation includes at least one such nozzle installed within a body of the bit and configured for communicating drilling fluid to a face of the body. A method of communicating fluid to a face of a drill bit includes introducing fluid into a passageway, causing the fluid to flow through a converging region, causing the drilling fluid to flow through a diverging region, and substantially bifurcating the drilling fluid at least within a portion of the diverging region.

Abstract: Nozzles for a drilling tools, such as rotary-type drag bits and roller cone bits, a drilling tool and drilling assembly comprising nozzles, and methods of conveying drilling fluid through a nozzle for use in drilling subterranean formations are provided. A nozzle may include a substantially cylindrical nozzle body having an axis and an inlet port with a primary passage extending therethrough, and at least one secondary passage that diverges from the primary passage at an exit port.

Abstract: A tool for excavating an object comprises a jetting system having a nozzle arranged to receive a fluid and abrasive particles via an abrasive particle inlet, and arranged to impinge the object to be excavated with a jetted stream of the fluid mixed with the abrasive particles, the tool further having a recirculation system arranged to recirculate at least some of the abrasive particles from a return stream, downstream of the impingement of the jetted stream with the object to be excavated, back to the jetting system via the abrasive particle inlet, the abrasive particle inlet having an entrance window in which a device in a path fluidly connecting the return stream with the entrance window keeps the abrasive particle inlet free from objects of the same size or larger than the size of the window while allowing passage of the abrasive particles.

Abstract: A nozzle unit for generating an abrasive jet. The nozzle unit has a first nozzle connected to a pressurized carrier fluid supply; a mixing chamber in which the first nozzle discharges; and a second nozzle connected to the mixing chamber. An abrasive particle inlet discharges in the mixing chamber. A proportion of the cross sectional area of the first nozzle opening (A1) and the cross sectional area of the second nozzle opening (A2) is in a range of 0.50-1.0.

Abstract: Downhole fluid jet cutting tools having extendible and retractable arms with cutting heads on the ends are disclosed. The jet cutting tools permit casing and other downhole surfaces to be cut utilizing a cutting fluid forced through a jet nozzle assembly. Movement of a piston slidingly engaged within the passageway of the tool actuates the arms when cutting fluid pressure acts on the piston. As a result, the arms are extended and cutting fluid is forced at high pressure from the passageway to the cutting head where it is expelled through nozzles for cutting casing and the like. The jet cutting tools permit the arms to be extended, retracted, and re-extended or redeployed multiple times without the need for being retrieved from the wellbore.

Abstract: A device for transporting magnetic particles in a selected direction has a support surface extending in the selected direction, a magnet arranged to generate a magnetic field for retaining the particles on the support surface such that the magnetic field on the support surface has high- and low-field bands and a magnetic field gradient zone between the high- and low-bands, means for advancing the high- and low-bands relative to the support surface in a direction having a component in the direction of the gradient, wherein along the high-field band at least first and second magnetic poles of opposite polarity are arranged such that a first magnetic path on the support surface from the first pole to the second pole is shorter than a second magnetic path on the support surface crossing the gradient zone from the first pole to any other nearest pole of opposite polarity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for production of material from a subsurface earth formation being intersected by a wellbore that is lined with a well casing. After preparing the well casing by forming injection and production openings or removing a section of the casing to define a borehole interval, a plurality of lateral injection and production passages are formed that extend into the subsurface earth formation from the casing openings or borehole interval. Packers within the well casing define an injection compartment that is in communication with the lateral injection passages and a production compartment that is isolated from the injection compartment. Steam or other injection fluid is injected into the formation via an injection conduit extending from the surface to the injection compartment. Formation fluid migrating through the formation to the production passages is produced via a production conduit extending from the surface to the production compartment.

Abstract: The invention features an excavating device for excavating a hole in a geological formation, which excavating device includes: a body rotatable inside the hole along a rotation axis; a nozzle arranged on the body to jet a stream of an abrasive fluid onto a surface in the geological formation in order to generate the hole, wherein the stream has at least an radial velocity component and one parallel to the rotation axis. The excavating device further has a distance holder arranged on the body to ensure a predefined distance between the nozzle outlet and the surface; wherein the distance holder has a trumpet shaped inner surface section facing the geological formation, which trumpet shaped inner surface section is provided with an opening for allowing the stream to pass through. The opening in the trumpet shaped inner surface section is defined by a recess that is formed in the inner surface of the wall of the distance holder, whereby the nozzle is arranged to discharge in the recess.

Abstract: A system and method for excavating a subterranean formation, according to which a slurry of liquid and a plurality of impactors are introduced into at least one cavity formed in a body member and are discharged from the cavity so that the impactors remove a portion of the formation. The impactors are separated from at least a portion of the fluid and the materials removed from the formation, so that the impactors can be reused.

Abstract: A system and method for excavating a subterranean formation, according to which a suspension of liquid and a plurality of impactors are introduced into at least one cavity formed in a body member and are discharging from the cavity so that the impactors remove a portion of the formation. The impactors are separated from at least a portion of the fluid, and are passed to a conduit so that the impactors accumulate in the conduit before being removed from the conduit.

Abstract: A nozzle for use on a rotary drill bit for forming a subterranean borehole includes a body and at least one passageway extending through the body from an inlet to an exit aperture. The passageway has a converging region and a diverging region. At least a portion of the diverging region of the fluid passageway is substantially bifurcated. A rotary drill bit for forming a borehole in a subterranean formation includes at least one such nozzle installed within a body of the bit and configured for communicating drilling fluid to a face of the body. A method of communicating fluid to a face of a drill bit includes introducing fluid into a passageway, causing the fluid to flow through a converging region, causing the drilling fluid to flow through a diverging region, and substantially bifurcating the drilling fluid at least within a portion of the diverging region.

Abstract: An internally rotating nozzle for facilitating drilling through a subterranean formation is rotatably mounted internally within a housing connected to a hose for receiving high pressure fluid. The rotor includes at least two tangential jets oriented off of center for ejecting fluid to generate torque and rotate the rotor and cut a substantially cylindrical tunnel in the subterranean formation.