Abstract: Method of drilling a well, including one method comprising determining a first value indicative of a relative position of a geological bed boundary with respect to a drilling assembly, determining a second value indicative of an optical property of a formation fluid proximate the drilling assembly, and controlling a well trajectory based on the first and second value.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring underground drilling in which vibration is monitored by creating a model of the drill string using finite element techniques or finite difference techniques and (i) predicting vibration by inputting real time values of operating parameters into the model, and then adjusting the model to agree with measured vibration data, (ii) predicting the weight on bit and drill string and mud motor speeds at which resonance will occur, as well as when stick-slip will occur, so that the operator can avoid operating regimes that will result in high vibration, (iii) determining vibration and torque levels along the length of the drill string based on the measured vibration and torque at one or more locations, (iv) determining the remaining life of critical components of the drill string based on the history of the vibration to which the components have been subjected, and (v) determining the optimum drilling parameters that will avoid excessive vibration of the drill string.

Abstract: Methods for drilling wells using magnetic ranging while drilling to position the wells with respect to one another are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a method of drilling a well includes leaving a drill string in position within a primary well, and drilling a secondary well using the drill string as a target for magnetic ranging while drilling such that the secondary well is positioned with a specified orientation relative to the drill string.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method for identifying planned markers while drilling a borehole. In one example, the method includes obtaining a plan containing planned markers that each corresponds to a baseline marker from an existing well. Each of the baseline markers corresponds to a waveform from a log file obtained from the existing well and is associated with a waveform representation of the corresponding waveform. Each of the planned markers is associated with an estimated true vertical depth (TVD) value. A second log file corresponding to the borehole is obtained that contains waveforms representing formation information detected within the borehole. The second log file is scanned for a planned marker based on the estimated TVD value and the waveform representation of the baseline marker corresponding to the planned marker. At least one match may be identified and reported for the planned marker.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for automatic weight on bit sensor calibration and regulating buckling of a drillstring. One method includes taking a first survey recording at a first depth within a borehole, the first survey recording providing inclination and azimuth of a drillstring at the first depth, measuring a weight on a drill bit at the first depth with a sensor sub arranged on a bottom hole assembly, the bottom hole assembly forming part of the drillstring and the drill bit being disposed at an end of the drillstring, calculating a predicted borehole curvature at a second depth within the borehole, the predicted curvature including a predicted inclination and a predicted azimuth of the drillstring at the second depth, calculating a weight correction value based on the predicted hole curvature, and calibrating the sensor sub with the weight correction value.

Abstract: A method of drilling boreholes is provided. The method, according to one embodiment, may include drilling a borehole, transmitting a signal into the earth formation, receiving signals at least three spaced sensors responsive to the transmitted signals and estimating a path of the borehole using the signals received by the at least three sensors. In another aspect, the method may include drilling a borehole, transmitting signals into the earth formation from at least three spaced transmitters, receiving signals at least one sensor responsive to the transmitted signals and estimating a path of the borehole using the signals received by the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A multicomponent induction logging tool uses a nonconducting mandrel. A central conducting member including wires that electrically connect at least one of the antennas to another of the antennas. Electrodes disposed about the transmitter antenna form a conductive path through a borehole fluid to the central conducting member.

Abstract: A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the method includes monitoring operating parameters for drilling rig equipment and bottom hole assembly (BHA) equipment for a BHA, where the operating parameters control the drilling rig equipment and BHA equipment. The method includes receiving current inputs corresponding to performance data of the drilling rig equipment and BHA equipment during a drilling operation and determining that an amount of change between the current inputs and corresponding previously received inputs exceeds a defined threshold. The method further includes determining whether a modification to the operating parameters has occurred that would result in the amount of change exceeding the defined threshold and identifying that a problem exists in at least one of the drilling rig equipment and BHA equipment if no modification has occurred to the operating parameters. The method includes performing a defined action if a problem exists.

Abstract: Electromagnetic proximity detection method for a buried structure executed with a mobile detection device, including sensing an electromagnetic field emitted from the structure as an analog electrical signal and digitalizing the analog electrical signal as a digital signal, performed after or while filtering the analog and/or digital signal. The proximity of the buried structure is determined by analyzing the digital signal, wherein the detection method can be alternatively executed in at least two of the following modes of detection: Power-Mode of detection, Radio-Mode of detection or Active-Mode of detection. An additional Switching-Mode of operation includes a repeated sequential detection in at least two of the mentioned modes of detection and is done by automatic subsequent alternating of the mode of detection with a minimum rate of alternation that an area of detection is coverable by the at least two modes of detection in a single execution of the detection method.

Abstract: An apparatus monitors a positional relationship between a boring tool and an inground line and includes a transmitter to generate a magnetic locating field from one of either the boring tool or at least an underground length of the line. A receiver can be carried by the boring tool if the field is generated from the line, or connected to the line if the field is generated from the boring tool, to detect an intensity of the magnetic locating field to produce a signal indicative of the magnetic field intensity with the signal being responsive to the positional relationship between the boring tool and the line. A display produces an indication responsive to the signal based on the detected intensity of the magnetic locating field.

Abstract: Positioning method of a bit or a drill head (22) of a drilling device which drills an underground hole in which method devices which measure the situation of the drill head and/or receiving devices of signals which have been sent from elsewhere and are related to the mentioned measuring and equipment (3, 4) in order to convert the measurement data into a signal form which can be sent onto the ground surface, a possible battery (10) to be a power source and devices in order to send the signal from the drilling head (22), are located to the drilling head, most advantageously into a protected unit (6).

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating at least one of a dynamic motion of a portion of interest of a drill string and a static parameter associated with the portion of interest, the apparatus having: a plurality of sensors operatively associated with the drill string at at least one location other than the portion of interest; and a processing system coupled to the plurality of sensors, the processing system configured to estimate at least one of the dynamic motion and the static parameter using a measurement from the plurality of sensors as input.

Abstract: A disclosed method for obtaining a core sample includes directing light at a core sample being collected, receiving reflected light from the core sample, and analyzing the received reflected light to determine one or more characteristics of the core sample and/or form an image of the core sample. Characteristics include rock type, hydrocarbon type, water concentration, porosity, and permeability. The light may be infrared (IR), visible, and/or ultraviolet (UV). The received reflected light may be passed through one or more multivariate optical elements (MOEs). Measurements made at two different positions on the core sample may be used to determine a coring rate. A described coring bit includes a barrel to receive a core sample, a light source illuminating the core sample as it enters the barrel, a detector system that receives reflected light from the core sample, and an optical transmission system communicating light to and from the core sample.

Abstract: A method is for determining the position of a lower portion of a drill string in a bore hole. The drill string comprises a number of drill string components, each drill string component being interconnected by means of at least one joint. Several ultrasonic sensors are arranged after each other along a drill string. The method comprises localizing the position of the chamfer of the joint relative to the ultrasonic sensors.

Abstract: A transmitter transmits a locating signal from a boring tool by operating at a frequency that is selected as one of at least two operating frequencies for use in locating the boring tool. A receiver, forming part of the locator, cooperates with the locator to cause the locator to respond dynamically to a change of the selected one of the operating frequencies such that the locator tracks the selected operating frequency.

Abstract: The Smart Reamer® Tool, Apparatus or Method is used to underream an oil or natural gas well while interlinked calipers and calibration sensors simultaneously record data relating to the geometry of the drilling operation (well diameter, diameter of the underreamed zone) and drilling fluid properties (density). Further sensors provide data on the relative position of the cutting and stabilizing blocks. Other sensors measure vibration data. All the sensors are interlinked by means of microprocessors which compare and correlate said data to automatically verify and deliver a desired wellbore diameter without the need to unnecessarily stop drilling or trip out of the hole.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tunneling apparatus including a drill head including a main body and a steering member that is movable relative to the main body. The tunneling apparatus includes a steering target attached to the main body. The tunneling apparatus also includes a camera mounted within the main body. Further, the tunneling apparatus includes a shell position indicator mounted to the steering member in the field of view of the camera. The shell position indicator is adapted to indicate relative movement between the target and the shell position indicator. Additionally, the position indicator frames the target when no relative movement between the target and shell position indicator is indicated.

Abstract: A system and method facilitate drilling of a lateral wellbore by eliminating one or more trips downhole. The system comprises a drill bit optimized for the drilling operation. The drill bit is coupled to a whipstock via a connector, which minimizes interference with the cutting elements of the drill bit. The connector includes a separation device which facilitates disconnection of the drill bit from the whipstock after the whipstock is anchored at a desired downhole location. The separation device is disposed in the connector to minimize the remaining portions of the connector existing after separation of the drill bit from the whipstock which must be milled by the drill bit prior to drilling the lateral wellbore.

Abstract: A tracker used to analyze a desired borepath prior to horizontal directional drilling operations. The tracker analyzes an amount of interference present at a plurality of different frequencies at multiple locations along the borepath and maps a plot of the interference at the different frequencies. The lower the point on the plot, the less interference present at that frequency at the location analyzed. The tracker summarizes the overall interference along the desired borepath for the different frequencies analyzed and will recommend a preferred frequency. An operator may program the beacon prior to boring operations to emit a beacon signal at the preferred frequency. The operator may also tune the tracker to receive the preferred frequency. The tracker and beacon may then communicate during boring operations at the preferred frequency in order to detect the position of the beacon underground relative to the tracker.

Abstract: A method for presenting drilling information includes presenting a display including a graph having a first axis and a second axis. The first axis represents a rate of penetration (ROP) of a drill bit into a borehole and the second axis representing a mechanical specific energy (MSE) of a drilling system that includes the drill bit. The method also includes plotting time based or foot based data with a computing device for one or more drilling runs on the graph and overlaying the graph with lines of constant power.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of performing a downhole operation is disclosed that in one embodiment may include running a downhole tool including an anchor, a whipstock, a cutting device, and an unlocked fluid-operated motor into a wellbore; wirelessly transmitting signals relating to orientation of the downhole tool from a sensor associated with the downhole tool; orienting the whipstock in response to the transmitted signals and without flowing a fluid through the cutting device; setting the anchor in the wellbore without flowing the fluid through the cutting device; and performing the downhole operation using the motor.

Abstract: A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the system receives toolface information for a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and non-survey sensor information corresponding to a location of the BHA in a borehole. The system calculates an amount of incremental progress made by the BHA based on the non-survey sensor information and calculates an estimate of the location based on the toolface information and the amount of incremental progress. The system repeats the steps of receiving toolface information and non-survey sensor information and calculating an amount of incremental progress to calculate an estimate of a plurality of locations representing a path of the BHA from a first survey point towards a second sequential survey point.

Abstract: Multiple sensors on a drill string can be utilized to perform equivalent circulation density (ECD) analysis. By utilizing multiple ones of the sensors, the pressure drop in each section of the wellbore can be classified. Additionally, the inclusion of multiple sensors in the drill string allows a wellbore to be sectioned into intervals bounded by any two sensors. Pressure events occurring in a single section of the wellbore bounded by any two sensors can be isolated and analyzed. The isolation can be achieved by subtracting the pressure measured on the shallower sensor from that measured on the deeper sensor.

Abstract: Specific apparatus and associated methods are described for use in establishing the positions of locating field detectors and for path mapping within a region for the purpose of tracking and/or guiding the movement of an underground boring tool. In one aspect, an improvement is provided forming part of an arrangement for tracking the position and/or guiding the boring tool using an electromagnetic locating signal which is transmitted from the boring tool as the boring tool moves through the ground. At least two detectors are located at fixed positions within the region, each being operable in a transmit mode and in a receive mode such that each one of the detectors in the transmit mode is able to transmit a relative locating signal to the other detector for use in determining the relative position of one detector in relation to the other and such that both detectors receive the electromagnetic locating signal in the receive mode for use in determining the position of the boring tool within the region.

Abstract: A system and methodology provide control over the directional drilling of a wellbore while enabling additional functionality. A rotational valve is mounted within a drill collar of a rotary steerable system to control flow of actuating fluid to one or more steering pads which are selectively moved in a lateral direction with respect to the rotary steerable system. The rotational valve also is controlled to carry out at least one additional function while controlling the direction of drilling.

Abstract: A method for calculating orientation changes within a borehole using a gyro sensor to detect angular deflection rates in an attitude reference interval as a MWD system is moved from a first to a second location within the borehole. A compass shot may be taken at one or more of the first and second locations using a magnetometer and accelerometer or gyro sensor and accelerometer. Tieback and/or overlap processing may be applied to increase the accuracy of measured orientation within the borehole. Additionally, tieback and/or overlap processing may be applied to adjust sensor model parameters in response to discrepancies between calculated and measured locations. Iterated calculations of orientation change between subsequent intervals may allow MWD orientation to be computed for an entire drilling operation using only a single compass shot.

Abstract: An underground directional drilling system can comprise a plurality of elongated dual-shaft segments coupled together end-to-end in a drilling string. The segments include an inner shaft that is independently rotable relative to an annular outer shaft, with the inner shafts being coupled together and the outer shafts being coupled together. The plurality of dual-shaft segments can comprise a communication segment that comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, a gap portion between the first and second electrodes that provides electrical insulation therebetween, and an electronic communication controller electrically coupled to the first and second electrodes. The communication controller is configured to generate voltage differences between the electrodes that cause electrical pulses to periodically transfer between the electrodes through the gap portion to wirelessly communicate drilling related data from underground to the surface.

Abstract: A system for automated control of a machine having a ground engaging work implement includes an implement load sensor system. A controller determines a change in terrain based at least in part upon a change in the load on the ground engaging work implement. If the change in terrain exceeds a threshold, the controller generates an alert command signal. A method is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling and communicating with one or more tools in a downhole tool string including a tractor, an auxiliary tractor tool, a logging tool, a safety sub, a release mechanism, a unit containing sensors for monitoring downhole conditions, a setting tool, and a perforating gun. Control and communication are accomplished by sending signals from the surface to control switches in the control units on the tool, with redundant switches for safety, to state machines in the respective control units, each state machine returning a signal verifying switch status to the surface. The state machine need not return a signal including a unique identifier.

Abstract: A drill for excavating a bore in the earth includes a steerable boring tool configured to excavate a bore and sensors coupled to the boring tool. The sensors are spaced apart from one another at multiple azimuthal locations around the steerable boring tool and the sensors are configured to detect a mineral property in the earth adjacent the steerable boring tool.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining whether a tool has been deployed below a drill pipe are provided. A downhole tool can measure various characteristics, which then can be analyzed to determine the likelihood of a tool having been deployed below the drill pipe. For example, density and porosity measurements can be affected by the presence of casing or drill pipe, and thus such measurements can provide an indication of whether the tool has been deployed below the drill pipe.

Abstract: Systems and methods for drilling a plurality of densely packed wells to efficiently utilize available drilling space. In accordance with one embodiment, a method of drilling densely packed wells may include drilling a second well using magnetic ranging while drilling to control a distance between the second well and a first well (the first well being either existing or drilled immediately prior to starting to drill the second well), and drilling a third well using magnetic ranging while drilling to control a distance between the third well and the first and second wells.

Abstract: A system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a wellbore. The system includes an outer tool assembly including a latch coupling having a latch profile and a slot subassembly having an axially extending slot profile. An inner tool assembly is positionable within the outer tool assembly. The inner tool assembly includes a latch assembly having a plurality of latch keys and an orienting subassembly having a plurality orienting keys. In operation, after axial alignment of the orienting subassembly with the slot subassembly, rotation of the orienting subassembly causes operable engagement of at least one orienting key with the slot profile and, thereafter, axial alignment of the latch assembly with the latch coupling causes operable engagement of the latch keys with the latch profile.

Abstract: Methods and systems for drilling to a target location include a control system that receives an input comprising a planned drilling path to a target location and determines a projected location of a bottom hole assembly of a drilling system. The projected location of the bottom hole assembly is compared to the planned drilling path to determine a deviation amount. A modified drilling path is created to the target location as selected based on the amount of deviation from the planned drilling path, and drilling rig control signals that steer the bottom hole assembly of the drilling system to the target location along the modified drilling path are generated.

Abstract: A system and methodology provide control over the directional drilling of a wellbore. A rotational valve is mounted within a drill collar of a rotary steerable system to enable selective actuation of one or more steering pads on the drill collar via an actuating fluid. The rotational valve is controlled via a motor and designed to provide enhanced control over the flow of actuating fluid to the steering pads.

Abstract: A system and methods for drilling a well in a field having an existing well are provided. Specifically a method of drilling a new well in a field having an existing well includes drilling the new well using a bottom hole assembly (BHA) having a drill collar divided by an insulated gap, generating a current on the drill collar of the BHA while drilling the new well, and measuring from the existing well a magnetic field caused by the current on the drill collar of the BHA. Using measurements of the magnetic field, a relative position of the new well to the existing well may be determined.

Abstract: Specific apparatus and associated methods are described for use in establishing the positions of locating field detectors and for path mapping within a region for the purpose of tracking and/or guiding the movement of an underground boring tool. In one aspect, an improvement is provided forming part of an arrangement for tracking the position and/or guiding the boring tool using an electromagnetic locating signal which is transmitted from the boring tool as the boring tool moves through the ground. At least two detectors are located at fixed positions within the region, each being operable in a transmit mode and in a receive mode such that each one of the detectors in the transmit mode is able to transmit a relative locating signal to the other detector for use in determining the relative position of one detector in relation to the other and such that both detectors receive the electromagnetic locating signal in the receive mode for use in determining the position of the boring tool within the region.

Abstract: An assembly for housing a beacon comprising a number of tools for tracking and locating a drill bit. The assembly is for use as part of a drill string for horizontal directional drilling applications. The housing allows the beacon to be loaded at an end, and provides a side window at an opposite end for viewing the orientation of the beacon within the housing. The housing comprises a locating tab for pairing with a locating slot of the beacon to provide proper orientation. The window has a removable cover to secure the beacon when the access window is not needed for inspection of the beacon.

Abstract: Generally, a sonde, associated components and methods are described which can be used in conjunction with an inground tool having an inground tool housing that defines an inground tool cavity such that the inground tool cavity is exposed to an ambient pressure environment which surrounds the inground tool during an inground operation. A sonde housing assembly includes an exterior configuration that is receivable within the inground tool cavity. The sonde housing assembly at least partially defines a sonde interior and is further configured for receiving the pressure sensor body of a pressure sensor in a pressure sealed engagement. A sonde electronics package is supported within the sonde interior and is at least configured to receive the pressure signal and transfer a corresponding pressure signal from the sonde.

Abstract: A sealed mule shoe assembly for use in directional drilling, comprising an outer mule shoe and an inner housing for containing a directional measurement tool which is slidably insertable in the outer mule shoe. The mule shoe assembly advantageously has half-moon mating surfaces which advantageously allow use circumferential seals to thereby prevent ingress of abrasive materials into the landing area between the outer mule shoe and the inner housing, thereby greatly prolonging the life of the mule shoe assembly. Such seals further make use of hydrostatic forces downhole which cause locking landed engagement of the inner tool within the outer mule shoe. Cup seals or a check valve are used to allow escape of fluid when the inner tool is inserted within the outer mule shoe, and similarly prevent ingress of abrasive fluids and drill cuttings into the area of landed engagement.

Abstract: A core orientation device (10) for a core drill (12). The device (10) comprises an arrangement (14) for providing signals (16) associated with a physical orientation (18) of the core orientation device (10). Processing means (22) are provided for processing the signals (16) so as to provide processed data (23) from which a measure (24) of the physical orientation (18) of the core orientation device (10) can be established. The measure (24) is associated with the physical orientation (18) of the device (10) at a particular moment in time. A memory (26) is coupled to the processing means 22 for storing the processed data 23. To this end there is provided an interface means (27) comprising first means (28) for storing the processed data (23) in the memory (26) and second means (30) for accessing the memory (26) to provide the measure (24) of the physical orientation (18) of core orientation device (10) when required.

Abstract: A sensor array system includes a sensor array comprising a first sensor disposed underground and a second sensor disposed underground, and a processor communicatively coupled to the sensors of the sensor array, the processor operative to receive signals from the sensors of the sensor array indicative of seismic activity, and identify a position of a portion of a borehole machine operative to induce the seismic activity while disposed in an underground borehole.

Abstract: A dynamic steering tool for use with a horizontal directional drilling machine. The tool comprises and inner member, an outer member, a steering member, a drill stem, and a drill bit. The drill stem extends from within a borehole to the surface while the outer member only extends the length of the inner member within the borehole. The outer member is powered via the use of a progressive cavity motor. In operation, the drill stem, inner member, and drill bit rotate in a clockwise position while the outer member rotates in a counterclockwise direction. Rotating the outer member opposite the inner member allows the outer member to remain stationary and cause the tool to steer while the inner member continues to rotate.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for drilling a wellbore including 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 such that energy from the directed energy mechanism causes fracturing of surrounding material to facilitate drilling in the direction of the directed energy.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are described for purposes of initiating a response to detection of an adverse operational condition involving a system including a drill rig and an inground tool. The response can be based on an uphole sensed parameter in combination with a downhole sensed parameter. The adverse operational condition can involve cross-bore detection, frac-out detection, excessive downhole pressure, a plugged jet indication and drill string key-holing detection. A communication system includes an inground communication link that allows bidirectional communication between a walkover detector and the drill rig via the inground tool. Monitoring of inground tool depth and/or lateral movement can be performed using techniques that approach integrated values. Bit force based auto-carving is described in the context of an automated procedure.

Abstract: A method and system for steering a rotary steerable tool in a borehole. A method includes determining an azimuthal angle between a reference direction and a reference point on a direction determination component of a tool string. The direction control component is remote from the rotary steerable tool. The azimuthal angle and a time at which the angle was determined are communicated to a rotary steerable tool direction control system. A steerable shaft of the rotary steerable tool is deflected based on the azimuthal angle and the time at which the angle was determined, thereby directing the rotary steerable tool in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A boring tool moves having a pitch orientation, a yaw orientation and a roll orientation and is steerable underground using the roll orientation. A maximum drill string curvature is established for steering. The boring tool is advanced over a path segment. An averaged roll characteristic is determined for movement of the boring tool along the path segment. A path segment pitch orientation is established based on at least one measured pitch orientation along the path segment. Using the maximum drill string curvature in combination with the averaged roll characteristic and the path segment pitch orientation, the yaw orientation is determined. The averaged roll characteristic is determined based on a series of incremental roll measurements that are spaced across the path segment. A set of coupled ordinary differential equations is used to characterize movement of the boring tool.

Abstract: A system for drilling at least one well of interest proximate a reference well comprises at least one sensor in a drill string in the at least one well of interest to detect at least one parameter of interest related to a distance and a direction to the reference well. A controller is operatively coupled to the at least one sensor to determine the distance and the direction from the sensor to the reference well based at least in part on the at least one detected parameter of interest. A steerable assembly is operatively coupled to the controller to receive commands from the controller to adjust the path of the at least one well of interest being drilled based at least in part on the distance and direction from the sensor to the reference well.

Abstract: A technique facilitates drilling of wellbores or other types of bore holes in a variety of applications. A steerable system is designed with a main shaft coupled to a drill bit shaft by a universal joint to provide steering functionality. A sensor system is mounted on the steerable system and comprises at least one sensor positioned to measure desired parameters, such as weight on bit and/or torque on bit parameters during drilling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for precisely controlling the rotation of a drill string. A sensor monitors the rotation of the drill string and transmits the rotational information to a computer. The computer controls the rotation of the motor driving the drill string and rotates the drill string through an angle input by the operator. The computer may also utilize the sensor's rotational information to oscillate the drill string between two predetermined angles. The computer may also receive orientation information from a downhole tool sensor. The downhole tool information may be combined with the rotational information to enable the computer to accurately reorient the downhole tool.