Abstract: Traction for a downhole tractor in a wellbore. A downhole propulsion system can provide a first traction module; a second traction module; and a controller configured to compare a first input parameter representing operation of the first traction module with a second input parameter representing operation of the second traction module. The controller can adjust a first output parameter of the first traction module and/or a second output parameter of the second traction module based on an input representing slip of the first traction module relative to the second traction module.

Abstract: A drill bit is disclosed, comprising: a drill bit head having a cutting face with one or more fixed cutting elements; a flow passage extending through the drill bit head to the cutting face; a flow interrupter within the drill bit head and positioned to interrupt flow of fluid through the flow passage; and a power section connected to drive the flow interrupter and cause, in operation, variable flow of fluid through the flow passage. A method of drilling is also disclosed comprising: flowing fluid through a flow passage extending through a drill bit head to a cutting face of the drill bit head, the cutting face having one or more fixed cutting elements; and driving a flow interrupter within the drill bit head with a power section to interrupt the flow of fluid through the flow passage and cause variable flow of fluid through the flow passage.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.

Abstract: A method for estimating a steady state response of a drill string in a borehole includes calculating a first displacement of the drill string in a frequency domain for a first excitation force frequency and a number of multiples of this frequency using an equation of motion of the drill string. The equation of motion has a static force component, an excitation force component, and a non-linear force component with respect to at least one of a deflection and a derivative of the deflection of the drill string. The method further includes: transforming the first displacement from the frequency domain into a time domain; calculating a non-linear force in the time domain; calculating a frequency domain coefficient derived from the calculated non-linear force in the time domain; and calculating a second displacement of the drill string in the frequency domain using the equation of motion and the frequency domain coefficient.

Abstract: A downhole tool for positioning in a wellbore comprises a tool main body, an electric motor disposed within the tool main body, the motor comprising a rotor rotatably attached to a stator, and a linear actuator assembly disposed within the motor for transforming a rotary output of the motor into a linear displacement.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid control system for controlling pressure fluid supplied to consumers (2, 3, 4) of a rock drilling machine, a regulating valve (6, 7, 8) for each for each consumer and fluid conduits between the regulating valves and the consumers, an electronically controlled auxiliary control unit (11) having an electrically controlled auxiliary valve (14) for connection to a fluid conduit, a sensor for sensing fluid parameter values and sending sensor signals to the auxiliary control unit as sensor input signal actual values, micro-controller (12) having at least one parameter sensor input signal entry (S1-S5, I1-I5) for receiving the sensor input signal actual values and a control signal exit (V1-V6) for signal control of an auxiliary valve, the processor (12) is being arranged to compare the actual and predetermined values and to emit control signals to an auxiliary valve in response to the comparison to adjust fluid flow.

Abstract: A well conveyance system couples to an uphole end of an artificial lift system and operates to push the artificial lift system through a tubing string for deployment in a wellbore. The well conveyance system includes a wellbore tractor adapted to push the artificial lift system through the tubing string and a swab cup assembly having a swab cup and a perforated nipple extending therethrough. The perforated nipple includes a nipple passage allowing for fluid flow from an area downhole from the swab cup to an area uphole from the swab cup when the wellbore tractor operates. A valve selectively blocks the perforated nipple to permit a hydraulic pressure to be applied to the tubing string uphole of the swab cup, exerting a downhole force on the swab cup to aid in deployment of the artificial lift system.

Abstract: A directional drilling tool includes a housing defining a central cavity for enabling the transmission of drilling fluid through the drill string. A motor contained in the housing includes a rotor-stator assembly, and produces eccentric motion of the rotor. An inverter or shock absorbing assembly disposed along the housing upstream from the motor functions to expend and contract the central cavity in response to fluid pressure changes produced by the drilling fluid flow. A valve assembly, comprising a multi-port flow head that rotates under influence of the motor and a multi-port flow restrictor, creates a varying pattern of pressure spikes in the drilling fluid as the ports of the flow head move into and out of alignment with the ports of the flow restrictor, which in turn induces a percussive effect and axial movement in the drill string.

Abstract: A towing string useful for positioning a towed assembly into a horizontal well bore includes a towed assembly coupled to a tractor assembly. The tractor assembly is operable to convert introduced energy into a pulling force that is directed downhole. The tractor assembly includes a disposable motor and a coupled rotary tractor. The rotary tractor has a rotating portion that is operable to rotate around a central axis of the rotary tractor and a rotary element that is operable to frictionally engage the well bore wall. A method for using the towing string for positioning the towed assembly in the horizontal section includes introducing the towing string into the horizontal well bore, operating the towing string such that the rotary element frictionally engages the well bore wall, and introducing energy to the towing string such that the tractor assembly provides a pulling force directed downhole.

Abstract: A drilling system and method are provided. The drilling system comprising a tool body, a drill bit, a mechanism for applying weight to the drill bit (“WOB”), and a control system for controlling the rate of rotation of the drill bit (“RPM”) and the weight applied to the bit during drilling. The control system is configurable to a first mode in which RPM and WOB are controlled to maintain power on the drill bit at a predetermined maximum, and a second mode in which RPM and WOB are controlled to maintain a predetermined depth of cut (“DOC”). In use, the control system is adapted to switch between the first and second modes depending on drilling conditions.

Abstract: A tractor configured for grip locking during advancement to avoid slippage, particularly in open-hole wells. The tractor is equipped with a grip lock mechanism for independently locking an anchor grip in a radially outward direction. This locking occurs sequentially in advance of the power stroke of a reciprocating drive piston associated with the anchor. Thus, radial outward expansion and gripping are ensured at the time pulling of a load in an axial downhole direction is pursued. Such grip locking may be employed throughout tractoring or intermittently, depending upon well characteristics such as formation hardness and well diameter.

Abstract: A steerable ground piercing tool includes an elongated outer housing having a lengthwise extending bore and an inner assembly at least in part disposed within the outer housing. The inner assembly includes a rotatable chisel having a longitudinally extending shaft at least in part disposed within the housing bore. The chisel has a first end defining an asymmetric tip and a second end defining a first impact surface for receiving a reciprocating action impact to drive the tool through the ground. The inner assembly further includes a conversion mechanism to selectively convert upon activation thereof at least a first portion of the reciprocating action imparted to the first impact surface into combined reciprocation and rotation of the tool.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a method and apparatus for horizontal directional drilling with a tool library. Various methods include storing a plurality of operational tool profiles in memory, the operational tool profiles of the plurality respectively associated with a plurality of boring tools attachable to a drill string for HHD and each of the operational tool profiles of the plurality including operating parameters for the boring tool of the plurality with which the operational profile is associated, and selectively displaying the operational tool profiles on a display screen based on user input.

Abstract: A gripper for use in a downhole tool is provided. The gripper can include an actuator, an engagement assembly, and an expandable assembly. The engagement assembly can comprise a leaf-spring like elongate continuous beam. The expandable assembly can comprise a linkage including a plurality of links. The linkage can be coupled to the actuator such that the actuator expands the expandable assembly which in turn expands the engagement assembly. One or more keyed connections can inhibit rotational misalignment of the expandable assembly from the engagement assembly. In operation, during one stage of expansion radial forces are transmitted to the engagement assembly through both interaction of a rolling mechanism on the engagement assembly with the expandable assembly and pressure of the linkage assembly directly on an inner surface of the engagement assembly. The one or more keyed connections can preferably facilitate full retraction of the expandable and engagement assemblies.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining stretch or compression of a drill string is disclosed. Sensors are positioned along the drill string for collecting data for determining the stretch or compression. The stretch or the compression of the drill string may be used to calculate depths at which measurements are obtained by tools associated with the drill string.

Abstract: An underground drilling method where drilling fluid pulsing down hole tool is combined with a multiple in series pistons down hole tool to provide vigorous vibrations in the drill string and deliver vibrating energy to the drill bit to increase penetration rates and reduce friction between the drill string and the hole. One example method and apparatus shown can operate a simple percussive down hole mud hammer.

Abstract: A steerable ground piercing tool includes an elongated outer housing having a lengthwise extending bore and an inner assembly at least in part disposed within the outer housing. The inner assembly includes a rotatable chisel having a longitudinally extending shaft at least in part disposed within the housing bore. The chisel has a first end defining an asymmetric tip and a second end defining a first impact surface for receiving a reciprocating action impact to drive the tool through the ground. The inner assembly further includes a conversion mechanism to selectively convert upon activation thereof at least a first portion of the reciprocating action imparted to the first impact surface into combined reciprocation and rotation of the tool.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor adapted for advancement through a borehole including an elongate body, aft and forward gripper assemblies, and a valve control assembly housed within the elongate body. The aft and forward gripper assemblies are adapted for selective engagement with the inner surface of the borehole. The valve control assembly includes a gripper control valve for directing pressurized fluid to the aft and forward gripper assemblies. The valve control assembly also includes a propulsion control valve for directing fluid to an aft or forward power chamber for advancing the body relative to the actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward mechanically actuated valves may be provided for controlling the position of the gripper control valve by detecting and signaling when the body has completed an advancement stroke relative to an actuated gripper assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for reaming a wellbore without rotating a tubular string that is extendable to a surface. A mandrel (102) is coupled to a downhole end of the tubular string. The mandrel (102) has at least one groove (110) in a sidewall portion thereof. A sleeve (112) is operably associated with the mandrel (102) such that longitudinal travel of the mandrel (102) relative to the sleeve (112) shifts the sleeve (112) between extended and contracted positions relative to the mandrel (102). A reamer shoe (122) is coupled to a downhole end of the sleeve (112). At least one coupling device (116) is operably associated with the sleeve (112) and extendable into the at least one groove (110) such that longitudinal travel of the mandrel (102) relative to the sleeve (112) caused the sleeve (112) to rotate relative to the mandrel (102), thereby rotating the reamer shoe (122).

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly is run into the wellbore on slickline with a tractor to assist in movement of the bottom hole assembly through a deviation in either direction. The tractor can have retractable drive components and can be responsive to tension in the slickline to turn it on and to avoid overrunning the slickline if driving out.

Abstract: An electrically powered and controlled tractor system includes one or more electric gripper assemblies and one or more electric power train assemblies. Power and control signals for the gripper assemblies and power train assemblies can be delivered from a ground surface via a wireline. The gripper assembly employs a motor-activated lead screw and nut combination to expand passage-gripping elements, preferably by pushing the gripping elements radially outward from locations between opposing ends of the gripping elements. A failsafe mechanism can retract the gripping elements during a power interruption. The power train assembly employs a motor-activated lead screw and nut combination to expand and contract two or more telescoping members. The tractor system can include multiple tractor units that each includes one gripper assembly and one power train assembly. A tractor can include one power train assembly and two gripper assemblies.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a sequence valve for use in a hydraulic plant, which sequence valve has a pressure-controlled slide valve (5) with a spring return and in a starting position defines a first cavity (10), which cavity is connected with a tank and the hydraulic plant, and in a second, pressurized position closes off the connection with the tank. The cavity is connected to a second cavity (18) via a channel (15, 16, 17) in the slide valve, and the second cavity is adapted to be connected with a pump via a throttle (20) and is positioned on the same side of the slide valve as the spring (7). The sequence valve has a third cavity (19), which is adapted to be connected with the pump and is positioned on the opposite side of the slide valve from the spring, and the second and the third cavity are connected with each other via a fixed throttle with a short flow channel. The invention also relates to downhole tractor with the sequence valve.

Abstract: An electrically powered and controlled tractor system includes one or more electric gripper assemblies and one or more electric power train assemblies. Power and control signals for the gripper assemblies and power train assemblies can be delivered from a ground surface via a wireline. The gripper assembly employs a motor-activated lead screw and nut combination to expand passage-gripping elements, preferably by pushing the gripping elements radially outward from locations between opposing ends of the gripping elements. A failsafe mechanism can retract the gripping elements during a power interruption. The power train assembly employs a motor-activated lead screw and nut combination to expand and contract two ore more telescoping members. The tractor system can include multiple tractor units that each includes one gripper assembly and one power train assembly. A tractor can include one power train assembly and two gripper assemblies.

Abstract: The invention provides a drilling system for use in a borehole through an underground formation, comprising: a drilling assembly including a drill bit for drilling through the formation and a drilling drive; conveyance means including a conveyance drive connected to the drilling assembly and operable to move the drilling assembly through the borehole, wherein the conveyance drive is operable to move the drilling assembly along the borehole into a drilling position and the drilling drive is operable to urge the drill bit into contact with the formation when drilling takes place in the drilling position.

Abstract: A method of reducing the torque required to provide relative rotation of two connected members includes providing impacts at or adjacent the connection between the two members at a rate of at least two impacts per second. An apparatus for reducing the torque required to provide relative rotation of two connected members includes an impact member adapted to provide an impact to at least one of the connected members, a driver for driving the impact member, wherein the driver is operable to cause the impact member to automatically and repeatedly impact upon the at least one member.

Abstract: Slacking off device (24) for use on a drilling device (2) for rock drilling. The drilling device (2) comprises a rock drill (4) to which a drill string (10) is adapted to be jointed by means of a thread joint. The drill string (10) comprises an arbitrary number of drill rods (12, 14, 16) which are adapted to be jointed together by means of thread joints. The drilling device (2) comprises a driving device for forward and back rotation of the drill string (10). The slacking off device (24) comprises a clamping device (25) arranged to clamp up the drill string (10) and a separate striking device (33) arranged to strike with an angle towards the longitudinal direction of the drill string (10) of principally 75°-105° on a first (32) of any of said thread joints under back rotation so that an impressed torque on the drill string (10) is obtained in a thread slacking rotation direction to provide slacking of the first thread joint (32).

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor adapted for advancement through a borehole including an elongate body, aft and forward gripper assemblies, and a valve control assembly housed within the elongate body. The aft and forward gripper assemblies are adapted for selective engagement with the inner surface of the borehole. The valve control assembly includes a gripper control valve for directing pressurized fluid to the aft and forward gripper assemblies. The valve control assembly also includes a propulsion control valve for directing fluid to an aft or forward power chamber for advancing the body relative to the actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward mechanically actuated valves may be provided for controlling the position of the gripper control valve by detecting and signaling when the body has completed an advancement stroke relative to an actuated gripper assembly.

Abstract: To limit the growth of errors of an inertial navigation system for measurement-while-drilling, in-drilling alignment methods can be used. A pneumatics-based design of an apparatus for an in-drilling alignment method and its implementation downhole are described.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drilling assembly has a string of downhole tools connected to a drill bit with a bit body intermediate a shank and a working face. The drill bit is connected to the string of tools at the shank. A continuous fluid passageway is formed within the bit body and the string of tools. A valve mechanism disposed within the fluid passageway is adapted to substantially cyclically build-up and release pressure within the fluid passageway such that a pressure build-up results in radial expansion of at least a portion of the fluid passageway and wherein a pressure release results in a contraction of the portion of the fluid passageway. The expansion and contraction of the portion of the fluid passageway varies a weight loaded to the drill bit.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves.

Abstract: A milling assembly can be delivered downhole on wireline. Once at the desired location, a processor extends centralizing and driving wheels to initially position the assembly. The assembly has a cutter end with one or more mills or cutters that can be selectively radially extended. The entire cutter end can be rotated in an arcuate manner over a predetermined range. One or more cutter can be extended at a time and driven. The wheels are driven either in an uphole or downhole direction at the same time the arcuate motion can take place. Using a processor, different shapes in a surrounding tubular can be made such as windows for laterals, a plurality of openings for production or interior locator surfaces to properly position subsequent equipment with respect to openings already made by the device.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor adapted for advancement through a borehole including an elongate body, aft and forward gripper assemblies, and a valve control assembly housed within the elongate body. The aft and forward gripper assemblies are adapted for selective engagement with the inner surface of the borehole. The valve control assembly includes a gripper control valve for directing pressurized fluid to the aft and forward gripper assemblies. The valve control assembly also includes a propulsion control valve for directing fluid to an aft or forward power chamber for advancing the body relative to the actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward mechanically actuated valves may be provided for controlling the position of the gripper control valve by detecting and signaling when the body has completed an advancement stroke relative to an actuated gripper assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a drilling system for use in a borehole through an underground formation, comprising: a drilling assembly including a drill bit for drilling through the formation and a drilling drive; conveyance means including a conveyance drive connected to the drilling assembly and operable to move the drilling assembly through the borehole, wherein the conveyance drive is operable to move the drilling assembly along the borehole into a drilling position and the drilling drive is operable to urge the drill bit into contact with the formation when drilling takes place in the drilling position.

Abstract: An electrically powered and controlled tractor system includes one or more electric gripper assemblies and one or more electric power train assemblies. Power and control signals for the gripper assemblies and power train assemblies can be delivered from a ground surface via a wireline. The gripper assembly employs a motor-activated lead screw and nut combination to expand passage-gripping elements, preferably by pushing the gripping elements radially outward from locations between opposing ends of the gripping elements. A failsafe mechanism can retract the gripping elements during a power interruption. The power train assembly employs a motor-activated lead screw and nut combination to expand and contract two ore more telescoping members. The tractor system can include multiple tractor units that each includes one gripper assembly and one power train assembly. A tractor can include one power train assembly and two gripper assemblies.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor adapted for advancement through a borehole including an elongate body, aft and forward gripper assemblies, and a valve control assembly housed within the elongate body. The aft and forward gripper assemblies are adapted for selective engagement with the inner surface of the borehole. The valve control assembly includes a gripper control valve for directing pressurized fluid to the aft and forward gripper assemblies. The valve control assembly also includes a propulsion control valve for directing fluid to an aft or forward power chamber for advancing the body relative to the actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward mechanically actuated valves may be provided for controlling the position of the gripper control valve by detecting and signaling when the body has completed an advancement stroke relative to an actuated gripper assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves.

Abstract: An expandable gripper assembly may be configured for anchoring a tool in a passage. The expandable gripper assembly includes first, second, and third pivotally connected links that are coupled to a tool. The third link is adapted to engage an inner wall in the passage. An actuation mechanism causes the third link to move radially outward from the tool for engagement with the inner wall. The actuation mechanism may comprise a roller mechanism that pushes on an inner surface of the first link for causing the first link to pivot outward away from the body. As the first and second links pivot outward, the third link moves in a radial direction for engagement with an inner wall.

Abstract: A pulling tool for use in the placing of equipment and acquisition of data from pipes and boreholes used in the production of oil and gas. For this purpose the tool is constructed round a central, elongate, cylindrical main element (1) to which there are arranged radially movable links (2), (4) and (5) with chains (3) arranged thereto, running in grooves (11). Radial movement of the links is provided by subjecting a terminal element (9) for the links (5) to an axial movement by means of an actuator (24). The chains (3) are rotated by an electric motor (8) transferring, through the axle (9) connected to the bevel gears (18) and (17), propulsive force to the chain wheel (15) on which the chains (3) are running.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves.

Abstract: A large scale hydraulically driven downhole reciprocating tractor to display substantially continuous advancement. The tractor may be configured to pull coiled tubing downhole in a continuous manner so as to substantially avoid static frictional resistance to the pulling. As a result, the tractor and coiled tubing may achieve up to about twice the depth into the well otherwise attainable. Additionally, the tractor may include a fail safe mechanism whereby a plurality of pilot operated valves are employed to ensure that immobilization of at least one anchor of the tractor is present at all times during downhole advancement to thereby avoid the undesired effects of coiled tubing spring-back.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor adapted for advancement through a borehole including an elongate body, aft and forward gripper assemblies, and a valve control assembly housed within the elongate body. The aft and forward gripper assemblies are adapted for selective engagement with the inner surface of the borehole. The valve control assembly includes a gripper control valve for directing pressurized fluid to the aft and forward gripper assemblies. The valve control assembly also includes a propulsion control valve for directing fluid to an aft or forward power chamber for advancing the body relative to the actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward mechanically actuated valves may be provided for controlling the position of the gripper control valve by detecting and signaling when the body has completed an advancement stroke relative to an actuated gripper assembly.

Abstract: A method of reducing the torque required to provide relative rotation of two connected members includes providing impacts at or adjacent the connection between the two members at a rate of at least two impacts per second. An apparatus for reducing the torque required to provide relative rotation of two connected members includes an impact member adapted to provide an impact to at least one of the connected members, a driver for driving the impact member, wherein the driver is operable to cause the impact member to automatically and repeatedly impact upon the at least one member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling apparatus and a method for introducing a drilling element into the soil comprising a drive, which is supported on a mast for introducing the drilling element, and a collet turning device having a collet which can be turned by means of at least one operating cylinder. In order to improve the torque transmission at least two collet turning devices are provided which can be engaged with the drilling element so as to transmit the torque.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves.

Abstract: A downhole drilling tractor for moving within a borehole comprises a tractor body, two packerfeet, two aft propulsion cylinders, and two forward propulsion cylinders. The body comprises aft and forward shafts and a central control assembly. The packerfeet and propulsion cylinders are slidably engaged with the tractor body. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the packerfeet to cause the packerfeet to grip onto the borehole wall. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the propulsion cylinders to selectively provide downhole or uphole hydraulic thrust to the tractor body. The tractor receives drilling fluid from a drill string extending to the surface. A system of spool valves in the control assembly controls the distribution of drilling fluid to the packerfeet and cylinders. The valve positions are controlled by motors. A programmable electronic logic component on the tractor receives control signals from the surface and feedback signals from various sensors on the tool.

Abstract: A downhole drilling tractor for moving within a borehole comprises a tractor body, two packerfeet, two aft propulsion cylinders, and two forward propulsion cylinders. The body comprises aft and forward shafts and a central control assembly. The packerfeet and propulsion cylinders are slidably engaged with the tractor body. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the packerfeet to cause the packerfeet to grip onto the borehole wall. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the propulsion cylinders to selectively provide downhole or uphole hydraulic thrust to the tractor body. The tractor receives drilling fluid from a drill string extending to the surface. A system of spool valves in the control assembly controls the distribution of drilling fluid to the packerfeet and cylinders. The valve positions are controlled by motors. A programmable electronic logic component on the tractor receives control signals from the surface and feedback signals from various sensors on the tool.

Abstract: A drilling system and method for drilling a borehole into an earth formation is provided. The drilling system has a drill string having a lower section provided with a sleeve which is radially expandable from a retracted mode in which the sleeve extends around the lower drill string section and is releasably connected thereto, to an expanded mode in which the sleeve is released from the lower drill string section and is expanded against the borehole wall. The drilling system further has a control means for selectively releasing the sleeve from the lower drill string section and expanding the sleeve against the borehole wall.

Abstract: A downhole tractor is provided that may be used in open or cased wells, and is also designed for use in open holes having a variety of soil/formation consistencies (e.g., soft, firm, rigid, etc.), varying diameters and non-uniform and irregular bore profiles. The tractor may include a track assembly including a plurality of idler wheels and a continuous track rotatably disposed around the idler wheels. A motor may be adapted to rotate the track around the idler wheels. Upper and lower arms may be pivotally connected to opposite ends of the track assembly and pivotally connected to a tractor housing. An actuator arm or link assembly may be provided to impart an outward force to the track assembly to move the track assembly outwardly into an open position and a retracting force to retract the track assembly into a closed position. A rotatable screw may be connected to a second motor, or a rod may be connected to a hydraulic system, to actuate the actuator arm or link assembly.