Abstract: In the present disclosure, by providing a rotary torque sensor and an auxiliary drive mechanism, the drilling drive can be well controlled according to the required torque. For example, when encountering rock formations, the auxiliary drive mechanism can be used for simultaneous driving drilling, and when drilling in soft formations, only by disconnecting the transmission can the operation be completed, so as to effectively reduce energy consumption and improve utilization. In the present disclosure, when a rotary torque is greater than a set value, the controller controls the auxiliary drive mechanism to transmit to the main drive column and drive the main drive column, and when the rotary torque is smaller than or equal to the set value, the controller controls the power transmission between the auxiliary drive mechanism and the main drive column to be disconnected.

Abstract: The device is designed for borehole reaming during casing—casing reamer shoes mounted in the conductor guide hole of a string or liner. The casing reamer shoe has a sub connected via a sleeve with a spiral mandrel having at least one screw groove, and a mandrel with a drill shoe located at one end thereof, and a pipe with at least one pin at the other end. The mandrel is mounted movably on the spiral mandrel inside a case being rigidly connected to the sub. The pin is arranged in the groove. The cross section of the screw groove has a shape of a trapezoid expanding in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shoe. The pin has a stepped cylindrical shape with a conical transition. The device increases reliability and lifetime of the casing reamer shoe due to the shape of the grooves and pins.

Abstract: A stacked-plate system for a backreamer. The backreamer has a set of plates disposed about a central shaft for providing fluid for use in reaming operations. A distributor plate forms a cavity within a plate assembly for receiving fluid from the central shaft through radial fluid ports. Fluid from the cavity is then expelled through nozzles that overlay the cavity in a separate plate. The direction of fluid flow at the nozzles is axial, rather than toward the sidewall of the enlarged bore.

Abstract: An underground directional drilling system can comprise a plurality of elongated dual-shaft segments coupled together end-to-end and forming an inner shaft assembly independently rotatable relative to an annular outer shaft assembly. The dual-shaft drilling system can include a communication segment that comprises an outer shaft having first longitudinal portion, a second longitudinal, and a gap portion that provides electrical insulation therebetween. The communication segment can generate voltage differences between the longitudinal portions that cause electrical pulses to periodically transfer across the gap portion to wirelessly communicate drilling related data to the surface. An inner shaft of the communication segment can comprise electrical insulation to avoid creating an electrical short between the first and second longitudinal portions of the outer shaft.

Abstract: A simplified system and method for lining a borehole in the Earth's surface. The liner has a tubing sleeve disposed upon the interior liner wall surrounding and defining the liner's interior volume when the liner is installed within a borehole. This compact and relatively lightweight system simplifies the modes and methods of subsurface installation. Each of at least one tubing sleeve preferably contains and holds at least one slender sample tubes for transporting borehole sample water (or water pressure change data) from a liner sampling spacer to above the ground's surface. The method is a relatively inexpensive, and allows for the sealing of a borehole to define various different sampling intervals with an external spacer at each liner port, and to use tubing directly to the surface from each port, to perform various subsurface sampling and monitoring functions.

Abstract: A tension monitoring apparatus is used for installing an underground utility by retraction that is applied to the utility. The tension monitoring apparatus includes a sensor for inground sensing of the tension force that is applied to the utility to produce a sensor signal. A processor monitors the tension force in a series of measurement intervals such that a plurality of tension force readings is generated for each of the measurement intervals. The processor stores a data set including a maximum tension force selected from the plurality of tension force readings for each one of the measurement intervals and copies the data set to a different location to create a copied data set after installation of the utility for subsequent selection and presentation of an overall maximum tension force.

Abstract: A method for maneuvering and operating a tool within a wellbore of a subterranean well includes providing a tractor assembly having a fluid chamber with a port extending through a sidewall of the fluid chamber. The port is moved to the open position to allow a well fluid of the subterranean well to flow into the fluid chamber. The port is moved to the closed position to prevent the well fluid from flowing between the interior of the fluid chamber and the exterior of the fluid chamber. A heating laser beam is generated with a laser and directed towards the fluid chamber to increase the temperature of the well fluid within the fluid chamber. The port is moved to the open position to allow the high heat well fluid to flow out of the fluid chamber to accelerate the tractor assembly within the wellbore.

Abstract: A pipe pulling technique where an adaptor is attached to the end of the pipe prior to the pipe being pulled underground, for example through a drilled hole. Attaching the adaptor to the pipe end prior to the pipe being pulled underground is faster and reduces danger to workers compared to the conventional process of attaching the adaptor to the end of the pipe after the pipe has been pulled underground.

Abstract: A pipe pulling technique where an adaptor is attached to the end of the pipe prior to the pipe being pulled underground, for example through a drilled hole. Attaching the adaptor to the pipe end prior to the pipe being pulled underground is faster and reduces danger to workers compared to the conventional process of attaching the adaptor to the end of the pipe after the pipe has been pulled underground.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for providing access to surfaces within a formation is provided, the method including: providing a wellbore from a first surface location to a second surface location; inserting into the wellbore a cylindrical cutting assembly connected to at least two wellbore tubulars, one of the wellbore tubular extending to each of the first surface location and the second surface location; and rotating the radial cylindrical cutting element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device used to mechanically enlarge the base de caissons, so as to form a semi-spherical cavity in the base de the caisson formed, in which said device includes a socket in the upper extremity thereof for the engine shaft, a guide ring, a soil excavating mechanism and a recipient for collecting the excavated soil.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting drilling components having an elongate tubular member with a non-circular exterior surface profile and a connector. A ground engaging member generally characterized as a reamer has a non-circular inner surface profile whereby the ground engaging member is slidably mounted on and engages the non-circular exterior surface of the tubular member. A flange assembly is connected to the ground engaging member and the tubular member to restrict axial movement of the ground engaging member relative to the tubular member.

Abstract: An improved back reamer for horizontal directional drilling is provided with multiple components which can be assembled and disassembled before and after the back reaming process. The reamer includes a main shaft connectable to the drill string, a reamer head removably mounted on the main shaft, and a pull tab removably attached to the main shaft. Faceted couplings between the reamer shaft and head, and between the reamer head and pull tab preclude rotation between the components.

Abstract: A wellbore obstruction-clearing tool connected to the bottom of a tubing string, such as casing, utilizes a sleeve which is axially and rotationally moveable in response to axial reciprocation of a tubing string to engage and clear obstructions in the wellbore. Fluid is discharged through the casing and the tool to engage the obstructions and to convey debris through the annulus to surface. Thus, the obstructions are cleared from the wellbore, permitting the casing to be advanced, without the need to rotate the casing.

Abstract: A reamer includes a mandrel defining a mandrel axis and arms extending radially from the mandrel. Each arm has a proximal end and a distal end. The reamer includes a cutting head disposed on the distal end of each arm and cutting teeth disposed on each cutting head. The cutting heads are arcuately spaced about the central mandrel to allow the movement of debris axially along the central mandrel and at least one of the arms defines a square cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A method for making gravel filters in oil well bores. The first step involves ascertaining the location of a producing formation adjacent to a cemented casing in a well bore. Then, a portion of the casing adjacent to the producing formation is cut, enlarging the bore adjacent to the producing formation. Subsequently, a sufficient amount of gravel is deposited in the enlarged portion of the bore to create an effective filter for a producing tube with a screen at its distal end. The distal end is positioned adjacent to the cemented bottom of the well bore. The method maximizes the diameter of the gravel deposited by delivering it exteriorly of the screen of the producing tube and through the annular space defined and sealed between the screen and the casing.

Abstract: An earth drilling reamer has an elongated body having an outer surface and a plurality of blade mounting supports extending radially outwardly from the outer surface of the body. Each blade mounting support has a primary blade engagement positioned parallel to the outer surface and a leading blade angled from the outer surface to the primary blade engagement. A removable primary blade is detachably secured to the primary blade engagement.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus for reaming a borehole incorporates two sets of cutting structures into two integral blade stabilizers, one oriented downhole and the other oriented uphole. The cutting structures comprise polycrystalline diamond cutters that are brazed into a wedge of steel that is inserted into the body of the reamers in an axial direction and retained by a stop block and retention cover that is bolted into the reamer. The two integral blade stabilizers have a combination left hand/right hand blade wrapping to provide 360° support around the circumference of the reamer. Between the two stabilizers, an impeller and a flow accelerator agitate cuttings on the low side of the borehole to mix the cuttings in with the drilling mud.

Abstract: A method of removing a restriction in a tubular located in a well includes providing a drilling assembly with a drill bit and a reamer, the reamer having a cutting structure for removing the restriction; drilling through a lower portion of the tubular; expanding the reamer at a location below the restriction; and urging the reamer back toward the restriction to remove the restriction.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting drilling components having an elongate tubular member with a non-circular exterior surface profile and a connector. A ground engaging member generally characterized as a reamer has a non-circular inner surface profile whereby the ground engaging member is slidably mounted on and engages the non-circular exterior surface of the tubular member. A flange assembly is connected to the ground engaging member and the tubular member to restrict axial movement of the ground engaging member relative to the tubular member.

Abstract: An expansion and sensing tool (50) comprising a tool body, cutter blocks and sensors with means for attachment to a drilling support and rotation which permits simultaneous underreaming and measurement of the diameter of a wellbore (40) drilled by an oil and gas rig (10) and characterized by radially extendable cutter blocks (62) incorporating positional sensors (80) adapted to measure the position of the cutter block relative to the tool, and vibration sensor means (76) to measure vibration and underreaming dynamics wellbore dimension in real-time, all of which are inter-linked by a means of communication using receivers, sensors and microprocessors to deliver a desired wellbore depth by simultaneously comparing and correlating measured vibration data and optimizing underreaming parameters. The tool may be optionally configured with calliper or stabilizer means directly or indirectly connected to the underreamer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a pullhead/reamer for use in digging a hole in the ground; comprising a first end (22) shaped to receive a mandrel struts, connecting the first end to the second end, the struts defining a set of open flutes (48) therewithin; and a set of slurry jets (50); wherein when the pullhead/reamer is in use, the set of slurry jets release a pressurized liquid to mix with the ground producing a slurry which enters the pullhead/reamer via the open flutes.

Abstract: An apparatus for overdrilling a buried line includes a rotatably driven thrust linkage and/or traction linkage, and has a forward end which is connected to a ring-shaped to hollow cylindrical overdrilling head which embraces the line. The overdrilling head is provided interiorly with a centering protrusion for spontaneous centering of the overdrilling head in concert with the line.

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 reamer for underground boring is provided. The reamer includes at least: (a) a center mandrel, wherein the center mandrel defines a mandrel axis; (b) a plurality of radial members extending radially from the center mandrel; (c) a plurality of cutting heads, wherein each of the cutting heads: (i) is supported by at least one of the radial members; (ii) is arcuately spaced-apart around the center mandrel from the other cutting heads; (iii) has a rounded surface; and (d) a plurality of cutting teeth on the rounded surface of each of the cutting heads. A method of horizontal drilling with the reamer is also provided.

Abstract: In a method for multistage manufacture of a borehole between two earth shafts, a drilling device drills in a first direction a pilot bore between a starting shaft and an end shaft and lines the pilot bore with pipes. Subsequently, the pilot bore is expanded in a second direction opposite to the first direction to form an expansion bore which is simultaneously lined with pipes, while accumulating soil is transported into the end shaft in opposition to the second direction with the aid of a screw conveyor.

Abstract: A back reamer includes a drive stem configured to support a main reamer body, the main reamer body including a plurality of receptacles, and a plurality of cutting leg assemblies in positive locking engagement with the plurality of receptacles to restrict radial movement of the cutting leg assemblies.

Abstract: A modular back reamer to be used in subterranean drilling includes a drive stem connected to a drill string and configured to support a reamer body, the reamer body providing a plurality of receptacles, wherein the receptacles are configured to retain a cutting leg assembly at varying heights within a predetermined range, and a plurality of shims engaged within the receptacles to secure the cutting leg assemblies at a specified height within the predetermined range, wherein the cutting leg assembly is secured to the reamer body with at least one mechanical fastener.

Abstract: A reamer for underground boring is provided. The reamer includes at least: (a) a center mandrel, wherein the center mandrel defines a mandrel axis; (b) a plurality of radial members extending radially from the center mandrel; (c) a plurality of cutting heads, wherein each of the cutting heads: (i) is supported by at least one of the radial members; (ii) is arcuately spaced-apart around the center mandrel from the other cutting heads; (iii) has a rounded surface; and (d) a plurality of cutting teeth on the rounded surface of each of the cutting heads. A method of horizontal drilling with the reamer is also provided.

Abstract: A bore hole sleeve reaming apparatus which is characterized by one or more subterranean bore clearing devices or sleeves for use with one or more clearing or bursting heads attached to a pull rod or cable and a pulling apparatus. One or more tapered sleeves are attached in spaced-apart relationship to a string of tandem-mounted plastic pipe when the clearing or bursting head or heads are attached to the pipe string to be pulled through the bore hole. The tapered sleeves are designed to straighten bore irregularities and clean, smooth and free the bore hole from collapsing earth, roots and/or rock and broken pipe and facilitate pulling the pipe string through the bore hole with minimum friction on the pipe string.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling a bore through a target includes advancing a drill bit into the target along a direction of advancement and injecting a directing gas in the direction of advancement through at least one aperture in the drill bit. As the bore is drilled, waste material is directed in the direction of advancement via the gas.

Abstract: A procedure for the installation of horizontal drains for uptake of seawater of the type of those that use horizontal directional drilling (HDD) with widening by means of reamers and use of drilling muds for consolidation of the drilled galleries, and subsequent installation of drains, characterized in that the horizontal directional drilling (HDD), of single or multiple holes, is carried out from behind the coastline and directed towards the sea, crossing predetermined submerged productive strata; in the boreholes drilled, tubular drains are introduced, with grooves or holes only in stretches that correspond to predicted productive areas, remaining closed in the other sections; the space between the hole and the drain is sealed in the non-productive parts.

Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling system is used to drive operation of a guidable reamer assembly connected to a drill string. The guidable reamer assembly preferably has a cutting member with a central longitudinal axis and a support member also having a central longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axes of the cutting member and the support member are collinear when the reamer assembly is in the non-steering position and laterally displaced when in the steering position. The assembly and method of this invention provide for increased control of reaming operations and product pipe placement.

Abstract: A joint according to the invention for connecting a pair of members rotatable about a common axis end to end. A sleeve has a non circular profile on an inner surface thereof whereby the sleeve can be slidably mounted on non circular exterior surfaces of the first and second members when such surfaces are brought into alignment by rotation of one member relative to the other in a manner effective to pass torque from one member to the other by means of the non circular surfaces. A fluid release passage includes a radial port that extends from the first longitudinal fluid supply passage to a clearance between the sleeve and the first member, which clearance communicates with a second clearance between the sleeve and the second member, which second clearance has a discharge opening.

Abstract: A microtunnelling apparatus and system that includes an external drive system having rotational and linear thrust drive means, a drill head section having drill rotor and drill rod and connecting to intermediate drill rods allowing extension of the boring hole created by the drill head section driven by the drive system. The drill head includes a modular construction having a plurality of circular disc like elements, a bearing module, a steering module, a spacer module, and a mounting module, for axial alignment and abutment and mounting within a cylindrical steering shell. Directional steering of the drill head includes a plurality of substantially radially extending channels in steering module, each with an hydraulically movable protuberance movable by control means to redirect the outer steering casing and thereby redirect the drill head section mounted on the distal end of the drill rods.

Abstract: A bore hole reaming apparatus characterized by one or more cleaning devices such as bursting heads attached to a pull rod and typically having one or more mandrels attached thereto in tandem for pulling a length of pipe through a pre-bored opening using a pulling apparatus. In a typical embodiment the bore hole reaming apparatus is characterized by a pair of bursting heads mounted in spaced-apart relationship in tandem on the pull rod and fitted with one or more mandrels attached to a third bursting head. The mandrel(s) is typically secured to a fourth bursting head by a cable and the fourth bursting head is attached to a string of typically HDPE pipe to be pulled through the bore hole. The mandrel(s) straighten irregularities and clean, smooth and enlarge the bore hole to facilitate pulling the pipe string through the bore hole with minimum friction on the pipe.

Abstract: A pilot tube drive assembly used with an auger boring machine includes a height adjustment mechanism for aligning the pilot tube path of travel with an axis about which an auger of the machine rotates during trenchless installation of underground pipe. A drive mechanism mounted on a drive assembly frame drives the pilot tube to form a pilot hole in the ground for guiding the auger. The height adjustment mechanism may include shorter and taller mounting assemblies which are typically removably mounted on the drive assembly frame. The shorter and taller mounting assemblies may be alternately mounted on the frame at the same location. Typically, the mounting assemblies are removably mounted on spaced rails of an auger boring machine frame via mounting legs which are removably inserted into openings in the spaced rails by an actuating mechanism between the rails.

Abstract: An improved back reamer for horizontal directional drilling is provided with multiple components which can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled before and after the back reaming process. The reamer includes a main shaft connectable to the drill string, a reamer head removably mounted on the main shaft, and a pull tab removably attached to the main shaft. The components are much lighter than prior art one-piece reamers, and thus improves safety to the installer and operator during the horizontal drilling operation.

Abstract: An expandable drilling apparatus is deployed upon a distal end of a drillstring and includes a cutting head and a substantially tubular main body adjacent the cutting head providing a plurality of axial recesses configured to receive arm assemblies configured to translate between a retracted and an extended position. A flow switch actuates the arm assemblies when a drilling fluid pressure exceeds an activation value and the drilling apparatus includes a biasing member to reset the arm assemblies when the drilling fluid pressure falls below a reset value.

Abstract: Tubing reaming apparatus comprises a housing adapted to be mounted to tubing to be reamed. The housing provides mounting for a reamer shaft adapted to mount a cutter within the tubing. The housing also provides mounting for a drive arrangement. A gear arrangement is provided between the drive arrangement and the reamer shaft. The housing may comprise a clamping arrangement adapted to reduce residual bend and ovality of the tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the drilling of a borehole and its simultaneous lining with cement or the like by the same apparatus. The apparatus comprises a combination spray bead and reamer head, a means to drive the reamer head through a borehole and a means for delivering cement to the spray head. Cement is fed to a rotatable spray disc or arms of the spray head, which is arranged to distribute the cement substantially evenly over the internal surface of the borehole created by the reamer head. The apparatus uses lined drill rods, as well as a lined reamer core with a double walled plastic tube. An air transfer assembly is used to connect an internal air source to an air passage contained in the plastic tube, such that the external air source remains stationary during rotation of the lined drill rods and attached reamer and spray beads.

Abstract: A bore hole sleeve reaming apparatus which is characterized by one or more subterranean bore clearing devices or sleeves for use with one or more clearing or bursting heads attached to a pull rod or cable and a pulling apparatus. One or more tapered sleeves are attached in spaced-apart relationship to a string of tandem-mounted plastic pipe when the clearing or bursting head or heads are attached to the pipe string to be pulled through the bore hole. The tapered sleeves are designed to straighten bore irregularities and clean, smooth and free the bore hole from collapsing earth, roots and/or rock and broken pipe and facilitate pulling the pipe string through the bore hole with minimum friction on the pipe string.

Abstract: A pilot tube drive assembly used with an auger boring machine includes a height adjustment mechanism for aligning the pilot tube path of travel with an axis about which an auger of the machine rotates during trenchless installation of underground pipe. A drive mechanism mounted on a drive assembly frame drives the pilot tube to form a pilot hole in the ground for guiding the auger. The height adjustment mechanism may include shorter and taller mounting assemblies which are typically removably mounted on the drive assembly frame. The shorter and taller mounting assemblies may be alternately mounted on the frame at the same location. Typically, the mounting assemblies are removably mounted on spaced rails of an auger boring machine frame via mounting legs which are removably inserted into openings in the spaced rails by an actuating mechanism between the rails.

Abstract: An auger boring machine includes a two-stage guidance control system for controlling a pilot tube during formation of an underground pilot hole which is subsequently followed by an auger to form a larger hole for installation of underground pipe. The system includes a first stage guidance control mechanism for guiding the pilot tube during a first stage of driving the pilot tube and a second stage guidance control mechanism for guiding the pilot tube during a second subsequent stage of driving the pilot tube. The first stage mechanism typically includes a theodolite which allows for pilot tube control during the first several hundred feet of pilot hole formation. The second stage mechanism typically includes a sonar sensor such as a radio frequency receiver for sensing signals transmitted from within the pilot tube and allows for pilot tube control when the first stage mechanism is no longer functional.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling movement of a bit of a drilling assembly during reaming of an already-drilled hole; the methods, in certain aspects, including determining a ream speed for downward movement of the bit in the hole, moving the bit downward in a hole at the ream speed, determining a time period for deceleration of the bit to the hole bottom, determining a value for a target drilling parameter for drilling beyond the bottom of the hole, decelerating the bit (linearly or non-linearly) for the time period, and achieving the value for the target drilling parameter when the bit reaches the bottom of the hole.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for maintaining control of a machine which produces thrust, rotation or other outputs in response to input signals. The apparatus has two distinct parts, namely the operator input portion and the output portion. The operator input portion consists of the primary thrust, rotation and other output control, and the input signal generation, signal maintenance and signal resume control. Through these controls, the operator enters the desired operation at conditions and levels for rotation, thrust, and other input signals. The output portion consists of an information processing and control portion and the power units for rotation, thrust and other outputs generated from the machine. The information processing and control system interprets all of the desired operational conditions and levels from the input portion and sends commands to the thrust, rotation and other power units to produce the desired outputs in response to the input signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a reamed hole below the surface are disclosed. The reaming apparatus is arranged to be connected to one or more boring stems and has an interior section and an exterior section. The interior section is rotatable independently of the exterior section. Reamed holes of various cross-sections can be produced by appropriate selection of the cross-section of the exterior section.

Abstract: An apparatus for bursting pipe is preferably adapted to receive rotational energy from the inner member of a dual-member drill string. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of pipe-bursting members, driven by the interconnected inner members, cut or burst a subterranean pipe. In another preferred embodiment, a plurality of screw drives move the pipe-bursting members between an expanded position and a retracted position in response to rotation of the interconnected inner members.

Abstract: In a drilling method for creating a channel leading from surrounding soil into a shaft which is separated from the soil by a wall, a channel is drilled through the soil from a starting pit in the direction of the shaft using a first drill head. The first drill head continues to drill in this direction in order to create a breach in the wall, and a second drill head is then used in the shaft to widen the breach in the wall by drilling in the opposite direction with the second drill head.

Abstract: A bore hole reaming apparatus which is characterized by one or more cleaning devices such as bursting heads attached to a pull rod and typically having one or more mandrels attached thereto in tandem for pulling a length of pipe through a pre-bored opening using a pulling apparatus. In a typical embodiment the bore hole reaming apparatus is characterized by a pair of bursting heads mounted in spaced-apart relationship in tandem on the pull rod and fitted with one or more mandrels attached to a third bursting head. The mandrel(s) is typically secured to a fourth bursting head by a cable and the fourth bursting head is attached to a string of typically HDPE pipe to be pulled through the bore hole. The mandrel(s) straighten irregularities and clean, smooth and enlarge the bore hole to facilitate pulling the pipe string through the bore hole with minimum friction on the pipe.