Abstract: A flow slop valve (20) positioned in a downhole tubular (6), wherein: the flow slop valve (20) is in a closed position when a pressure difference between fluid outside the downhole tubular (6) and inside the downhole tubular (6) at the flow stop valve (20) is below a threshold value, thereby preventing flow through the downhole tubular; and the flow stop valve (20) is in an open position when the pressure difference between fluid outside the downhole tubular (6) and inside the downhole tubular (6) at the flow stop valve (20) is above a threshold value, thereby permitting flow through the downhole tubular (6).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a drilling method and drill. According to a disclosed method, multiple reciprocating rock-breaking elements, including a hammer drill bit, are used. The elements are moved in alternation to each other such that the net volume displacement by the moving parts is reduced for reducing compression work and thus for losing useful energy from the available amount from the drill bit engine for rock breaking. If desired, a small component of the net volume displacement is kept for enhancing PVW for enhancing rock chipping by tensile strength. The method also includes synchronizing the peak of the pressure depression wave with that of the impact moment of the drill bit's reciprocating motion to enhance, rather than hamper, rock breaking by the creation of PVW.

Abstract: A method is provided for drilling a well in a reservoir. The method includes planning a well trajectory for a serpentine well pair. The production well is drilled using lateral displacements and vertical displacements to follow a base of a pay interval in the reservoir. The production well is completed with perforations in regions comprising a hydrocarbon. At least a portion of the production well includes a liner with no perforations.

Abstract: A multifunctional screw drill and reaming device, for the testing of the structure and composition of various soil types, as well as for sampling and boring, extracting and injecting of gases and various types of chemicals as well as liquids, slurry, granules and solids. Screws can be hydraulically, pneumatically, mechanically, electrically or manually driven. Dependent upon the operation, the secondary screws (2) can rotate and change position or rotational direction within the primary screw's bore (1), or both primary (1) and secondary screws (2) can be coupled and rotate as one unit.

Abstract: Drilling fluid used in borehole drilling is supplemented with a particulate additive obtained by shredding the packaging material in which the drilling fluid is supplied, for use as lost circulation material. This reduces the materials costs, shipping costs, and waste disposal costs associated with borehole drilling.

Abstract: A device for handling drill string components for a drill rig. A slide is arranged displaceable on a longitudinal guide. A grip unit is swingable between a first position for receiving and delivering of drill string components beside the drill rig and a second position for assembling and disassembling of drill string components in the drill rig. The grip unit includes a rotator unit for rotation of a gripped drill string component. A rotational actuator supported by the slide has a rotational axis forming an angle with the length guide. A swing unit includes a first link portion that is connected to the rotational axis. A second link portion is connected to the grip unit and a swing joint portion.

Abstract: A device for uncoupling a drill string, the device including, in a longitudinal direction: a first structure that is intended to be attached to a drill string tube; a second structure that is intended to hold a cutting tool for drilling and is translatable relative to the first structure; and a thruster assembly between the first structure and the second structure. The thruster assembly is configured to exert a thrusting force on the second structure to separate the second structure from the first structure, the thrusting force being constant for every position of the second structure relative to the first structure.

Abstract: A cartridge feed screw nut includes a body having a tubular threaded opening defined therein and having side portions. The side portions include a plurality of lateral surfaces and a plurality of end surfaces. The lateral surfaces and the end surfaces form a profile shaped to prevent rotation of the cartridge feed screw nut relative to a front washer cylinder through engagement between at least one of the lateral surfaces or the end surfaces with the front washer cylinder.

Abstract: A statistical methodology is disclosed to provide time-to-event estimates for oilfield equipment. A method according to the present invention extracts unbiased information from equipment performance data and considers parameters interactions without recourse to data thinning. The analysis explicitly accounts for items of equipment that are still operational at the time of analysis. A method according to the present invention may also be utilized to apply survival analysis to any oilfield equipment components where time-to-event information has been recorded. The method of the present invention allows comparative reckoning between different components present in the system comprising several or many individual components and allows analysis of these components either individually or simultaneously, i.e., in the presence of other components.

Abstract: A fingerboard latch assembly includes a latch configured for operational engagement with a fingerboard for lockingly retaining at least one tubular to the fingerboard. The latch is movable within a range of motion extending from at least a locked position to an unlocked position. A positioner operatively engaged with the latch is communicably couplable to a process control network (PCN), and is sized and shaped for receipt within a latch channel of the fingerboard. The positioner is configured to move the latch within the range of motion in response to signals received from the PCN, to capture position data for the latch, including the position of the latch at a plurality of points within the range of motion, and to communicate the captured position data to the PCN.

Abstract: In a pulsed-electric drilling system, a nonrotating bit is given a noncircular shape to drill a correspondingly-shaped borehole, e.g., triangular, rectangular, polygonal, oval, or a more complex shape. Some embodiments employ a reconfigurable bit that deploys extensions as needed to dynamically vary the cross-section of the borehole at selected locations. In this fashion, a driller is able to create borehole with a preferred cross-sectional shape to, e.g., drill the smallest possible hole while simultaneously providing additional clearance for equipment or instrumentation, additional surface area for well inflow, channels for improved borehole cleaning, teeth for improved cementing, reduced contact area to reduce drag on the drillstring, or any other benefits achievable by customizing the borehole cross-section.

Abstract: Disclosed are hydrocarbon recovery drill string apparatus, subterranean hydrocarbon recovery drilling methods, and subterranean hydrocarbon recovery methods. In one embodiment, a hydrocarbon recovery drill string apparatus includes an elongated assembly within which a rotatable drill rod is received. The assembly comprises a longitudinal axis, a drill rod entrance end, and a drill rod exit end. The assembly comprises a tailcuttings diverter pipe proximate the drill rod exit end, with the tailcuttings diverter pipe defining an initial fluid flow path of the tailcuttings from the longitudinal axis which is acute from the longitudinal axis. Other apparatus and method aspects are contemplated.

Abstract: In a rotary drill, the drill is provided with at least one groove, of which one groove has a center lying on the axis of rotation of the drill. The two end points of the groove define a groove width, and the drill is provided with two or more cutting edges. Two cutting angles are defined. The groove has a left side and a right side. The rotary drill may further be used in a rotary drilling machine. The drill may be provided with a drill bit.

Abstract: A method for forming a coating upon a wellbore tool includes forming a pattern of features supported by a body and forming a coating over the pattern of features. Forming the pattern of features includes forming a first feature and forming a second feature spaced from the first feature by a first width at a first elevation and by a second width at a second elevation, the second width being different than the first width, and the first elevation being further from an interior region of the body than the second elevation. Also disclosed is a wellbore tool comprising a coating covering a pattern of features and a method of utilizing a wellbore tool in a subterranean formation, the method including forming a pattern of features, forming a coating over the pattern, and disposing the wellbore tool in a borehole.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides drilling and tripping equipment packages and control schemes and methods using two or more lifting systems that operate simultaneously and continuously in a synchronized manner such that the feeding of tubular into or out of a well bore is achieved with continuous or near continuous movement, without the need for periodic interruptions. The drilling and tripping equipment packages and control schemes are also able to rotate the tubular in the well bore with continuous speed and torque sufficient for both drilling and back-reaming operations. The drilling and tripping equipment package and control scheme is additionally able to circulate drilling fluid into the internal bore of the tubular with sufficient pressure and flow to facilitate both drilling and back-reaming operations, with minimal interruption to circulation.

Abstract: A high pressure seal adapter for a conductor housing of a wellhead, the high pressure seal adapter having a unitary body comprising: a first circular bore extending through said unitary body; and a second circular bore adjacent said first circular bore and extending through said unitary body; wherein said seal adapter is capable of being installed in said conductor housing. The high pressure seal adapter may further include at least one seal extending around a perimeter of said unitary body, said at least one seal contacting said conductor housing. The adapter may receive a high pressure riser in said first circular bore when said seal adapter is installed in said conductor housing, said high pressure riser having a lower surface that contacts said flange and at least one seal extending around an outside perimeter of said riser.

Abstract: One aspect of the instant disclosure relates to a subterranean drilling assembly comprising a subterranean drill bit and a sub apparatus coupled to the drill bit. Further, the sub apparatus may include at least one cooling system configured to cool at least a portion of the drill bit. For example, the sub apparatus may include at least one cooling system comprising a plurality of refrigeration coils or at least one thermoelectric device. In another embodiment a subterranean drill bit may include at least one cooling system positioned at least partially within the subterranean drill bit. Also, a sub apparatus or subterranean drill bit may be configured to cool drilling fluid communicated through at least one bore of a subterranean drill bit and avoiding cooling drilling fluid communicated through at least another bore of the subterranean drill bit. Methods of operating a subterranean drill bit are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of prolonging the life of a PDC cutter having a substantially cylindrical shape centered about a rotational axis, and an apparatus for multi-axis modulation of a PDC cutter, the method including imparting linear modulation to the cutter in at least one direction and imparting rotary modulation to the cutter about the rotational axis, the rotary modulation being synchronized with, and facilitated by, the linear modulation.

Abstract: In aspects, the disclosure provides a drilling motor that includes a lubricating unit that selectively supplies a lubricant to the drilling fluid before the drilling fluid passes through the drilling motor so as to lubricate the stator and/or the rotor to reduce friction between the stator and the rotor and to reduce wear of the motor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods used to prevent an operator from inadvertently dropping a string into a wellbore during assembling and disassembling of tubulars. In one instance, an interlock system is used to control the operations of a gripping apparatus connected to the top drive and a spider such that at least one of the top drive or the spider retains the tubular. The interlock system allows the spider to open when the gripping apparatus is supporting a load of the tubular or is in position to support a load of the tubular.

Abstract: Methods include one or more of robotically positioning a cutting element on an earth-boring tool, using a power-driven device to move a cutting element on an earth-boring tool, and robotically applying a bonding material for attaching a cutting element to an earth-boring tool. Robotic systems are used to robotically position a cutting element on an earth-boring tool. Systems for orienting a cutting element relative to a tool body include a power-driven device for moving a cutting element on or adjacent the tool body. Systems for positioning and orienting a cutting element on an earth-boring tool include such a power-driven device and a robot for carrying a cutting element. Systems for attaching a cutting element to an earth-boring tool include a robot carrying a torch for heating at least one of a cutting element, a tool body, and a bonding material.

Abstract: The invention relates to method for positioning a rock drilling rig and to a rock drilling rig. The rock drilling rig is moved using combustion-engine-free drive equipment with an electric drive motor. The torque is transmitted from the drive motor to the traction wheels over a mechanical anti-slip transmission connection. The ratio between the drive motor rotation rate and the traction wheel rotation rate is kept constantly the same during positioning. The drive motor is not only used for moving but also for stopping.

Abstract: An oscillator assembly includes a first eccentrically weighted rotor having a first eccentric weight configured to rotate about an axis, a second eccentrically weighted rotor having a second eccentric weight configured to rotate about the axis. Rotation of the first eccentrically weighted rotor is coupled to rotation of the second eccentrically weighted rotor. An actuator is configured to vary an angular separation between the first eccentric weight and the second eccentric weight.

Abstract: A hard composite composition may comprise a binder and a polymodal blend of matrix powder. The polymodal blend of matrix powder may have at least one first local maxima at a particle size of about 0.5 nm to about 30 ?m, at least one second local maxima at a particle size of about 200 ?m to about 10 mm, and at least one local minima between a particle size of about 30 ?m to about 200 ?m that has a value that is less than the first local maxima.

Abstract: Shock tools can include a rotary top drive box in threaded connection with an outer tube. A center plate tube can run through the center of the shock tool to provide a pathway for drilling fluid and/or mud to flow to the drill bit. A bottom tube socket box holding head can be attached to the outer tube and the center plate tube can be connected to a bottom drive socket. The bottom tube socket box holds a portion of the bottom drive socket within the outer tube. The center plate tube can be slidably engaged with the rotary top drive box. Multiple compression plates separated by compression pads are located in the tool to dampen the shock load by distributing the load across each of the multiple pads, thereby minimizing the load on any individual pad. This arrangement allows for higher load dampening lower failure rates.

Abstract: An apparatus abates noise from the operation of a drill head including a drilling element for engaging a face of a mine passage during a drilling cycle in which the drill head moves from a first position farther from the face to a second position closer to the face. The apparatus includes a collapsible barrier capable of moving between an extended condition to cover a portion of the drilling element during the formation of the borehole and a retracted condition in which the portion of the drilling element covered in the extended condition is exposed. A holder is adapted for releasably coupling with the barrier in the extended condition. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rock drill bit for percussive drilling comprising a bit head configured to be attached at an end of a drill element of a drilling assembly and having a diameter larger than that of a said drill element. The bit head has at a front end as seen in the intended drilling direction a generally frusto-conical shape defined by a substantially circumferential ring provided with a plurality of gauge buttons distributed along the extension of the ring for engaging material to be crushed. A central flush channel extends through the bit head and has at least one flushing hole opening at said front end to conduct flushing medium to said front end. At least one peripheral flushing hole of said at least one flushing hole opening at said front end opens in said substantially circumferential ring. At least two peripheral flushing holes open in said substantially circumferential ring.

Abstract: A water/slurry containment device for core drilling can contain and allow water/slurry to be extracted while the coring is occurring rather than allowing a puddle to form with more extensive cleanup required afterward. The device contains the water/slurry mix so that none escapes the confines of the device, so that water can be used in the core drilling. Water is essential to the life of the diamond coated bit and it keeps dust and noise to a minimum. The device includes a base plate with a collector ring that can rest on a surface to be core drilled. A notch can be cut in the collector ring and/or base plate to allow water and slurry to be removed from the device while core drilling.

Abstract: A drilling system for drilling a borehole in an underground formation, comprises a rotary drill bit, a drilling drive mechanism that is capable of applying both rotating the drill bit and applying an axial force to the drill bit, and a control system that is capable of controlling the drive mechanism so as to control rotation of the drill bit and the axial force applied to the drill bit in order to control the depth of cut created by the drill bit when drilling through the formation. A method of drilling a borehole in an underground formation with a rotary drill bit, comprises applying rotation and an axial force to the drill bit and controlling the rotation and axial force so as to control the depth of cut created by the drill bit when drilling through the formation.

Abstract: In forming a mine shaft for an underground mine, earth excavated by a boring machine may be transported upwardly by a handling unit to a transfer station where it may be transferred into skips, which may be raised and lowered along skip guides within the shaft hole for transport of the excavated material to an earth surface region. The transfer station may be moved downwardly as excavation progresses.

Abstract: An earth-boring tool may comprise at least one cavity formed in a face thereof. At least one retractable pad residing in the at least one cavity may be coupled to a piston located at least partially within the at least one cavity. Additionally, a valve may be positioned within the earth-boring tool and configured to regulate flow of an incompressible fluid in contact with the piston through an opening of a reservoir. A cartridge may comprise a barrel wall defining a first bore, and a piston comprising at least one retractable pad positioned at least partially within the first bore. The barrel wall and the piston may define a first reservoir within the first bore, and a valve may be positioned and configured to regulate flow through an opening to the first reservoir. Related methods and devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling a hole. A hybrid powered and manual auger is disclosed. The auger may include one or more cutting blades coupled to a drive shaft driven by a motor. The auger may further include a manual crank configured to rotate the motor and the drive shaft about a drive axis. The manual crank comprises a U-shaped offset formed by an upper crank arm and a lower crank arm joined by a crank handle portion. The drive shaft can be rotated by the motor alone, by rotation of the manual crank alone, and by a combination of the motor and rotation of the manual crank.

Abstract: A method for constructing a multilateral well includes drilling a main well, drilling a first lateral well from the main well, installing a production reentry deflection tool in the main well, proximate the first lateral, the first production reentry deflection tool having a first inner diameter, drilling a second lateral well from the main well and above the first lateral well, and installing a second production reentry deflection tool in the main well, proximate the second lateral, the second production reentry deflection tool having a second inner diameter. The first inner diameter is smaller than the second inner diameter.

Abstract: A cutting element for an earth-boring tool includes an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a generally planar volume of hard material attached to the elongated body, and a sensor affixed to the elongated body. The sensor may be configured to sense at least one of stress and strain. An earth-boring tool includes a cutting element disposed at least partially within a pocket of a body. Methods of forming cutting elements comprise securing a generally planar volume of hard material to an elongated body, attaching a sensor to the elongated body, and configuring the sensor. Methods of forming earth-boring tools comprise forming a cutting element and securing the cutting element within a recess in a body of the earth-boring tool. Methods of forming wellbores comprise rotating an earth-boring tool comprising a cutting element and measuring at least one of stress and strain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for desalinating water combined with power generation, wherein a desalination system is used for desalinating coastal seawater and is operationally related to a power generation system, wherein such dual purpose co-generation facility captures the heat vapor exhausted or a steam turbine generator's condenser is replaced by the desalination plant's heat exchanger enabling such captured heat energy to reduce the energy requirements of the desalination plant, and wherein brine solution being utilized by the desalination plant is circulated from and to the substrata sea water table via supply and return wells.

Abstract: A method includes making coiled tubing at a coiled tubing manufacturing unit coupled to a coiled tubing transportation system. One or more coiled tubing reels are transported from the coiled tubing manufacturing unit to one or more moveable well drilling systems using the coiled tubing transportation system. The coiled tubing transportation system runs from the tubing manufacturing unit to one or more movable well drilling systems, and then back to the coiled tubing manufacturing unit.

Abstract: Well drilling and well casing placement are carried out by a process in which a drill string and surrounding casing are advanced while being rotated, preferably in opposite directions. The process is preferably carried out using a drill rig having a mast that is movable along its direction of elongation and a casing rotation table fixed to the mast.

Abstract: A drilling installation for drilling a well, for example an oil, a gas, or a thermal well, includes a tower structure, a first hoisting device adapted to manipulate a first object in a first firing line in the longitudinal direction of the tower structure, a second hoisting device adapted to manipulate a second object in a second firing line in the longitudinal direction of the tower structure, a storage device for vertically storing tubular elements, such as joined tubulars, and a first pipe racker for moving tubular elements between the storage device and the first firing line. The first and second firing line are located outside the tower structure.

Abstract: A retrieval system for a wireline drilling system having a winch, a wireline rope connected to the winch, and a core sampler connected to the wireline rope. The retrieval system includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID) transponder and a controller that, in response to receiving a wireless signal from the RFID transponder, automatically adjusts a speed at which the winch retrieves the core sampler.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an expandable downhole tool for use in drilling of a wellbore are disclosed. The expandable tools disclosed herein may be used as an underreamer to enlarge a borehole, or may be used to stabilize a drilling system in a previously underreamed borehole or in a borehole that is being underreamed while drilling progresses. The various embodiments of the expandable tools disclosed herein have a higher hydraulic capacity than prior art underreamers. An increase in hydraulic energy delivered to the cutting structures may advantageously improve the rate of removal of cuttings from the cutting structures (improved cuttings evacuation), may decrease cutter element wear, and may prevent damage or premature failure. Improved cuttings evacuation may also provide for improved cutting action and increased penetration rates.

Abstract: Expandable apparatus include a triggering element comprising an at least partially corrodible composite material. Methods are used to trigger expandable apparatus using such a triggering element and to form such triggering elements for use with expandable apparatus.

Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations, especially in horizontal wells. The shape, frequency and duration of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths, through which flow may be parallel or sequential. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drilling deeper and wider well bores is provided. The apparatus includes a motorized drill head for cutting and shredding ground material; a separate excavation line; a separate fluid delivery line; and a separate close loop engine cooling line. The excavation line consists of multiple connected stationary segments of the main pipe with periodical segments of an in-line excavation pump. Alternatively, in another embodiment, excavation line consists of multiple connected segments of the main stationary pipe with rotating continues screw inside. The close loop cooling line consists of one heat exchanger in the motorized drill head and one on the ground surface in the binary unit where fluid is cooled and in process electricity produced which can be used as a supplement for powering drill head, pumps, equipment, etc.

Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.

Abstract: There is disclosed a downhole tool or device adapted to include at least part of a well completion assembly or well drilling assembly. For example, an improved centraliser is provided for centralisation of tubulars such as casings, liners, production screens, production tubing and the like in oil/gas wells in other wells, e.g. water wells. An improved downhole tool device is coated with at least first and second coatings, wherein the second coating layer is molecularly bonded to the first coating layer. The first coating comprises at least partly a material selected from the group consisting of Titanium Nitride (TiN), Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) or Carbon, and wherein the second coating at least partly comprises Tungsten Disulfide (WS2). There is also provided a method of manufacturing a downhole tool or device, wherein the second coating is applied at ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method for lubricating a drill shank (9) of a rock drilling machine (5), wherein at least part of the flow of the pressure fluid of a hydraulic circuit of a device (12, 13, 29, 36, 40) of the rock drilling machine (5) performing at least one function is directed to the rotation mechanism (20, 21, 25, 34) of the drill shank (9) for the purpose of lubricating the rotation mechanism (20, 21, 25, 34) of the drill shank (9).

Abstract: A method is provided for drilling a well in a reservoir. The method includes planning a well trajectory for a serpentine well that accesses a bypassed hydrocarbon in the reservoir. The serpentine well is drilled using lateral displacements and vertical displacements to follow the base in the reservoir. The serpentine well is completed with perforations in regions comprising the bypassed hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A well drilling system includes a flow control device regulating flow from a rig pump to a drill string, the flow control device being interconnected between the pump and a standpipe manifold, and another flow control device regulating flow through a line in communication with an annulus. Flow is simultaneously permitted through the flow control devices. A method of maintaining a desired bottom hole pressure includes dividing drilling fluid flow between a line in communication with a drill string interior and a line in communication with an annulus; the flow dividing step including permitting flow through a flow control device interconnected between a pump and a standpipe manifold.

Abstract: A method to control borehole fluid flow includes detecting a drilling condition and operating at least one valve in the drill string to place an exterior of the drill string in fluid communication with an interior of the drill string in response to detecting the drilling condition.

Abstract: A drilling unit for drilling a borehole and having an outer drill bit being rotationally driven by a primary rotary drive mechanism about a primary axis of rotation and having an outer bit cutting face disposed for drilling engagement with formation material. The outer drill bit defines an inner bit passage intersecting the outer bit cutting face. An inner drill bit is rotationally driven within the inner bit passage by a secondary rotary drive mechanism and has a secondary axis of rotation that can be the same or can be laterally offset from the primary axis of rotation. An inner bit cutting face is defined by the inner drill bit and is located within the inner bit passage. Rotation of the outer drill bit for borehole drilling causes orbital rotation of the inner drill bit about the primary axis of rotation simultaneously with rotation of the inner drill bit about the secondary axis of rotation for continuously cutting away formation material at the central region of the borehole being drilled.