Abstract: A downhole tool including a fluid-actuated piston and a motor-driven valve. The fluid-actuated piston is operatively associated with a reciprocating mass. The motor-driven valve is configured to supply actuating fluid sequentially to drive the piston downwards and upwards. A method of reciprocating a mass in a downhole tool. The method including cycling a motor-driven valve between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration actuating fluid pressure drives a piston associated with the mass downwards. In the second configuration actuating fluid pressure drives the piston upwards.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a wellbore drilled with a drilling fluid that forms a filter cake that includes emplacing a breaker fluid into the wellbore, the breaker fluid comprising: an aqueous fluid; a fragmentation agent; and an amphoteric chemotrope; and shutting in the well for a period of time sufficient to initiate breaking of the filter cake is disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole percussive tool is disclosed comprising an interior chamber and a piston element slidably sitting within the interior chamber forming two pressure chambers on either side. The piston element may slide back and forth within the interior chamber as drilling fluid is channeled into either pressure chamber. Input channels supply drilling fluid into the pressure chambers and exit orifices release that fluid from the same. An exhaust orifice allows additional drilling fluid to release from the interior chamber. The amount of pressure maintained in either pressure chamber may be controlled by the size of the exiting orifices and exhaust orifices. In various embodiments, the percussive tool may form a downhole jack hammer or vibrator tool.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a drilling and tripping equipment package and control scheme and methods using two or more systems that operate simultaneously and continuously in a synchronized manner such that the feeding of tubulars 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 package and control scheme is also able to rotate the tubulars 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 tubulars with sufficient pressure and flow to facilitate both drilling and back-reaming operations, with minimal interruption to circulation.

Abstract: Provided are drill stem assemblies with ultra-low friction coatings for subterraneous drilling operations. In one form, the coated drill stem assemblies for subterraneous rotary drilling operations include a body assembly with an exposed outer surface including a drill string coupled to a bottom hole assembly or a coiled tubing coupled to a bottom hole assembly and an ultra-low friction coating on at least a portion of the exposed outer surface of the body assembly, wherein the coefficient of friction of the ultra-low friction coating is less than or equal to 0.15. The coated drill stem assemblies disclosed herein provide for reduced friction, vibration (stick-slip and torsional), abrasion and wear during straight hole or directional drilling to allow for improved rates of penetration and enable ultra-extended reach drilling with existing top drives.

Abstract: A well drilling sub has a body with a threaded upper end for connection into a drill pipe string and a threaded lower end for connection and rotation with an earth boring bit. An axial passage in the body conveys drilling fluid to an outlet in the earth boring bit. Diverting nozzles in the body are in fluid communication with the axial passage. Each nozzle diverts and discharges a portion of the drilling fluid being pumped down the axial passage. Each diverting nozzle has a nozzle axis that points upward and outward and also at a oblique angle. The oblique angle lags a radial plane considering a direction of rotation of the body.

Abstract: A downhole expandable roller bearing apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises a plurality of roller assemblies comprising at least one roller rotatably mounted between pistons. A retaining member such as a spline bar is removably mounted in a keyway formed in the body. Each piston comprises an aperture through which the spline bar projects in both the inwardly retracted and outwardly deployed positions of the pistons.

Abstract: An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include a drill rod guide configured to align a first drill rod and a second drill rod. The drill rod guide includes a cylindrical section and a tapered or frusta-conical section. The cylindrical section is sized and configured to concentrically surround a first drill rod. The tapered or frusta-conical section is sized and configured to guide a second drill rod into the cylindrical section and into alignment with the first drill rod. The drill rod guide may include first and second guide members that form symmetrical halves of the drill rod guide. The first and second guide members may be connected to first and second jaws of the clamp. The guide may include a window configured to allow a user to visually confirm that the first and second drill rods are aligned.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing slippage and rotation of components installed along a rotatable tubular shaft and/or in a tubular housing member during drilling operations are disclosed herein. The housing and/or rotatable shaft include a shoulder disposed proximate to one end. An adjustable member is secured proximate to the opposite end. One or more components are installed, covering a first portion of the surface between the adjustable member and shoulder. One or more spacing members are installed to cover substantially all of the remaining surface. The adjustable member is tightened such that the adjustable member and the shoulder apply a compressive axial load to the components and spacing members, causing frictional forces between adjacent objects greater than the torque acting on the housing and/or tubular shaft, causing each component to remain stationary with respect to the surface to which it is secured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for drilling a hole and installing a geothermal transfer apparatus. A sonic drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The sonic drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating a hollow drill string into the ground, the hollow drill string having an inner space. The hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the hollow drill string into the ground while discharging fluid into the inner space of the hollow drill string. A geothermal transfer apparatus is lowered into the inner space of the hollow drill string following the drilling of the hole to the desired depth. The drill string is then removed from the ground.

Abstract: Fluids for use in hydrocarbon recovery operations include water and at least one organo-anionic surfactant. The fluids may be used in methods for conducting hydrocarbon recovery operations, such as drilling operations, completion operations, production operations, injection operations. The fluid may be adapted to remediate a NAF filter cake. Exemplary organo-anionic surfactants may include one or more of monoethanol ammonium alkyl aromatic sulfonic acid, monoethanol ammonium alkyl carboxylic acid, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A drill tool includes a bit body, at least one bearing shaft extending from the bit body, and a cone mounted for rotation on the bearing shaft. A first sealing system includes a first annular seal gland formed in a cylindrical surface of the cone and a seal ring retained within the first annular seal gland and compressed against a cylindrical surface of the bearing shaft. A second sealing system includes a second annular seal gland formed in a radial surface of the cone and a Belleville spring retained within the second annular seal gland and compressed against a radial surface surrounding the bearing shaft. A set of non-pressure compensated lubrication channels are configured to supply lubricant to an interstitial volume defined between the cone and bearing shaft, the lubricant retained within the interstitial volume by the first and second sealing systems, the lubrication channels further supporting open air circulation through the bearing when the sealing systems fail and lubricant is lost.

Abstract: An earth removal member with features for facilitating drill-through is provided for drilling with casing or liner applications. In one embodiment, the casing bit includes a tubular body; a nose attached to one end of the tubular body, wherein the nose includes a blade support and comprises a drillable material; a blade attached to the blade support using mating profiles; cutters disposed along the blade; and a nozzle disposed in the nose.

Abstract: In an aspect, a drill bit is provided that includes a pad on a face section. The pad extends from the bottom section upon application of a force thereon and retracts upon the removal of the force to control fluctuations of the drill bit during drilling of a wellbore.

Abstract: A blade for a stabilizer configured with a compound engagement profile for reducing a tendency toward whirl and other vibrational effects when rotated within a borehole of a subterranean formation is provided. A method for stabilizing down-hole components is also provided.

Abstract: An arrangement intended to be part of a rock drilling machine for percussive drilling. The arrangement includes a casing part with at least one plane end plane. The end plane includes at least a first region and a second region. The first region includes at least a part of the outer contour of the end plane and includes of a material that resists corrosion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handling device for drill pipes (18) and to a so-called top drive (16) comprising said handling device, a so-called pipe handler, and having means for detecting a position of an elevator bail (30) comprised by the handling device/pipe handler and for transmitting the associated position information, wherein the position information is transmitted from the pipe handler to, e.g., the top drive (16) and is converted into an electrical signal for detecting and avoiding potentially critical situations as a result of a position/deflection of the elevator bail (30).

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling deviations during drilling operations include securing a plurality of stabilizers to a lower portion of a drill string. The stabilizers can have a substantially triangular cross-sectional area oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drill string, and a plurality of blades secured to the stabilizer at points associated with corners of the triangular cross-sectional area. The resulting system can exhibit improved stability and stiffness, an improved flow area, a reduced annular velocity, an increased penetration rate, and a longer usable life.

Abstract: An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole are disclosed, including at least one laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The at least one laterally movable blade, held inwardly by at least one blade-biasing element, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith or by at least one intermediate piston element. For example, an actuation sleeve may allow communication of drilling fluid with the at least one laterally movable blade in response to an actuation device being deployed within the drilling fluid. Alternatively, a chamber in communication with an intermediate piston element in structural communication with the at least one laterally movable blade may be pressurized by way of a movable sleeve, a downhole turbine, or a pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.

Abstract: A PDC bit includes a plurality of blades. A blade includes a primary cutter row and a secondary cutter row. Primary PDC cutters on the primary cutter row are set in accordance with a single set methodology. Backup PDC cutters on the secondary cutter row are set in accordance with a methodology wherein a radial position of each backup PDC cutter in the secondary cutter row is offset from a radial position of each primary PDC cutter in the primary cutter row. The blade further includes a tertiary cutter row. Additional backup PDC cutters on the tertiary cutter row are set in accordance with a methodology wherein a radial position of each additional backup PDC cutter in the tertiary cutter row is offset from a radial position of each primary PDC cutter in the primary cutter row. The backup cutter setting methodology is effectively radially positions the included backup PDC cutters (in the secondary cutter row and/or tertiary cutter row) between primary PDC cutters in the primary cutter row.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing repairs to radial seals used in a rotating control head used while drilling is disclosed. Also, a system and method to detect leaks in the rotating control head and a latching system to latch the rotating control head to a housing is disclosed.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid that includes an oleaginous base fluid; and a silanated weighting agent is disclosed. In particular, the silanated weighting agents may be produced by reaction between an alkyl alkoxy silane and a weighting agent Methods of formulating such fluids and methods of drilling using such fluids are also disclosed.

Abstract: A moving cavity motor or pump, such as a mud motor, comprising: a rotor, a stator, and one or more apparatus for constraining (i.e., controlling or limiting) the movement of the rotor relative to the stator.

Abstract: A method of casing drilling a portion of an offshore well includes running a casing string with a drill bit assembly attached to it into a previously drilled portion of the well. Before the drill bit assembly reaches bottom, the operator attaches drill pipe to the casing string and lowers the casing string on the drill pipe. When the drill bit is at bottom, an upper end of the casing string should be below the blowout preventer. The operator then performs casing drilling by rotating the drill pipe. When at a desired depth for the casing string, the operator pulls the drill pipe from the well and lifts the casing string up until its upper end is at the rig floor. The operator then runs the casing string back into the well but using casing in this instance. The operator then cements the casing string.

Abstract: A system and method for building and handling oilfield tubular stands while drilling operations are simultaneously and independently occurring with one drilling deck, one derrick, and one rotary system. An offline guided path horizontal to vertical arm lifts and moves in the same plane tubulars stored horizontally on the catwalk and positions the tubulars vertically directly into a preparation hole for assembling and disassembling tubular stands while online drilling operations are simultaneously being conducted. A stand arm lifts and lowers the tubulars into and out of the adjustable preparation hole, and transports the tubulars for storage to an auxiliary tubular racking station in the upper part of the derrick. A bridge racker crane moves tubular stands from the auxiliary tubular racking station to the top drive or another tubular racking station.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ice worthy jack-up rig with a conical piled monopod working together to drill wells and produce hydrocarbons in ice prone locations. The inventive rig would work like a conventional jack-up rig while in open water with the hull jacked up out of the water. However, in the event of ice conditions, the legs are held in place by cans embedded in the sea floor to resist lateral movement of the rig and in sockets attached to the conical piled monopod. Both the hull and conical piled monopod are shaped with ice-bending surfaces to bend and break up ice that comes into contact.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ice worthy jack-up rig that may extend the drilling season in shallow water off shore Arctic or ice prone locations. The inventive rig would work like a conventional jack-up rig while in open water with the hull jacked up out of the water. However, in the event of ice conditions, the legs are held in place by cans embedded in the sea floor to resist lateral movement of the rig and the hull is lowered into the water into an ice defensive configuration. The hull is specifically shaped with an ice-bending surface to bend and break up ice that comes in contact with the hull while in the ice defensive configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ice worthy jack-up rig that may extend the drilling season in shallow water off shore Arctic or ice prone locations. The inventive rig would work like a conventional jack-up rig while in open water with the hull jacked up out of the water. However, in the event of ice conditions, the legs are held in place by cans embedded in the sea floor to resist lateral movement of the rig and the hull is lowered into the water into an ice defensive configuration. The hull is specifically shaped with an ice-bending surface to bend and break up ice that comes in contact with the hull while in the ice defensive configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ice worthy jack-up rig that may extend the drilling season in shallow water off shore Arctic or ice prone locations. The inventive rig would work like a conventional jack-up rig while in open water with the hull jacked up out of the water. However, in the event of ice conditions, the legs are held in place by cans embedded in the sea floor to resist lateral movement of the rig and the hull is lowered into the water into an ice defensive configuration. The hull is specifically shaped with an ice-bending surface to bend and break up ice that comes in contact with the hull while in the ice defensive configuration.

Abstract: An assembly and method for protecting a pipe string movable within a wellbore. A generally annular body (56) is internally dimensioned to fit around said pipe string, and an outer sleeve (62) formed from at least two part-annular sections (58,60) and rotatably located over the annular body (56). A pair of substantially annular clamping means are adapted to restrict longitudinal movement of the body (56) and outer sleeve (62) relative to the pipe string, each clamping means comprising a one-piece clamping ring (70) and a fastener (74) adapted to tighten the clamping ring (70) around the pipe string. The body (56), outer sleeve (62), and clamping rings (70) may be formed from one or more sacrificial materials that can break up and be circulated out of the wellbore.

Abstract: This rotary drill bit provides a plurality of spaced polycrystalline diamond compact cutter elements arranged at spaced 120° concentric rings around the face of the drill bit and a secondary, redundant deeper set polycrystalline diamond compact cutter elements placed to commence scuffing the face of a bore upon wear of the primary cutter element, thereby providing extended continuous service in hard rock drill applications previously unattainable with conventional PDC bits.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ice worthy jack-up rig that may extend the drilling season in shallow water off shore Arctic or ice prone locations. The inventive rig would work like a conventional jack-up rig while in open water with the hull jacked up out of the water. However, in the event of ice conditions, the legs are held in place by cans embedded in the sea floor to resist lateral movement of the rig and the hull is lowered into the water into an ice defensive configuration. The hull is specifically shaped with an ice-bending surface to bend and break up ice that comes in contact with the hull while in the ice defensive configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ice worthy jack-up rig that may extend the drilling season in shallow water off shore Arctic or ice prone locations. The inventive rig would work like a conventional jack-up rig while in open water with the hull jacked up out of the water. However, in the event of ice conditions, the legs are held in place by cans embedded in the sea floor to resist lateral movement of the rig and the hull is lowered into the water into an ice defensive configuration. The hull is specifically shaped with an ice-bending surface to bend and break up ice that comes in contact with the hull while in the ice defensive configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ice worthy jack-up rig that may extend the drilling season in shallow water off shore Arctic or ice prone locations. The inventive rig would work like a conventional jack-up rig while in open water with the hull jacked up out of the water. However, in the event of ice conditions, the legs are held in place by cans embedded in the sea floor to resist lateral movement of the rig and the hull is lowered into the water into an ice defensive configuration. The hull is specifically shaped with an ice-bending surface to bend and break up ice that comes in contact with the hull while in the ice defensive configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ice worthy jack-up rig that may extend the drilling season in shallow water off shore Arctic or ice prone locations. The inventive rig would work like a conventional jack-up rig while in open water with the hull jacked up out of the water. However, in the event of ice conditions, the legs are held in place by cans embedded in the sea floor to resist lateral movement of the rig and the hull is lowered into the water into an ice defensive configuration. The hull is specifically shaped with an ice-bending surface to bend and break up ice that comes in contact with the hull while in the ice defensive configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ice worthy jack-up rig with a conical piled monopod working together to drill wells and produce hydrocarbons in ice prone locations. The inventive rig would work like a conventional jack-up rig while in open water with the hull jacked up out of the water. However, in the event of ice conditions, the legs are held in place by cans embedded in the sea floor to resist lateral movement of the rig. Both the hull and conical piled monopod are shaped with ice-bending surfaces to bend and break up ice that comes into contact.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ice worthy jack-up rig that may extend the drilling season in shallow water off shore Arctic or ice prone locations. The inventive rig would work like a conventional jack-up rig while in open water with the hull jacked up out of the water. However, in the event of ice conditions, the legs are held in place by cans embedded in the sea floor to resist lateral movement of the rig and the hull is lowered into the water into an ice defensive configuration. The hull is specifically shaped with an ice-bending surface to bend and break up ice that comes in contact with the hull while in the ice defensive configuration.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method for modeling the performance of a fixed cutter bit drilling an earth formation. In one embodiment, the method includes selecting a drill bit and an earth formation to be represented as drilled, simulating the bit drilling the earth formation, displaying the simulating, and adjusting at least one parameter affecting the performance. The method of design is used to make a fixed cutter drill bit. In another embodiment the method includes numerically rotating the bit, calculating bit interaction with the earth formation during the rotating, and determining the forces on the cutters during the rotation based on the calculated interaction with earth formation and empirical data.

Abstract: A method for designing a drill bit in an earth formation, including defining parameters for a simulation of the drill bit drilling in earth formation, where the parameters comprise at least bit design parameters; executing the defined simulation; obtaining radial forces resulting from the executing of the defined simulation; applying a criterion to the obtained radial forces; and adjusting one of the at least bit design parameters in response to the applying of the criteria.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus is adapted for connection to a drill string such that the drill string rotates the drilling apparatus in a rotational cutting motion. The drilling apparatus includes a sonde housing having a distal end and a proximal end. The sonde housing includes a top platform positioned adjacent the distal end of the sonde housing and further includes a tongue positioned on the top platform. The drilling apparatus further includes a rotary cutting tool mounted to the distal end of the sonde housing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for adjusting spring preloading in a downhole tool. In one embodiment, a mechanism includes a nut and a piston. The nut is configured to axially compress a spring in the downhole tool. The piston is coupled to the nut. Extension of the piston causes the nut to rotate and compress the spring. The nut is configured to maintain compression of the spring after the piston retracts.

Abstract: Method of making an earth-boring tool comprise forming a body comprising a face including a plurality of radially extending blades thereon and a cone region, a nose region, and a shoulder region. A plurality of cutting elements may be disposed on the blades at least in the cone region, the nose region, and the shoulder region. Some of the cutting elements may be configured to form kerfing pairs comprising at least two cutting elements disposed on different blades of the plurality of radially extending blades at least substantially at the same radial position from a central axis of the body. At least one of the blades and orientations and exposures of the plurality of cutting elements may be configured so that a summation of a lateral drilling force generated by each cutting element of the plurality of cutting elements is directed toward a lateral side of the body.

Abstract: A downhole communication device comprises a first energy harvesting device; a downhole transceiver in communication with the first energy harvesting device; an accumulator in communication with the energy harvesting device; and a microcontroller. The microcontroller manages communication between the first energy harvesting device, transceiver, and accumulator.

Abstract: An earth boring apparatus includes a drill rod, a source for a drill fluid, and a voltage source. The drill rod has a hollow rod casing provided for throughflow of the drill fluid, and a conductor located within the rod casing, with the voltage source being connected with the conductor and the rod casing. The voltage source is so connected as to prevent the electric conductor to act as anode in the event the drill fluid establishes an electrically conductive connection between the rod casing and the conductor.

Abstract: A system and method for releasing a marker within a wellbore. The system and method includes a sensor that detects movement or a position of the marker within the wellbore. The marker may be released in drilling fluid, for example, and may travel from the surface to the drill bit and return to the surface with cuttings. As an example, the markers are used to determine the flow of cuttings within the wellbore.

Abstract: A rotary drilling apparatus and method for drilling subterranean formations, including a body being provided with at least one cutter thereon exhibiting reduced, or limited, exposure to the formation, so as to control the depth-of-cut of the at least one cutter, so as to control the volume of formation material cut per rotation of the drilling apparatus, as well as to control the amount of torque experienced by the drilling apparatus and an optionally associated bottomhole assembly regardless of the effective weight-on-bit are all disclosed. The exterior of the drilling apparatus may include a plurality of blade structures carrying at least one such cutter thereon and including a sufficient amount of bearing surface area to contact the formation so as to generally distribute an additional weight applied to the drilling apparatus against the bottom of the borehole without exceeding the compressive strength of the formation rock.

Abstract: A system and method of drilling. The method may generally include providing a drilling system including a rotary motor operable to rotationally drive a drill bit and providing a supply of compressible drill fluid, the supply producing an operating volumetric flow rate of fluid in a normal operating condition. The rotary motor operates at a rotational operating speed under a first volumetric flow rate of fluid, and the supply provides a volumetric flow rate of fluid greater than the first volumetric flow rate of fluid. The method further includes supplying the first volumetric flow rate of fluid from the supply to the rotary motor, and diverting a portion of fluid flow from the supply through a jet sub.