Abstract: A method of orienting a cutting element includes, configuring the cutting element so that gravitational forces acting thereon against a support surface bias the cutting element to an orientation relative to the support surface in which at least one support and at least one side of a polygon of a gilmoid contact the support surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved drill rig for drilling vertical loop field for geothermal heating/air conditioning units, methods of designing and installing novel vertical loop fields under existing buildings, and novel vertical loop field structures and geothermal heating systems including such loop fields.

Abstract: An isolation valve for use in a wellbore includes: a tubular housing; an upper flapper disposed in the housing and pivotable relative thereto between an open position and a closed position; an upper piston operable to open or close the upper flapper; a lower flapper disposed in the housing and pivotable relative thereto between an open position and a closed position; a lower piston operable to open the lower flapper; an opener passage in fluid communication with the pistons and an opener hydraulic coupling; and a closer passage in fluid communication with the pistons and a closer hydraulic coupling.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the weight on a drill bit and axial forces along a drill string drilling though an earthen formation. The apparatus comprising an LVDT incorporated into a torsional bearing of a magneto-rheological damping system such that the LVDT senses the relative displacement and accelerations between a bearing mandrel portion and a bearing casing portion of the torsional damper. The LVDT is calibrated with respect to a spring in the damping system that resists relative motion between the bearing mandrel and bearing casing such that the output of the LVDT can be transformed into the force associated with the weight on the drill bit, and the same LVDT accelerations combined with the mass distribution along the drill string to determine axial stresses.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a body having a bore extending, at least partially therethrough. A component is disposed within the bore and arranged and designed to move axially from a first position to a second position within the bore. An axial end portion of the component has a first contact surface that is oriented at an angle from about 1° to about 45° with respect to a longitudinal axis extending through the component.

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

Abstract: A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The control system can be used to automate operations of the completion system to facilitate rapid and safe make-up and breaking of tubular connections.

Abstract: Drill bits having flushing channels and surface features that cooperate to evacuate cuttings. The surface features can be provided as flutes, fins, and/or ribs defined in a body portion of the bits. Optionally, the surface features can define back-cutting edges the permit back reaming.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling a hole in the ground has a hammer drill installed at a bottom of a rod assembled in multi-stages at support structure on the ground. The hammer drill has a pilot hammer drill and a reamer hammer drill coupled to each other through a key structure formed in the vertical direction so as to allow simultaneous rotations and up-and-down movements relative to each other.

Abstract: A down-the-hole drill hammer for optimizing air consumption. The down-the-hole drill hammer includes a housing, a backhead connected to the housing, and a pressure control check valve assembly mounted within the housing. The pressure control check valve assembly includes a first check valve and a second check valve. The first check valve controls a flow of working fluid through the backhead. The second check valve is mounted to the first check valve and controls a flow of working fluid through the first check valve.

Abstract: An underreamer tool for use in a wellbore of an oil or gas well and a method of actuation. In an embodiment, the underreamer tool has body having a longitudinal axis and a fluid conduit, a tool element and an actuation device configured to urge the tool element relative to the body from a first configuration into a second configuration. In this embodiment, a portion of the tool has a curved actuation surface and as the tool element is urged across the curved actuation surface, the tool element is moved radially with respect to the body of the tool. Typically, the actuation device may include a piston driven by pressure of fluid circulated through the fluid flow conduit.

Abstract: A method for performing shale gas operation is disclosed. The method may include drilling a first well, performing a fracturing operation in the well, recovering shale gas from the first well, supplying at least part of the shale gas recovered from the well to an electrical generator, generating electricity using the generator, and transferring the generated electricity to drilling equipment used to drill a second well.

Abstract: Cutting elements for use with earth-boring tools include a cutting table having at least two sections where a boundary between the at least two sections is at least partially defined by a discontinuity formed in the cutting table. Earth-boring tools including a tool body and a plurality of cutting elements carried by the tool body. The cutting elements include a cutting table secured to a substrate. The cutting table includes a plurality of adjacent sections, each having a discrete cutting edge where at least one section is configured to be selectively detached from the substrate in order to substantially expose a cutting edge of an adjacent section. Methods for fabricating cutting elements for use with an earth-boring tool including forming a cutting table comprising a plurality of adjacent sections.

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: A valve assembly for use in an inner tube member of a core barrel head assembly positionable within a drill string of a drilling apparatus. The valve assembly works using two separate surfaces A and B and a biasing element with a force FS. When hydrostatic pressure is present forces are created on these surfaces: FA and FB. These forces have a direct relationship with pressure, as an increase in pressure will increase the force and vice versa. The surface areas are designed such that: FA>FB+FS, which will maintain the valve closed while under a predetermined fluid pressure, indicating to the driller that the inner tube has landed. When the driller relieves the fluid pressure and the pressure decreases, the force difference between FA, FB and FS decreases until FA<FB+FS, thus opening the valve for drilling.

Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore with a downhole tool having a cam piston, and a rotary piston includes providing a first flow of fluid to the downhole tool. The first flow of fluid causes the cam piston to move axially downward, thereby rotating a rotary valve of the rotary piston, which in turn places the downhole tool in a compressed position to activate a secondary tool. Next the formation may be drilled with the downhole tool in a compressed position. A second flow of fluid may be provided to the downhole tool to move the cam piston axially downward thereby rotating the rotary valve and deactivating the secondary tool.

Abstract: A method for determining wear of a drill bit is disclosed. The method includes drilling a first hole in a worksite based on a hole pattern having a plurality of planned holes and determining an energy required to drill the first hole. The method also includes drilling a second hole in the worksite and determining an energy required to drill the second hole. The method further includes determining a wear of the drill bit using the determined energy required to drill the first hole and the determined energy required to drill the second hole.

Abstract: A method of lining a wellbore includes deploying a BHA into the wellbore using a conveyance. The BHA includes setting tool, an anchor, and an expandable tubular. The method further includes pressurizing a bore of the setting tool, thereby releasing the anchor from the setting tool. The method further includes pulling the conveyance, thereby: extending the anchor into engagement with a casing of the wellbore, pulling an expander of the setting tool through the expandable tubular, and expanding the tubular into engagement with an open and/or cased portion of the wellbore and retracting the anchor.

Abstract: A downhole drilling motor for well drilling operations includes a tubular housing and a stator disposed in the tubular housing. The stator defines an internal cavity passing therethrough, wherein the stator includes one or more lobes defining at least a portion of the cavity. A rotor is operatively positioned in the internal cavity to cooperate with the one or more lobes of the stator. At least a portion of the stator or of the rotor comprises a memory material adapted to expand or contract when heat is applied by a localized heating module to the memory material. A fluid escape gap between the rotor and stator is adjusted by applying heat to the rotor and/or stator. At least one controller is adapted to receive input data and provide output signals increasing and/or decreasing electrical current applied to the at least one localized heating module.

Abstract: A percussion adapter that is driven to generate a percussive axial motion on a wellbore structure. One percussion adapter includes a drive connection to mechanically convert rotational drive to axially directed percussive motion. Another percussion adapter employs a valve that creates back pressure causing axially directed percussive motion. A wellbore tubular connection is also disclosed that transitions torque to resist back off when left hand or right hand torque is applied.

Abstract: A reamer for use in underground drilling back-reaming operations. The reamer comprises a body comprising a plurality of pockets. The pockets are configured such that an arm, a rolling cutter, and a retainer may fit within each of the pockets. Each of the rolling cutters is connected to each of the arms via a spindle. The rolling cutters are held on the spindle and connected to each of the pockets via a retainer. Each of the arms are secured to each of the pockets via a plurality of fasteners. A mechanical lock is used to secure at least one of the fasteners in place. Each of the arms comprise a grease passage and a pressure compensation system. The rolling cutters are replaceable with rolling cutters of like size or rolling cutters of different sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A drill string for drilling a subterranean wellbore includes a shaft connectable to a first drill string portion and a housing connectable to a second drill string portion. A torque relief section is disposed between the shaft and housing. The torque relief section includes a slip section operable to slip and release torque buildup when torque applied between the shaft and housing exceeds a threshold torque. The threshold torque of the torque relief section is selected to be within the range of about 110% and 150% of the operating torque and below the peak operating torque for the drill string.

Abstract: Expandable apparatus for use in subterranean boreholes include at least one member configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. Components of the expandable apparatus may include at least one surface for removing debris proximate to the tubular body. Components of the expandable apparatus may be configured to enable the expandable apparatus to increase a diameter of a subterranean borehole by greater than twenty percent. Components of the expandable apparatus may be configured to restrict fluid flow to nozzle assemblies. The expandable apparatus may include a protect sleeve having a push sleeve disposed therein. Methods of operating an expandable apparatus may include removing debris with a surface of the expandable apparatus. Methods of operating an expandable apparatus may also include selectively flowing fluid to nozzle assemblies.

Abstract: A cutting element includes, a gilmoid with a plurality of cutting edges thereon, and at least one support extending from the gilmoid. The at least one support and at least one of the plurality of cutting edges are simultaneously contactable with a surface upon which the cutting element is restable.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and uses that allow extended reach drilling by virtue of the provision in the drillstring and to downhole tools collective vibrations, not tuned specifically to a single resonant frequency, from a hammer assembly that provides vibrations of different frequency ranges.

Abstract: A downhole drilling tool includes a tubular housing having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, and a stator disposed in the tubular housing, said stator defining an internal cavity passing there through. The stator includes at least a first protective electrically insulated layer, a second protective electrically insulated layer, and an electrically conductive layer disposed between the first and second protective layers. The electrically conductive layer coupled at a first end to a first electrical device and coupled at a second end to a second electrical device. A rotor is operatively positioned in the internal cavity to cooperate the stator. In some implementations, the stator may provide electrical connectivity through the stator without significantly impacting the physical operational integrity of the drilling tool components.

Abstract: A cutting element includes, a body having two planes, each of the two planes defining a plurality of edges, and a support extending from a first of the two planes. The support and the body are configured such that when the cutting element is resting against a planar surface such that at least one of the plurality of edges and the support are in contact with the planar surface, the second of the two planes forms an acute angle with the planar surface. Additionally, a protrusion extends laterally from at least one face of the body and an indentation is formed in at least one face of the body. The protrusion and the indentation are complementary to one another such that the protrusion of a first of the cutting elements is positionable within the indentation of a second of the cutting elements.

Abstract: A drilling method comprising running a drill string (12) part way into a bore (11); then pumping fluid through the drill string; then running the drill string further into the bore; and then reconfiguring a check valve (20) located towards the distal end of the drill string from a running configuration, in which the valve permits flow both up and down the string, to a drilling configuration in which the valve permits flow down through the string but prevents flow up through the string.

Abstract: Cutting elements for earth-boring tools may generate a shear lip at a wear scar thereon during cutting. A diamond table may exhibit a relatively high wear resistance, and an edge of the diamond table may be chamfered, the combination of which may result in the formation of a shear lip. Cutting elements may comprise multi-layer diamond tables that result in the formation of a shear lip during cutting. Earth-boring tools include such cutting elements. Methods of forming cutting elements may include selectively designing and configuring the cutting elements to form a shear lip. Methods of cutting a formation using an earth-boring tool include cutting the formation with a cutting element on the tool, and generating a shear lip at a wear scar on the cutting element. The cutting element may be configured such that the shear lip comprises diamond material of the cutting element.

Abstract: A drilling method and apparatus. A drilling device includes a plastic casing part and a drilling unit arranged essentially inside the casing part. The drilling unit includes a first drilling part for drilling a center hole and a second drilling part for reaming the center hole for the casing part. The drilling parts are arranged at a drilling head. The drilling parts are coupled in a power transmitting manner or in a radially contractable manner in connection with the casing part. A casing shoe is mounted at an end of the casing part. In coupling of the casing shoe at an end of the casing part, a casing shoe is used that includes a working member. The casing shoe is mounted at the end of the casing part by treating the casing part to provide a joint between the casting part and the casing shoe that transmits pulling.

Abstract: Earth-boring tools may have a body, a cutting element attached to the body at a first location, and a formation-engaging structure attached to the body at a second location. The formation-engaging structure may be movable during a drilling operation between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the formation-engaging structure may be located rotationally behind the cutting element at a first radial distance from a longitudinal axis of the body at which the cutting element will at least initially shield the formation-engaging structure from engaging a formation. In the second position, the formation-engaging structure may be located at a different second radial distance from the longitudinal axis of the body at which the formation-engaging structure will engage a formation.

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, where the apparatus for constraining is operable with the rotor catch.

Abstract: A pipe in pipe electric motor assembly comprising: a drilling string comprising an inner pipe and an outer pipe and an electric motor; wherein the electric motor is provided with power supplied by the inner pipe and the outer pipe acting at least as conductors and associated methods.

Abstract: An impact dissipation tool for supporting a downhole tool in downhole applications. The tool includes a base and a housing. The tool also includes a carriage located within the housing and coupled to the base, the carriage being movable relative to the housing upon a predetermined impact force. A dissipator disposed inside the housing is collapsible due to the relative movement of the carriage and the housing. The collapse of the dissipator dissipates the impact force transferred to the downhole tool.

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 wireline drilling system for the hydrocarbon exploration and production industry incorporating a drilling cuttings removal system which acts to remove and store cuttings displaced by a drill bit during drilling operations. The cuttings removal system may employ a screw member having a tapered lower portion and a narrow upper portion to transport drilling cuttings to a cuttings basket and distribute the cuttings therein. Embodiments of the invention include an integral tractor to progress the wireline drilling system and provide weight-on-bit, as well as assist in retrieval of the wireline drilling system if the tool should become stuck.

Abstract: Workover and completion systems, devices and methods for utilizing 10 kW or more laser energy transmitted deep into the earth with the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena. Systems and devices for the laser workover and completion of a borehole in the earth. These systems and devices can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to perform laser workover and completion operations in such boreholes deep within the earth.

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

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a power isolation adapter which can enable the use of multiple power sources in a bottom hole assembly (BHA) by isolating the power sources on a tool bus while maintaining a communication bus across the BHA. Such power sources may be part of a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) module, such as a mud turbine generator, providing power as a DC signal. The power isolation adapter isolates the power sources by blocking DC signals, but maintains an AC communication bus across the BHA. The ability to use multiple power sources in a BHA thus allows for more complex BHA configurations that normally could not be powered using a single power source.

Abstract: A drilling tool for laying a tube (3) around a buried elongated element (1), comprising a drilling head (2) guided by the buried element (1), moving under the action of a pressurized fluid, from a first free end (14) of the buried element towards a second end (13) of the buried element (1), and pulling the tube (3), characterized in that the drilling tool comprises pressurization means (4) attached to the first end (14) of the buried element (1), able to slide into the tube (3) pulled by the drilling head (2) and able to create a pushing force on the drilling head (2) by the pressurization with said pressurized fluid of a pressure chamber (42) arranged between the drilling head (2) and the pressurization means (4).

Abstract: A fuel tank for a fuel-operated down-the-hole drill including a drill bit, is provided. A largest rotation diameter of the fuel tank is provided at or in connection with drilling equipment and is sufficiently small in order to be able to insert the fuel tank into a drill hole.

Abstract: A drill string tubular component for use in an oil or gas well, in the form of a tubular having a central bore and a mechanism for mobilising drill cuttings comprising at least one radial impeller (30) configured to apply radial thrust cuttings passing it, the radial impeller being located between first and second axial impellers (10, 20) configured to apply axial thrust to the fluids in opposite directions. Typically helical components of the first and second axial impellers extend in respective opposite directions, typically toward the radial impeller. Fluids are thus diverted radially away from the outer surface of the tubular component, and thereby enter a more turbulent region of the annulus, there reducing the tendency of the drill cuttings to settle out of suspension.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing and removing a rotary control device insert or an element thereof has a first clamp with a receptacle suitable for receiving a flange of the rotary control device insert therein, a second clamp having an interior suitable for extending around a pipe, and a plurality of lines extending between the first clamp and the second clamp. The first clamp is movable between an open position and a closed position. The second clamp is movable between an open position and a closed position. Each of the clamps includes a first jaw and a second jaw connected to the first jaw by a hinged connection.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing and removing a rotary control device insert or an element thereof has a first clamp with a receptacle suitable for receiving a flange of the rotary control device insert therein, a second clamp having an interior suitable for extending around a pipe, and a plurality of lines extending between the first clamp and the second clamp. The first clamp is movable between an open position and a closed position. The second clamp is movable between an open position and a closed position. Each of the clamps includes a first jaw and a second jaw connected to the first jaw by a hinged connection.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for using controlled vibrations to bias a drilling direction of a bottom hole assembly (BHA) in a borehole. In one example, the system includes a movement mechanism and a vibration control mechanism. The movement mechanism is configured to use mechanical energy provided by a mechanical energy source to enable translational movement of a first surface relative to a second surface to allow the first surface to repeatedly impact the second surface to produce a plurality of vibration beats. The vibration control mechanism is configured to influence a drilling direction in which the BHA is drilling by controlling an amplitude of the vibration beats to regulate an impact force between the first surface and the second surface, where the amplitude is controlled based on directional information corresponding to the BHA.

Abstract: An example drawworks may include an electrical drive motor and an output shaft driven by the electrical drive motor. A worm gear may be coupled to the output shaft and a bull gear may be engaged with the worm gear. A wireline drum may be coupled to the bull gear and receive rotation from the electrical drive motor through the bull gear. The electrical drive motor, worm gear, and bull gear may comprise a drive unit that is removably coupled to the wireline drum. The wireline drum may form a drum unit with at least one spigot coupled to the drum, which may be removable coupled to the drive unit.

Abstract: A well bore reaming device and method are disclosed. The device includes a drill string, a bottom eccentric reamer coupled to the drill string, and a top eccentric reamer coupled to the drill string, wherein the bottom and top eccentric reamers have a prearranged spacing and orientation.

Abstract: A rig for drilling a borehole from an underground tunnel includes a base assembly, a drilling assembly mounted to the base assembly, an upper frame assembly mounted to the drilling assembly above the base assembly, and a support hood coupled to the drilling assembly and positioned above the upper frame assembly. The support hood is configured to bear against a ceiling of the tunnel during drilling operations.

Abstract: A turbine drive may include a rotor that includes multiple turbine blades arranged in one or more turbine stages, as well as a stator cooperating with the rotor to direct fluid against the turbine blades and convert hydraulic, kinetic energy into rotational energy. The rotor may be fixed to the shaft to rotate synchronously therewith. The stator may be formed of multiple components that can be coupled together to define the stator and encompass the turbine blades of the turbine stages of the rotor. Two stator halves may each include vanes for positioning above and below a corresponding turbine stage, to direct fluid against the turbine blades. The stator may also be connected to a housing that encompasses the stator. Longitudinal slots and tabs on the stator and housing may hold the stator stationary relative to the housing.

Abstract: A method including arranging a plurality of actuators into an operating position, arranging a first upper frame and a second upper frame proximate the actuators, attaching a support to the first upper frame and the second upper frame, wherein the support is located above the actuators, and extending the actuators to engage the support. The method also includes extending the actuators to raise the support, the first upper frame, and the second upper frame to a first position, arranging a first middle frame below the first upper frame and a second middle frame below the second upper frame, retracting the actuators to lower the support, the first upper frame, and the second upper frame to a second position, and attaching the first upper frame to the first middle frame and attaching the second upper frame to the second middle frame.