Abstract: A helical displacement well with preassembled segments includes a preassembled shaft-forming penetrator tube including helical plates mounted to its exterior that may be rotated to propel the casing into the ground. A hydraulic drill motor rotates the penetrator tube and as it moves deeper into the ground. Extension tubes may be added to and coupled to the penetrator tube. A hydraulic drill motor is attached to the upper end of the extension tubes in order to continue the rotation of the assembled helical displacement well. The filter screen and the piping are installed concurrently with the addition of the extension tubes at the surface of the ground.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus comprised of a multiplicity of subassemblies for drilling an open-hole extension from within an existing cased borehole located in a geological formation for the production of oil and gas. In one embodiment, one subassembly includes a motor located within a cased section of the borehole that rotates a drill pipe segment attached to a rotary drill bit in the open-hole to drill the open-hole extension of the well. In another embodiment, a shroud encloses the motor located within the cased portion of the well that is used to control the mud flow to and from the bit in the open-hole during the drilling process.

Abstract: A jetting tool includes a tubular housing having: couplings formed at each longitudinal end thereof, and one or more ports formed through a wall thereof and in fluid communication with an upper portion of a bore of the housing. The jetting tool further includes a valve mechanism isolating the housing bore upper portion from a lower portion thereof in a closed position and operable to an open position where the valve mechanism provides fluid communication between the housing bore portions.

Abstract: A method of brazing a top loading cutter into a cutter pocket is disclosed, wherein the method includes placing at least one braze disc between an inner wall of the cutter pocket and a portion of the top loading cutter and heating the at least one braze disc to a temperature above the melting temperature of the braze disc.

Abstract: In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a secondary cutting structure for use in a drilling assembly, the second cutting structure including a tubular body and a cutter block, extendable from the tubular body, the block including at least three rows of cutting elements. In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to drilling a borehole, the method including disposing a drilling tool assembly in the borehole, wherein the drilling tool assembly includes a primary cutting structure and a secondary cutting structure, and wherein the secondary cutting structure ahs a cutter block having at least three rows of cutting elements. The method also includes actuating the primary cutting structure, drilling a first portion of the borehole with the primary cutting structure, actuating the secondary cutting structure, and drilling a second portion of the borehole with both the primary and secondary cutting structures.

Abstract: A boring tool for digging holes having a vertical shaft of a first diameter extending from the soil surface to a suitable subsurface distance, and a void of a second diameter, larger than that of the first diameter, at the bottom, subsurface distance.

Abstract: An underreamer for increasing the diameter of a bore. The underreamer includes a substantially cylindrical body having an axial bore therein. A mandrel may extend axially through the axial bore. One or more cutter blocks are movably coupled to the body. A ratio of a height of the cutter block to a diameter of the body is between about 0.35:1 and about 0.50:1.

Abstract: A percussion drilling assembly includes a housing with a hammer bit disposed in the lower end portion thereof and configured to move longitudinally within the housing. The hammer bit includes an annular bit shank having a bit strike face and a cutting structure at a lower end portion thereof. An annular piston having a piston strike face arranged and designed to strike the bit strike face is also disposed in the housing. At least one of the bit strike face and the piston strike face has a toroidal curvature profile. A method includes one or more of lowering the percussion drilling assembly into a borehole, engaging the cutting structure with a formation, and impacting the bit strike face of the annular bit shank with the piston strike face of the annular piston.

Abstract: A percussion drill bit for drilling a borehole. The drill bit includes a bit body having a bit face disposed on an axial end portion thereof. First and second cutting elements are disposed on the bit face. A cutting plane is defined in tangential contact with crest portion of the first and second cutting elements. A third cutting element on the bit face is at least partially positioned between the first and second cutting elements. The third cutting element is at least partially conical, and a crest portion of the third cutting element is offset from the cutting plane.

Abstract: A roller cone drill bit having a bit body. The bit body has a journal bearing coupled to an end portion thereof. A roller cone is coupled to the journal bearing. A first cutting element is coupled to the roller cone. A ratio of a radius of curvature of a crest portion of the first cutting element to a diameter of the first cutting element is between about 0.3:1 and about 0.8:1. A second cutting element is coupled to the roller cone. A ratio of a radius of curvature of a crest portion of the second cutting element to a diameter of the second cutting element is between about 0.05:1 and about 0.3:1. A height of the second cutting element is greater than the height of the first cutting element h between about 0.1 mm and about 6 mm.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a borehole in an earthen formation includes a connection member having a pin end. In addition, the drill bit includes a bit body coupled to the connection member and configured to rotate relative to the connection member about a central axis of the bit. The bit body includes a bit face. Further, the drill bit includes a blade extending radially along the bit face. Still further, the drill bit includes a plurality of cutter elements mounted to a cutter-supporting surface of the blade. Moreover, the drill bit includes a depth-of-cut limiting structure slidably disposed in a bore extending axially from the cutter-supporting surface. The depth-of-cut limiting structure is configured to move axially relative to the bit body in response to rotation of the bit body relative to the connection member.

Abstract: Methods for utilizing 10 kW or more laser energy transmitted deep into the earth with the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena to enhance the formation of Boreholes. Methods for the laser operations to reduce the critical path for forming a borehole in the earth. These methods can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to perform operations in such boreholes deep within the earth.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies for downhole tools include a compensator member operatively associated with a slidable member and a bearing member. The slidable member is movable longitudinally relative to the bearing member. Such movement of slidable member occurs when a force acts upwardly on the downhole tool. Thus, the slidable member facilitates absorption of the upward force acting on the downhole tool. During movement of the slidable member, the compensator member is moved from its expanded position to one of its plurality of compressed positions. As a result, the compensator member becomes biased or further biased toward the expanded position. After the upward force dissipates, the compensator member releases some of its stored energy to move from a compressed position toward the expanded position. Longitudinal movement of the slidable member facilitates maintaining engagement of the downhole tool in its working position so that interruptions of operations are minimized.

Abstract: A cutting element includes a front face and leading face extending between a first and second sides. A leading cutting edge is located at an intersection of the front face and the leading face, and an undulating back-up cutting edge is formed in the front face and extends from the first side to the second side, and defines a leading surface and a trailing surface. A method includes cutting with a tool having a blade coupled to a tool body, and a cutting element coupled to a forward surface of the blade. The cutting element has a leading cutting edge formed at an intersection of front and leading faces, and an undulating back-up cutting edge formed in the front face and defining leading and trailing surfaces. The leading cutting edge of the cutting element contacts and cuts a work piece.

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: Drill stern test apparatus includes a drill string, wireline coring system and a downhole tool that is seated in the core barrel of the coring system. A valve packer within the downhole tool is inflated to seal the core barrel and allow a valve to be operated by movement of the drill string. One or more packers can be inflated to isolate the test zone in the borehole below the coring system. The apparatus is operated to allow the test zone fluid to flow upwardly in the downhole tool and be measured. Downhole tool transducers accumulate the data and transmit the same to the surface. The wireline can be pulled to relieve packer inflation pressure, release a latch and allow the downhole tool to be pulled to the surface while leaving the coring system in place.

Abstract: A method transferring drill cuttings, the method comprising transferring the drill cuttings from a pressurized transference device to a pressurized container; transferring the drill cuttings from the pressurized container to a land-based pit discharging station; and discharging the drill cuttings into the land-based pit discharging station. Also, a system for transferring drill cuttings while drilling, the system comprising a pressurized transfer device; a pressurized container in fluid communication with the pressurized transfer device; a conduit disposed between the pressurized transfer device and the pressurized container; and a land-based pit discharging station in fluid communication with the pressurized container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling device for producing a borehole in the ground with a drilling tool driven in a rotating manner for removing ground material and a container for receiving the removed ground material, wherein the container has a lower feed opening, through which the removed ground material can be introduced into the container. It is envisaged that the drilling tool comprises at least one drill flight arranged below the container and that in an inlet area to the container between the drill flight and the feed opening an inlet section is provided, the pitch of which is increased with respect to a pitch of the drill flight.

Abstract: A drilling machine includes a compressor coupled to a prime mover through a hydraulic clutch, wherein the hydraulic clutch is repeatably moveable between engaged and disengaged conditions. The compressor is allowed to provide air and is restricted from providing air in response to the hydraulic clutch being in the engaged and disengaged conditions, respectively. The hydraulic clutch is moveable between the engaged and disengaged conditions during operation of the prime mover.

Abstract: A vibration system for drill bit housing and method is disclosed, which may be utilized to assist in lowering a drill string into a wellbore through which drilling fluid is pumped. In one embodiment, a drill bit housing contains a symmetrical rotatable member positioned to rotate in response to drilling fluid pumped through the housing, whereby a mechanical interconnection connected to the rotatable member produces vibrations within the drill bit housing for advancing bottom hole assemblies.

Abstract: A feed rail for a rock drill is composed of two segments, a first beam defining a first rail segment and a second beam defining a second rail segment. The second beam may be detachably connected to the first beam so that the second beam can be removed altogether from the first beam. This invention enables the feed rail to be shortened, thereby making the feed rail much easier to manoeuvre in mines.

Abstract: The use in a drillstring of a positive displacement motor (PDM) with both an output upwardly and an output downwardly to devices spaced at least by the PDM.

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 transitions torque to resist back off when left hand or right hand torque is applied.

Abstract: A method for selecting at least one drill bit that includes characterizing an application; checking for at least one drill bit with an equivalent characterization in a data store; when the at least one drill bit with the equivalent characterization exists, selecting the at least one drill bit with the equivalent characterization; and when the at least one drill bit with the equivalent characterization does not exist, recommending at least one drill bit, making an analysis request, analyzing the at least one recommended drill bit based on the analysis request, generating analysis results, and selecting at least one drill bit based on the analysis results is disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a machine capable of drilling into the ground at a wide range of angles relative to the ground surface. The present disclosure also provides novel drilling methods.

Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by advancing the tubular string longitudinally into the wellbore; stopping drilling by holding the tubular string longitudinally stationary; adding a tubular joint or stand of joints to the tubular string while injecting drilling fluid into a side port of the tubular string, rotating the tubular string, and holding the tubular string longitudinally stationary; and resuming drilling of the wellbore after adding the joint or stand.

Abstract: A hydraulic percussive apparatus is disclosed for generating vibrating forces to a pipe string. The apparatus is attached to the pipe string a central bore through which fluid may be introduced into the apparatus. The apparatus has a tubular housing, an anvil surface with an irregularly profiled surface, and a rotor with an irregularly profiled hammer surface that is urged to move axially toward and away from the anvil surface. The rotor has a longitudinally extending fluid bore and a tangentially oriented fluid port in communication with the longitudinal fluid bore of the rotor. Fluid entering the rotor's fluid bore and exiting the rotor's tangentially oriented fluid port rotates the rotor, and thus the irregularly profiled hammer surface on the irregularly profiled anvil surface, moving the hammer surface toward and away from the anvil producing intermittent impact forces.

Abstract: A method of drilling a well and installing a liner includes assembling concentric inner and outer strings of tubulars. A drill bit is located at the lower end of the inner string and a liner with a liner hanger makes up part of the outer string. The inner and outer strings may be rotated in unison to drill the well. A valve is located upstream of a liner hanger control tool used to release and set the liner hanger in the drill string. The valve comprises a ported sleeve that slides relative to a ported housing to meter flow from the interior of the drill string to the annular space. The redirected flow maintains a minimum flow rate in the annular space to prevent cuttings from settling on the control tool. A portion of the valve can further be used with a dart to manipulate downstream equipment.

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 present application is directed to a system providing automatic and manual control of a brake lever on band brake drawworks of a wellbore drilling rig. The system comprises a pneumatic cylinder attached to the brake lever; and a control means in fluid communication with the pneumatic cylinder, the control means being operationally configured to run the pneumatic cylinder in response to information obtained by the control means concerning one or more drilling parameters and operationally configured to disable the pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: A distributed drilling simulation system includes a choke manifold, a high pressure manifold, a blowout preventer console, a choke console, a remote console, a driller console, a teacher console and a graphic projecting unit, wherein the driller console, the remote console, the blowout preventer console, the choke console, the choke manifold, and the high pressure manifold are interconnected through a PPI (processor/peripheral interface) protocol. The teacher console is connected with the PPI protocol through a PPI interface. A communication program and a main control program run on a main control computer and a graphic processing program runs on a graphic computer. The invention has the advantages of realizing high-degree top driving drilling simulation, enhancing the field sense for teaching and training, shortening the training period and reducing the training cost.

Abstract: An impact apparatus conveyable in a tool string via conveyance means within a wellbore. The impact apparatus comprises a first portion, including a first interface coupled with a first tool string component, a first engagement feature, and a first impact feature. The impact apparatus also comprises a second portion, including a second interface coupled with a second tool string apparatus, a second engagement feature in selectable engagement with the first engagement feature, and a second impact feature positioned to impact the first impact feature in response to disengagement of the first and second engagement features and a tensile force applied across the tool string by the conveyance means. A release member positionable between first and second positions in response to a signal carried by the conveyance means prevents disengagement of the first and second engaging features when in the first position but not the second position.

Abstract: Two-centre rotary boring bit for boring wells, comprising, on the one hand, a pilot tool (1) comprising a body of revolution with an axial core (3) and radial blades (4) bearing cutting elements (5) and, on the other hand, an enlarging tool (2) fitted behind the pilot tool and laterally offset therefrom, the pilot tool having, on its front face, a central region (11) that has no cutting elements in order to allow the creation of a core sample (12), said central region being in communication with a cavity (13) situated between two blades (4) of the pilot tool (1) and serving to remove the core sample toward the periphery of the boring bit.

Abstract: A make-up/break-out device for use with a hammer used in horizontal directional drilling operations. The hammer comprises a drill bit assembly and a housing that are connected via low helix angle threads. The make-up/break-out device is used with the hammer to tighten or loosen the connection between the drill bit assembly and the housing. The make-up/break-out device comprises a vise arm, a lever arm, and drive arm.

Abstract: An underreamer for increasing a diameter of a wellbore. The underreamer includes a body having an axial bore extending at least partially therethrough. An annular sleeve may be coupled to the body and adapted to move with respect to the body. The sleeve may include a plurality of grooves formed therein that are circumferentially offset from one another. A pin may be coupled to the body. The sleeve may be adapted to move with respect to the pin to transition the pin from a first groove in the sleeve to a second groove in the sleeve. The sleeve may be in a first axial position with respect to the body when the pin is positioned in the first groove, and the sleeve may be in a second axial position with respect to the body when the pin is positioned in the second groove. The underreamer also includes one or more cutter blocks. The radial cutting diameter of the one or more cutter blocks depends on the axial position of the one or more cutter blocks and may be determined therefrom.

Abstract: An underreamer for increasing a diameter of a wellbore. The underreamer includes a body having an axial bore extending at least partially therethrough. A sleeve is arranged and designed to move a first axial distance within the body. A cutter block is movably coupled to the body. The cutter block is arranged and designed to move at least the first axial distance with respect to the body to contact the sleeve in response to hydraulic pressure in the bore. The cutter block moves from a first outer diameter to a second outer diameter as the cutter block moves the first axial distance.

Abstract: Systems and methods usable for drilling wells and performing other well operations include a drilling tool having inner and outer, counter-rotating drill bits. Opposing reactive torques generated by the inner bit and the outer bit can reduce or cancel the net reactive torque transmitted upwell, through the drill string. Counter rotation of the inner and the outer drill bits can be achieved by a gear system, which transfers torque from a single rotating tubular shaft to a tubular sleeve positioned concentrically about the tubular shaft. The gear system transfers torque from a first gear to a second gear, at a one-to-one rotation/torque ratio, but with an opposite direction of rotation. Tools connected to the tubular sleeve and tubular shaft can thereby be provided with opposing rotational motion.

Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid into a top of a tubular string disposed in the wellbore at a first flow rate and rotating a drill bit. The tubular string includes: the drill bit disposed on a bottom thereof, tubular joints connected together, a longitudinal bore therethrough, a port through a wall thereof, and a sleeve operable between an open position where the port is exposed to the bore and a closed position where a wall of the sleeve is disposed between the port and the bore. The method further includes moving the sleeve to the open position; and injecting drilling fluid into the port at a second flow rate while adding a tubular joint(s) to the tubular string. The injection of drilling fluid into the tubular string is continuously maintained between drilling and adding the joint(s).

Abstract: A method for hardening a portion of the outer surface of a downhole tool body includes friction stirring the vulnerable surface of the tool. Such friction stirring generally includes rotating a friction stir weld tool in contact with the surface until a portion of the tool penetrates the tool. The friction stir weld tool is then translated (while rotating) across a predetermined region of the surface thereby creating a friction stir zone. The friction stir zone is generally considerably harder, and therefore more wear resistant, than the parent material that makes up the tool body. The resulting downhole tool includes at least one surface with a hard friction stir zone.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus (1) provides continuous rotation, and in some embodiments also vertical translation of the drill bit, such that weight can be kept on the bit and drilling can continue uninterrupted during connections. The connection is made in a pressure chamber formed by seals (2, 4) and spacers (15, 16). An upper snubber (5) grips the drill string above the joint and a lower snubber (6) grips it below the joint. The top drive is decoupled as the snubbers take over drill string drive, and apply a differential torque so that the connection is made. This achieves continuous rotation during the connection, and by use of an extension sub (18) drilling is also continuous.

Abstract: An apparatus including a stationary section having a first central fluid passage and operably connected to a drilling fluid inlet and a conduit, a rotating and reciprocating section having a second central fluid passage and operably connected to a tubular, wherein the rotating and reciprocating section reciprocates along a longitudinal axis and rotates in conjunction with the tubular and the conduit, and a third section having a third central fluid passage in fluid communication between the first and second central fluid passages, where the third section is operably disposed between the first and rotating and reciprocating sections to permit the rotating and reciprocating section to slide axially even during rotation and to permit only rotational motion at an end adjacent the stationary section.

Abstract: A method of shaping a wellbore comprising attaching a drilling apparatus to a drill string, which has a side cutting sub-assembly with both cutting and gauging surfaces; a fluid circulating sub-assembly which has nozzles directing fluid up the wellbore and past the cutting surfaces; and a bullnose assembly with forward pointing nozzles and a bullnosed front end to prevent catching in ledges of a rough drilled wellbore. The drilling apparatus is then passed through the wellbore such that the side cutting sub shears arch wellbore walls of dog legs to ease the turns and smooth the bore wall in preparation for running liner/casing or other down hole assemblies which previously may have had difficulty going in hole.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for use in a down-hole drilling apparatus includes a bearing housing configured for connection to a drill string and a mandrel disposed at least partially within the bearing housing. The mandrel is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. A hybrid thrust bearing package is provided and disposed radially between the bearing housing and the mandrel. The hybrid thrust bearing package includes a plurality of ball bearings movable through at least one race, an annular stator supported by the bearing housing and an annular rotor ring supported on and rotatable with the mandrel. The annular stator and rotor rings define first and second flat PDC bearing surfaces engaged with one another at a bearing interface oriented generally orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A drill pipe assembly includes an elongate drill pipe and a drill pipe extension. The elongate drill pipe has a first threaded end and a second threaded end. The drill pipe extension has a first threaded end and a second threaded end. The second threaded end matingly engaging the first threaded end of the elongate drill pipe. The first threaded end being adapted to matingly engage an additional component of a drill string. The drill pipe extension has an external upset. The external upset has recessed flow paths.

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: A downhole activation system within a tubular. The system includes an axially movable mover. A first magnet attached to the mover. The first magnet axially movable with the mover. A second magnet separated from the first magnet. The second magnet magnetically repulsed by the first magnet. A biasing device urging the second magnet towards the first magnet; wherein movement of the first magnet via the mover towards the second magnet moves the second magnet in a direction against the biasing device. Also included is a method of activating an activatable member in a downhole tubular.

Abstract: An apparatus for servicing pipes includes a pipe holder having a frame configured to support the pipe and a movement assembly coupled to the frame and configured to rotate the pipe about a longitudinal axis of the pipe, and a first pipe servicing tool disposed proximate to an end of the pipe holder, where the first pipe servicing tool is configured to operably engage an end of the pipe when the pipe is rotated by the movement assembly.

Abstract: Systems devices and methods for the transmission of 1 kW or more of laser energy deep into the earth and for the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena. Systems, devices and methods for the laser perforation of a borehole in the earth. These systems can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to perforate such boreholes.

Abstract: A downhole tool for increasing a cross-sectional area of a wellbore is provided. The downhole tool may include a first drilling assembly including a first reaming tool for selectively increasing the cross-sectional area of the wellbore. A first ball seat may receive a first ball. At least one of the first ball seat and the first ball may deform to allow the first ball to pass through the first ball seat when a predetermined pressure is applied thereto. A first piston may be coupled to the first ball seat. The first ball seat and the first piston may stroke when the first ball is received within the first ball seat, thereby actuating the first reaming tool between an active state and an inactive state.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a borehole in an earthen formation. In an embodiment, the bit comprises a first blade having a cutter-supporting surface. In addition, the bit comprises a plurality of primary cutter elements with cutting faces mounted to the cutter-supporting surface. The cutting profiles of the cutting faces define an outermost cutting profile Po in rotated profile view. Further, the bit comprises a stabilizing member having an end distal the cutter-supporting surface. The end includes a tip. The tip is offset from the outermost cutting profile Po in rotated profile view.