Abstract: A well system may be provided comprising a first primary inductive coupler configured to be communicably coupled to a surface device and a first secondary inductive coupler. The first secondary inductive coupler may be further configured to be communicably coupled to one or more completion components provided in a first portion of the well. In addition, the well system may comprise a second primary inductive coupler configured to be communicably coupled to the surface device and a second secondary induction coupler. The second secondary inductive coupler may be further configured to be communicably coupled to one or more completion components provided in a second portion of the well. The flow through at least one of the first and second portions of the well may be adjusted via at least one of the one or more completion components. A method for completing a well comprising inductive couplers may also be provided.

Abstract: A drive mechanism is described for moving/controlling objects/mechanisms/systems coupled with a drillstring and/or pipe. The drive mechanism may be axially arranged on a drillstring or pipe, compact, capable of fine control and delivering high torque or the like and may be electrically and/or hydraulically powered. The drive mechanism may comprising a driving member comprising a plurality of drivers linearly translatable with respect to the driving member, each driving member having at their ends a male engaging portion and an associated driven member, comprising a plurality of female receiving portions adapted to receive a male engaging portion, the arrangement being such that linear translation of a driver causes its engaging portion to engage with a female receiving portion and the action of the engaging portion produces a reaction in the receiving portion causing displacement of the driven member in a direction other than that of the translatable driver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating inverted laterals or drainholes for producing from a subterranean reservoir including the steps of lowering, positioning and securing a reverse whipstock in a wellbore. A tube is secured from the surface to a pull tube which extends through and below the reverse whipstock. Fluid is pumped from the surface and through a U-tube device below the pull tube. At least one inverted drainhole is drilled using force from the pumping fluid. The pull tube is pulled upward vertically toward the surface while pumping the fluid.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a steerable bottomhole assembly (BHA) having a steering unit and a control unit that provide dynamic control of drill bit orientation or tilt. Exemplary steering units can adjust bit orientation at a rate that approaches or exceeds the rotational speed of the drill string or drill bit, can include a dynamically adjustable articulated joint having a plurality of elements that deform in response to an excitation signal, can include adjustable independently rotatable rings for selectively tilting the bit, and/or can include a plurality of selectively extensible force pads. The force pads are actuated by a shape change material that deforms in response to an excitation signal. A method of directional drilling includes continuously cycling the position of the steering unit based upon the rotational speed of the drill string and/or drill bit and with reference to an external reference point.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and methods useful for drilling lateral boreholes into a formation surrounding a main borehole. Proposed technique can be used for drilling of laterals which does not require such significant interruptions to deploy the small BHA and is based on the use of a drilling apparatus, comprising a drill collar forming part of a primary drilling assembly and having an outward opening groove in the side thereof, a secondary drilling assembly, comprising a tubular drill string connected at one end to the drill collar, a drilling motor mounted in the drill string, a drill bit mounted at the other end of the drill string and connected to the drilling motor, wherein the secondary drilling assembly is mounted in the drill collar so as to be movable between a first position in which the drill bit is seated in the groove, and a second position in which the bit projects laterally from the groove in the side of the drill collar.

Abstract: A steerable drilling system including a bias unit and a separator. The separator is arranged to remove particulate matter from the supply of pressurized drilling mud to the actuator of the bias unit. The separator includes a hydrocyclone located upstream of the actuators. The hydrocyclone includes a housing defining a substantially conical recess having a large diameter end and a small diameter end. An inlet is in fluid communication with the large diameter end for providing the drilling mud thereto. A first outlet is in fluid communication with the small diameter end for outlet of relatively dirty mud. A second outlet is in fluid communication with the large diameter end for outlet of a supply of relatively clean mud for the plurality of actuators.

Abstract: A drilling system for drilling and completing a lateral borehole from a main borehole comprises a liner unit for storing one or more prefabricated liners for installation into the lateral borehole; and a drilling unit operable to drill the lateral borehole into the formation surrounding the main borehole and to install the prefabricated liner in the lateral borehole after drilling. A method of drilling a lateral borehole from a main borehole using such a drilling system comprises positioning the system in the main borehole at a location of interest; operating the drilling unit to drill a lateral borehole from the main borehole; completing the lateral borehole by deploying the liner from the liner unit into the lateral borehole.

Abstract: A drill bit may include a bit body including at least one blade extending at least partially over a cone region of the bit body. Additionally, the drill bit may include a plurality of cutting structures mounted to the at least one blade and a rubbing zone within the cone region of the at least one blade, wherein cutting structures within the rubbing zone have a reduced average exposure. Additionally, a method of directional drilling may include positioning a depth-of-cut controlling feature of a drill bit away from a formation to prevent substantial contact between the depth-of-cut controlling feature and rotating the drill bit off-center to form a substantially straight borehole segment. The method may also include positioning the depth-of-cut controlling feature of the drill bit into contact with the formation to control the depth-of-cut and rotating the drill bit on-center to form a substantially nonlinear borehole segment.

Abstract: A method of sensing and transmitting hole depth information comprises monitoring, at the surface, the extension of the hole as drilling progresses, determining when the hole depth has extended by a predetermined distance, and sending an increment signal to a telemetry device.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly to directionally drill a subterranean formation includes a drill bit, a stabilizer assembly located proximate to and behind the drill bit, a drilling assembly comprising a drive mechanism and a directional mechanism, and a flex housing integral with the drilling assembly.

Abstract: A housing including longitudinally extending tubular members interconnected to allow controlled relative bending thereof, during a drilling operation, a rotary drive transmitting torsion bar extending generally longitudinally within the housing to controllably bend in response to relative bending of said members, a rotary drill bit operatively connected to said torsion bar to be rotated as the bar rotates, a rotary drive operatively connected to the torsion bar to rotate the bar, means for controlling relative bending of the said members during torsion bar rotation and as a function of such rotation.

Abstract: This invention relates to the construction of well such as oil and gas wells using techniques based on drilling small lateral wells from a main well. The problem of narrow pressure window is solved by the use of constructions techniques that are based on the use of lateral boreholes, i.e. secondary boreholes that are drilled a main borehole, wherein a method of constructing a well comprises drilling a main borehole extending from the surface through one or more underground formations, drilling a plurality of lateral boreholes extending from the main borehole into surrounding formations, wherein the lateral boreholes are substantially shorter and of smaller diameter than the main borehole; and wherein each lateral borehole is separated from its neighbouring lateral boreholes by a relatively short distance. Drilling of the lateral boreholes can be for to extend 5-60 metres from the main borehole with a diameter in the range 3.

Abstract: A tracking receiver system is used to track the progress of a downhole tool along a subsurface path having a desired grade. The tracking receiver system is adapted to detect a reference line originating from a reference line receiver and to determine the position of the downhole tool along a desired subsurface path relative to the reference line. In an alternative embodiment the tracking receiver system may comprise a global positioning satellite system to provide information used to determine the position of the downhole tool relative to the desired subsurface path.

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

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide control systems and methods for directional drilling. One aspect of the invention provides a system for controlling a first module, a second module, and a third module. The system includes: an inlet configured to receive fluid from a fluid source; a first double-stage valve; and a second double-stage valve. The first double-stage valve is actuatable to a first position wherein fluid from the inlet flows through the first double-stage valve to the second double-stage valve and a second position wherein fluid from the inlet flows through the first double-stage valve to the third module. The second double-stage valve is actuatable to a first position wherein fluid flows from the first double-stage valve to the first module and a second position wherein fluid flows from the first double-stage valve to the second module.

Abstract: A drill bit is provided that in one embodiment may include a force application device on a drill bit body, wherein the force application device includes a force application member pivotally coupled to the drill bit and configured to extend from the drill bit body to apply force on a wellbore wall when the drill bit is used to drill a wellbore, and an actuator configured to actuate the force application member to apply force on a wellbore wall during drilling of the wellbore.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to couple a tubular member to a bottom hole assembly, dispose at least one adjustable stabilizing member on the tubular member, and control at least one of a radial extension of the adjustable stabilizing member and an axial position of the adjustable stabilizing member relative to the bottom hole assembly to adjust a borehole trajectory, wherein the adjustable stabilizing member is adjustable in both radial and axial directions. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A directional drilling system comprises a main drill bit 24 rotatable about a main bit axis 26, a pilot drill bit 34 rotatable about a pilot bit axis 36 substantially parallel to the main bit axis 26, and adjustment means 28 for adjusting the position of the pilot bit axis 36 relative to the main bit axis 26.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the direction of drill bit within a wellbore. The apparatus comprises a first housing with a first housing axis therein, and wherein the first housing has a first threaded opening having a first threaded opening axis. The first housing has a helical end. A second housing is included, and the second housing contains a second housing axis, and a second threaded opening having a second threaded opening axis configured to engage with the first threaded opening. A collar is included that has a helical collar end that engages the helical collar end and wherein the helical collar end is configured reciprocal to the helical end, and rotational displacement of the first housing relative to the collar will angularly displace the drill bit axis. The apparatus may further include spline members for locking the collar in place relative to the first and second housing.

Abstract: A system and method of interfacing a drilling machine with one of a number of different walk-over guidance systems involves receiving an ID signal from a particular walk-over guidance system selected for use with the drilling machine. A protocol library associated with the particular walk-over guidance system is accessed in response to the ID signal. The protocol library is used to effect communication between the particular walk-over guidance system and a control system of the drilling machine during cooperative use of the particular walk-over guidance system and drilling machine. Using the protocol library involves converting, as prescribed by the protocol library, locator signals received from the particular walk-over guidance system from a locator protocol to a common protocol used by the control system of the drilling machine. Locator and drilling machine data of various types can be presented to a drilling machine operator via an on-board display.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using a quill to steer a hydraulic motor when elongating a wellbore in a direction having a horizontal component, wherein the quill and the hydraulic motor are coupled to opposing ends of a drill string, by monitoring an actual toolface orientation of a tool driven by the hydraulic motor via monitoring a drilling operation parameter indicative of a difference between the actual toolface orientation and a desired toolface orientation, and then adjusting a position of the quill by an amount that is dependent upon the monitored drilling operation parameter.

Abstract: A pressure release encoding system for communicating downhole information through a wellbore to a surface location include a downhole tool with a valve for providing a fluid restriction to fluid passing in the wellbore, a sensor positioned in the wellbore for sensing a downhole condition in the wellbore, a brake cooperative with the valve for moving the valve between at least two positions in timed relation to the downhole condition sensed by the sensor, and a detector positioned at the surface location for providing a measurement value at the surface location correlative to the time between the changes of the pressure of the fluid in the wellbore. The system associates position of the valve with pressure transduction. The sensor is an inclination sensor for sensing an angle of inclination of the wellbore.

Abstract: A borehole network including first and second end surface locations and at least one intermediate surface location interconnected by a subterranean path, and a method for connecting a subterranean path between a first borehole including a directional section and a second borehole including a directional section. A directional drilling component is drilled in at least one of the directional sections to obtain a required proximity between the first and second boreholes. An intersecting component is drilled, utilizing magnetic ranging techniques, from one directional section to provide a borehole intersection between the first and second boreholes, thereby connecting the subterranean path.

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: The invention relates to a horizontal directional drilling system, comprising a dual string (1), said dual string (1) comprising an inner string (2), and an outer string (3), said inner string (2) is rotatable independently of said outer string (3), a first rotary drive system (4) to drive said inner string (2), a second rotary drive system (5) to drive said outer string (3), a frame (11) to movably support said rotary drive systems (4, 5), a front casing (7) fitted to a distal end of said outer string (3), a drive shaft (8) coaxially positioned into said front casing (7) and connected with said inner string (2) and a hammer (9) connected to said front casing (7) and operable in response to rotation of said drive shaft (8), said hammer (9) comprising a drill head (90) and a drill bit (91) wherein said drill head (90) generating percussive energy using pressurized fluid, e.g. pressurized air, supplied through an annular passage between said outer string (3) and said inner string (2).

Abstract: Walk characteristics of an earth-boring rotary drill bit may be predicted by measuring locations and orientations of cutting elements thereof and calculating the magnitude and direction of an imbalance force of the drill bit using the measurements obtained. The calculated imbalance force may be compared to the imbalance force of at least one other drill bit having a calculated imbalance force and observed walk characteristics. An earth-boring rotary drill bit may be designed by constructing a database including the magnitude and direction of a calculated imbalance force and observed walk characteristics for a number of drill bits. Desired walk characteristics are selected, the database is referenced, and the bit may be configured to exhibit an imbalance force selected to impart desired walk characteristics to the drill bit. Drill bits are configured to exhibit an imbalance force oriented in a predetermined direction relative to a blade of the drill bit.

Abstract: A well system may be provided comprising a first primary inductive coupler configured to be communicably coupled to a surface device and a first secondary inductive coupler. The first secondary inductive coupler may be further configured to be communicably coupled to one or more completion components provided in a first portion of the well. In addition, the well system may comprise a second primary inductive coupler configured to be communicably coupled to the surface device and a second secondary induction coupler. The second secondary inductive coupler may be further configured to be communicably coupled to one or more completion components provided in a second portion of the well. The flow through at least one of the first and second portions of the well may be adjusted via at least one of the one or more completion components. A method for completing a well comprising inductive couplers may also be provided.

Abstract: An exemplary device carried on a rotating drill string includes an actuator that moves force application members and an associated controller. The force application members are actuated by an eccentricity between a force application members housing and the actuator. The controller synchronizes the extension of the force application members with the rotation of the drill string such that a steering force applied by the force application members is applied in the same azimuthal direction. The controller may also control magnitude of the steering force by adjusting the eccentricity. Another exemplary device maintains a wellbore device, such as a sensor, in a substantially non-rotating condition relative to a reference frame. The device includes a sensor conveyed by a rotating wellbore tubular, a drive configured to rotate the sensor; and a processor that controls the drive to maintain the sensor in a substantially non-rotating condition relative to the reference frame.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus that are suitable for use in production of hydrocarbons from subterranean heavy oil deposits employ a subterranean cavity in communication with a borehole. The cavity is preferably formed along a U-tube borehole by coiled tubing reaming operations and/or radial drilling and explosive blasting.

Abstract: A directional drilling apparatus for use in the directional drilling of bore holes is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of cutting elements movably mounted with respect to a rotatable body member, wherein the cutting elements are movable between first, radially retracted, positions and radially extended, positions for cutting. A rotary valve is provided for synchronising the movement of the cutting elements between their respective extended and retracted positions in accordance with the rotational position of the body member in the bore hole being drilled. Control of the directional drilling system is affected by synchronised movement of the cutting elements from an inner to an outer radial position in accordance with the angular position of the drill bit. A near bit stabiliser contacts with the portion of the well bore which was not removed with the dynamic cutters and this contact exerts a force onto the drill bit.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for drilling a wellbore. The wellbore is formed with a drilling tool that cuts through a formation. A pumping system removes cuttings from the drilling tool and also transports the cuttings along at least a portion of the wellbore formed behind the drilling tool.

Abstract: A drill bit having a plurality of cutters on its lower surface, each of which can having a plurality of PDC cutter elements disposed thereon. The cutting surface on each of the cutters is mounted in in an orientation that allows drilling of oversize boreholes which enables the drill bit to be turned more easily to facilitate the boreholes being drilled on a smaller radius. The placement of the cutters on each of the blades enables the drill bit to drill both vertically and laterally.

Abstract: The present invention relates to drilling lateral wells or sidetrack wells from a primary wellbore to enhance the efficiency and productivity of oil and gas wells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for the generation of, the utilization of, the processing of, and the maintenance of a heterogeneous solid-particle impactor-laden fluidic-process circuit that incorporates a particle-injector system and a fluidic-amplifier jet head to produce a conical-shaped cutting jet of fluid and solid-particle impactors that perform functions during the boring, well-bore conditioning, and/or controlling the inclination and azimuth of deep subterranean well bores during their construction.

Abstract: Methods and systems may be provided simulating forming a wide variety of directional wellbores including wellbores with variable tilt rates and/or relatively constant tilt rates. The methods and systems may also be used to simulate forming a wellbore in subterranean formations having a combination of soft, medium and hard formation materials, multiple layers of formation materials and relatively hard stringers disposed throughout one or more layers of formation material. Values of bit walk rate from such simulations may be used to design and/or select drilling equipment for use in forming a directional wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for impact drilling. A drilling tool with a housing and a piston is provided. The drilling tool may be configured to impact while simultaneously rotating a drill head, independent from the rotation of a drill string. The drilling tool may include a rolling key assembly disposed between the housing and the piston that includes a bearing adapted to roll during a first direction of the piston and slide during a second direction of the piston. The drilling tool may include a clutch mechanism configured to rotate the drill head as the piston is directed in the first direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the overground operation of underground sewer tools, especially of expander and pulling heads comprising a rod assembly that is rigid when pushed and a supporting device absorbing shear or tractive forces.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-contained, high-energy liquid rock-boring system that will bore a small-diameter access hole [5] several hundred meters through hard granite and other obstacles within minutes of deployment. It employs a land unit [100] platform subsystem [1000] with an energetic fluid fuel reservoir [1300] and a boring subsystem [3000] having a plurality of pulsejets [3100]. Each pulsejet [3100] repeatedly ignites the energetic fluid [7] causing a plurality of rapidly-expanding gas bubbles [3250] which create and force a plurality liquid slugs [10] ahead of them rapidly out through a nozzle [3260] causing the slugs [10] to impact against materials ahead of the nozzles [3260], boring an access hole [5]. The system also employs an umbilical subsystem [2000] connecting the boring [3000] and the platform subsystems [1000]. The system can be used to rapidly bore an access hole [5] to provide air and resources to trapped miners.

Abstract: A mill for milling a window through metal casing in a well bore that includes a body having a plurality of blades; a plurality of cylindrically bodied cutting elements on said blades; and a plurality of diamond enhanced elements having a non-planar diamond working surface on said blades; wherein said cutting elements initiate cutting into said casing and mill said window into said well bore.

Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore (1) into an earth formation is disclosed. The method comprises arranging a drill string (6) and an expandable tubular element (8) coaxially in the wellbore, the drill string having an axially extending fluid passage (30), the tubular element surrounding the drill string and having a lower end bent (12) radially outward and in axially reverse direction so as to form an expanded tubular section (10) extending around a remaining tubular section of the tubular element, said lower end defining a bending zone of the tubular element, wherein an annular space is formed between the drill string and the remaining tubular section.

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: To limit the growth of errors of an inertial navigation system for measurement-while-drilling, in-drilling alignment methods can be used. A pneumatics-based design of an apparatus for an in-drilling alignment method and its implementation downhole are described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using a quill to steer a hydraulic motor when elongating a wellbore in a direction having a horizontal component, wherein the quill and the hydraulic motor are coupled to opposing ends of a drill string, by monitoring an actual toolface orientation of a tool driven by the hydraulic motor via monitoring a drilling operation parameter indicative of a difference between the actual toolface orientation and a desired toolface orientation, and then adjusting a position of the quill by an amount that is dependent upon the monitored drilling operation parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for steering a drill string that includes at least one blade fixedly disposed on an exterior surface of the drill string, such that the at least one blade is rotatable about the drill string in response to fluid flow through a fluid passage in association with said at least one blade, and the at least one blade rotates independent of the drill string for imparting an asymmetrical moment to the drill string in a selected direction for orienting a drill bit attached to the drill string, thereby steering the drill string.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for performing a drilling operation at a wellsite having a drilling rig configured to advance a drilling tool into a subsurface. The method steps include obtaining a well trajectory associated with a first volume, obtaining information related to a first subsurface entity associated with a second volume, using a three-dimensional relational comparison to determine that the first volume intersects the second volume to define a first intersection information, updating the well trajectory, based on the first intersection information, to obtain an updated well trajectory, and advancing the drilling tool into the subsurface based on the updated well trajectory.

Abstract: A watermelon mill has a smaller dimension for run in and a larger one for reaming out the window made by a window mill and passes through a smaller drift and then gets larger for more effective widening of the window. The cutters are preferably tungsten carbide or polycrystalline diamond inserts and they are mounted to blades that are ramped outwardly by a cone upon relative movement between the two. The body can be in multiple pieces that are rotationally locked and movable relative to each other longitudinally. Actuation to the larger dimension can be by setting down weight or by fluid pressure with the dimension getting smaller as a return spring allows the cutters to retract upon removal of applied pressure.

Abstract: A method and a computer program for economic evaluation of completion methods for drilling a well. An extensive user interface is provided for inputting of reservoir data and parameters relating to a first completion method. A rigorous first skin factor is generated based on the reservoir data and first drilling parameters. An interface is preferably provided for entering cost data related to the first completion technique and a first total cost can be generated. Production data is optionally generated from the first skin factor. The production and cost data can then be combined to generate an economic analysis of the first completion technique. The process can be repeated for alternate completion techniques. Preferably, ranges can be entered for certain reservoir and/or cost variables. Multiple iterations can be performed on the ranges resulting in total cost and production ranges which can be combined to yield ranges of economic data for statistical analysis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to direct a drill bit of a directional drilling assembly are disclosed. The methods and apparatuses employ the use of bi-directional actuators that are capable of displacing a hybrid steering sleeve in positive and negative directions. The bi-directional actuators are capable of greater control and precision in their actuations than traditional “engaged-disengaged” unidirectional actuators, thereby allowing for more precise directional drilling operations. The bi-directional actuators are preferably driven by drilling fluids and may optionally be shielded to lessen the erosive effects thereof.

Abstract: Drilling a bore hole comprises rotary drilling at a first rotation rate until a first target value is substantially met, changing the first rotation rate to a second rotation rate when a trigger is substantially met, and then drilling at the second rotation rate until a second target value is substantially met. Preferably, the second rotation rate is substantially zero, so the drilling at the second rotation rate is slide drilling. Finally, the steps of rotary drilling at a first rotation rate, changing the rotation rate to a second rotation rate, and drilling at the second rotation rate are repeated.

Abstract: An electrical generating system is used for a horizontal directional drilling system. The drilling system has a generally horizontal drill stem that rotates. A generator has first and second components. The first component rotates with the drill stem, while the second component is able to rotate with respect to the first component. An eccentric mass is rotatably mounted inside of the drill stem and is coupled to the second component, wherein as the drill stem rotates, relative rotational motion is produced between the first and second components and the generator produces electrical power. The eccentric mass is mounted on two spaced apart mounting points inside of the drill stem. The generator provides power to a sonde. The generator is in a housing which has flow channels that allow drilling fluid to flow through the drill stem.