Abstract: A rotating inner member is used to drive a downhole tool housed within the hollow outer member of a dual-member drill string. The downhole tool preferably will be adapted to receive rotational energy from the inner member. In a preferred embodiment, the downhole tool is an electric generator connected to a downhole electric device. In another preferred embodiment the downhole tool is a mechanical transmission that uses the rotational energy from the inner member to drive a non-electric tool, such as a downhole hammer. This invention will increase the consistency and efficiency of downhole energy production.

Abstract: A method for generating a new or corrected horizontal underground bore path from a point below ground for use with a horizontal boring machine. In the preferred embodiment, orientation and depth measurements for a boring tool located below ground are recorded. The current position of the boring tool is determined using a previously determined position, measured orientation of the boring tool, and calculating for pipe bend characteristics. Previous measurements and determined positions are recorded to provide a map of the bore. A new path is calculated using the current position as a starting point and through predetermined critical points for the bore. Instructions for drilling the next segment of the bore are made available to an operator or to a control system for a boring machine.

Abstract: A method for surveying a borehole is disclosed which uses first and second gravity measurement devices disposed at corresponding first and second positions in the borehole and a supplemental reference measurement device disposed at the first position. Exemplary supplemental reference measurement devices include magnetometers and gyroscopes. The method includes determining a reference borehole azimuth at the first position using the supplemental reference measurement device, determining a change in borehole azimuth between the first and second positions using the first and second gravity measurement devices and determining the borehole azimuth at the second position by applying the change in borehole azimuth the reference azimuth. A system adapted to execute the disclosed method and a computer system including computer-readable logic configured to instruct a processor to execute the disclosed method are also provided.

Abstract: A method for forming one or more openings in a hydrocarbon containing formation is described. The method may include forming or providing a first opening in the formation. A plurality of magnets may be provided into the first opening. The plurality of magnets may be positioned along a portion of the first opening. The plurality of magnets may produce a series of magnetic fields along the portion of the first opening. A second opening in the formation may be formed using magnetic tracking of the series of magnetic fields. The second opening may be spaced a desired distance from the first opening. Alternate embodiments include use of an energized conduit to create a magnetic field. Such energized conduit can be used alone or with the plurality of magnets.

Abstract: An acoustic position measurement system and method includes an acoustic transmitter operable to transmit a sound wave into an underground well bore in a target formation. The sound wave is configured to reflect from a boundary formation proximate the target formation. The system includes an acoustic receiver operable to receive a reflected sound wave. The reflected sound wave comprises a reflection of the sound wave from the boundary formation. The system also includes an electronics portion electrically coupled to the acoustic receiver. The electronics portion is operable to process the reflected sound wave and produce, based upon a characteristic of the reflected sound wave, data output indicative of a position of the acoustic position measurement system in the target formation.

Abstract: A method for producing gas and water during and after drilling from a subterranean coal seam, including the steps of: (a) drilling a main bore intersecting the coal seam, the main bore having an upper substantially vertical portion, a lower substantially horizontal portion or portions, and a curved portion connecting the vertical and horizontal portions; (b) drilling one sumphole drainage bore exiting the curve or horizontal portion of the main bore and extending in the direction at least partially vertically and downwardly with respect to the horizontal portion of the main bore; (c) collecting gas produced from the coal seam through the main bore and branched bores; (d) removing water and effluent from the main bore both during drilling operations and afterwards through the use of parallel casing, whereby a first casing introduces compressed air or gas to the main bore and the annular space between the first and second casing is used for return of the mixture of water, effluent and air or gas to the surface;

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method for drilling a lateral wellbore from a slant well includes drilling the slant well below the surface of the earth such that the slant well is angled toward a first horizontal direction that coincides with a desired drilling direction for the lateral wellbore. The slant well has a borehole wall that includes a high side portion closest to the surface, a low side portion farthest from the surface, and two side portions between the high side portion and the low side portion. The method further includes disposing a casing string in the slant well, disposing a drill string having a bent sub, a mud motor, and a drill bit coupled at a lower end thereof in the casing string, and positioning the drill bit adjacent either one of the side portions or the low side portion.

Abstract: A method for the trenchless installation of new underground pipe accurately on line and on grade by microtunneling to install a pilot tube, installing a drill string along the pilot pipe line using a directional drilling machine, installing a back reamer to the drill string and using a directional drilling machine to pull back the reamer and install a product pipe behind the reamer. A pilot tube is installed on line and on grade by utilizing the guidance system of a microtunneling apparatus to install a pilot tubes between jacking and target shafts. A drill string is installed to displace the pilot tubes and a back reamer is attached to the drill string with a product pipe attached to the reamer. The reamer may be pulled using any suitable pulling device such as a directional drilling machine.

Abstract: An improved method for making a well for removing fluid from a desired subterranean formation. This invention provides for a method for making a well for removing fluid from a desired subterranean formation having an interface zone. The interface zone is coupled to a main directional well bore that extends from a top surface at ground level into the desired subterranean formation. A lateral well bore is also coupled to the interface zone. A directional sump bore is also coupled to the interface zone and the directional sump bore extends from the interface zone to a point below the interface zone. There is also a means for moving fluid from the directional sump bore through the main directional well bore to the top surface.

Abstract: An enhanced reaming apparatus and method are disclosed. A reaming assembly may have a motor and a pump that provide linear force, torsional force, and pressurized drilling fluid to a reamer to cause the reamer to enlarge the bore of a pilot hole. The reamer may have a body and a plurality of blade assemblies that cooperate to define two substantially symmetrical, oppositely oriented reaming sections. Each blade assembly may have an inner blade attached to the body and an outer blade extending outward from the body. Hard cutting elements may be used in place of the outer blade. The blade assemblies may be field-replaced, or the orientation of the reamer may be reversed to enhance the life of the reamer. The reamer has jets and circulation openings that release the drilling fluid into the bore to facilitate penetration and remove cuttings.

Abstract: In connection with a method and a tool for preparing a well for the production of hydrocarbons, it is aimed at perforating a casing portion (26) and working surrounding sediment (80) in a channel-forming manner. For this purpose the tool comprises a drilling means for drilling transverse holes through the casing wall when the tool (10), which is arranged to be raised/lowered and rotated about its longitudinal axis, shared by the casing (26), is placed in a fixed position within the well, through which transverse hole (40) and into surrounding sediment a jetting hose means (42,42a) is arranged to jet/dig its way in a channel-forming manner. The drilling and jetting hose means also have inactive stand-by positions protectively retracted within the tool housing (10a), from and into which they may successively be pushed forward into active working positions and again be withdrawn, as a channel (44) is completed in the sediment (80).

Abstract: In a cutter structure for a shield machine which advances by boring through a tunnel wall from inside an existing tunnel, the shape of an excavating surface on a work face formed by a cutter is set so as to have a smaller curvature than or an equal curvature to the curve of a surface to be excavated on the outer face of the tunnel wall to be excavated. Since the shape of the excavating surface on the work face formed by the cutter is set by a curvature, upon advance of the shield machine by boring through the tunnel wall, the tunnel wall to be excavated, the shape of which is cylindrical, can be cut into by opening a hole which extends diametrically outward from the central portion of the cutter. As a result, the sections that are not cut into remain connected to the existing tunnel and will not enter the cutter chamber in lumps.

Abstract: An apparatus for bursting pipe is preferably adapted to receive rotational energy from the inner member of a dual-member drill string. In a preferred embodiment, an oscillating pipe-bursting member, driven by the interconnected inner members, cuts or bursts a subterranean pipe. In another preferred embodiment, a screw drive moves a pipe-bursting member between an expanded position and a retracted position. In another preferred embodiment, the pipe-bursting member is an arm moveable in response to operation of a screw drive. In yet another preferred embodiment, the pipe-bursting member is hydraulically actuated. This invention increases the efficiency of pipe-bursting operations by utilizing rotation energy generated by a horizontal directional boring system.

Abstract: A sealed multilateral junction system provides fluid isolation between intersecting wellbores in a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a method of forming a wellbore junction includes the steps of sealing a tubular string in a branch wellbore to a tubular structure in a parent wellbore. The tubular string may be secured to the tubular structure utilizing a flange which is larger in size than a window formed in the tubular structure. The flange may be sealed to the tubular structure about the window by a metal to metal seal or by adhering the flange to the tubular structure.

Abstract: A boring tool is moved through the ground in a region which includes at least one electrically conductive in-ground line and which is subject to static magnetic fields including tie magnetic field of the earth.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a pitch measurement of a horizontal underground bore location system includes providing a probe having a pitch sensor that measures deviation between a predetermined orientation and a measurement axis. A receiver has an antenna that detects a signal radiated by the probe and has receiver circuitry that detects the deviation from the received signal. A bore head is aligned with the predetermined orientation. The probe is placed in the bore head. The receiver detects the deviation when the bore head is aligned with the predetermined orientation. The receiver offsets deviation measurements thereafter detected from the probe by the measured deviation.

Abstract: A steerable bottom hole assembly may be used for drilling both a curved section and straight section of the borehole, with the bottom hole assembly including a reamer beneath the downhole motor 12. The bottom hole assembly includes a bit 30 having a bit face defining a bit diameter, and a gauge section 32 having a substantially uniform diameter cylindrical surface approximating the bit diameter and having an axially length of at least 75% of the bit diameter. The motor is preferably run slick without stabilizers for engaging the wall of the borehole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing cuttings in a deviated borehole using drilling fluids. The apparatus includes a pipe string and a bottom hole assembly having a down hole motor and bit for drilling the borehole. The pipe string has one end attached to the bottom hole assembly and does not rotate during drilling. The apparatus and methods raise at least a portion of the pipe string in the deviated borehole to remove cuttings from underneath the pipe string portion.

Abstract: Various steerable horizontal subterranean drill bit apparatuses, which may have a drill bit, a housing and a one-bolt attachment system, or other features.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for boring a close tolerance on-grade subsurface borehole. A downhole tool assembly for use with a dual member drill string comprises a directional boring tool. The dual member drill string comprises an outer member and an inner member disposed within the outer member and rotatable independently of the outer member. The downhole tool assembly permits the directional boring tool to be connected to the inner member of the drill string. Rotation of the inner member of the drill string causes rotation of the boring tool. The borehole is drilled in a straight manner by rotating the boring tool with the inner member of the drill string and simultaneously advancing the drill string through the earth. The borehole direction is changed by orienting the directional boring tool with the inner member of the drill string and then advancing the drill string without rotation.

Abstract: A steerable horizontal subterranean drill bit apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may include a drill bit and a housing. The drill bit may include elevated wear protector receptacles in particular locations and configurations.

Abstract: An electromagnetic method and apparatus for directional drilling guidance of horizontal boreholes for the installation of pipelines and communication cables beneath rivers, highways and other obstacles is disclosed. A solenoid source, with horizontal axes, generates alternating electromagnetic fields which are measured in the borehole by a magnetometer with known orientation with respect to the direction of gravity near the drill bit. A preferred embodiment has a useable range of 150 meters from the source.

Abstract: Various steerable horizontal subterranean drill bit apparatuses, which may have a drill bit, a housing and a one-bolt attachment system, or other features.

Abstract: Various steerable horizontal subterranean drill bit apparatuses, which may have a drill bit, a housing and a one-bolt attachment system, or other features.

Abstract: Various steerable horizontal subterranean drill bit apparatuses, which may have a drill bit, a housing and a one-bolt attachment system, or other features.

Abstract: A method for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes drilling a substantially vertical well bore from the surface to the subterranean zone and forming a slot cavity in the substantially vertical well bore proximate to the subterranean zone. The slot cavity comprises a substantially non-cylindrical shape. The method also includes drilling an articulated well bore from the surface to the subterranean zone. The articulated well bore is horizontally offset from the substantially vertical well bore at the surface and intersects the substantially vertical well bore at a junction proximate to the subterranean zone. The method may include drilling the articulated well bore to intersect the slot cavity of the substantially vertical well bore and drilling a substantially horizontal drainage pattern from the slot cavity into the subterranean zone. The subterranean zone may comprise a coal seam.

Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling system is used to drive operation of a guidable reamer assembly connected to a drill string. The guidable reamer assembly preferably has a cutting member with a central longitudinal axis and a support member also having a central longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axes of the cutting member and the support member are collinear when the reamer assembly is in the non-steering position and laterally displaced when in the steering position. The assembly and method of this invention provide for increased control of reaming operations and product pipe placement.

Abstract: In a method for producing and widening ground bores or for the destructive replacement of buried lines with the aid of a tool arranged at the end of a rod driven by a boring device, the rod is built up from individual sections which are to be connected to one another in a machine excavation (staring excavation). In order to allow the use even of rod sections whose length is equal or almost equal to the diameter of the machine excavation, the boring device, prior to the introduction of a new rod section, is displaced, for example inclined, in such a manner that the rod section can be slid into the boring device, for example from outside the excavation, without interference from the rear end, projecting into the machine excavation, of a rod section which has already been introduced into the ground. As soon as the rod section has been slid in, the boring device together with the rod section is moved into a position in which it is aligned with the boring direction or the rod part which is already in the ground.

Abstract: A method for the trenchless installation of new underground pipe accurately on line and on grade by microtunneling to install a pilot tube, installing a drill string along the pilot pipe line using a directional drilling machine, installing a back reamer to the drill string and using a directional drilling machine to pull back the reamer and install a product pipe behind the reamer. A pilot tube is installed on line and on grade by utilizing the guidance system of a microtunneling apparatus to install a pilot tubes between jacking and target shafts. A drill string is installed to displace the pilot tubes and a back reamer is attached to the drill string with a product pipe attached to the reamer. The reamer may be pulled using any suitable pulling device such as a directional drilling machine.

Abstract: Methods and materials for chemically enhanced drilling of oil/gas wells are disclosed. The use of drilling fluids containing chemicals that dissolve formation constituents results in the creation of boreholes. Fluids containing acids such as hydrochloric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, or combinations thereof have been found to be especially useful in chemical drilling of formations containing basic minerals such as calcium carbonate. The use of acid has the further advantage of simultaneously stimulating the borehole.

Abstract: An orienter for controlling the drilling direction in a well. A main body 40, 23 is couplable to a drill string, and a nose tubing 50 is movably mounted by a universal joint in the main body. A collar 42 with a bore 43 engages in a cam-like manner with an extension 26 of the nose tubing on the drill string side of the universal joint. The collar is movable longitudinally ‘a’ to control the magnitude ‘b’ of the nose tubing, and circumferentially ‘c’ to control the azimuth ‘d’. The nose tubing is aligned on both sides of the universal joint and the bore of the collar is angled relative to the main axis of the main body. The collar may be hydraulically or electrically controlled.

Abstract: A system for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes an entry well bore extending down from the surface. A plurality of slanted well bores extend from the entry well bore to the subterranean zone. Drainage patterns extend from the slanted well bores into the subterranean zone.

Abstract: A method and system of drilling straight directional and multilateral wells utilizing hydraulic frictional controlled drilling, by providing concentric casing strings to define a plurality of annuli therebetween; injecting fluid down some of the annuli; returning the fluid up at least one annulus so that the return flow creates adequate hydraulic friction within the return annulus to control the return flow within the well. The hydraulic friction should be minimized on the injection side to require less hydraulic horsepower and be maximized on the return side to create the desired subsurface friction to control the well.

Abstract: A rotating inner member is used to drive a downhole tool housed within the hollow outer member of a dual-member drill string. The downhole tool preferably will be adapted to receive rotational energy from the inner member. In a preferred embodiment, the downhole tool is an electric generator connected to a downhole electric device. In another preferred embodiment the downhole tool is a mechanical transmission that uses the rotational energy from the inner member to drive a non-electric tool, such as a downhole hammer. This invention will increase the consistency and efficiency of downhole energy production.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of installing a flowline below the surface. The method includes the steps of establishing first and second sight relief holes along a linear path, positioning a directional drilling machine on the surface, boring a first portion of a pilot hole from the surface to the first sight relief hole, determining the elevation of the boring tool and adjusting the boring tool to the desired depth, boring a second portion of the pilot hole to the second relief hole, and determining the elevation of the boring tool and adjusting the tool to the desired depth. In another aspect of the invention, a method for directionally boring a flowline is provided.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a subterranean drainage pattern for accessing a subterranean zone includes at least one undulating well bore. The undulating well bore includes at least one inclining portion drilled through the subterranean zone at an inclination sloping toward an upper boundary of the single layer of subterranean deposits and at least one declining portion drilled through the subterranean zone at a declination sloping toward a lower boundary of the single layer of subterranean deposits. At least one bending portion couples the at least one inclining portion and the at least one declining portion to form a waveform.

Abstract: A Borehole Mining method comprising driving a borehole, into a production zone under a low-degree angle &agr; (0<&agr;<35°), installation in said borehole a mining device with a hydromonitor and eductor, water-jet cutting of rock, pumping-out a slurry, and creating a cavity. Said tool is positioned such that the hydromonitor is oriented at an angle &bgr; to the horizontal plane. The projection on said plane of the water-jet equals to the desired span of the driven cavity. The borehole may be driven sinking or raising. The BHM tool is inserted/removed from the borehole while mining without rotation, extending said cavity along the borehole. Said borehole can be driven from a land or water surface trough the mother-well drilled vertically and then deviated. It also may be driven straight from an underground mine or open pit floor. After a creation of said cavity, it may back-filled with a waste or hardening material.

Abstract: A method for the trenchless installation of new underground pipe accurately on line and on grade by microtunneling to install a pilot tube, installing a drill string along the pilot pipe line using a directional drilling machine, installing a back reamer to the drill string and using a directional drilling machine to pull back the reamer and install a product pipe behind the reamer. A pilot tube is installed on line and on grade by utilizing the guidance system of a microtunneling apparatus to install a pilot tubes between jacking and target shafts. A drill string is installed to displace the pilot tubes and a back reamer is attached to the drill string with a product pipe attached to the reamer. The reamer may be pulled using any suitable pulling device such as a directional drilling machine.

Abstract: A generator assembly for generating power in the downhole end of a drill string used to form a borehole in horizontal directional drilling. The drill string provides a fluid passageway in which the downhole generator is receivingly disposed, at least in part, to subject a rotatable turbine to a pressurized fluid flowing in the fluid passageway, thereby imparting a mechanical rotation to the turbine. The turbine is coupled to a generator so that the mechanical rotation of the turbine is transferred to a power output of the generator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for milling a window in a downhole structure, such as a casing or a liner, includes a mandrel that supports milling elements arranged in a predetermined pattern. In one example, the milling elements are arranged in one or more continuous channels each having a generally helical pattern. The milling elements are able to cut the window in the downhole structure substantially continuously to the desired size.

Abstract: A steerable reamer and method for use in horizontal directional drilling. The reamer includes a carrier frame rotatably coupled to a reaming body, a carrier frame housing slidably coupled to the carrier frame, and an hydraulic cylinder for tilting the carrier frame relative to the carrier frame housing. The reamer may also include sondes for monitoring the position and orientation of the reamer during operation or a laser guidance system for automatically steering the reamer along a pilot bore.

Abstract: Specific methods are described for use in tracking and/or guiding the movement of an underground boring tool. In one aspect, an improvement is provided forming part of an arrangement for tracking the position and/or guiding the boring tool using an electromagnetic locating signal which is transmitted from the boring tool as the boring tool moves through the ground. At least two detectors are located at fixed positions within the region, each being operable in a transmit mode and in a receive mode such that each one of the detectors in the transmit mode is able to transmit a relative locating signal to the other detector for use in determining the relative position of one detector in relation to the other and such that both detectors receive the electromagnetic locating signal in the receive mode for use in determining the position of the boring tool within the region.

Abstract: The backreamer assembly for enlarging shallow depth boreholes in an earthen environment includes a substantially conical cutting surface. Contained within the substantially conical cutting surface is a speed reduction, torque increasing gearbox which transmits rotational power from a drive motor to the substantially conical cutting surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a pipe casing underground without a trench for distances up to 400 feet with pipe casing up to 168 inches in diameter. The system uses a modified high energy piling hammer to mobilize the energy to drive the casings or tubings that make up the instant tunnel. An example of a piling hammer used in the present invention is the IHC Hydrohammer line of models in between the S-90 and S-280. Specific models planned to be used in this invention, depending on diameter and length requirements and type of soil in the planned alignment, are the Models S-90, S-150, S-280, S-400 and S-500. The present invention's Hydrohammers are needed to be held against the casing pipe to be driven with a force equal to the reactional force of the hammer during recharging of the hammer's system. A special helmet and cutting head increase operational capabilities.

Abstract: The well reference apparatus and method of the present invention includes a reference member preferably permanently installed within the borehole at a preferred depth and orientation in one trip into the well. The reference member provides a permanent reference for the location of all operations, particularly in a multi-lateral well. The assembly of the present invention includes disposing the reference member on the end of a pipe string. An orienting tool such as an MWD collar is disposed in the pipe string above the reference member. This assembly is lowered into the borehole on the pipe string. Once the preferred depth is attained, the MWD is activated to determine the orientation of the reference member. If the reference member is not oriented in the preferred direction, the pipe string is rotated to align the reference member in the preferred direction. This process is repeated for further corrective action and to verify the proper orientation of the reference member.

Abstract: A portable mapping tool for use in a horizontal drilling system and associated methods use a boring tool configured for transmitting a locating signal. The mapping tool also includes at least one electromagnetic field detector which is configured for measuring the locating signal from a fixed position proximate to the surface of the ground in a drilling area. The mapping tool includes a housing and a transmitter arrangement supported by the housing for transmitting a setup locating signal for reception by the detector in the region for use in determining certain initial conditions at least prior to drilling. The associated methods include the step of configuring the mapping tool for transmitting a setup locating signal for reception by the detector in the region and using the received setup locating signal in determining certain initial conditions at least prior to drilling.

Abstract: A jet nozzle is provided for drilling holes through the earth, such as drainholes around a well. The nozzle may include orifices for discharging fluid to drive the nozzle forward and includes a disk or other device having orifices to produce a swirling motion to fluid in the body of the nozzle. Swirling fluid is discharged from a front orifice and an extension is placed forward of the front orifice to confine the swirling fluid in a radial direction.

Abstract: An electromagnetic method and apparatus for directional drilling guidance of horizontal boreholes for the installation of pipelines and communication cables beneath rivers, highways and other obstacles is disclosed. A solenoid source, with horizontal axes, generates alternating electromagnetic fields which are measured in the borehole by a magnetometer with known orientation with respect to the direction of gravity near the drill bit. A preferred embodiment has a useable range of 150 meters from the source.

Abstract: A self-advancing drilling system comprising a drilling apparatus, the drilling apparatus, the drilling apparatus having at least one leading fluid cutting nozzle, means on the drilling apparatus to provide forward movement to the drilling apparatus, the drilling system further comprising a drill string formed from recoverable flexible hose.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for substantially cleaning fill from a borehole, variously including in preferred embodiments disturbing, particulate solids of fill while RIH, entraining particulates while POOH, jetting downhole while RIH and jetting uphole while POOH, and controlling at least one of a pump rate regime or a POOH rate regime.