Abstract: A method and system for accessing subterranean zones from the surface includes a substantially vertical well bore extending from the surface to a target zone, and an articulated well bore extending from the substantially vertical well bore to the target zone. The articulated well bore diverges from the substantially vertical well bore between the surface and the target zone. The system also includes a well bore pattern extending from the articulated well bore in the target zone operable to collect resources from the target zone. The system also includes a subsurface channel operable to communicate resources from the well bore pattern to the substantially vertical well bore. The system further includes a vertical pump disposed in the substantially vertical well bore and operable to lift resources collected in the substantially vertical well bore to the surface.

Abstract: A method and system for drilling or cutting a subterranean well or formation 52 using a drilling rig 5, a drill string 55, a plurality of solid material impactors 100, a drilling fluid and a drill bit 60 is disclosed. This invention may have particular utility in drilling wells for the petroleum industry and for cutting formation in the mining and tunnel boring industries. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of solid material impactors are introduced into the drilling fluid and pumped through the drill string and drill bit to impact the formation ahead of the bit. At the point of impact, a substantial portion by weight of the impactors may have sufficient energy to structurally alter, excavate, and/or fracture the impacted formation. The majority by weight of the plurality of solid material impactors may have a mean diameter of at least 0.100 inches, and may structurally alter the formation to a depth of at least twice the mean diameter of the particles comprising the impacted formation.

Abstract: A reaming tool for enlarging an earth bore in a subsurface formation in which a sub is connected to a lower end of a drill string and elongated cutter blades are pivotally secured to a lower end of the body which have cutter elements preferably in the form of rotatable cutter disks along their leading edges and a fluid delivery hose leads into fluid passages in each of the cutter blades to supply fluid under pressure to a series of fluid discharge nozzles associated with the cutter elements.

Abstract: A drill bit assembly for earth boring operations in which a sub is connected to a lower end of a drill string and elongated cutter blades are pivotally secured to a lower end of the body which have cutter elements preferably in the form of rotatable cutter disks along their leading edges and a fluid delivery hose leads into fluid passages in each of the cutter blades to supply fluid under pressure to a series of fluid discharge nozzles associated with the cutter disks.

Abstract: Cutting heads, cutting head systems, and methods for creating an excavation in a mineral seam. A preferred cutting head includes a first body having a manifold for containing high pressure fluid and an axis of rotation generally parallel to the borehole, a first plurality of mechanical bits disposed on the first body, a first plurality of nozzles disposed around the axis of rotation for spraying the high pressure fluid, and a plurality of tubes fluidly coupling the manifold and the first plurality of nozzles. On supplying high pressure fluid to the manifold and rotating the cutting head about the axis of rotation, the nozzles create a generally circular, overlapping pattern of high pressure fluid in front of the cutting head, the pattern of high pressure fluid being directed to cut the borehole independently of the mechanical bits.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for drilling into strata adjacent to a well casing through an existing hole in a side of the well casing at a desired elevation therein, including a flexible tube for passage through the hole having a first end, an opposite second end, and an internal cavity extending therethrough between the first end and the second end, a nozzle for passage through the hole on the first end of the flexible tube, the nozzle having at least one aperture therethrough in communication with the internal cavity of the flexible tube, and structure suspendable in the well casing and connected to the second end of the flexible tube for supporting the flexible tube and the nozzle in the well casing at the desired elevation for passage through the hole, the structure including an element for rotating the flexible tube and the nozzle when extending through the hole relative to the structure, and the structure including an internal passage connected in communication with the internal cavity of the flexible tube and

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: A flexible hose assembly for horizontal well drilling is provided. The flexible hose assembly has a number of spaced thruster couplings along its length to impart drilling force to a nozzle blaster at an end of the flexible hose. The thruster couplings have rearwardly oriented holes which impart a forward drilling force upon the exit of high pressure water through the holes. A method of horizontal well drilling using the above-described flexible hose is also provided. The method is particularly useful for shallow wells, such as 50-2000 feet.

Abstract: A self-contained excavation device, with specific application as a beach umbrella excavator and anchor apparatus, includes a cutting head with a stepped cutting edge to penetrate thin shell layers, recesses defining anchor shelves to prevent pullout from wind, and anchor sweep faces for severing a structural connection between the compacted formation material and the recesses for easy removal of the device. The self-contained excavation device also includes a pressure limit chamber to prevent overpressure of the drilling fluid, a floating piston with straight intake ports for easy maintenance, and a self-cleaning valve to prevent debris from accumulating and clogging the valve.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for drilling into earth strata surrounding a well casing utilizing a rotating fluid discharge nozzle and reduction of static head pressure in the well casing in conjunction with the drilling operation.

Abstract: A hydrovac wand is provided with a crossfire nozzle arrangement that reduces thrust to the wand operator, and that has a spray pattern that eliminates spray back. A pair of jets erode a hole while two other jets push the debris back to a suction hose. Two high pressure swivels are provided at the end of the wand to allow the wand to rotate in all directions without binding. Boom controls are placed on the wand to maximize digging rates.

Abstract: Nozzle jet drill bits for drilling drainholes from a wellbore are provided in a 4 ½-inch or larger casing. The drills are small enough to allow use of a bit diverter to turn the bits about 90 degrees in the casing when attached to an elastomeric high-pressure tube. Pumping of fluid, which may contain abrasive particles, through the bits allows drilling though the wall of casing, if present, and continued drilling into a formation surrounding the well without withdrawing the bit from the well. Direction-indicating instruments and geophones may be used to measure or monitor direction and location of the bit. One type of jet drill that may be used can change direction of drilling by controlling pressure at the bit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a hole in a soil body. The apparatus includes an open ended tube, a conduit with a nozzle is arranged within the tube. The nozzle has a downwardly facing opening for applying a stream of compressed air downwardly below the bottom open end of the tube to impact the soil. The nozzle also has an upwardly facing opening for simultaneously applying a stream of compressed air upwardly toward the top open end of the tube to facilitate removal of soil particles. This apparatus is utilized to create a hole in which a pile may be installed.

Abstract: A pressure activated bendable tool assembly having a longitudinal centerline, the tool assembly comprising an adapter sub for connection to an end of a tubular member having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough and a plurality of bend elements positioned in a serial relationship also having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough, the bore being in fluid communication with the bore of the adapter sub and each adjacent bending element. The bend elements are axially retained by a plurality of retainer sleeves. The retainer sleeves limit the amount the bend elements may be longitudinally displaced from each other about a preselected side of the retainer sleeve element. A head-sub forms a distal end of the tool assembly opposite of the adapter sub.

Abstract: Hydraulic drilling apparatus and method in which a hole is formed with a series of drill heads and strings of successively smaller diameter. After each section of the hole is formed, the drill head is withdrawn back through the string, leaving the string in place in the hole to serve as a casing for the well. The next smaller size drill head and string are then introduced through the strings which have already been placed, and the process is repeated until the hole has reached the desired length. The course of the hole can be changed, e.g. from vertical to horizontal, without interruption of the drilling process by selective application of the drilling fluid to the nozzles in the drill head to steer the advancing string. Multiple laterals are formed by introducing a module having a plurality of extensible drilling tubes with drill heads at the distal ends thereof into the string and applying the pressurized drilling fluid to the module to advance the tubes from the string.

Abstract: An excavation assembly, an apparatus and method of operating the same. At least a portion of the assembly is attachable to a vehicle including a frame and an arm supported on the frame, the arm having one end supported on the frame and an other end movable relative to the frame. The assembly includes an excavation head supportable on the other end of the arm for movement relative to the frame. The head may be substitutable with a hard-tooth excavation component, such as a backhoe bucket. The head includes a support member having a support surface positionable adjacent a surface to be excavated, the support member being attachable to the other end of the arm, a nozzle, and a vacuum. The assembly further comprises a source of pressurized fluid connected to the nozzle so that fluid is provided through the nozzle to cut the surface to be excavated and a source of vacuum pressure connected to the vacuum so that material cut from the surface is removed from the surface.

Abstract: A water pressure operated post-hole digging tool. The tool includes a vertically elongate pipe with an enlarged mandrel member having a generally circular cross section mounted on its lower end, and an attachment for connecting the upper end of the conduit to a source of water pressure. The water pressure is discharged through an open end at the bottom of the mandrel member, so that soil is dislodged at the bottom of the post-hole bore. The flow of water then passes upwardly through the annular cavity around the sides of the mandrel member so as to scour out of the sides of the bore. The lower end of the mandrel member is tapered so as to accelerate the flow of water as this passes into the annular cavity around the body, and upper taper slows the flow as it exits the cavity and flows up the excavated bore. The mandrel member may be formed of solid plastic material.

Abstract: In the field of drilling lateral channels from the cased bore of an oil well, a system is presented whereby a number of lateral channels can be drilled through the casing and out a distance into the formation with no requirement to move or raise the lateral drilling apparatus to the surface for each lateral channel drilled. The direction of the drilled lateral channel can be selected by the system operator at the well head. The system will allow the drilling of lateral channels with the well under pressure. A configuration is shown which will allow the installation of a flexible perforated liner in the channel, which flexible perforated liner will prevent the material around the channel from collapsing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the hydraulic removal of bitumen from a tar sand deposit comprises forming a borehole into the tar sand deposit and securing a casing into the borehole. Into the casing is inserted a mining tool having a water/diluent channel and a slurry exit channel. Through the casing the borehole is charged with crushed aggregate. At the lower end of the tool are nozzles through which high pressure hot water/diluent is injected as a jet from the water/diluent channel into the tar sand deposit causing a cavity to form in the tar sand deposit. The heat of the water/diluent jets and dissolving action of the diluent softens the tar sand contacted and the impact of the jets and the scouring action of the aggregate, as impinged upon by the jets, removes the tar sand from the surface of the developing cavity into a water phase. A bitumen/diluent phase rises to the surface of the water phase and is removed from the cavity through the casing.

Abstract: Hydraulic drilling apparatus and method in which a hole is formed with a series of drill heads and strings of successively smaller diameter. After each section of the hole is formed, the drill head is withdrawn back through the string, leaving the string in place in the hole to serve as a casing for the well. The next smaller size drill head and string are then introduced through the strings which have already been placed, and the process is repeated until the hole has reached the desired length. The course of the hole can be changed, e.g. from vertical to horizontal, without interruption of the drilling process by selective application of the drilling fluid to the nozzles in the drill head to steer the advancing string. Multiple laterals are formed by introducing a module having a plurality of extensible drilling tubes with drill heads at the distal ends thereof into the string and applying the pressurized drilling fluid to the module to advance the tubes from the string.

Abstract: In a percussion boring machine for producing or widening earth boreholes, the housing is equipped with nozzles and houses a striking piston caused to reciprocate axially by means of compressed air and means of generating pressure which supplies the nozzles with a flushing, cutting, lubricating and/or steering liquid. Since the liquid pressure required for the excavation of the ground surrounding the machine and/or for causing the machine to travel on a curved path is generated in the machine itself, the machine only needs to be supplied through a supply line with a liquid at a slightly raised pressure.

Abstract: A method for stimulating a wellbore penetrating a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation by positioning a hydrajet in an uncased portion of the wellbore penetrating the formation; perforating the formation with the hydrajet; and producing carbonaceous fluids and particulates from the formation through the wellbore and, thereby, forming a cavity in the formation surrounding the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically fracturing a soil formation, and thereafter utilizing or maintaining the fracture network thus formed by continuous injection of a gas stream into the fracture network, and introducing into that gas stream dry media which is entrained in the gas stream and thereby dispersed and distributed through the soil formation in substantially predictable or predetermined patterns, is described. The fracture network and/or the dry media contained therein create or enhance usefulness for a given purpose with respect to the soil formation.

Abstract: A vacuum excavation system which incorporates a low consumption air lance, a highly efficient multi-stage vacuum generation system effectively isolated from the waste stream and the air source, and a highly portable material collection system. The air lance includes a cylindrical main body which narrows to a flat taper nozzle at the digging end, and a tee-shaped handle with a swivel type air fitting at one end, while the vacuum generation system is a multi-stage ejector fitted onto a collection drum and consisting of successive venturi tubes with pressure equalizing check valves on the second and higher stages, the material collection system consisting of the drum and hoses or pipes connected to the drum through a separate opening.

Abstract: Apparatus for drilling a well comprising, in one embodiment, a borehole assembly having a motor rotated drill head with ports for emitting a fluid, coiled tubing operatively associated with the drill head to supply fluid and support the drill head, the borehole assembly adapted to drill a channel off axis by varying the speed of the motor drive during a cycle or by varying fluid pressure to the drill head during a cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for stabilizing incompetent or otherwise unstable hydrocarbon producing subterranean zones or formations penetrated by a wellbore during drilling. The methods basically comprise drilling the wellbore into an unstable hydrocarbon producing subterranean zone or formation when it is encountered, pumping a fluid through a well stabilization tool while moving the tool through the portion of the wellbore in the unstable zone or formation whereby fluid jets formed by the well stabilization tool enlarge the diameter of the wellbore by fluid jet erosion, pumping a hardenable permeable material through the well stabilization tool while moving the tool through the enlarged portion of the wellbore whereby the enlarged portion is filled with the hardenable permeable material, allowing the permeable material to harden and then drilling the wellbore through the hardened permeable material and producing hydrocarbons therefrom.

Abstract: A method of drilling in a stratum and a method of enhancing recovery of a hydrocarbon material from an existing well. The method of drilling generally includes providing a drilling apparatus having at least one laterally oriented nozzle. Part of the drilling apparatus is moved downwardly along an existing bore without drilling until the nozzle is in position and pressurized hydraulic fluid is delivered through the nozzle to define a first generally horizontally oriented secondary bore. The nozzle is reoriented the nozzle is used to bore a second generally horizontal oriented secondary bore. The method of enhancing recovery may employ a similar process to define a first generally horizontally oriented secondary bore. The drilling apparatus is removed and pressurized hydraulic fluid is delivered into the main bore and the secondary bore to fracture the stratum to assist in extracting the hydrocarbon material from the well.

Abstract: The position of a boring head (16) during boring operation in the vicinity of an existing utility conveyance (22) that radiates a locating signal can be determined by establishing the ratio of the strength of the locating signal of the cable induced in the boring head to the strength of the locating signal on the conveyance. Should the ratio exceed a prescribed value, indicating that the boring head is too close to the existing conveyance, then an alert is generated. Advantageously, the position of the boring head during a boring operation may be controlled in feed-back loop fashion in accordance with the ratio to maintain the boring head substantially parallel to the existing conveyance.

Abstract: A fluid jet nozzle has a water chamber accommodating therein pressurized fluid, an orifice communicating with the water chamber and contracting the fluid from the water chamber, a throat communicating with the orifice and through which the fluid from the orifice passes, a multiplication chamber communicating with the throat and receiving the fluid from the throat for multiplying cavitation, and a diffusion chamber receiving the fluid from the multiplication chamber for diffusing the fluid.

Abstract: An earthen hole drilling device has an elongated tube having first and second ends. A source of vacuum pressure is connected to the first end of the tube. A rotary fluid nozzle is attached to the second end of the tube and is adapted to direct a rotary jet of fluid to intersect the space immediately beyond the second end of the tube. An elongated fluid line has first and second ends with the first end thereof being connected to a source of fluid under pressure, such as water, and the second end of the fluid line is connected to the nozzle. The tube normally has a length of five or six feet with handles thereon so as to be manipulated by a single worker. The method of drilling an earthen hole involves the steps of emitting a rotary jet of fluid into the space behind the second end of the tube to moisten and dislodge particles of earth in the earthen hole being created.

Abstract: An integrated safe excavation apparatus utilizing supersonic air jets coupled with high flow, pneumatic vacuum transport and a unique separation system to excavate earth and other like material for the purpose of repairing, replacing or installing buried utility lines, remediating contaminated soils, uncovering buried objects containing discarded hazardous waste, safely exposing unexploded ordnance and other like operations.

Abstract: A jet assisted drill system which uses a high pressure intensifier, positioned in a down hole drill assembly. Drill fluid from a drill stem is directed into the drill assembly, and in one mode this drill fluid is passed through the pressure intensifier to cause a piston assembly of the intensifier to reciprocate, with high pressure pistons of the piston assembly delivering high pressure drill fluid to a discharge jet in the drill bit assembly. The lower pressure fluid which drives the low pressure pistons is discharged into a downstream annular passageway and to the drill bit assembly. In a by-pass mode, a selector valve directs drill fluid from an upstream main passageway portion directly to a downstream main passageway portion to pass out the drill bit assembly. This flushes out debris which is carried upwardly out of the drill hole. There is a control valve to operate the piston assembly and a trigger valve operated by the piston assembly to direct fluids selectively to the control valve.

Abstract: A tool for discharging pressurized fluids into a wellbore at high velocity to clean foreign matter from the wellbore. The tool includes an elongated, cylindrical body having an upper end that is threaded for attachment to a fluid supply conduit and a lower end that is circumferentially tapered to a narrowed, planar surface. A fluid entry channel is located in the upper end of the cylindrical body. In communication with the fluid entry channel are a pair of fluid discharge channels which terminate in a pair of fluid discharge ports. Each of the fluid discharge ports is positioned adjacent the narrowed, planar surface at the lower, circumferentially-tapered end of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for decontaminating soil containing harmful substances, wherein a number of bore holes (11) are advanced to the areas at the edge of the area (21) of contaminated soil by means of a course controlled boring method, then under a continuation of the boring a directed injection of at least one appropriate injection medium (8) from the bore holes (11) is carried out such that the harmful substances are forced into a smaller soil area (21) and are finally removed. Furthermore, the invention relates to a boring head for carrying out the method according to the invention. The boring head includes a tubular boring head body with an inner flow passage and a boring head tip connected to the boring head body and having a convex tip surface the head tip has a plurality of openings connected to the inner passage.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for removing soil from a well, which is particularly adapted for use both in cleaning out sandy deposits in pre-existing wells and in boring new well shafts through sandy ground, or through alternating hard and soft soil layers. The apparatus comprises a substantially cylindrical, hollow reservoir body tapered at the bottom end to form a drainage spout and open at the upper end. The reservoir body is lowered into the well liner toward the bottom of the well. A jet of water is introduced through a passageway in the reservoir to create a slurry wave which causes previously loosened soil inside the well liner to rise and overflow into the reservoir body, whereby the soil may then be removed from the well.

Abstract: A method and abstract of removing a surface subject to a subsurface pressure and an environmental surface pressure at least equal to the subsurface pressure, which comprises jetting fluid through a nozzle facing and located a predetermined distance from said surface, said nozzle being shaped to eject the fluid in a steam having a higher core pressure than said environmental pressure, said higher pressure stream having adjacent thereto at least one zone of pressure negative relative to said subsurface pressure, said distance being predetermined to expose said surface to said zone of negative pressure, whereby said surface is caused to explode into said zone of negative pressure from the force of said subsurface pressure.

Abstract: Moling apparatus for forming a generally horizontal underground passage in soil for a utility conduit or the like includes tool head structure with a base portion and a nose portion mounted on the base portion such that an interface region is formed between nose portion and base portion surfaces. The base portion is movable along that interface relative to the nose portion between a first position in which nose portion surfaces are symmetrical with respect to the tool axis so that the tool will tend to move along a straight line path and a second position in which nose portion surfaces are in asymmetrical position with respect to the tool axis so that the tool will tend to move along a curved path. The apparatus includes structure for creating positive pressure during system operation in the interface region between the base portion and nose portion such that relative movement of the nose and base portions between the first and second positions is not significantly impaired.

Abstract: A high-speed fluid/mechanical jet erosion system utilizing a high-velocity, jet stream discharged contiguous the surface to be cut. The jet stream is developed from a single plenum flow system adapted to merge and enhance the erosive high-speed fluid jet characteristics of fluid with cavitational collapse erosion. The system further includes a tapered drill bit housing, with mechanical cutters therealong which places a generally axially centered, exiting jet immediately against the target formation, providing maximum mechanical and fluid energy transfer to the formation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivery of remediation material to treat underground contaminated soils and water having a hollow cylindrical pipe through which both to apply water under air pressure and to deliver the remediation materials. Tanks of water, nutrients, and bacteria are typically mounted on the platform of a flat-bed truck or on a trailer which is transported by means of a hitch. A compressor is connected to the tanks of water, nutrients, and bacteria to provide pressurized air to create flow of water, nutrients, and bacteria from the tanks to the underground contaminated soils and water.

Abstract: A fluid accelerating and pulsation generating apparatus for minimizing loss in fluid energy through frictional pressure drop for fluid passing through the apparatus is characterized by a body having a generally cylindrical chamber formed by a cylindrical inner wall and opposed transverse end walls. One of the end walls has one or more fluid inlet ports arranged therein and defined by passages which intersect the end wall at an angle with respect to a plane normal to the central longitudinal axis of the chamber and generally tangentially with respect to the cylindrical inner wall. Plural discharge passages intersect the opposite end wall at a curved wall portion formed between the cylindrical inner wall and the opposite end wall. The discharge passages may also be arranged to have their axes extending tangentially with respect to the inner cylindrical wall and at a predetermined angle with respect to a plane normal to the central longitudinal axis of the chamber.

Abstract: A jet boring pre-assembly for excavating an underground area susceptible to disaggregation and for control from a working gallery below the area includes a cutting head for the top of the assembly, the cutting head having separate conduits for delivery of high pressure cutting fluid to high pressure nozzles, and a low pressure flushing fluid to flushing nozzles. A dual conduit drilling rod is located in a borehole beneath the cutting head, the rod having separate conduits for delivery of the high pressure and low pressure fluids to the cutting head. A preventor box below the cutting head seals the borehole and transmits slurry of excavated material to an outlet.

Abstract: A pulsation nozzle is adapted for insertion in a drill bit such as a single body or tri-cone bit, for delivery of a pulsed jet of thixotropic drilling fluid during drilling operations. The nozzle defines an inlet orifice (31) communicating with an internal cavity (32) and an outlet orifice (33), the dimensions of which are chosen in such a way as to induce the cyclical propagation of disturbances in a shear boundary defined between fluid passing directly through the nozzle and fluid which is momentarily trapped in the cavity, thereby inducing a self-excited oscillating flow of said fluid within the nozzle, and a rapid pulsing flow emitting from the nozzle.

Abstract: An excavation head, mounted on one end of a telescoping hollow boom, has nozzles for directing jets of high speed air at an excavation face to loosen soil. A vacuum transport pipe extends from the excavation head through the hollow of the boom to a spherical joint. The spherical joint movably joins the other end of the boom to a primary separator. The primary separator is a chamber for disentraining loosened soil from air flowing through the primary separator. A primary air lock is fixed to the lower portion of the primary separator for expelling soil from the primary separator. A secondary separator is joined to the primary separator by way of a separator connector pipe. A secondary air lock is fixed to the lower portion of the secondary separator for expelling soil from the secondary separator. A positive displacement vacuum pump has its vacuum side pneumatically connected to the secondary separator.

Abstract: There is described an improved apparatus and method of treating a section of unlined well bore comprising the steps of establishing a flow path from the top of the well bore to a location opposite the section of unlined well bore to be treated, pumping an erosive fluid through the flow path at a predetermined rate and pressure, directing a stream of the erosive fluid against a surface of the section of well bore to be treated to cause the initiation of a cut thereinto, and moving the stream of erosive fluid past a length of the surface to be treated to extend the cut formed therein in the direction of movement of the stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a pile produces a predetermined pile diameter in a cast-in-place pile. The apparatus includes an agitating arrangement which includes a pipe extending longitudinally into the ground, a plurality of agitating blades supported by the pipe for agitating a settable mixture, and a plurality of nozzles respectively disposed on and supported by respective ones of the agitating blades. Each of the plurality of nozzles produces a directional jet flow of liquid. Also, an arrangement is provided for supplying liquid under pressure to each of the plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: A well penetrator consists of a number of hydraulic fluid control components and a carriage carrying a hydraulic motor and a mill bit supported in a housing which is moveable down a well casing. The control components cause the carriage carrying the mill bit to be indexed up a predetermined distance relative to the well casing and then extended gradually into contact with the well casing while being rotated by the hydraulic motor. After the mill bit completes a hole through the well casing, the hydraulic components index the mill bit back down to its starting position and align a nozzle on the outer end of a high pressure lance with the opening in the casing to direct fluid from the nozzle as the lance is moved outwardly through the hole in the casing drilled by the mill bit.

Abstract: An anchor (A) or guide assembly (GA) connects with a workstring (WS) that may include a drill string (DS). The guide assembly (GA) includes an internal tubular member (ITM) to releasably connect with the workstring (WS). A tube (CT) is within the internal tubular member (ITM). The internal tubular member (ITM) is releasably secured with an outer tubular member (OTM). The internal tubular member (ITM) is releasably secured with an anchor surface. The workstring (WS) is released from the internal tubular member (ITM) to move relative to the guide assembly (GA) to extend the tube (CT) from the internal tubular member (ITM) for performing various operations.

Abstract: Method of forming openings in structural substrates, especially oil and gas well casings, by providing a supply of a preselected liquid and providing a supply of preselected abrasive particles which are soluble in the liquid. The liquid and abrasive particles are combined to form an abrasive particle laden saturated solution having a predetermined concentration ratio exceeding the saturation point of the base liquid. The abrasive particle laden saturated solution is then pressurized to a predetermined delivery pressure and is routed to at least one jetting nozzle capable of expelling the abrasive particle laden saturated solution. The substrate, in which an opening is to be formed, is subjected to a directed expulsion of the abrasive particle laden saturated solution at a distance and for a period of time necessary to form an opening therethrough. Such abrasive particle laden saturated solution used and needed to form the opening is then considered to be residual.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for high pressure drilling are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an essentially solid drill head with horizontally extendable nozzle arms hingedly connected by shear pins thereto. Flow of high pressure fluid both extends the nozzle arms and flows through the nozzle arms, thereby fracturing and shearing material surrounding the drill head. Cessation of fluid flow returns the arms to the vertical position.

Abstract: A well jetting apparatus for use in fracturing of a well. Fracture initiation is provided by forming openings through the well casing and then forming fan-shaped slots in the formation surrounding the casing. Those slots are formed by a the jetting apparatus which has at least one hydraulic jet directed through the opening. The apparatus may be pivoted generally about the point of the opening to form the slots, but preferrably a plurality of slots are formed substantially simultaneously. These fan-shaped slots circumscribe an angle about the axis of the casing substantially greater than the angle circumscribed by the opening itself through which the slot was formed. These techniques are particularly applicable to fracturing of horizontal wells, but the apparatus may be used in any well configuration.