Abstract: The invention relates to downhole motors for rotating drill bits. The downhole motors may comprise stators, turbines or the like. The drilling motor may comprise a drilling apparatus comprising a drill bit connected to a rotor rotatably housed within a stator (or a turbine rotor in a housing), the rotor comprising at least one magnetic field source or magnetic field detector, and the stator comprising at least one magnetic field source if the rotor comprises a magnetic field detector or comprising at least one magnetic field detector if the rotor comprises a magnetic field source, thereby allowing the rotation speed of the rotor relative to the stator to be measured.

Abstract: A friction reducing assembly has a substantially cylindrical body member having an outer surface and friction reducing elements, such as ball transfer units or other omni-directional rolling-element bearing assemblies, disposed along such outer surface. The friction reducing assembly can take many different configurations including a rolling sub assembly, a mule shoe assembly or a centralizer assembly having an adjustable outer diameter.

Abstract: A rotary steerable drilling system may include a substantially non-rotating tool body, a rotatable shaft including at least one pivotable feature, where the rotatable shaft is at least partially disposed within the tool body, and a bias unit that alters the position of the rotatable shaft within the tool body. The rotary steerable drilling system may also include at least one force application member that alters the position of the tool body in the borehole. A downhole steering motor may include a rotor shaft with at least one pivotable joint, a steering motor housing, a bias unit that alters the position of the rotor shaft inside the steering motor housing, and at least one force application member that alters the position of the steering motor housing in a borehole.

Abstract: A displacement assistance device can include at least two flow paths in fluid communication with a flow passage, and a blocking member that blocks flow through each flow path in response to the flow through that flow path. A method of assisting displacement of a tubular string can include installing the tubular string, then discharging a blocking member into the tubular string, and flowing a fluid through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a displacement assistance device connected in the tubular string, thereby causing the member to repeatedly block flow through at least two flow paths in succession. A system can include a displacement assistance device connected in a tubular string, the device including at least two flow paths in communication with a flow passage extending through the tubular string, and a blocking member that alternately blocks flow through the flow paths in response to flow through the flow passage.

Abstract: A down hole surveying tool (10) is for directional surveying of boreholes. The tool (10) includes a body (11) which accommodates a two-axis gyroscope (13) and a two-axis accelerometer (15). The gyroscope (13) and accelerometer (15) are rigidly fixed with respect to each other to provide a composite sensor device (17). The sensor device (17) is supported in a rotary mount (31) for rotation about an indexing axis (4). The sensor device (17) can be indexed about the indexing axis between two indexing positions which are 180 degrees apart. An indexing mechanism (70) is provided for selectively indexing the sensor device (17) about the indexing axis (4). The indexing mechanism (70) includes a drive portion (71) and a driven portion (72) adapted for selective interaction to impart indexing motion to the sensor device (17). The driven portion (72) is movable into and out of engagement with the drive portion (71) upon rotation of the rotary mount (31) about a pitch axis (1) using a pitch drive mechanism (51).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward systems and methods for trenchless installation of a conduit. According to the examples herein, a conduit may be installed underground using the conduit itself for the drilling of the bore hole needed to accommodate the conduit. The conduit may be installed after a drill string has been positioned in the ground to define a pilot hole. After the pilot hole is defined and while the drill string used to define the pilot hole remains underground, the conduit may be driven underground following the path defined by the drill string. A driving force may be applied to the conduit and cutting member attached to a leading end of the conduit to cause the conduit to advance underground while the drill string, a portion of which may be interior to the conduit, remains underground.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly (BHA) configured for use in a drill string of a wellsite drilling system. The BHA includes a measuring-while-drilling (MWD) module, a wireless power and data connection, and a rotary steerable system (RSS). The MWD module is configured for coupling to a drill string, and includes a power generation component and a direction and inclination (D&I) survey package. The wireless power and data connection is disposed above a drilling motor in the drill string and for providing power and data connectivity between the MWD module and the drilling motor. The RSS is coupled to the drilling motor for receiving power from and communicating with the MWD module via the wireless power and data connection and the drilling motor.

Abstract: A steering head for use with a casing, the steering head having a body with a first body end with a lead edge, a second body end with a rear edge, and a body surface extending from the lead edge to the rear edge, an outer tube with an internal side generally facing the body surface, the outer tube extending from the first body end to the second body end, and a steering flap disposed on an external side of the outer tube having a first flap face facing radially inwardly and a second flap face facing radially outwardly. A fluid dispenser is disposed in a void defined between the outer tube and the body.

Abstract: A technique facilitates drilling of wellbores or other types of bore holes in a variety of applications. A steerable system or other well tool is designed with a plurality of actuators which are positioned to provide controlled steering during a drilling operation. Each actuator includes at least one loose element or ball slidably mounted in a corresponding sleeve. Pressurized fluid is used to provide controlled movement of the elements along the corresponding sleeves of the actuators. The controlled movement of the elements assists in the provision of steering or other control over the well tool during the drilling operation.

Abstract: A method for determining position of a wellbore in the Earth's subsurface includes actuating a plurality of seismic energy sources each disposed at a known geodetic position. Seismic energy from the sources is detected at a selected location along the wellbore. The geodetic position at the selected location is determined from the detected seismic energy. A corresponding method includes actuating a seismic energy source at a selected position within the wellbore. The seismic energy is detected at a plurality of known geodetic positions. The geodetic position of the source is determined from the detected seismic energy.

Abstract: A slip ring apparatus including a ring assembly having a conductive ring with a conductive ring engagement surface, a contact assembly having a contact element with a contact element engagement surface for engaging with the conductive ring engagement surface, and a surface discontinuity provided in at least one of the conductive ring engagement surface and the contact element engagement surface. An apparatus including the slip ring apparatus, wherein the apparatus includes a housing having an interior and a shaft rotatably extending through the interior of the housing. A method for reducing the potential of a hydroplaning effect in a slip ring apparatus, including providing a surface discontinuity in at least one of a conductive ring engagement surface and a contact element engagement surface.

Abstract: A steerable drilling apparatus includes a control system inside a cylindrical housing connected to a drill bit having radially-extendable pistons. A fluid-metering assembly directs a piston actuating fluid into fluid channels in the drill bit leading to respective pistons. The control system controls the fluid-metering assembly to selectively allow fluid flow through the fluid channels to the pistons and to exit through orifices in the fluid channels. The selective fluid flow causes the actuated piston to temporarily extend in the opposite direction to a desired wellbore deviation, thereby deflecting the drill bit away from the borehole centerline. An upper member in the fluid-metering assembly can be moved to stabilize, steer, and change TFA within the drill bit. The control system and drill bit are connected so as to facilitate removal to change the drill bit's steering section and cutting structure configuration or gauge simultaneously.

Abstract: Modular actuators, steering tools, and rotary steerable drilling systems are presented herein. A modular actuator is disclosed for use in directing a drill string, which includes a housing proximate a drive shaft. The modular actuator includes a cartridge that is configured to couple to the outer periphery of the housing. A fluid reservoir is contained within the cartridge. A hydraulically actuated actuator piston, which is slidably disposed at least partially inside the cartridge, is movable between activated and deactivated positions. A hydraulic control system is also contained within the cartridge, fluidly coupling the fluid reservoir to the actuator piston. The hydraulic control system is configured to regulate movement of the actuator piston between the activated and deactivated positions such that the actuator piston selectively presses against and moves the drive shaft and thereby changes the direction of the drill string.

Abstract: A technique facilitates drilling of a variety of a wellbores. The technique comprises providing a directional drilling system with a drill bit mounted at the end of a collar having an internal flow passage for drilling fluid. The collar is rotatably positioned in a steering structure to which a plurality of steering members is mounted for lateral motion with respect to the steering structure. The design allows the steering structure to remain rotationally stationary with respect to the surrounding borehole wall as the collar and drill bit are rotated to perform a drilling operation. The drilling orientation of the collar and the drill bit may be adjusted by routing drilling fluid from the internal flow passage to at least one of the steering members to cause lateral displacement of the steering member while the steering structure remains in the rotationally stationary position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method employed in a horizontal directional drilling (“HDD”) process. An exemplary embodiment includes a drill bit with thirteen (13) or more splines for improved orientation of the drill bit relative to the orientation of a bent sub. Another exemplary embodiment includes a drill bit configured for receipt of a pulling device so that the drill bit may be used in a back reaming step to pull a product back through a pilot bore. Another exemplary embodiment includes a pulling device for mounting to a drill bit. The pulling device, in some embodiments, may include one or more pins for diverting and channeling air and/or fluid through the drill bit to lubricate a hammer assembly and/or the product being pulled as the drill string to which the drill bit is attached is retracted back through the pilot bore.

Abstract: A drilling assembly comprises a bent housing terminating in a drill bit (18), and a top section coupled to the bent section. The top section is suspended upon coiled tubing (10). The drilling assembly includes an orienter means (2-6) capable of rotating the bent housing with respect to the top section, wherein the orienter means includes an electric motor (34) situated in the bent section. The bent housing includes sensor means (30) for monitoring downhole physical variables, the sensor means being situated in the bent section. The orienter means may be an electro-mechanical motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary steerable drilling apparatus which separates the drill string from the bottom hole assembly thereby allowing the biasing means to push the bit in a given direction without having to lift the drill string along with the bottom hole assembly.

Abstract: A system and method facilitate directional drilling. The technique employs an orienting tool which may be connected into a coiled tubing drilling system to selectively orient a drilling assembly. The orienting tool is able to cause relative rotation of an outer housing to orientate a tool face. The relative rotation is facilitated by utilizing floating members, such as a floating piston and a floating nut, in the internal orientation assembly. The floating member or members are decoupled in a radial direction to better facilitate the relative rotation of the housing with respect to components of the internal orientation assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the instantaneous rotational speed of a bottom hole assembly at the lower end of a drill string. In one embodiment, a method includes driving the drill string by a drilling mechanism at the upper end of the drill string. A fundamental frequency of stick-slip oscillations suffered by the drill string is estimated. Variations in a drive torque of the drilling mechanism are determined. Known torsional compliance of the drill string is combined with the variations in the drive torque. An output signal representing the instantaneous rotational speed is provided.

Abstract: An adjustable bent housing assembly for a deviated direction drill string having 1.5° adjustment increments between an index sub housing and mandrel has variances of less than 0.02° at 0.25 nominal degree increments between 0° and 3.00° of drill direction deviation.

Abstract: A downhole magnetic latching tool includes at least one permanent magnet deployed on a non-magnetic tool body. A magnetically permeable housing is deployed about the permanent magnet. The magnetic latching tool provides an attractive magnetic force between a drill string and a cased target wellbore.

Abstract: A steerable system comprises a fluid powered motor 10 having a rotor 16 and a stator 18, and a bias arrangement having a plurality of bias pads 34 connected to the stator 18 so as to be rotatable therewith, the bias pads 34 being moveable to allow the application of a side load to the steerable system.

Abstract: In one aspect, a drilling apparatus is provided, where the drilling apparatus includes a fluid pump disposed in a main wellbore, a lateral well in fluid communication with the fluid pump and a drilling assembly disposed in the lateral well, wherein the drilling assembly is configured to receive a fluid from the fluid pump to power the drilling assembly and to transport cuttings from the drilling assembly to the main wellbore. The drilling apparatus further includes a sealing mechanism disposed in the main wellbore, the sealing mechanism being configured to direct the cuttings in the fluid downhole of the sealing mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for drilling a wellbore along a desired well path is disclosed. The system and method employed a bearing housing which may be connected into a bottom hole assembly to facilitate drilling of deviated wellbore sections. The bearing housing has an internal bore with an axis that can be positioned to form a non-zero angle with the central or longitudinal axis of the bearing housing. The internal bore is designed to rotatably receive a drill bit shaft such that a drill bit is oriented at a desired angle with respect to the bearing housing. Alternatively, the internal bore may be positioned in a sleeve which is received in the bearing housing.

Abstract: A steering head for use with a casing, the steering head having a generally cylindrical body with a first body end with a lead edge, a second body end with a rear edge, and a body surface extending from the lead edge to the rear edge, an outer tube with an internal side generally facing the body surface, the outer tube extending from the first body end to the second body end, and a steering flap disposed on an external side of the outer tube having a first flap face facing radially inwardly and a second flap face facing radially outwardly. A biased hinge is secured to both the outer tube and the steering flap, the biased hinge being operative to retract the steering flap into a retracted position from an extending position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses include drilling a bore hole in a horizontal direction with a drill bit, a bent housing portion, and a mud motor by rotating the drill bit, the bent housing portion, and the mud motor with drill pipe comprising an aluminum pipe section. The methods and apparatuses also include stopping rotation of the drill pipe and performing a slide by rotating the drill bit with the mud motor to advance the drill bit, the bent housing portion, the mud motor, and the drill pipe in the borehole so that the aluminum pipe section moves axially along the bore hole in the horizontal direction. The methods and apparatuses also include continuing to drill the bore hole by rotating the drill bit, the bent housing portion, and the mud motor with the drill pipe.

Abstract: A motor apparatus attached to a work string in a well. The apparatus includes a power housing having a rotor-stator member for creating a rotational force, with the power section being attached to the work string; an intermediate housing attached to the power housing; and a flexible coupling unit partially disposed within the intermediate housing. The apparatus further includes a bearing housing attached to the intermediate housing, wherein the bearing housing contains a thrust and radial bearings, and wherein the bearing housing is partially disposed about a portion of the flexible coupling unit. The bearing housing has a first and second axis, wherein the first axis is parallel to the power section axis and the second axis is angularly offset to the power section axis.

Abstract: This disclosure relates in general to a method and system for controlling a drilling system for drilling a borehole in an earth formation. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for controlling dynamic interactions between the drilling system for drilling the borehole and an inner surface of the borehole being drilled to steer the drilling system to directionally drill the borehole. In another embodiment of the present invention, data regarding the functioning of the drilling system as it drills the borehole may be sensed and interactions between the drilling system for drilling the borehole and an inner surface of the borehole may be controlled in response to the sensed data to control the drilling system as the borehole is being drilled.

Abstract: A steerable system comprises a fluid powered motor 10 having a rotor 16 and a stator 18, and a bias arrangement having a plurality of bias pads 34 connected to the stator 18 so as to be rotatable therewith, the bias pads 34 being moveable to allow the application of a side load to the steerable system.

Abstract: A drill bit for use in horizontal directional drilling. In a preferred embodiment the drill bit has a connector section having a first axis of rotation. The connector section is used to connect the drill bit to a beacon housing for thrust and rotation therewith. A bit body is disposed next to the connector section and slopes from the connector section to a front nose section. The front nose section has a frontwardly facing surface that supports a plurality of cutting teeth. The front nose section and the bit body comprise a second axis of rotation about which the front nose section and the bit body are rotated. The first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation are angularly offset at an offset angle of between four degrees and ten degrees.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of directional drilling with a steering sub. One steering sub includes a housing defining a central passage, a shaft extended within the central passage, bearings arranged within the central passage and configured to receive and support the shaft for rotation within the central passage, and one or more pressure chambers defined longitudinally in the housing and configured to deflect the housing upon experiencing an increased pressure, wherein deflection of the housing causes the shaft to correspondingly deflect via engagement with the bearings.

Abstract: A steerable drilling apparatus includes a control system inside a cylindrical housing connected to a drill bit having radially-extendable pistons. A fluid-metering assembly directs a piston-actuating fluid into fluid channels leading to respective pistons. The control system controls the fluid-metering assembly to allow fluid flow to selected pistons, causing the actuated pistons to temporarily extend in the opposite direction to a desired wellbore deviation, thereby deflecting the drill bit away from the borehole centerline. An upper member in the fluid-metering assembly can be moved to stabilize, steer, and change TFA within the drill bit. The control system and drill bit are connected so as to facilitate removal to change the drill bit's steering section and cutting structure configuration or gauge simultaneously. The apparatus may incorporate a fluid filter module mounted to the control system. The pistons may incorporate auxiliary cutting elements to provide near-bit reaming capability.

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

Abstract: A rotary steerable drilling system includes a housing, a drive shaft passing through the housing, a shaft/housing locking mechanism disposed to selectively engage the drive shaft and the housing, and an anti-rotation mechanism disposed to engage a wellbore wall. Shaft/housing locking mechanism includes a first configuration in which rotation of the drive shaft is independent of the housing, and a second configuration in which rotation of the drive shaft causes rotation of the housing. Anti-rotation mechanism includes a first configuration in which the anti-rotation mechanism extends radially relative to the drive shaft, and a second configuration in which the anti-rotation mechanism retracts from engagement with the wellbore wall. A timing mechanism may be employed to transition the anti-rotation mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration before the shaft/housing locking mechanism transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Abstract: A position and velocity measuring tool for use on a top drive of a drilling rig having a variable frequency drive connected to an electric motor and power supply. The position and velocity measuring tool further has a processor connected to the variable frequency drive and a data storage and computer instructions for presenting an operator directional drilling steering system dashboard with numerous visual components which creates and uses a virtual encoder eliminating a failure point of a mechanical encoder.

Abstract: A steerable drill bit may be used to drill a lateral borehole from a primary wellbore. The steerable drill bit may be part of a bottomhole assembly that also includes a directional control system. A deflection member, such as a whipstock, may be anchored in the primary wellbore. When the bottomhole assembly approaches the deflection member, the directional control system may steer the steerable drill bit to reduce and potentially eliminate contact between the steerable drill bit and a ramped surface of the deflection member. By restricting contact between the deflection member and the steerable drill bit, cutting elements of the steerable drill bit may obtain an increase in cutting efficiency and/or effective life.

Abstract: A pipe joint used in horizontal direction drilling operations having a removable valve assembly secured between the pin of a first member and the socket of a second member. The valve assembly reduces backflow of drilling fluid uphole of the downhole tool and reduces the risk of malfunction due to clogging of tooling.

Abstract: A steering head for use with a casing, the steering head having a generally cylindrical body with a first body end with a lead edge, a second body end with a rear edge, and a body surface extending from the lead edge to the rear edge, an outer tube with an internal side generally facing the body surface, the outer tube extending from the first body end to the second body end, and a steering flap disposed on an external side of the outer tube having a first flap face facing radially inwardly and a second flap face facing radially outwardly. A biased hinge is secured to both the outer tube and the steering flap, the biased hinge being operative to retract the steering flap into a retracted position from an extending position.

Abstract: A system to extend a lateral bore section using laser light comprises a first umbilical connected to a deflection member having a drive gear, a lateral exit port and at least one deployable seal intermediate a proximal end and the lateral exit port, and a second umbilical having an exterior movable by the drive member through a pathway of the deflection member ending at the lateral exit port to controllably advance a drill head connected to a leading end of the second umbilical. Optical fibers of the second umbilical transmit laser light from a surface end to optical elements in the drill head that condition laser light for heating a targeted portion of a bore wall. The first umbilical positions the deflection member within a primary bore section, and the second umbilical is controllably advanced to extend a lateral bore by the drive gear of the deflection member.

Abstract: A steerable system comprises a first rotatable housing, a second rotatable housing connected to the first rotatable housing by an adjustable joint, a cam member held against rotation, in use, and cam follower means cooperable with the cam member and moveable to drive the second rotatable housing for movement relative to the first rotatable housing about the adjustable joint.

Abstract: A rotary steerable drilling system may include a substantially non-rotating tool body, a rotatable shaft including at least one pivotable feature, where the rotatable shaft is at least partially disposed within the tool body, and a bias unit that alters the position of the rotatable shaft within the tool body. The rotary steerable drilling system may also include at least one force application member that alters the position of the tool body in the borehole. A downhole steering motor may include a rotor shaft with at least one pivotable joint, a steering motor housing, a bias unit that alters the position of the rotor shaft inside the steering motor housing, and at least one force application member that alters the position of the steering motor housing in a borehole.

Abstract: An integrated sidetrack drilling tool comprising a milling cone, a whipstock iron and a setting anchor; a liquid guiding pipe communicating the milling cone and the setting anchor is provided inside the whipstock iron; the milling cone presses against an inclined surface of the whipstock iron; an annular groove is provided on a circumference of the milling cone; a portion of the annular groove is an arc shaped clamping slot whose inner side is wider than outer side; other portions of the annular groove constitute a trapezoidal slot whose inner side is narrower than outer side; a portion of the whipstock iron is fixedly provided with a positioning block; an arc shaped clamping edge is provided on the positioning block; the positioning block is held in the arc shaped clamping slot via the arc shaped clamping edge; a positioning screw is provided between the whipstock iron and the milling cone.

Abstract: The present specification describes a drill bit for drilling a cavity. The drill bit may include a chassis, a plurality of gauge pad sets, and at least one gauge pad structure. The chassis may be configured to rotate about an axis. The plurality of gauge pad sets may each include at least one gauge pad. The at least one gauge pad structure may moveably couple at least one of the gauge pads of at least one of the plurality of gauge pad sets with the chassis.

Abstract: A rotary steerable drilling system comprises a rotatable housing having a plurality of steering actuators mounted thereon and movable, individually, between retracted and extended positions, the actuators being electrically controlled, and a battery arranged to supply electrical power to the actuators.

Abstract: This disclosure relates in general to a method and system for controlling a drilling system for drilling a borehole in an earth formation. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for controlling dynamic interactions between the drilling system for drilling the borehole and an inner surface of the borehole being drilled to steer the drilling system to directionally drill the borehole. In another embodiment of the present invention, data regarding the functioning of the drilling system as it drills the borehole may be sensed and interactions between the drilling system for drilling the borehole and an inner surface of the borehole may be controlled in response to the sensed data to control the drilling system as the borehole is being drilled.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a traction member in the form of a roller (24) configured for mounting on a body (12) so as to permit rotation of the roller (24) relative to the body (12). The roller (24) is mountable on the body (12) so as to define a skew angle relative to a longitudinal axis (26) of the body (12). In use, the roller (24) engages a wall of a borehole or bore-lining tubular and the roller (24) urges the apparatus (10) along the wall of the borehole or bore-lining tubular on rotation of the as the roller (24) rotates on the body (12).

Abstract: A horizontal direction drilling system comprises a power pack coupled to a source of compressed air and a water reservoir and forms a mixture of compressed air, water, and oil. The horizontal direction drilling system further comprises a steerable horizontal drill. The steerable horizontal drill includes an air powered reciprocating hammer, and a drill head. The steerable horizontal drill receives the mixture to power the reciprocating hammer. The drill head includes a drill face and the mixture exits the steerable horizontal drill through the drill face.

Abstract: A stroker device for use in a borehole in the ground includes an actuator arranged for displacing a tool in a longitudinal direction of the borehole, and grippers arranged to anchor the stroker to the wall of the borehole, alternatively to a pipe wall, wherein the stroker is provided with driving wheels or driving belts for propulsion.

Abstract: This disclosure relates in general to a method and system for controlling a drilling system for drilling a borehole in an earth formation. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for controlling dynamic interactions between the drilling system for drilling the borehole and an inner surface of the borehole being drilled to steer the drilling system to directionally drill the borehole. In another embodiment of the present invention, data regarding the functioning of the drilling system as it drills the borehole may be sensed and interactions between the drilling system for drilling the borehole and an inner surface of the borehole may be controlled in response to the sensed data to control the drilling system as the borehole is being drilled.

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