Abstract: A cutting device for downhole operations comprises a first cutting structure, and a second cutting structure, wherein at least the second cutting structure is selectively presentable for operation. A method of performing a downhole cutting operation comprises running into a well bore a cutting device comprising a plurality of cutting structures, performing a first cutting operation with a first cutting structure of the cutting device, selectively presenting a second cutting structure of the cutting device, and performing a second cutting operation with at least the second cutting structure. The method may further comprise aligning the cutting device to allow the second cutting structure to be selectively presented.

Abstract: Single phase microemulsions improve the removal of filter cakes formed during drilling with oil-based muds (OBMs). The single phase microemulsion removes oil and solids from the deposited filter cake. Optionally, an acid capable of solubilizing the filter cake bridging particles may also be used with the microemulsion. In one non-limiting embodiment the acid may be a polyamino carboxylic acid. Skin damage removal from internal and external filter cake deposition can be reduced. In another optional embodiment, the single phase microemulsion may contain a filtration control additive for delaying the filter cake removal, destruction or conversion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety system during the entire delayed coker operation. The present invention preferably comprises a coke drum; a first coke drum de-header system coupled to the bottom of the coke drum; a second coke drum de-header system coupled to the top of the coke drum; a containment system coupled to the second coke drum de-header system; and a remote switching system. Hence, the present invention provides system for cutting coke within a coke drum with increased safety, efficiency and convenience.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a flow operated orienter. In one embodiment, a bottom hole assembly (BHA) for use in drilling a wellbore includes: a first mud motor having a stator and a rotor; a second mud motor having stator and a rotor; a drill bit rotationally coupled to the second rotor and having a tool face and a longitudinal axis inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the first mud motor; and a clutch. The clutch is operable to: rotationally couple the second stator to the first stator in a first mode at a first orientation of the tool face, rotationally couple the first rotor to the second stator in a second mode, change the first orientation to a second orientation by a predetermined increment, orient the tool face at the second orientation in an orienting mode, and shift among the modes in response a change in flow rate of a fluid injected through the orienter and/or a change in weight exerted on the drill bit.

Abstract: A method of drilling a borehole from a selected location in an existing wellbore (1) penetrating subterranean earth formation having at least one hydrocarbon bearing zone (3) wherein the existing wellbore is provided with a casing (4) and a hydrocarbon fluid production conduit (6) is arranged in the existing wellbore in sealing relationship with the wall of the casing, the method comprising: passing a remotely controlled electrically operated drilling device (12) from the surface through the hydrocarbon fluid production conduit to the selected location in the existing wellbore; operating the drilling device such that cutting surfaces on the drilling device drill the borehole from the selected location in the existing wellbore thereby generating drill cuttings wherein during operation of the drilling device, a first stream of produced fluid flows directly to the surface through the hydrocarbon fluid production conduit and a second stream of produced fluid is pumped over the cutting surfaces of the drilling dev

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention generally provide an apparatus that may be used in a coiled tubing drillstring and that can switch between effectively straight drilling and curved drilling without halting drilling. Methods for steering a coiled tubing drillstring are also provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for use in drilling a wellbore is provided. The apparatus includes a mud motor; a housing; an output shaft; and a clutch actuatable between two positions. The clutch is configured to rotationally couple the mud motor to the output shaft when the clutch is in a first position as a result of fluid being injected through the clutch at a first flow rate, and rotationally couple the output shaft to the housing when the clutch is in a second position as a result of fluid being injected through the clutch at a second flow rate.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus that are suitable for use in production of hydrocarbons from subterranean heavy oil deposits employ a subterranean cavity in communication with a borehole.

Abstract: A drill head is shown that provides improved steering in difficult ground conditions such as dry and compacted soil. A drill head is shown with features that include a narrow front portion, a sharp hardened insert such as a carbide point, and a curved rear portion of the drill head. Angled porting of liquid is included in selected configurations of the drill head. Porting of liquid within a recess portion is included in selected configuration of the drill head.

Abstract: The disclosed orienter for use in drilling a subterranean borehole enables use of the torque provided by the drilling motor to both orient the rotating drill bit for drilling an arcuate section of the borehole and rotating the orienter housing, including a fixed bend for drilling a straight section of the borehole.

Abstract: A coiled tubing directional drilling apparatus which is operated by a mud motor and is characterized by a fixed housing and a rotary steerable bent housing or sub which is selectively rotatable with respect to the fixed housing at a fixed angle bend by a shifting mechanism, typically operated by a reversible electric motor. The motor and shifting mechanism rotate with the drive shaft and employ a lead screw in a cross-nut arrangement that selectively engages and disengages a castle lock or power take-off drive system responsive to the direction of rotation of the motor, for effecting 360-degree rotation of the bent housing with respect to the fixed housing. A sun gear and pinion gear planetary gear system facilitate rotation of the bent housing with respect to the fixed housing at a slower speed than the drive train and bit box components of the device.

Abstract: A method of drilling a borehole into an earth formation using a drill string having an upper part and a lower part which is more flexible than the upper part, the method involving drilling a first section of the borehole, drilling a second section of the borehole from the first borehole section, the second section extending at a selected inclination angle relative to the first section. During drilling of the second section the drill string is lowered through the borehole in a manner that the upper drill string part remains in the first section and the lower drill string part extends into the second borehole section.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit assembly suitable for directionally drilling a borehole into an underground formation, the drill bit assembly having a bit body extending along a central longitudinal bit-body axis, and having a bit-body face at its front end, wherein an annular portion of the bit-body face is provided with one or more chip-making elements; a pilot bit extending along a central longitudinal pilot-bit axis, the pilot bit being partly arranged within the bit body and projecting out of the central portion of the bit-body face, the pilot bit having a pilot-bit face provided with one or more chip-making elements at its front end; a joint means arranged to pivotably connect the pilot bit to the bit body so that the bit-body axis and the pilot-bit axis can form a variable diversion angle; and a steering means arranged to pivot the pilot bit in order to steer the direction of drilling.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for directional drilling within a wellbore includes a drill string having an upper portion, a lower portion, a bent motor coupled to the lower portion, and a drill bit coupled to bent motor, and a clutch assembly disposed between the upper and lower portions. The clutch assembly is operable to disengage the upper and lower portions of the drill string and allow the upper portion to rotate while the lower portion does not rotate.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method for drilling wellbores includes drilling a main wellbore and disposing a casing string in the main wellbore. The casing string has a deflecting member and a sealing member coupled thereto. The method further includes disposing a drill string having a drill bit coupled at a lower end thereof in the casing string and drilling, from the main wellbore, a first lateral wellbore at a first depth with the drill bit. The method further includes removing the drill bit from the first lateral wellbore, transferring the casing string and the drill bit to a second depth that is higher than the first depth, drilling, from the main wellbore, a second lateral wellbore at the second depth with the drill bit, and preventing, using the sealing member, a fluid from the first lateral wellbore from flowing above approximately the second depth while drilling the second lateral wellbore.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a directional apparatus is disclosed for orienting and maintaining a desired orientation of a drill bit, which will be attachable to a drill string and include an asymmetrically weighted outer sleeve that is susceptible to the earth's gravity in such fashion that the side of the sleeve having a higher specific gravity will be “down” when the directional apparatus is in a segment of non-vertical wellbore. A clutch is included for transmitting a desired amount of rotational energy from a rotating drill string to a drill assembly containing the drill bit. Sensors in the sleeve and/or other elements of the apparatus detect the orientation, which may be stored in memory. The apparatus may also include one or more anti-rotational elements.

Abstract: A method for facilitating horizontal drilling by positioning in a well casing a shoe defining a passageway extending from an upper opening in the shoe through the shoe to a side opening in the shoe. A rod is connected, through at least one block and pin assembly operative as a universal joint, to a casing mill end, and inserted into the well casing and through the passageway in the shoe until the casing mill end substantially abuts the well casing. The rod and casing mill end are then rotated until the casing mill end substantially forms a perforation in the well casing. The rod and casing mill end are then withdrawn from the well casing, and a nozzle attached to the end of a flexible hose is extended through the passageway to the perforation. Fluid is then ejected from the nozzle and impinges and erodes subterranean formation material.

Abstract: A leading body for a ground drilling machine is provided which includes a main body which is tapered at a front end thereof to form a first sloped surface and a second sloped surface on opposite sides of the front end of the main body. A slant-cutting section extends from the main body substantially along the first sloped surface. And injection ports which are adapted to inject digging liquid are positioned in the slant-cutting section such that the injection ports inject digging liquid rearward with respect to a propelling direction of the leading body along an obtuse angle with respect to a rotation axis of the leading body and substantially along the second sloped surface.

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 downhole drilling and coring includes a roller vane motor for driving a drill bit. The motor has a single jacket with a lower end and an upper end and being embodied such that all drilling fluid passes inside the jacket to the drill bit. The system further has a bent sub connected to the upper end of the motor. The jacket has outwardly projecting curved members forming recesses therebetween for the passage of return drilling fluid, the curved members creating a circular surface having a diameter approximately equal to that of the drill bit. The curved members as well as the recesses therebetween each extend in longitudinal direction over the full length of the jacket of the motor.

Abstract: A manual machine tool (10) includes a vacuum device for dust removal (19) situated in its housing (12) and a blow-out connection (20) installed after this. A dust collection box (21), particulaily self-contained, can be attached in detachable fashion to the blow-out connection (20) via its blow-in connection (22). The dust collection box (21) is airtight on all but two sides and has air-exit holes (40) on the top side (36) and a dustproof filter element (48)—especially a fluted filter—on the inside. The dust collection box is particularly secure against the unintentional escape of dust after the dust collection box is detached from the associated manual machine tool because a pair of sealing lips (500) arranged as a separate part is provided inside the blow-in connection (22), which pair of sealing lips (500) is connected as a single part with closing flaps (520, 520) projecting into the interior of the dust collection box (210).

Abstract: Apparatus for boring a hole from an inside of a casing outwardly at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the casing comprises a drill shoe having a longitudinal axis and being positionable in the casing, the shoe having first and second passageways which converge into a third passageway exiting the shoe, a torsional load transmitting element and a cutting element connecting to one end of the torsional load transmitting element, the torsional load transmitting element and cutting element being positioned in the first passageway during non-use and in the third passageway during use, and a fluid conduit and a nozzle connected to one end of the fluid conduit, the fluid conduit and nozzle being positioned in the second passageway during non-use and in the third passageway during use.

Abstract: Apparatus for boring a hole from an inside of a tube outwardly perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tube comprises a drill shoe having a longitudinal axis and being positionable in the tube, the shoe having an inlet, an outlet perpendicular to the shoe longitudinal axis and a passageway connecting the inlet and outlet, a torsional load transmitting element having no torsional flexibility in relation to its bending flexibility, having a longitudinal axis and being disposed in the passageway, the torsional load transmitting element being movable relative to itself with no resistance about first and second perpendicular axes both of which are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the torsional load transmitting element, a hole saw connected to one end of the torsional load transmitting element and a motor rotatably connected to the other end of the torsional load transmitting element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for directional drilling including a drill head mounted on a drill column. A driving device applies an axial driving force to the drill column. A delivery device supplies a wash medium to the drill head through a channel in the drill column. The device provides for increased removal of material and drilling through hard materials by by providing a housing on the drill head having a receptacle for an axially movable piston and a piston drive for producing strikes of the piston acting on the drill head. A connecting link permits an axial movement between the drill head and the drill column. A channel for the wash medium may be sealed at least with respect to the end faces of the piston.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly 10 for drilling a deviated borehole includes a positive displacement motor (PDM) 12 or a rotary steerable device (RSD) 110 having a substantially uniform diameter motor housing outer surface without stabilizers extending radially therefrom. In a PDM application, the motor housing 14 may have a fixed bend therein between an upper power section 16 and a lower bearing section 18. The long gauge bit 20 powered by the motor 10 may have a bit face 22 with cutters 28 thereon and a gauge section 24 having a uniform diameter cylindrical surface 26. The gauge section 24 preferably has an axial length at least 75% of the bit diameter. The axial spacing between the bit face and the bend of the motor housing preferably is less than twelve times the bit diameter. According to the method of the present invention, the bit may be rotated at a speed of less than 350 rpm by the PDM and/or rotation of the RSD from the surface.

Abstract: An improved coiled tubing directional drilling method comprises: providing a bent housing which is rotatably coupled to the coiled tubing, rotating the drill bit, and rotating the bent housing. Apparatus for achieving the method comprises: a rotary connection between the coiled tubing and the bent housing and means for rotating the bent housing relative to the coiled tubing and to the drill bit. A fluid pressure-operated clutch enables alternate rotation and locking of the bent housing. Preferably, a first downhole motor rotates the drill bit and a second downhole motor rotates the bent housing through the clutch or alternately a speed reducer permits the bent housing to contra-rotate slowly under reactive torque developed by the rotating drilling bit.

Abstract: A mobile, horizontal directional boring apparatus and method is provided for boring from an existing utility manhole for the placement of small diameter fiber optic cabling. A mobile platform is located adjacent an existing utility manhole. A boring unit is rotatably and tiltably supported on the mobile platform, and a movable hollow arm assembly is provided from the boring unit to an opening in a wall within the manhole. A plurality of rods attachable end-to-end are operable under control of the boring unit to bore a pathway to the termination point. The rods are inserted through the hollow arm assembly from the boring unit to the opening in the manhole. In this way, the rods do not damage existing equipment within the manhole. A manhole containment unit is provided within the opening in the manhole wall to which the hollow arm assembly is attached and which further serves to protect the manhole. Also, a manhole rim protection device is provided to protect the rim and chimney of the manhole.

Abstract: Apparatus for boring a hole from an inside of a casing outwardly at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the casing comprises a drill shoe having a longitudinal axis and being positionable in the casing, the shoe having first and second passageways which converge into a third passageway exiting the shoe, a torsional load transmitting element and a cutting element connecting to one end of the torsional load transmitting element, the torsional load transmitting element and cutting element being positioned in the first passageway during non-use and in the third passageway during use, and a fluid conduit and a nozzle connected to one end of the fluid conduit, the fluid conduit and nozzle being positioned in the second passageway during non-use and in the third passageway during use.

Abstract: The hydraulic drilling method and system uses a tube bending tool attached at the down hole end of a pipe or stringer to direct a fluid tube in a generally horizontal direction from a generally vertical gas or oil well. The bending tool is attached to a compression set tubing anchor, lowered into the well at the end of a pipe or stringer and anchored at the desired depth in the conventional manner. A fluid tube having a jet nozzle end is lowered to the bending tool and slidably inserted in a bending channel therein. Hydraulic cutting fluid under pressure is then applied to the pipe and fluid tube to urge the fluid tube through the bending tool to exit horizontally for boring a drain hole in the surrounding underground formation. Once the drain hole is formed the fluid tube is removed. Additional drain holes may be formed by rotating the bending tool radially in the well and inserting a new fluid tube with jet nozzle then repeating the cutting fluid drilling.

Abstract: Apparatus for boring a hole from an inside of a casing outwardly at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the casing comprises a drill shoe having a longitudinal axis and being positionable in the casing, the shoe having first and second passageways which converge into a third passageway exiting the shoe, a torsional load transmitting element and a cutting element connecting to one end of the torsional load transmitting element, the torsional load transmitting element and cutting element being positioned in the first passageway during non-use and in the third passageway during use, and a fluid conduit and a nozzle connected to one end of the fluid conduit, the fluid conduit and nozzle being positioned in the second passageway during non-use and in the third passageway during use.

Abstract: Apparatus for boring a hole from an inside of a tube outwardly perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tube comprises a drill shoe having a longitudinal axis and being positionable in the tube, the shoe having an inlet, an outlet perpendicular to the shoe longitudinal axis and a passageway connecting the inlet and outlet, a torsional load transmitting element having no torsional flexibility in relation to its bending flexibility, having a longitudinal axis and being disposed in the passageway, the torsional load transmitting element being movable relative to itself with no resistance about first and second perpendicular axes both of which are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the torsional load transmitting element, a hole saw connected to one end of the torsional load transmitting element and a motor rotatably connected to the other end of the torsional load transmitting element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for horizontally drilling in wells utilizing a shoe assembly at the down hole end of upset tubing. The shoe assembly includes a fixed section and a rotatable section suspended below the fixed section. An electric motor and associated batteries and a gyroscope carried on the rotatable section enable an operator on the surface to selectively rotate and position the rotatable section to any desired angular location for drilling a hole in the well casing. After one or more holes have been cut in the casing, a drill assembly can be removed from the upset tubing and be replaced by a high pressure blaster nozzle to bore into the formation zones. The gyroscope enables the operator to accurately position the rotatable section to the same locations at which the holes have been cut. The drill assembly includes an electric motor with an associated battery, flexible drive shaft, and a hole saw.

Abstract: A drill bit that is arranged to change the direction of drilling. A cone head is rotatably mounted on a shank portion extending from an elongate housing. When the housing is rotated, the cone head generates a concave hole. When a change in direction is required, the housing is rotated a few degrees in one direction and then counter-rotated in the opposite direction. This generates a partial but redirected pilot hole that is also substantially concave in configuration. Continued full rotation causes the drill bit to follow the partial pilot hole in the new direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for penetrating a well casing and surrounding earth strata includes the insertion of a flexible shaft having a ball cutter on an end thereof into upset tubing within a well casing. The upset tubing is provided with an elbow at its lower extremity for receiving the ball cutter therein. The flexible shaft is then rotated and the ball cutter cuts a hole in the well casing. The flexible shaft and ball cutter are then removed and a flexible tube having a nozzle blaster on an end thereof is then inserted into the upset tubing in the channel. A fluid of surfactant and water at high pressure is then pumped into the tube wherein the high pressure fluid passes through orifice in the spiral drill thereby cutting an extension into the previously cut channel. The tube is continually feed into the channel as the high pressure fluid continues to blast away the earth's strata. The channel is then cut a preselected distance from the well up to 200 feet and beyond.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reaming or enlarging a borehole with enhanced stability. A pilot stabilization pad (PSP) having an axially and circumferentially tapered entry surface and a circumferential transition surface thereabove is employed to enhance the transition from the smaller diameter borehole to be enlarged while accommodating the side force vector generated by the cutting assembly used to effect the enlargement. In addition, one or more eccentric stabilizers are employed above the reaming apparatus to laterally or radially stabilize the bottomhole assembly, which may comprise either a straight-hole or steerable, motor-driven assembly.

Abstract: A drilling tool for use with a drill string into which drilling fluid is pumped. The tool comprises: a non-rotating housing having stabilizer blades on its outer surface; a rotating mandrel, passing through the housing; extendible blade means for moving the housing relative to a borehole; and a cam mechanism that is carried by at least one of the mandrel and the housing, and that is operated by drill string rotation and the flow of drilling fluid for operating the extendible blade means to move the drill string and steer the drill bit attached hereto.

Abstract: The bottom hole assembly of the present invention includes a drill bit driven by a positive displacement drilling motor, the motor being constructed of tubular housings, one of said housings having a bend so as to cause the bit to drill directionally, another housing containing a rotor and stator to generate power, and a flexible section between the power generation housing and the bend. A stabilizer is disposed on one end of the flexible section for engaging the wall of the borehole and the housing with the bend includes a wear pad for engaging the lower side of the borehole. The bottom hole assembly contacts the borehole at three contact points, namely at the stabilizer, the wear pad, and the drill bit, for producing the necessary build-up rate, along with the bend, and thus the curvature of the borehole being drilled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reaming or enlarging a borehole with enhanced stability. A pilot stabilization pad (PSP) having an axially and circumferentially tapered entry surface and a circumferential transition surface above is employed to enhance the transition from the smaller diameter borehole to be enlarged while accommodated the side force vector generated by the cutting assembly used to effect the enlargement. In addition, one or more eccentric stabilizers are employed above the reaming apparatus to laterally or radially stabilize the bottomhole assembly, which may comprise either a straight-hole or steerable, motor-driven assembly.

Abstract: A downhole sub for use in directional drilling with a bent sub attached to a drill bit. The drill bit is operated by a downhole motor. The downhole sub includes upper and lower tubular sections whose centers are offset from one another in the bend direction of the bent sub. The downhole sub includes an intermediate tubular section disposed between the upper and lower tubular sections, with the bore of the intermediate section included within overlap between extensions of each of the bores of the upper and lower tubular sections. The axes of the upper and lower tubular section are parallel and offset between about 1/4 inch and 2 inches. The intermediate section grades gradually into the upper and lower tubular sections. The downhole sub is used by incorporation into a drill string above the bent sub and spaced from the bend sufficiently to allow the drill string to use the downhole sub as a lever to force the drill bit into the wall of the borehole.

Abstract: A hole opener comprising: a cylindrical section of pipe; a nose; a plurality of cutting elements that extend radially from the pipe and that produce a lateral force on the hole opener in response to the rotation of the hole opener in the borehole; lower reaction pad means, extending radially from the pipe section to trail behind the cutting elements and located generally below the cutting elements, for continuously contacting the borehole wall during rotation of the hole opener and for receiving reactive forces that are in response to the lateral force; and upper reaction pad means, extending radially from the pipe section to trail behind the cutting elements and located generally above the cutting elements, for continuously contacting the borehole wall during rotation of the hole opener and for receiving reactive forces that are in response to the lateral force.

Abstract: A method and a tool for use in commencing the drilling of a deviated well from a gap in the casing of a cased wellbore using a non-rotary drill string while maintaining the desired orientation of the drill bit by minimizing the effects of reactive torque and axial loading on the drill string. The tool comprises a drill bit, a downhole motor, a tubular member connected between the downhole motor and the drill string, and an anchor assembly slidably mounted on the tubular member which is actuated by the tubular member to engage the casing during drilling of the well. The tubular member includes a setting section for actuating the anchor assembly, a freewheel section to facilitate orientation of the drill bit prior to drilling, and a working section for maintaining the orientation of the drill bit during drilling.

Abstract: A flexible drill pipe includes a plurality of hollow tubular pipe segments, having a longitudinal centerline, the segments being flexibly connected together, each connecting joint a type of joint that permits a limited universal movement between a portion of one pipe segment within in a portion of a second pipe segment, whereby the drill pipe can bend and also can withstand torque loads from rotation during drilling and pullback loads during removal of the drill pipe from a drillhole. An elastomeric seal in each connecting joint provides fluid tight sealing in the joints. A mobile drilling platform includes a powered reel and drill tower for raising and lowering the flexible drill pipe into and out of a drill hole. Pressurized fluid is fed through the drill pipe to drive a down-the-hole drill.

Abstract: A tube turning tool allows laterals to be drilled and completed without the need for articulated bending tools, underreaming, high fluid pressure, or a separate running of completion tools. The turning tool uses a rigid bent pipe section capable of being run downhole within many standard diameter well tubulars, supported in a desired position, and bending coil tubing at an ultra short radius of curvature as it is being run into the wellbore so that it can jet drill a lateral. After jet drilling a lateral, the lateral can also be completed using the coil tubing, e.g., gravel packed by pumping a slurry through the coil tubing while withdrawing the tubing from the lateral.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for remote actuating an equipment through a variation of the flow of a fluid in a pipe. The device includes an adjusting throttle (2, 3; 52, 51) adapted for varying the opening of the passageway of said fluid through a hydrodynamic action. The device further includes delay timing for adjusting the throttle. The present invention further relates to a method for actuating at least one equipment. Application of the device and of the method is to the actuation of equipment adapted for controlling the trajectory of a wellbore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a directional drilling tool for use in controlled directional drilling. The drilling tool comprises two parts which are moveable relative to each other either in the horizontal or vertical planes. Cam surfaces are provided between the two parts for adjustments to the drilling direction in the vertical plane. A slot and groove mechanism is provided between the two as an example of adjustments in the horizontal plane. In each case hydraulic pressure is the preferred means of controlling the adjustments said controlling means being independent of the other well operations.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit for drilling a curved subterranean borehole. In one embodiment, the drill bit comprises a side portion, a plurality of cutting elements that produce a lateral force on the drill bit in response to the rotation of the drill bit in the borehole, and bearing means. The bearing means is located on the side portion of the drill bit and contacts the borehole wall during drilling to receive a reactive force that is from the borehole, that is in response to the lateral force and that is directed to a location adjacent to the uphole end of the side portion of the drill bit. The reactive force and the lateral force form a downhole-moment that is about the drill bit and that is opposed by an uphole-moment having a force component that is directed at the flexible joint. The uphole end of the bearing means is located relatively close to the cutting elements such that the magnitude of the downhole-moment and the magnitude of the uphole-moment are minimized.

Abstract: A system of apparatus for arcuate drilling into the earth is disclosed which comprises a drill string extending into a well bore in the earth and a fluid operated drill motor and drill bit operated thereby secured on the bottom end of the drill string. The drill motor is connected at its upper end to the drill string and at its lower end to the drill bit for rotating the drill bit independently of rotation of the drill string. The drill motor has a tubular drive section housing constructed of non-magnetic material, preferably a Beta-C titanium alloy containing titanium, aluminum, vanadium, chromium, zirconium and molybdenum in the proportions Ti-3Al-8V-6Cr-4Zr-4Mo. The longitudinal axis of the drill motor housing has its upper and lower ends angularly displaced from the longitudinal axis of its central portion end for directing the axis of rotation of the drill bit such that it is angularly displaced from the axis of the drill string for effecting a curved path for the wellbore.

Abstract: A device for selective straight or directional drilling in subterranean rock formations consists of a rotary drilling tool having a tool main axis and comprising a housing which comprises several sections and can be connected to a drill string, the housing having a down-hole motor for driving a drill bit through a driven shaft. For straight drilling, the housing can be set in independent, slow rotation about the tool main axis by being turned by the drill string, and for directional drilling can be aligned and fixed against turning. The lower section of the housing adjacent to the drill bit and mounting the driven shaft is deflected relative to the tool main axis, and this section is connected to an upper section by an intermediate section which has an axis which intersects the axes of the upper and lower section. The device may include a plurality of interchangeable intermediate sections.

Abstract: A steerable motor system with integrated formation evaluation logging capacity is presented. The device comprises a housing, a formation resistivity logging tool, a surface signaling device, a density logging tool, a porosity logging tool and a downhole motor and drill. The formation resistivity logging tool is located below the downhole motor and is mounted within the housing wherethrough a drive shaft, extending from the downhole motor, is disposed. Power and signal cables are located within an outer shell of the housing and connect the surface signaling device with the resistivity logging tool. In an alternate embodiment, the resistivity logging tool is located between a motor stabilizer and the drill bit. The present invention allows for increased drill angle during wellbore drilling and formation evaluation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for directional drilling to recover hydrocarbons, thermal energy, or the like, by using coiled tubing while the well is under pressure so that high density drilling fluids to control the subsurface pressures during drilling are not required. Snubbing apparatus and methods which maintain control of the bore hole pressure throughout the drilling operation are used, thus permitting the use of fresh water as a combination hydraulic fluid to operate a downhole motor and cool the bit, and to flush cuttings from the bore hole. The apparatus uses a down hole assembly including a bit driven by a motor, preferably hydraulic, which is located in a bent housing. A steering tool capable of indicating the angle and azimuth of inclination of the housing is carried by the motor housing and is connected to surface instrumentation by an electrical cable extending through the coiled tubing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for directional drilling to recover hydrocarbons, thermal energy, or the like, by using coiled tubing while the well is under pressure so that high density drilling fluids to control the subsurface pressures during drilling are not required. Snubbing apparatus and methods which maintain control of the bore hole pressure throughout the drilling operation are used, thus permitting the use of fresh water as a combination hydraulic fluid to operate a downhole motor and cool the bit, and to flush cuttings from the bore hole. The apparatus uses a down hole assembly including a bit driven by a motor, preferably hydraulic, which is located in a bent housing. A steering tool capable of indicating the angle and azimuth of inclination of the housing is carried by the motor housing and is connected to surface instrumentation by an electrical cable extending through the coiled tubing.