Abstract: There is disclosed a bent sub comprising an outer tubular member connectible to the lower end of a drill string and an inner tubular member which is longitudinally reciprocable within the outer tubular member between retracted and extended positions. The inner member includes an upper tubular section which is sealably slidable within the outer tubular member, so that differential pressure urges the inner member toward its extended position, and a lower tubular section which is connected to the upper tubular section by a ball and socket joint to permit it to be swung between aligned and bent positions and connectible at its lower end above the upper end of a drilling motor. The lower section is held against rotation caused to move between aligned and bent positions as it is reciprocated with respect to the outer member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for navigational driling in earth formations, the apparatus including a downhole drilling assembly having a drill bit driven by a downhole motor and a deflection element or elements in the assembly for imparting an angle of deflection to the drill bit relative to the drill string above the drilling assembly. At least two stabilization points for the drilling assembly in the borehole are used, with the drill bit, to define an arcuate path for the drilling assembly when the downhole motor is operating but the drill string is not rotating. When the drill string is rotated, the drilling assembly drills a substantially straight or linear borehole.

Abstract: An orientatable adjustable bent sub having a tubular member in the form of a adjustment sleeve, with a first and offset to a primary axis, telescopically receives the first end of the tubular member. By rotation of the adjustment sleeve the offset portion of the adjustment sleeve is adjusted in relation to the offset portion of the tubular member to produce a bend of desired magnitude. The adjustment sleeve is axially moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the disengaged position the adjustment sleeve is rotatable in relation to the tubular member permitting an adjustment to be made. An orientation sleeve telescopically receives the second end of the tubular member. By rotation of the tubular member within the orientation sleeve the bend created by the positioning of the offset portion of the adjustment sleeve in relation to the offset portion of the tubular member is orientated in a desired direction.

Abstract: A bent motor housing has a top end by which it is connected to the end of a drill string within a borehole and a bottom end on which a drill bit is mounted for drilling the borehole. A bend is provided intermediate the top and bottom ends for angularly offsetting the rotational axis of the drill bit relative to the longitudinal axis of the drill string to cause the drill bit to engage the wall of the borehole on one side. Furthermore a longitudinal bore provided for passage of a motor shaft extends from the top end to the bottom end of the housing and is concentrically disposed with respect to the top end and the bottom end but eccentrically disposed with respect to intermediate housing sections so as to form a stand-off portion in the vicinity of the bend for bearing against the wall of the borehole on the opposite side to that engaged by the drill bit so as to cause the angle of tilt .THETA.

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 downhole motor for driving a drill bit via 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 method and apparatus for drilling highly deviated wells is disclosed. A drilling assembly is attached to a drill string. The drilling assembly includes a bent sub, a pony collar attached to the bent sub, a motor with a bent housing, and a bit. Improved survey collars and bits are also disclosed.

Abstract: A whipstock mill for milling through the casing wall which incorporates a pressure drop tattletale to signal the operator that the milling operation should be halted. The milling tool includes a longitudinal fluid passageway which communicates with a lateral port formed below the mill blades. A replaceable plug is utilized to initially close the port thereby restricting fluid flow into the well hole. The starter mill is preferably run into the hole with a whipstock which can be set in the hole using an integral packer. As the mill travels down the set whipstock, a shear block mounted to the whipstock will shear the plug at a predetermined depth of the mill opening the lateral port. The resulting pressure drop within the milling tool signifies that the mill has reached the desired depth. Accordingly, the milling operation can be halted and the mill retrieved to permit further operations through the casing wall.

Abstract: A deviated wellbore drilling system suitable for drilling curved wellbores which have a radius of curvature of approximately 10 to 1,000 feet relative to a vertical or near vertical wellbore comprises a drill string, a drill bit, and a fluid-operated drill motor having a curved or bent housing section for rotating the drill bit independently of the drill string. The drilling motor has an elongate tubular rotor/stator drive section containing a rubber stator and a steel rotor and the housing is bent or curved intermediate its ends. A straight or bent universal section below the bent or curved rotor/stator section contains a universal joint for converting orbiting motion of the rotor to concentric rotary motion at the bit, and a bearing pack section below the universal section contains radial and thrust bearings to absorb the high loads applied to the bit.

Abstract: A drilling method and apparatus for directional drilling of a borehole. The apparatus includes a retrievably mounted downhole monitor for sensing parameters of the drill rod to which a drill bit is attached. A bent-sub is connected with said drill rod behind the drill bit to position the drill bit to extend angularly with respect to the drill rod. An actuator such as a hydraulic ram is provided for exerting thrust along the axis of the drill rod on said drill bit. The drill rod and drill bit is not rotated with the use of a downhole motor. Based upon the signals received from the downhole monitor, the drill rod and bit are pulsed to effect the desired trajectory of the drilling.

Abstract: A system of apparatus for the controlled directional drilling of a deviated well bore into the earth has a fluid operated drilling motor and drill bit secured on the bottom end of a drill string. The drill bit is supported for angular drilling relative to a substantially vertical well bore by either using a bent sub for supporting the drilling motor or by using a drilling motor with a bent housing or a combination of the two. A bypass tool is connected to the bent sub or motor housing, an orienting sub and mule shoe keying sub are connected to the bypass tool, and a surveying tool is connected in the drill string above the orienting sub and mule shoe sub. The bypass tool is in fluid connection with the motor and has a telescopic housing and a valve for circulating fluid into the bore hole to flush cuttings and debris therefrom. The surveying tool determines and controls the direction of drilling.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly is disclosed consisting of a downhole motor having a drill bit connected to its lower end and a bent sub attached to its upper end. The downhole motor includes a motor housing, a connecting rod housing and a bearing housing. The connecting rod housing has a bend angle formed on the housing, which is enlarged to enable the connecting rod to be tilted at a larger angle than otherwise possible. The enlarged connecting rod housing also functions as a near bit stabilizer.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly is disclosed consisting of a downhole motor having a drill bit connected to its lower end and a bent sub attached to its upper end. The downhole motor includes a motor housing, a connecting rod housing and a bearing housing. The connecting rod housing has a bend angle formed on the housing, which is enlarged to enable the connecting rod to be titled at a larger angle than otherwise possible. The enlarged connecting rod housing also functions as a near bit stabilizer.

Abstract: A downhole adjustable bent sub is provided for use in a drilling process in which a drill bit is subjected to a drilling force. The bent sub has a tubular housing and a tubular mandrel. The tubular housing has a bend along its length to define an upper part and a lower part, the respective longitudinal axes of which intersect at an angle. The tubular mandrel also has a bend along its length to define a first part and a second part, the respective longitudinal axis of which intersect at an angle. The first part of the mandrel slidably engages the interior of the lower part of the tubular housing. a longitudinal stop prevents the mandrel from being slid out of the housing. Longitudinal biasing means urge the mandrel toward the longitudinal stop to a first position. A rotational stop prevents relative rotation between the mandrel and the housing when the mandrel is in the first position.

Abstract: A directional drilling assembly comprises a downhole drilling motor and stabilizer assembly which stabilizes the drilling assembly in such a manner in the borehole that the drilling bit driven by the output shaft of the downhole motor has a tilted orientation in the borehole. The stabilizer assembly comprises a lowermost stabilizer which is connected to the output shaft of the motor so as to suppress any sticking tendency of said lowermost stabilizer to the borehole wall.

Abstract: A sonic boring tool which employs sonic energy in implementing its boring action is lowered down a well to a region thereof where the flow of effluent is restricted by clogging and contamination. A curved bend is provided in the string above the tool such that the tool is oriented for drilling into the formation laterally from the well. The drill string employed is flexible so that it can follow the curved path of the tool. The tool may comprise a drill bit, sonically driven by means of an orbiting mass oscillator coupled to the drill string or may comprise a hydraulic drilling tool in which hydraulic pulsating jets are generated in response to sonic energy developed in an orbiting mass oscillator and coupled to the tool through a resonantly driven drill string. In one embodiment a rotary table is provided to enable the rotation of the tool in one direction or the other or alternatively in opposite directions to obtain a variety of drilling patterns.

Abstract: Hazardous wastes are identified and treated in situ by forming a downwardly extending zone of particles in the waste. Toxic components in the waste are identified by injection of a pressurized fluid into the zone and capturing a sample of gases rising to the surface of the waste. At least one treatment agent is injected into the zone as appropriate until sampling indicates the particles of waste have been treated to a desired degree.

Abstract: A deviated wellbore drilling system suitable for drilling curved wellbores which have a radius of curvature of approximately 200 to 1,000 feet relative to a vertical or near vertical wellbore comprises a drill string, a drill bit, and a fluid-operated drill motor having a curved or bent housing section for rotating the drill bit independently of the drill string. The drilling motor has an elongate tubular rotor/stator drive section containing a rubber stator and a steel rotor and the housing is bent or curved intermediate its ends. A straight or bent univeral section below the bent or curved rotor/stator section contains a universal joint for converting orbiting motion of the rotor to concentric rotary motion at the bit, and a bearing pack section below the universal section contains radial and thrust bearings to absorb the high loads applied to the bit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing underground utilities using an offset head fluid jet drilling and reaming apparatus. The drill is maneuverable and provides means for remote sensing of orientation and depth. Embodiments are illustrated with single and multiple jet cutting orifices.

Abstract: An apparatus (U) is shown in FIGS. 11-13 that includes a power operated vehicle (V) that supports a vertically movable frame (W) that has a confined space defining shroud (X) on the lower end thereof that may be placed in sealing contact with the upper surface of a hazardous waste impoundment (Y) at a first station to permit the insitu detoxification of a desired portion of the impoundment. At least one power driven blade (Z) is rotated downwardly from within the shroud (X) into the impoundment to form a vertically extending zone (A-1) of particled material that is treated with a detoxifying agent that may be chemical, biological or heat from one or more plasma torches. Gases emitted during the formation of the particled zone (A-1) are subjected to scrub action by a liquid within shroud (X) and the liquid returned to zone (A-1). After the detoxification of a zone has been completed the apparatus (U) is moved to a succession of overlapping second stations where the above described method is repeated.

Abstract: A sliding-weight operated hole boring tool can be used to make holes of various length or depth in varied soil conditions. A uniquely-shaped tool bit helps to form a smooth, clean hole. In preferred embodiments, detachable elongated stems are used to vary the length of the tool, and water is used to aid boring in hard soil.

Abstract: A system for the formation of a bore hole, particularly for use in enhancing the recovery of oil from an oil bearing underground formation using an assembly including a driving fluid chamber, sealed from a driving fluid chamber, and a drill string terminating in a hydraulic drillhead which passes drilling fluid into the formation. Pressurized fluid from the drilling fluid chamber is applied against the drillhead to pull the drill string into the formation, while pressurized fluid from the drilling fluid chamber pushes the drill string forward from the rear. In a preferred embodiment, the forward end of the guide tube includes a whipstock through which the piston body turns from a vertical to a horizontal direction into the formation to provide a radial for the injection of steam.

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 by means of 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 method and apparatus for installing underground utilities using an offset head fluid jet drilling and reaming apparatus. The drill is maneuverable and provides means for remote sensing of orientation and depth. Embodiments are illustrated with single and multiple jet cutting orifices.

Abstract: A system and method for controlled directional drilling utilizes a system approach to design the hardware for drilling according to the well plan. The bend angle of a bent housing, connected between the bit and a down-hole motor, the diameter of a plurality of stabilizers and placement of the stabilizers with respect to the drill bit are selected and predetermined on the basis of the desired well plan. With the use of an MWD, the direction of the progressing borehole is tracked from the surface. Direction changes as required are controlled from the surface simply by controlling rotation of the drillstring. For curved path drilling, only the downhole motor is rotated, causing the borehole to travel along the curve determined by the bend angle in the bent housing and the diameter and location of the concentric stabilizers. When straight hole drilling is required, both the down-hole motor and the entire drill string are rotated, effectively nullifying the effect of the bend angle in the bent housing.

Abstract: In deep drainhole drilling, a specially oriented drill collar of generally elliptic cross section is combined with a drill bit, a downhole motor and means adapted to deflect the bit to drill the build section of the drainhole curving at a medium angle of 2.degree. to 50.degree. per hundred feet. Preferably, the drill collar is at least twenty feet long. The elliptic drill collar is oriented in a manner such that the minor axis of the ellipse lies generally in the direction of the intended curve of the build interval. For the desired vertical build, this places the locus of the minimum axis of the ellipse toward the vertical and the locus of major axis toward the horizontal when the curved interval of the drainhole approaches horizontal. Preferably, the minor axis is at least twenty percent shorter than the major axis.

Abstract: An improvement in a drainhole drilling assembly having the usual drilling motor for rotating a drillbit and a drillbit connected with the motor for drilling through the subterranean formations to form a curved borehole penetrating a particular horizontal stratum. The improvement is characterized by a non-rotating, pre-bent, stabilized, curved outer rigid metallic case having in normal repose a first predetermined radius of curvature and a rigid tubular inner metallic shaft journalled for rotation within the curved rigid metallic case and connected with the drilling motor and the drillbit so as to transmit torque from the drilling motor to the drillbit. The rigid metallic shaft is normally straight and is forced interiorly of the curved rigid metallic case to become bent and in the process cause the curved rigid metallic case to have a second predetermined radius of curvature greater that the first predetermined radius of curvature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for deviated hole drilling upwardly and outwardly from beneath a shallow hydrocarbon formation pay zone. A large diameter vertical hole is first formed as by drilling below the pay zone. A first casing having a directional window provided in its wall is cemented in the large diameter hole. One or more casings are then provided in the borehole below the first casing. A carriage assembly loaded with drilling tools for drilling upwardly and outwardly is then lowered by means of a working drill string and landed within the first casing.The carriage assembly has a first passage in fluid communication with the drill string. The drilling tools are loaded within a second passage of the carriage assembly. The top opening of the second passage is below the directional window when the carriage assembly is landed and angularly oriented in the first casing.

Abstract: Drilling apparatus is disclosed adapted for drilling upwardly a deviated hole from a carriage assembly disposed in a cased vertical hole below a target zone of a hydrocarbon bearing formation. The drilling apparatus includes a drill motor assembly having a drill bit driven by a shaft of a drill bit mud pressure driven motor. A weight on bit assembly is provided below the drill bit motor for imparting "weight-on-bit" drilling force to the drilling bit against the face of the borehole. The weight on bit assembly includes an anti-rotation assembly for preventing rotation of the drill bit motor with respect to the borehole and an axial drive assembly for applying axial force to the drill bit. Apparatus is provided to reverse the direction of the axial force generated by the weight on bit assembly. Apparatus is also provided to limit the axial force applied to the drill bit to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A down-hole drilling motor is provided with a bearing unit which supports the output shaft in such an inclined position relative to the motor housing, that the central axis of the output shaft intersects the longitudinal axis of the motor housing at a point of intersection located below the lower end of the housing.Directional drilling of a borehole is carried out by actuating a drill bit by means of the down-hole drilling motor, and simultaneously therewith rotating the drill string--and consequently also the motor housing--over periods that are preceded and succeeded by selected periods over which the drill string is not rotated.

Abstract: Apparatus by which a vertical borehole is curved to a new angle and extended through a production reservoir. A vertical borehole of a suitable diameter is extended downhole to the proximate depth of the production reservoir. A Zublin drill guide apparatus is employed to drill a curved section of the hole, thereby turning the borehole to a desired angle so that the lower marginal end of the borehole is directed laterally away from the vertical part of the borehole. A drill pipe string is positioned within the vertical part of the borehole. A flexible pipe is fitted to the downhole end of the drill pipe string, and a Zublin straight drill guide assembly is fitted to the end of the flexible pipe. A motor, such as an expansible gas turbine motor, for example, is connected to the end of the straight drill guide assembly. A suitable drill bit is connected to be rotated by the turbine motor.

Abstract: A guide for drilling a straight section of a bore hole deflected from the vertical. The apparatus comprises either a normally straight or a curved-straight tubular member which has a plurality of generally circumferential cuts disposed along the length of the guide. The cuts allow the guide to be bent sufficiently to enter and traverse a short radius curve and then return to its normal configuration for guiding the drilling of the straight portion of the deflected bore hole. A clutch mechanism disposed in the drill guide permits engagement of the guide by the drill string for orientation of the guide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a curved well conductor (22) from an offshore marine structure (10) utilizes a leading section of precurved pipe (26) along with a plurality of trailing sections of initially straight pipe (24). The precurved pipe (26) is releasably straightened as the conductor (22) is lowered from the marine structure (10). Upon engagement with the sea floor, the precurved pipe (26) is released to resume its original curvature. The trailing initially straight sections of pipe (24) are then forced to follow a curved path defined by the leading section as the well conductor (22) is driven into the sea floor.

Abstract: The invention provides a guide means for deflecting drilling means at a desired location in a well bore to enable the drilling of either a sharply deviated extension thereof or a lateral branch bore. A frame carrying spaced drill tubing holding members is lowered along with the drill bit and tubing into the well bore. Latch means, operable from the surface, release spring members which act to deflect the lower tubing holding member, the tubing and drill bit into the desired orientation. The latch means may be reset from the surface, realigning the tubing holding members so that the guide means assembly may be readily withdrawn from the well bore.

Abstract: An attachment for a drill has a cannula attachable to the drill motor and provided with a curved distal portion. A flexible shaft extends through the cannula with a burr connected to its distal end and with its proximal end connectable to the drill motor to be rotated thereby.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deviating a conductor casing, or the like, after it has been driven into a substratum, generally beneath the floor of a body of water. The conductor casing is characterized by a drive shoe assembly on the end thereof having a bevel cut extending therethrough for up to 180 degrees of the circumference thereof, or more, and thereby providing a residual connection characterized as a hinge means. The conductor casing and drive shoe is characterized in operation by an entire linear configuration until they are driven beneath the floor into the substratum, at which time the hinge means allows closure of the distal end through the arc of the bevel cut thereby providing a deviated section which produces directional implacement of the conductor casing.

Abstract: An arrangement for guiding a drill crown or bit (8) (FIG. 4) in a given drilling path comprises an outer guide tube (7) in which a shaft (6) is rotatably arranged. The shaft is driven by a drive means (5) connected to one end of the shaft, while the bit (8) is mounted for rotation on and guided by the other end of said shaft. The axis of rotation (9) of the bit forms an angle (.alpha.) with the central axis (10) of the guide tube, said tube being non-rotatably, but axially displaceably connected to an axially feeding device through intermediate means (11).

Abstract: A system for drilling and simultaneously installing a relatively large production casing along an invert underground arcuate path beneath an obstacle is disclosed. A plurality of production casing segments, each having preformed curvature corresponding to the radius of the curvature of the arcuate path, are joined end to end and advanced along the desired path. A drill head is located in front of the leading end of the casing. The drill head is mounted to the casing so that the angular orientation of the drill head relative to the axis of the leading end of the casing is at least partially adjustable. A drill bit is located in front of the drill head and a motor is located within the drill head to drive the drill bit. The drill bit excavates a passageway along the arcuate path in advance of the casing.

Abstract: An angle adjustment sub which permits the rotational adjustment of adjacent portions of a running string to bring the axis of adjacent portions of a running string, which are deviated at different vertical angles, into a common planar axis.

Abstract: A method of forcibly introducing a curved steel pipe into the ground which comprises forcibly introducing into the ground a curved steel pipe in which has been encased an auger train consisting of a plurality of augers coupled in flexible manner with universal joints by jacking said pipe from its rear, rotating said auger train within said curved steel pipe, and conveying away the excavated earth and sand through said pipe, and a curved steel pipe pressing-in machine used in the above method.

Abstract: A system and method for controlled directional drilling utilizes a system approach to design the hardware for drilling according to the well plan. The bend angle of a bent housing, connected between the bit and downhole motor, the diameter of a plurality of stabilizers and placement of the stabilizers with respect to the drill bit are selected and predetermined on the basis of the desired well plan. With the use of an MWD, the direction of the progressing borehole is tracked from the surface. Direction changes as required are controlled from the surface simply by controlling rotation of the drillstring. For curved path drilling, only the downhole motor is rotated, causing the borehole to travel along the curve determined by the bend angle in the bent housing and the diameter and location of the concentric stabilizers. When straight hole drilling is required, both the downhole motor and the entire drill string are rotated, effectively nullifying the effect of the bend angle in the bent housing.