Abstract: The disclosure relates to petroleum drilling, specifically a downhole signal receiving and transmitting device. The downhole signal receiving and transmitting device includes a receiving part, a control device, a mechanical assembly and a transmitting mechanism. The receiving part receives a signal transmitted by a lower end instrument, and the control device process the received signal, controls a motor to drive a rotating sleeve, and the mechanical assembly performs work. The mechanical assembly drives a mandrel to rotate a rotor continuously and regularly. When rotating, the flow area of the rotor and a stator changes to produce continuous pulses. The pressure waveform changes are monitored on the ground, and the measurement data are calculated by decoding.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method of obtaining logging data of subterranean formations and a logging system for doing the same. One example method includes: (1) conveying a logging tool and downhole tractor through a gravity-conveyed section of a borehole, and (2) obtaining logging data from the logging tool during the conveying, wherein the downhole tractor is employed for at least a portion of the obtaining of the logging data. Another example method includes: (1) lowering a logging tool and an open-hole tractor through a gravity conveyed section of an open borehole, (2) raising the logging tool and the open-hole tractor through the gravity conveyed section, (3) obtaining, from the logging tool during the raising, logging data associated with the gravity conveyed section of the open borehole, and (4) employing the open-hole tractor for at least a portion of the raising of the logging tool during the obtaining.

Abstract: A method to be used when performing drilling in a well bore involves positioning a dual bore drill pipe in a well bore. An outer annulus formed between the drill pipe and well bore wall is divided into two different sections. A first fluid is provided in one of the sections. A second fluid having a density less than the first fluid is circulated into and out of the well bore through the drill pipe. The densities of the first and second fluids are such that the drill pipe is at least partly floating in the first fluid in the outer annulus.

Abstract: A method for estimating a steady state response of a drill string in a borehole includes calculating a first displacement of the drill string in a frequency domain for a first excitation force frequency and a number of multiples of this frequency using an equation of motion of the drill string. The equation of motion has a static force component, an excitation force component, and a non-linear force component with respect to at least one of a deflection and a derivative of the deflection of the drill string. The method further includes: transforming the first displacement from the frequency domain into a time domain; calculating a non-linear force in the time domain; calculating a frequency domain coefficient derived from the calculated non-linear force in the time domain; and calculating a second displacement of the drill string in the frequency domain using the equation of motion and the frequency domain coefficient.

Abstract: A piston tractor system can include at least two piston assemblies which sealingly engage a wellbore, and a pump which transfers fluid between an annulus isolated between the piston assemblies, and another annulus. A method of operating a piston tractor system can include sealingly engaging at least two piston assemblies with a wellbore, grippingly engaging one piston assembly with the wellbore, and then pumping a fluid from an annulus formed between the piston assemblies, while the other piston assembly is secured to a tubular string, thereby biasing the tubular string to displace through the first piston assembly. A method of advancing a tubular string through a wellbore can include sealingly engaging piston assemblies with the wellbore, each of the piston assemblies including a gripping device which selectively grips the wellbore, and one piston assembly including another gripping device which selectively grips the tubular string.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.

Abstract: A crawler system for an earth boring system comprises at least two expandable tools along a common axis and spaced apart from each other along the common axis by a piston cylinder device. The at least two expandable tools comprise a mandrel comprising a tubular body and an outer diameter, a plurality of blades, and a slidable sleeve capable of manipulating the plurality of blades into collapsed and expanded positions. The plurality of blades of one of the at least two expandable tools expand to an expanded position and engage a borehole wall. The piston cylinder device anchors against the engagement between the borehole wall and one of the at least two expandable tools to axially translate the other of the at least two expandable tools.

Abstract: A drilling tool (1) for drilling downhole, comprising a drilling head (2) in connection with a first portion (18) of the drilling tool, a driving unit (9) for driving the drilling head and the first portion forward in a longitudinal movement while drilling, and a feed control (19) for controlling the longitudinal movement of the drilling head.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor adapted for advancement through a borehole including an elongate body, aft and forward gripper assemblies, and a valve control assembly housed within the elongate body. The aft and forward gripper assemblies are adapted for selective engagement with the inner surface of the borehole. The valve control assembly includes a gripper control valve for directing pressurized fluid to the aft and forward gripper assemblies. The valve control assembly also includes a propulsion control valve for directing fluid to an aft or forward power chamber for advancing the body relative to the actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward mechanically actuated valves may be provided for controlling the position of the gripper control valve by detecting and signaling when the body has completed an advancement stroke relative to an actuated gripper assembly.

Abstract: An anchor tool for anchoring a downhole tool within a casing, a well, or any other downhole, hollow space. The tool has a longitudinal tool body with a center axis extending through the tool body in the center of the body, a first recess, a second recess, a third recess, and a fourth recess in the tool body; and a first anchor, a second anchor, a third anchor, and a fourth anchor. The first anchor is provided in the first recess, and so forth, and the anchors are outwards movable in the recesses for anchoring the tool. Each anchor provided in the recesses extends through the tool body transverse to and across the center axis and the anchors and the corresponding recesses are situated in the tool body for providing a symmetrical anchoring of the anchor tool.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a crawler system for an earth boring system comprises at least two expandable tools along a common axis and spaced apart from each other along the common axis by a piston cylinder device. The at least two expandable tools comprise a mandrel comprising a tubular body and an outer diameter, a plurality of blades, and a slidable sleeve capable of manipulating the plurality of blades into collapsed and expanded positions. The plurality of blades of one of the at least two expandable tools expand to an expanded position and engage a borehole wall. The piston cylinder device anchors against the engagement between the borehole wall and one of the at least two expandable tools to axially translate the other of the at least two expandable tools.

Abstract: A gripper mechanism for downhole tool is disclosed that includes a linkage mechanism and a flexible toe disposed over the linkage mechanism. In operation, an axial force generated by a power section of the gripper expands the linkage mechanism, which applies a radial expansion force to the flexible toe. For certain expansion diameters, the expansion force can be primarily transmitted to the toe from a roller-ramp interface expanding the linkage. For other expansion diameters, the expansion force can be primarily transmitted to the toe by expansion of the linkage in a three-bar linkage configuration. For other expansion diameters, the expansion force can be primarily transmitted to the toe by expansion of the linkage in a four-bar linkage configuration. Thus, the gripper can provide a desired expansion force over a large range of expansion diameters.

Abstract: An electrically powered and controlled tractor system includes one or more electric gripper assemblies and one or more electric power train assemblies. Power and control signals for the gripper assemblies and power train assemblies can be delivered from a ground surface via a wireline. The gripper assembly employs a motor-activated lead screw and nut combination to expand passage-gripping elements, preferably by pushing the gripping elements radially outward from locations between opposing ends of the gripping elements. A failsafe mechanism can retract the gripping elements during a power interruption. The power train assembly employs a motor-activated lead screw and nut combination to expand and contract two or more telescoping members. The tractor system can include multiple tractor units that each includes one gripper assembly and one power train assembly. A tractor can include one power train assembly and two gripper assemblies.

Abstract: An expandable gripper assembly may be configured for anchoring a tool in a passage. The expandable gripper assembly includes first, second, and third pivotally connected links that are coupled to a tool. The third link is adapted to engage an inner wall in the passage. An actuation mechanism causes the third link to move radially outward from the tool for engagement with the inner wall. The actuation mechanism may comprise a roller mechanism that pushes on an inner surface of the first link for causing the first link to pivot outward away from the body. As the first and second links pivot outward, the third link moves in a radial direction for engagement with an inner wall.

Abstract: A method of drilling and lining a wellbore includes operably coupling a support member to a drilling device, an expansion cone configured to expand a tubular member, an actuator configured to pull the expansion cone through the tubular member, a releasable locking device configured to limit displacement of the tubular member relative to the actuator during actuation. The drilling device is disposed below the expansion cone and the expansion cone is disposed at a lower end of the tubular member. The method further includes locking the locking device. After locking the locking device, a wellbore is drilled to have a diameter greater than an outside diameter of the tubular member. After the drilling, the actuator is actuated to pull the expansion cone towards the locking device to expand at least a portion of the tubular member into contact with the drilled wellbore. The method further includes releasing the locking device and removing the drilling device through the expanded tubular member.

Abstract: An electrically powered and controlled tractor system includes one or more electric gripper assemblies and one or more electric power train assemblies. Power and control signals for the gripper assemblies and power train assemblies can be delivered from a ground surface via a wireline. The gripper assembly employs a motor-activated lead screw and nut combination to expand passage-gripping elements, preferably by pushing the gripping elements radially outward from locations between opposing ends of the gripping elements. A failsafe mechanism can retract the gripping elements during a power interruption. The power train assembly employs a motor-activated lead screw and nut combination to expand and contract two ore more telescoping members. The tractor system can include multiple tractor units that each includes one gripper assembly and one power train assembly. A tractor can include one power train assembly and two gripper assemblies.

Abstract: A gripper mechanism for downhole tool is disclosed that includes a linkage mechanism and a flexible toe disposed over the linkage mechanism. In operation, an axial force generated by a power section of the gripper expands the linkage mechanism, which applies a radial expansion force to the flexible toe. For certain expansion diameters, the expansion force can be primarily transmitted to the toe from a roller-ramp interface expanding the linkage. For other expansion diameters, the expansion force can be primarily transmitted to the toe by expansion of the linkage in a three-bar linkage configuration. For other expansion diameters, the expansion force can be primarily transmitted to the toe by expansion of the linkage in a four-bar linkage configuration. Thus, the gripper can provide a desired expansion force over a large range of expansion diameters.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves.

Abstract: An expandable gripper assembly may be configured for anchoring a tool in a passage. The expandable gripper assembly includes first, second, and third pivotally connected links that are coupled to a tool. The third link is adapted to engage an inner wall in the passage. An actuation mechanism causes the third link to move radially outward from the tool for engagement with the inner wall. The actuation mechanism may comprise a roller mechanism that pushes on an inner surface of the first link for causing the first link to pivot outward away from the body. As the first and second links pivot outward, the third link moves in a radial direction for engagement with an inner wall.

Abstract: An expandable gripper assembly may be configured for anchoring a tool in a passage. The expandable gripper assembly includes first, second, and third pivotally connected links that are coupled to a tool. The third link is adapted to engage an inner wall in the passage. An actuation mechanism causes the third link to move radially outward from the tool for engagement with the inner wall. The actuation mechanism may comprise a roller mechanism that pushes on an inner surface of the first link for causing the first link to pivot outward away from the body. As the first and second links pivot outward, the third link moves in a radial direction for engagement with an inner wall.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves.

Abstract: A method and device for boring a hole in soil or rock material and for forming an anchoring are disclosed. A borehole is formed by inserting a drill bit, and tensioning elements coupled to the drill bit are introduced into the borehole. After completion, the boring rods are detached from the drill bit and removed. The boring rods are provided with a hollow space in its longitudinal direction to introduce a hardenable fluid into the borehole. Anchoring or fixing elements for anchoring on the borehole's inner wall are provided on the drill bit at the end opposite the drilling surface and/or on the tensioning elements. The tensioning elements are subjected to a turning or twisting whereby shortening their effective length for tensioning or centering so that a centering and an optionally temporary tensioning of the tensioning elements can be effected before the hardenable material completely hardens.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor adapted for advancement through a borehole including an elongate body, aft and forward gripper assemblies, and a valve control assembly housed within the elongate body. The aft and forward gripper assemblies are adapted for selective engagement with the inner surface of the borehole. The valve control assembly includes a gripper control valve for directing pressurized fluid to the aft and forward gripper assemblies. The valve control assembly also includes a propulsion control valve for directing fluid to an aft or forward power chamber for advancing the body relative to the actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward mechanically actuated valves may be provided for controlling the position of the gripper control valve by detecting and signaling when the body has completed an advancement stroke relative to an actuated gripper assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling trenches in the ground comprising a main frame having two vertical main faces, a drilling assembly comprising a support disposed at the bottom of said frame, means for causing said drilling assembly to move in vertical translation relative to said main frame by applying a predetermined force to said drilling assembly relative to said main frame, and anchoring means mounted on said main faces for anchoring the main frame to the walls of said trench. The anchoring means comprise a plurality of deformable elements secured to said main faces of the top frame, means for injecting a fluid under pressure into said inflatable elements thereby applying a force between said main frame and the walls of the trench, and means enabling said fluid under pressure to escape from said inflatable elements whereby no force is transmitted between said main frame and the walls of the trench.

Abstract: A mechanical anchor includes an anchor unit that is divided into a plurality of divided anchor units which are movably connected to a tension rod to be moved in lateral directions. The anchor unit is opened or closed by the movement of the divided anchor units, and the anchor unit forms a cylindrical shape when the divided anchor units are closed. A driving member for opening or closing the anchor unit is mounted on an inner side of the anchor unit in such manner that the driving member is extended in a longitudinal direction of the anchor unit. The driving member and each of the divided anchor units are connected with each other so that the driving force of the driving member is equally applied on each of the divided anchor units.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves.

Abstract: A six-bar linkage mechanism for conforming to the configuration of a tractored surface having a central link defined by a tool body and a saddle link spaced from the central link and movable for conforming with the tractored surface. A pair of front links each having pivotal connection with respective ends of the saddle link and having linearly movable pivotal connection with the central link to permit angular and spacing changes of the saddle link relative to the central link. A pair of centralizer links are located between the front links and have pivotal connections with the saddle link and pivotal connections with the central link. One of the pivotal connections is linearly movable on the central link. For tractor tools, when the tractored surface is a wellbore or well pipe, a plurality of six-bar linkages radiate from a tool body for surface conforming traction with the tractored surface.

Abstract: A thrust absorber is interposed between a thrusting means and an anchoring means that cooperate to axially displace another member. The thrust absorber includes an enclosure fixed to the anchor means and a retainer connected to the thrusting means. A biasing member is operably associated with the retainer. During an overthrust condition, the thrusting means imparts a thrust force to the member, but the member is not substantially axially displaced. In such a condition, the biasing means absorbs the thrust that the thrusting means would otherwise impart to the member. A dampener is also included to dampen the movement of the thrusting means and anchoring means when the anchoring means is no longer anchoring the thrusting means.

Abstract: A downhole drilling tractor for moving within a borehole comprises a tractor body, two packerfeet, two aft propulsion cylinders, and two forward propulsion cylinders. The body comprises aft and forward shafts and a central control assembly. The packerfeet and propulsion cylinders are slidably engaged with the tractor body. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the packerfeet to cause the packerfeet to grip onto the borehole wall. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the propulsion cylinders to selectively provide downhole or uphole hydraulic thrust to the tractor body. The tractor receives drilling fluid from a drill string extending to the surface. A system of spool valves in the control assembly controls the distribution of drilling fluid to the packerfeet and cylinders. The valve positions are controlled by motors. A programmable electronic logic component on the tractor receives control signals from the surface and feedback signals from various sensors on the tool.

Abstract: A long reach rotary drilling assembly comprises an elongated conduit extending through a bore in an underground formation, a drill bit for being rotated to drill the bore, a 3-D steering tool on the conduit for steering the drill bit, and a tractor on the conduit for applying force to the drill bit. The steering tool includes a telemetry section, a rotary section, and a flex section assembled as an integrated system in series along the length of the tool. The flex section comprises a flexible drive shaft to which a bending force is applied when making inclination angle adjustments. The rotary section includes a deflection housing which rotates for making azimuth angle adjustments. The telemetry section receives inclination and azimuth angle steering commands together with actual inclination and azimuth angle feedback signals for controlling operation of the flex section and rotary section to steer the drilling assembly along a desired course.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for performing a desired operation in a wellbore. The system contains a downhole tool which includes a mobility platform that is electrically operated to move the downhole tool in the wellbore and an end work device to perform the desired work. The downhole tool also includes an imaging device to provide pictures of the downhole environment. The data from the downhole tool is communicated to a surface computer, which controls the operation of the tool and displays pictures of the tool environment. Novel tactile sensors for use as imaging devices are also provided. In an alternative embodiment the downhole tool is composed of a base unit and a detachable work unit. The work unit includes the mobility platform, imaging device and the end work device. The tool is conveyed into the wellbore by a conveying member.

Abstract: A downhole drilling tractor for moving within a borehole comprises a tractor body, two packerfeet, two aft propulsion cylinders, and two forward propulsion cylinders. The body comprises aft and forward shafts and a central control assembly. The packerfeet and propulsion cylinders are slidably engaged with the tractor body. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the packerfeet to cause the packerfeet to grip onto the borehole wall. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the propulsion cylinders to selectively provide downhole or uphole hydraulic thrust to the tractor body. The tractor receives drilling fluid from a drill string extending to the surface. A system of spool valves in the control assembly controls the distribution of drilling fluid to the packerfeet and cylinders. The valve positions are controlled by motors. A programmable electronic logic component on the tractor receives control signals from the surface and feedback signals from various sensors on the tool.

Abstract: A mechanical ground anchor is provided including an anchor body having a plurality of parts forming a cylindrical shape. The parts forming the cylindrical shape are mounted to be opened and closed in the horizontal direction by a slide mechanism and a drive mechanism for opening and/or closing the anchor body on a core material. Thus, it is possible to enlarge the section performance of the slide mechanism between the core material and anchor body, it thus is also possible to increase rotational torque and/or tensile strength, and in case of self-boring, hard soil foundation boring and extremely deep evacuation can be easily performed as a result.

Abstract: An extended reach drilling (ERD) system for drilling a borehole in an underground formation is provided. The ERD system comprises a drill bit, a motor for driving the drill bit, a drill-pipe to surface, a hydraulic cylinder/piston arrangement for providing the required weight on bit, the drill-pipe being coupled to a selected one of the cylinder and the piston of the cylinder/piston arrangement such that the drill pipe may rotate relative to the selected one of the cylinder and the piston, the drill bit being coupled to the other one of the cylinder and the piston, and locking members for locking the selected one of the cylinder and the piston against the borehole wall, the locking members being operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for performing a desired operation in a wellbore. The system contains a downhole tool which includes a mobility platform that is electrically operated to move the downhole tool in the wellbore and an end work device to perform the desired work. The downhole tool also includes an imaging device to provide pictures of the downhole environment. The data from the downhole tool is communicated to a surface computer, which controls the operation of the tool and displays pictures of the tool environment. Novel tactile sensors for use as imaging devices are also provided. In an alternative embodiment the downhole tool is composed of a base unit and a detachable work unit. The work unit includes the mobility platform, imaging device and the end work device. The tool is conveyed into the wellbore by a conveying member.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving an upwardly directed shaft in rock, which includes a platform that can be regulated in height. The platform carries a drilling unit having engageable elements enabling fixation of the drilling unit relative the wall of the shaft. The drilling unit and platform can be separated a given distance such as to form an air gap for preventing the transfer of vibrations from the drilling unit to the platform when a drilling machine pertaining to the drilling unit is in operation. The apparatus has bracket elements and a transverse member for limiting the separation distance between the drilling unit and platform. The platform carries a work station for a drilling machine operator.

Abstract: A flame jet tool for drilling a hole in the ground at great depths is disclosed. The tool comprises a flame jet lance having a drill bit and an associated fuel system. The lance is disposed in a guide sheath such that the lance may be raised and lowered therefrom. The tool may also include means for capturing debris. In operating the flame jet tool of the present invention, the guide sheath is lowered into a preexisting well hole a specific distance. The guide sheath is fixed to the sides of the hole and the flame jet lance is lowered from the guide sheath. At a predetermined point, the drill bit is ignited and caused to rotate thus increasing the depth of the hole. By the use of the flame jet tool of the present invention, holes of significant depth can be increased and materials of extraordinary hardness can be pierced.