Abstract: The disclosure relates to embodiments of horizontal directional drilling equipment and methods for horizontal directional drilling techniques including a reamer head comprising a frustoconical body, wherein the frustoconical body defines a cavity configured to receive at least one bearing; and a plurality of teeth mounted to the frustoconical body. An imaginary apex of the frustoconical body is superimposed on the centerline of a reamer or reaming apparatus for reaming of an underground arcuate path. In another embodiment the reamer head is a progressive independently segmented reaming head. A plurality reaming heads are mounted to a reaming apparatus for reaming of an underground arcuate path.

Abstract: A drill bit may include a bit body and at least two cones assemblies including at least two drive cylinders having at least two cones. The at least two cone assemblies are mounted on the bit body. The drill bit may also include an indexing mechanism coupled to the bit body and configured to rotate and lock at least one drive cylinder. A method of operating the drill bit may include providing fluid to the drill bit, rotating the drill string to drill formation, moving the indexing mechanism an axial distance within a central chamber of the drill bit, rotating the at least two indexable structures as the indexing mechanism moves, and locking the at least two indexable structures.

Abstract: A mounting block assembly and method for assembling is disclosed. The mounting block assembly may comprise a mounting block and a toolholder. The mounting block may include a flighting portion, a mounting portion and a protrusion. The mounting portion defines a first bore that is configured to receive a toolholder. The toolholder includes a generally cylindrical sidewall that defines an axis and defines a second bore that is configured to receive a stem of a cutting bit. The sidewall includes a pair of radially outward extending prongs that define a first recess between the prongs. The first recess is configured to interlockably receive the protrusion when the toolholder is disposed in the mounting portion, wherein the interlocked configuration of the toolholder and the mounting block inhibit rotational movement of the toolholder about the axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotating tool for inducing rotation, e.g., for activating and operating coil tubing tools for fishing target equipment in a bore casing of an oil well-bore. The rotating tool is connected with an end of coiled tubing reeled into the oil well-bore, and its other end is connected to a target equipment on which rotation is to be induced. The rotating tool converts linear motion in a first direction of the coiled tubing into rotation, and the rotation hence produced operates a coil tubing tool e.g., opening/closing jaws on an overshot. The rotating tool includes adjustable screws which allow the rotation resistance to be adjusted.

Abstract: A running tool with an overshot sleeve is provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a running tool and an overshot sleeve including a first portion threaded onto the running tool and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion are connected together in a manner that allows the first portion and the second portion to rotate with respect to one another. The second portion of the sleeve can engage an additional component, such as a casing hanger, and the running tool and the overshot sleeve can be configured to selectively convert rotation of the running tool into axial motion of the overshot sleeve with respect to the running tool. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Earth-boring drill bits include a bit body, an element having an attachment feature bonded to the bit body, and a shank assembly. Methods for assembling an earth-boring rotary drill bit include bonding a threaded element to the bit body of a drill bit and engaging the shank assembly to the threaded element. A nozzle assembly for an earth-boring rotary drill bit may include a cylindrical sleeve having a threaded surface and a threaded nozzle disposed at least partially in the cylindrical sleeve and engaged therewith. Methods of forming an earth-boring drill bit include providing a nozzle assembly including a tubular sleeve and nozzle at least partially within a nozzle port of a bit body.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a back reamer roller cone that is configured so that the bearings assemblies therein can be relatively easily removed and replaced. Methods of replacing the bearing assemblies in a back reamer are also provided.

Abstract: A drill pipe (1), particularly for a drill string, has at least one electrical conductor (4, 7, 8, 9) and an inner pipe (2) which is arranged inside the drill pipe (1). The drill pipe (1) and the inner pipe (2) are spaced at a distance to one another in sections, wherein the drill pipe (1) and inner pipe (2) bound a hollow space (3). At least one electrical conductor (4, 7, 8, 9) is arranged on one outer side of the inner pipe.

Abstract: Well conduit system and methods using a first outer conduit wall and at least one second inner conduit wall positioned through a wellhead to define an annulus with radial loading surfaces extending across the annulus and radially between at least two of the conduit walls to form passageways through subterranean strata concentrically, wherein an inner pipe body of greater outer diameter is inserted into an outer pipe body of lesser inner diameter by elastically expanding the circumference of the outer pipe body and elastically compressing the circumference of the inner pipe body, using a hoop force exerted therebetween. Releasing the hoop force after insertion will release the elastic expansion and compression of the pipe bodies to abut the radial loading surfaces within the annulus for sharing elastic hoop stress resistance and thereby forming a greater effective wall thickness, capable of containing higher pressures than the conduit walls could otherwise bear.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for boring into the earth near a Kudzu vine root system to apply herbicidal helium gas to the roots and eradicate the Kudzu vine. The technique uses a perforated tube with a drill bit that protrudes from one end of the tube to bore into the earth near the vine roots. Boring is stopped when all of the tube perforations are below the earth's surface. About 0.5 cubic meters of helium gas are applied to flow through the tube enabling the helium gas to flow out through the tube perforations and attack the Kudzu vine through the vine's root system.

Abstract: A method of fracturing a formation while drilling a wellbore. The method includes providing a bottomhole assembly (“BHA”) having a reamer positioned above a pilot hole assembly, connecting the BHA to a drill string, actuating the BHA to drill a first wellbore section with the reamer and to drill a pilot hole with the pilot hole assembly, hydraulically sealing the pilot hole from the first wellbore section, and fracturing the formation proximate the pilot hole.

Abstract: A stabilizer and method for use in a wellbore are disclosed. The apparatus can include a rotary body disposed about a tubular and configured to rotate and axially-translate with respect to the tubular. The apparatus can also include a first anti-rotation device disposed axially adjacent the rotary body and configured to resist rotation and axial translation with respect to the tubular. The rotary body can be configured to engage the first anti-rotation device and rotationally lock therewith. The apparatus can also include a biasing member configured to bias apart the rotary body and the first anti-rotation device.

Abstract: A pull back system to install or replace underground utilities that is used with a hammer used in horizontal directional drilling operations. The system comprises a drill bit attached to the hammer. The drill bit comprises a cutting face comprising a first and second passage. The system further comprises a pull back adapter comprising an attachment member, a first member, and a second member. The attachment member may be secured to the cutting face of the drill bit by inserting the first member of the pull back adapter through the first passage of the cutting face and inserting the second member of the pull back adapter through the second passage of the cutting face. The first member secures to the second member within an internal cavity of the drill bit to hold the attachment member for movement with the drill bit. A new pipe may be secured to a shackle on the pull back adapter. The drilling machine will then pull the hammer rearwardly through the borehole which in turn pulls the new pipe into the borehole.

Abstract: A system for improving a drilling speed by using drill string vibration comprises a downhole drill string vibration-reduction and supercharging device, and an ultra-high pressure bit device used for a downhole supercharger. The downhole drill string vibration-reduction and supercharging device comprises a high-pressure runner (16). The ultra-high pressure bit device used for the downhole supercharger comprises an ultra-high pressure drilling fluid transmission runner. The ultra-high pressure drilling fluid transmission runner comprises an ultra-high pressure drilling fluid runner (25), a high-pressure resisting hose (28) and a high-pressure resisting rigid tube (30).

Abstract: A system includes a valve subassembly configured to be disposed along an internal flowline exit of a first internal flowline within a downhole drilling module. The valve subassembly includes an active valve configured to regulate flow of a fluid through the internal flowline exit and a passive valve configured to be passively controlled based on a differential pressure between a first volume of the downhole drilling module and a second volume surrounding the downhole drilling module.

Abstract: A tubular component for a drill stem that can be cabled includes a first end zone, a second end zone, a sheath, the sheath extends between the first end zone and the second end zone, and a liner fixed in a bore of the first end zone. The liner includes at least one take-up chamber for a cable disposed in the sheath.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a first section of a drilling tool having a collar configured to hold internal components of the first section. The drilling system also includes a second section of the drilling tool configured to be coupled with the first section in a specific orientation relative to the first section. The second section is interchangeable with at least one different section.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided to generate a stable supply of electrical power in a drill string. In one example, a downhole turbine generator includes a turbine, a speed governor, and an alternator. The turbine may transform hydraulic power of a first fluid medium into rotational power of a rotating shaft. The speed governor may reduce the rotational power of the rotating shaft in a variable amount that depends on the speed of the rotating shaft. Specifically, weighted arms may shear a second fluid medium more when the speed is higher and less when the speed is lower. The shearing of the second fluid medium may generate a countervailing torque on the rotating shaft to reduce the rotational power of the rotating shaft. The alternator then may produce a generally stable supply of electrical power from the rotational power of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A technique facilitates transmission of electric signals across well components which move relative to each other in a wellbore environment. The well components are movably, e.g. rotatably, coupled to each other via one or more conductive bearings. Each conductive bearing has a conductive rolling element which enables relative movement, e.g. rotation, between the well components while simultaneously facilitating transmission of electric signals through the bearing. Portions of the bearing are coupled to each of the well components, and those bearing portions may be connected with electric leads to enable flow of electric signals through the bearing during operation of the system downhole.

Abstract: An electromagnetic coupler includes first and second coupling elements for mounting on respective first and second support elements. The first and second coupling elements include respective first and second annular bodies each including a high magnetic permeability material that houses a conductive winding and an open transverse section. The first and second bodies have complementary shapes that when two support elements respectively receiving the first and second coupling elements are coupled, the first and second bodies form a structure enclosing the first and second conductive windings. The first and second conductive windings are respectively positioned in the first and second bodies such that respective surfaces of the first and second conductive windings are substantially parallel when two support elements respectively receiving the first and second coupling elements are coupled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling apparatus for working the ground comprising a drill drive for driving a drill string in a rotating manner and a rotary feedthrough for passing a construction material from a construction material hose into the interior of the drill string, whereby the rotary feedthrough has a first line connection for the construction material hose and a second line connection, rotatable relative to the first line connection, for the drill string. In accordance with the invention provision is made for the rotary feedthrough to have a rotary device for actively rotating the second line connection relative to the first line connection. The invention also relates to a method for working the ground, which can be carried out, in particular, by means of a drilling apparatus according to the invention.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cooling internal components of a down-hole well drilling apparatus. Components of the well drilling apparatus are encased in an inner canister that is further encased in an outer canister creating a void between the inner canister and the outer canister. Further, a plurality of moveable barriers is disposed between the inner canister and the outer canister and contains a heat transfer fluid. A plurality of agitators add mechanical energy to the plurality of moveable barriers compressing and expanding, while repositioning, the heat transfer fluid and creating a heat pump based on a reverse Stirling cycle to remove heat from the cooler inner canister and transfer the heat to the hotter environment outside the outer canister.

Abstract: A sample bottle assembly is installed in a bore drilled into a drill collar section, wherein the bore may be drilled into a side wall of a pocket in the drill collar. The sample bottle assembly may be passed through the pocket and inserted into the bore. Drill collar material between the bore and the outer surface of the drill collar retains the sample bottle assembly in a radially inward direction, and a retention member in the pocket may retain the sample bottle assembly in an axial direction.

Abstract: A drill bit made according to one embodiment includes at least one of a weight sensor and a torque sensor configured to provide signals representative of the weight and torque on the drill bit when the drill bit is used for cutting into a formation. A circuit may be configured to process signals from the weight and torque sensors to provide an estimate of the weight and torque on the bit when the drill bit is used for cutting into the formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shield structure of a rock drilling apparatus for dampening noise, the rock drilling apparatus comprising a feed beam whose one end is a drilling end, whereby the drilling end of the feed beam comprises a first shield part mounted immovably relative to the feed beam, and a second shield part mounted movably relative to the feed beam. A tubular shield flexible at least in its longitudinal direction is mounted between the shield parts, the shield being tightly attached by its ends to the first and the second shield part.

Abstract: An offset rock bit (12) has a steering face (28) and a shoe (30) provided by a recess formed into the steering face (28). A slot (66) formed into the shoe (30) for receiving a pull back adapter (50) in a centrally located position in the forward end of the offset rock bit (12). The pull back 5 adapter (50) has a pull back eye (52) with a central axis (62) which is aligned with a centrally disposed longitudinal axis (20) of the offset rock bit (12) and the tool string (10). This aligns the pull back eye (52) of the pull back adapter (50) with a borehole formed using the offset rock bit (12). The pull back adapter (50) also includes side edges (54, 56) which are configured for centering the pull back adapter (50) and pull back conduit within the borehole.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable expanding tubing in a borehole of a hydrocarbon well. According to some embodiments, an expander device includes a collapsible swage formed of collets, at least one slip arrangement and a hydraulic jack to stroke the swage through tubing to be expanded. In operation, expanding tubing may include securing an expansion tool to the tubing, lowering the tool and tubing into a borehole, actuating a collapsible expander of the expansion tool to an extended configuration, and supplying fluid pressure to a jack coupled to the expander thereby moving the expander through the tubing which is held by at least one of first and second tubing holding devices disposed respectively ahead of the expander and behind the expander.

Abstract: A wireline apparatus for deep well measurements in a borehole being drilled includes a drill string having multiple drill pipe sections connected end-to-end, with at least one of the drill pipe sections being electrically conductive and isolated to provide an electrode section. A nonmagnetic drill pipe section is connected in the drill string below said electrode section, and a hydraulic motor having a rotatable drill bit carrying a drill bit instrument sub having a magnetic field sensing instrument package is connected to a lowermost end of the drill string. A wireline locatable within said drill string incorporates an electrode locatable within the drill pipe electrode section, and carries at its distal end a wireline instrument package that is locatable within the nonmagnetic drill pipe section to receive data representing magnetic field data from the magnetic field sensing instrument package.

Abstract: A seismic tool assembly for effecting a drill hole and enlarging a lowermost end thereof whereby an anchor can be set more securely therein. A drill bit is inserted through an opening in a stabilizer, which is positioned over a surface where the drill hole is to be made. The bit is placed into the drill hole, attaining a position at the lowermost end thereof. The lower end of the bit has a cutting portion having a cutting radius greater than that of the bit body whereby, when the bit is inserted fully into a lowermost end of the hole and rotated, the cutting portion enlarges the lowermost end of the hole, whereby flanged portions of an anchor will rest within the enlarged area, retaining the anchor in place. The stabilizer has a flanged portion extending into the hole, which provides a space between the bit and the stabilizer to permit limited tilting movement of the bit during drilling to enlarge a lowermost end of the hole, and for aiding in accurately inserting the bit into position.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a downhole power assembly has a downhole drill string component having a center mandrel with a through-bore adapted to accommodate a flow of drilling fluid. The component has an independent tubular battery cage disposed around the center mandrel. At least one battery is disposed in at least one bay formed in the tubular battery cage and a tubular sleeve is adapted to slide over and cover the tubular battery cage.

Abstract: A downhole drilling tool includes a housing defining an axial passageway and a shaft mounted for rotation within the axial passageway such that the housing and shaft form an annular gap. An electrical connector provides a signal to the shaft. The electrical connector includes a first lead assembly coupled to the housing and the shaft, and a second lead assembly coupled to the housing and the shaft. Each lead assembly has an outer ring electrode fixed to the housing and an inner ring electrode fixed to the shaft for rotation therewith such that connector gaps are formed between the outer ring electrodes and the inner ring electrodes. Drilling fluid is pumped through the annular gap to flow through the connector gaps to complete electrical connections between the outer ring electrodes and inner ring electrodes.

Abstract: A wireline apparatus for deep well measurements in a borehole being drilled includes a drill string having multiple drill pipe sections connected end-to-end, with at least one of the drill pipe sections being electrically conductive and isolated to provide an electrode section. A nonmagnetic drill pipe section is connected in the drill string below said electrode section, and a hydraulic motor having a rotatable drill bit carrying a drill bit instrument sub having a magnetic field sensing instrument package is connected to a lowermost end of the drill string. A wireline locatable within said drill string incorporates an electrode locatable within the drill pipe electrode section, and carries at its distal end a wireline instrument package that is locatable within the nonmagnetic drill pipe section to receive data representing magnetic field data from the magnetic field sensing instrument package.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shield structure of a rock drilling apparatus for dampening noise, the rock drilling apparatus comprising a feed beam whose one end is a drilling end, whereby the drilling end of the feed beam comprises a first shield part mounted immovably relative to the feed beam, and a second shield part mounted movably relative to the feed beam. A tubular shield flexible at least in its longitudinal direction is mounted between the shield parts, the shield being tightly attached by its ends to the first and the second shield part.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods disclosed herein utilize a seal within a well borehole annulus to re-direct forces generated by a column of effluents from a well-drilling bit assembly to a point above the bit assembly during drilling operations.

Abstract: Mobile drilling rigs and methods for moving drilling rigs are disclosed which, in one aspect, include wheel assemblies connected to a rig which wheel assemblies are selectively movable from a rig drilling position to a rig movement position. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A spiral ribbed aluminum drillpipe has an intermediate portion with a plurality of ribs spiraling along its length. These ribs have active faces that are exposed by recessed areas. The active faces define incut angles relative to the pipe's outer surface for actively engaging slime/sediment material along a borehole wall. Bearings rotatably disposed on the pipe have a greater diameter than the ribbed intermediate portion or any tool joints on the drillpipe so that the bearings engage the borehole wall. The pipe's body is preferably composed of a lightweight alloy, such as aluminum alloy, whereas the bearings are preferably composed of steel and have wear resistant coating or bands.

Abstract: A tracked hydrovacuum vehicle combines a tracked vehicle and a hydrovacuum unit in a single machine with a single power source. The reduced weight and tracking of the modified machine permits operation of the device in boggy conditions. The compact size of the machine permits operation in congested areas.

Abstract: A coring apparatus is provided having an outer core barrel associated with a drill bit; an inner core barrel adapted to accept a core sample; and one or more sensors adapted to provide data relating to downhole conditions. The sensor may be selected from the group of: a strain sensor adapted to measure tension and/or compression experienced by the inner core barrel; a first pressure sensor adapted to measure pressure outwith the inner barrel and a second pressure sensor adapted to measure pressure within the inner barrel; a rotation sensor adapted to measure relative rotation between the inner core barrel and the outer core barrel; and a vibration sensor adapted to measure vibration experienced by the inner barrel. Methods of monitoring a coring operation and a method of gathering information about a coring operation are also provided.

Abstract: A microtunnelling apparatus and system that includes an external drive system having rotational and linear thrust drive means, a drill head section having drill rotor and drill rod and connecting to intermediate drill rods allowing extension of the boring hole created by the drill head section driven by the drive system. The drill head includes a modular construction having a plurality of circular disc like elements, a bearing module, a steering module, a spacer module, and a mounting module, for axial alignment and abutment and mounting within a cylindrical steering shell. Directional steering of the drill head includes a plurality of substantially radially extending channels in steering module, each with an hydraulically movable protuberance movable by control means to redirect the outer steering casing and thereby redirect the drill head section mounted on the distal end of the drill rods.

Abstract: An erosion resistant surface using a dense array of elastic whiskers to slow the velocity of erosive particles before impacting with the surface. A carbon nanotube forest is grown on the surface to provide the erosion resistance. In the alternative, a carbon nanotube forest is grown on a flexible substrate that is bonded to the surface.

Abstract: A method of fracturing a formation while drilling a wellbore includes the steps of: providing a bottomhole assembly (“BHA”) having a reamer positioned above a pilot hole assembly; connecting the BHA to a drill string; actuating the BHA to drill a first wellbore section with the reamer and to drill a pilot hole with the pilot hole assembly; hydraulically sealing the pilot hole from the first wellbore section; and fracturing the formation proximate the pilot hole.

Abstract: Methods are included that are useful in treating subterranean formations and, more particularly, to minimizing particulate migration over long intervals in subterranean well bores that may be horizontal, vertical, deviated, or otherwise nonlinear. In one embodiment, a method is presented comprising: providing a well bore comprising an open hole section of about 30 feet or more that comprises an open hole section with a filter cake neighboring at least a portion of a reservoir; allowing the integrity of at least a portion of the filter cake to become compromised; and treating at least a portion of the open hole section with a consolidating agent system in a single stage operation so as to at least partially reduce particulate migration in the open hole section.

Abstract: A connector including a housing, a contact, and a swellable material in operable communication with the contact and with the housing, the contact being displaceable upon swelling of the swellable material and method.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore is provided that in one aspect includes: a drilling assembly configured to carry a first drill bit at an end thereof, a second drill bit disposed uphole of the first drill bit, and a connection device that is configured to selectively connect the second drill bit to the drilling assembly and disconnect the second drill bit from the drilling assembly.

Abstract: Locking elements 3d and 3j are provided at an inner member 3 connected to a kelly bar 1, and a locking element bearing plate 6fis provided at an outer member 6. The outer member 6 includes a cylindrical bucket 7 and a grab bucket 8 housed inside the cylindrical bucket 7. When an excavating tool 2 is in its most contracted state, the inner member 3 is rotated forward to lock the locking elements 3d and 3j at the locking element bearing plate 6f, thereby disallowing relative vertical movement of the inner member 3 and the outer member 6. As the excavating tool is rotated by applying a force to the kelly bar 1 along the lifting direction in this state, an excavating operation can be executed while applying a load smaller than the load of the excavating tool 2. As a result, it becomes possible to execute an excavating operation with a large excavating tool in conjunction with an earth drill having a small drive force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for drilling, especially percussion drilling or rotary percussion drilling, holes (2), comprising a drill bit (3) with a drilling or breaking surface (14), a drill rod (4) for introducing a rotary or percussive force and for introducing a rinsing or cooling fluid into the drill bit (3) and a sheath pipe (5) which defines a hollow space (6) between the drill rod (4) and the inside of the sheath pipe (5) and which is supported on the drill rod (4) or which can be connected to the drill bit (3).

Abstract: A downhole drilling apparatus for interconnection in a casing or liner string having a drill bit disposed thereon for enabling the drilling of intersecting wellbores without removal of the drill bit is disclosed. In a disclosed embodiment, the apparatus comprises a housing having a window. A whipstock is disposed within the housing. Between the window and the whipstock is a filler. The whipstock and the filler define a central bore providing a fluid path through the apparatus. A back pressure valve may be disposed within the central bore to prevent back flow of fluids through the apparatus. Once the total depth of an initial wellbore is reached, the casing or liner string, including the apparatus, may be cemented in place. Thereafter, an intersecting wellbore may be drilled by laterally deflecting a second drill bit with the whipstock through the window of the housing.

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

Abstract: A filter having a filter element is provided for a rockdrill. The filter can be operated in three modes, namely, filtering or drilling, rinsing and back-flushing. As the filter element becomes clogged a handle on the filter can be turned to a back-flushing mode position whereby the flow of fluid through the filter element is reversed and the flow of fluid thereby expels dirt and debris accumulated in and on the filter element to the atmosphere through the a outlet port. When the handle is turned back to a filtering mode position ports in a support shaft in the filter pass through the rinsing mode which washes dirt that may have accumulated on the filter element during the back-flushing mode and expels it to the atmosphere through the vent outlet port. When the handle is positioned in the filtering mode position the filter element is clean.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning layers of earth that contain noxious material via a cleaning medium that takes up the noxious material and is introduced into the layers of earth via a drilling tube. The cleaning medium is extracted by suction from the layers of earth and is subsequently processed. To achieve a precise cleaning on the spot in a continuous manner without the necessity for excavating the earth, the apparatus comprises a chamber that surrounds the drilling tube. The chamber can be lowered into the ground either together with or separately from the drilling tube. After termination of the cleaning process, at least parts of chambers used therefor are removed from the ground and shifted to a region that has not yet been cleaned, resulting in an advancement of the cleaning process in a horizontal direction. A sludge mixture can also be pumped from the chamber into a cleaning unit, with the clean, recovered earth again being introduced into the chamber.