The disclosure presents processes that utilize collected resistivity data, for example, from an ultra-deep resistivity tool located downhole a borehole. In some aspects, each slice of resistivity data can generate multiple distribution curves that can be overlaid offset resistivity logs. In some aspects, an analysis can be performed to identify trends in the distribution curves that can be used to identify approximate locations of subterranean formation surfaces, shoulder beds, obstacles, proximate boreholes, and other borehole and geological characteristics. As the number of distribution curves generated increase, the confidence in the analysis also increases. In some aspects, the number of distribution curves can be twenty, one hundred, one hundred and one, or other counts of distribution curves. In some aspects, the resistivity data can be used to generate two or more synchronized view perspectives of a specific location along the borehole, where each view perspective uses the same focus area.

A horizontal boring rig that may be used for the excavation of horizontal bores in soil or other substrates without the use of tracks or other supporting equipment. The boring rig may include a hydraulic motor or other powered device for turning an auger or other excavation tool. The hydraulic motor may be pivotally mounted to the boring rig and drive the bore string through an intermediate shaft including a universal joint. The degree of freedom provided by the universal joint and motor mounting prevents breakage of the boring string from deflection or kickback. A front guide may be used to prevent excessive deflection of the universal joint. The boring rig may ride on skids that allow the rig to follow a working grade and may incorporate spoil channels for directing excavated material around or away from the skid feet for improved accuracy in following the working grade.

A method includes obtaining total stresses and pore pressures of each porous medium of a formation, determining a first and second set of effective stresses for the formation, determining an individual collapse and fracturing mud weight for each porous medium of the formation using a first set of associated failure criteria, wherein the first set of associated failure criteria are based on the first set of effective stresses, determining an overall collapse and fracturing mud weight for the formation using a second set of associated failure criteria, wherein the second set of associated failure criteria is based on the second set of effective stresses, determining a mud weight window for the formation using the individual collapse mud weight, the individual fracturing mud weight, the overall collapse mud weight, and the overall fracturing mud weight, and transmitting a command to a drilling system based on the mud weight window.

A method includes obtaining total stresses and pore pressures of each porous medium of a formation, determining a first and second set of effective stresses for the formation, determining an individual collapse and fracturing mud weight for each porous medium of the formation using a first set of associated failure criteria, wherein the first set of associated failure criteria are based on the first set of effective stresses, determining an overall collapse and fracturing mud weight for the formation using a second set of associated failure criteria, wherein the second set of associated failure criteria is based on the second set of effective stresses, determining a mud weight window for the formation using the individual collapse mud weight, the individual fracturing mud weight, the overall collapse mud weight, and the overall fracturing mud weight, and transmitting a command to a drilling system based on the mud weight window.

Thermal energy is extracted from geological formations using a heat harvester. In some embodiments, the heat harvester is a once-through, closed loop, underground heat harvester created by directionally drilling through hot rock. The extracted thermal energy can be converted or transformed to other forms of energy.

Thermal energy is extracted from geological formations using a heat harvester. In some embodiments, the heat harvester is a once-through, closed loop, underground heat harvester created by directionally drilling through hot rock. The extracted thermal energy can be converted or transformed to other forms of energy.

Systems and methods of controlling drilling operations including Sliding With Indexing For Toolface (SWIFT) and Variable Weight Drilling (VWD) techniques. The methods and systems may include systems and devices for controlling the drilling operations, including systems and devices capable of automatically determining drilling parameters and setting operating parameters for drilling in a wellbore. The systems and methods may also determine a change in weight on bit and/or toolface, determine a timeframe for a weight on bit to be delivered to the bit, and/or determine a spindle change to modify the toolface. The systems and methods may also send control signals to apply the spindle change and/or block velocity change to correct any detected or anticipated toolface error.

A method can include receiving input for a drilling operation that utilizes a bottom hole assembly and drilling fluid; generating a set of offset drilling operations using historical feature data, where the historical feature data are processed by computing feature distances; performing an assessment of the offset drilling operations as characterized by at least feature distance-based similarity between the drilling operation and the offset drilling operations; and outputting at least one recommendation for selection of one or more of a component of the bottom hole assembly and the drilling fluid based on the assessment.

A method can include receiving input for a drilling operation that utilizes a bottom hole assembly and drilling fluid; generating a set of offset drilling operations using historical feature data, where the historical feature data are processed by computing feature distances; performing an assessment of the offset drilling operations as characterized by at least feature distance-based similarity between the drilling operation and the offset drilling operations; and outputting at least one recommendation for selection of one or more of a component of the bottom hole assembly and the drilling fluid based on the assessment.

Analysis and logging of drilling mud using a mud analysis system and controlling drilling operations responsive to the mud analysis and logging. The system and methods may automatically sample and analyze drilling mud and control the drilling of a well responsive to the mud analysis. The mud analysis system may acquire measurements on a sample of the drilling mud during drilling and may send signals indicative of the drilling mud to a steering control system enabled to control the drilling.