An example laser tool that operates within a wellbore is configured to combine a purging medium and a laser beam. The laser tool includes an integrator configured to receive the laser beam from a laser head and to combine the laser beam and the purging medium. A conduit is configured to generate a laminar flow from the purging medium and to produce an output that includes the laminar flow and the laser beam. The output is directed by the conduit towards a target within the wellbore. At least part of the laser tool is configured for rotation to cause the output to rotate during application of the output to the target.

A device is for directing a fluid flow in an annulus around a pipe string in a horizontal or deviated well. The device has an orientation sensing member adapted to distinguish between the high-side and the low-side of the borehole along the well path. A fluid direction member is adapted to impede the fluid flow in one portion of the annulus so as to at the same time increase the fluid flow in another portion of the annulus; and an activation member for activating the fluid direction member in the well.

A device is for directing a fluid flow in an annulus around a pipe string in a horizontal or deviated well. The device has an orientation sensing member adapted to distinguish between the high-side and the low-side of the borehole along the well path. A fluid direction member is adapted to impede the fluid flow in one portion of the annulus so as to at the same time increase the fluid flow in another portion of the annulus; and an activation member for activating the fluid direction member in the well.

An open-hole drilling method and process is embodied in creation of a closed cycle and system for extracting gas from shale and other impermeable and natural vertical fracture dominated reservoirs. The closed cycle system enables gas from reservoir to be used as a drilling fluid, with any excess gas produced as the wellbore is extended, to be sold in real time through a gas pipeline. Since only natural gas exists throughout the closed system, no risk exists for downhole explosions, and no wellbore damages occur from foreign fluids, such as mud, cement, and water. Limits of wellbore length due to gas produced while drilling, and risks during gas flaring are eliminated. All products produced from wellbore are captured so no venting of any liquids, gases, or solids. All hydraulic fracturing issues are avoided. Gas flow rate measurements while drilling enables technical, financial, reserve estimate models development in real time.

An open-hole drilling method and process is embodied in creation of a closed cycle and system for extracting gas from shale and other impermeable and natural vertical fracture dominated reservoirs. The closed cycle system enables gas from reservoir to be used as a drilling fluid, with any excess gas produced as the wellbore is extended, to be sold in real time through a gas pipeline. Since only natural gas exists throughout the closed system, no risk exists for downhole explosions, and no wellbore damages occur from foreign fluids, such as mud, cement, and water. Limits of wellbore length due to gas produced while drilling, and risks during gas flaring are eliminated. All products produced from wellbore are captured so no venting of any liquids, gases, or solids. All hydraulic fracturing issues are avoided. Gas flow rate measurements while drilling enables technical, financial, reserve estimate models development in real time.

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for controlled delivery of unknown fluids that safely and efficiently removes entrained gas from unknown fluids in the wellbore and/or marine riser. A control system automatically controls one or more choke manifold(s), and optionally the flow rate of one or more mud pump(s), to maximize the safe flow rate of returning unknown fluids to one or more instrumented mud-gas separator(s) without overloading. The control system may receive the state of the one or more instrumented mud-gas separator(s) to manipulate the choke manifold(s), and optionally the one or more mud pump(s) to maximize the safe flow rate of return fluids and expedite the removal of gases.

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for controlled delivery of unknown fluids that safely and efficiently removes entrained gas from unknown fluids in the wellbore and/or marine riser. A control system automatically controls one or more choke manifold(s), and optionally the flow rate of one or more mud pump(s), to maximize the safe flow rate of returning unknown fluids to one or more instrumented mud-gas separator(s) without overloading. The control system may receive the state of the one or more instrumented mud-gas separator(s) to manipulate the choke manifold(s), and optionally the one or more mud pump(s) to maximize the safe flow rate of return fluids and expedite the removal of gases.

A method of drilling a wellbore that traverses a formation, the method comprising the steps of inserting a one-stage drilling tool into the wellbore, the one-stage drilling tool comprising a laser head configured to produce a drilling beam, a completion sheath configured to line the wellbore, and a centralizer configured to support the completion sheath within the wellbore, operating the laser head to produce the drilling beam, wherein the drilling beam comprises a laser, wherein the drilling beam has a divergent shape comprising a base at a distance from a front end of the laser head and an apex proximate to the front end of the laser head, wherein a diameter of the base of the drilling beam is greater than a diameter of the one-stage drilling tool, and drilling the formation with the drilling beam, wherein the laser of the drilling beam is operable to sublimate the formation.

A roof drill bit has an elongate roof drill bit body having a forward end and a rearward end. The bit body includes at least one helical twisted surface terminating at a dust port and a feeder ledge proximate the at least one helical twisted surface. A hard insert is affixed to the bit body at the axial forward end thereof. The hard insert includes a plurality of leading cutting edges for cutting the earth strata. The at least one helical twisted surface and the feeder ledge enhance the flow of debris into the dust port.

A roof drill bit has an elongate roof drill bit body having a forward end and a rearward end. The bit body includes at least one helical twisted surface terminating at a dust port and a feeder ledge proximate the at least one helical twisted surface. A hard insert is affixed to the bit body at the axial forward end thereof. The hard insert includes a plurality of leading cutting edges for cutting the earth strata. The at least one helical twisted surface and the feeder ledge enhance the flow of debris into the dust port.