A continuous circulation system and an connection assembly for establishing a threaded fluid seal to a side port of a continuous circulating sub, according an embodiment, is disclosed, having independently rotatable and movable first and second first engagement mechanisms. The first engagement mechanism may include first and second wrenches for engaging a pressure tap, checking pressure, removing and reinstalling a safety plug. The second engagement mechanism may include an adapter pipe for creating a threaded seal with the side port thereby allowing reliable high-pressure flow. The connection assembly automates the steps of checking pressure within the sub between the radial valve and safety plug, removing the safety plug, screwing the threaded adapter pipe into the side port, providing a flow path for drilling fluid, disengaging the threaded adapter pipe, replacing the safety plug and returning the continuous circulation sub to its original operational state.

A flow sub for use with a drill string includes a tubular housing having a longitudinal bore therethrough and a flow port through a wall thereof and a ball. The ball is disposed in the housing above the flow port, has a bore therethrough, and is rotatable relative to the housing between an open position where the ball bore is aligned with the housing bore and a closed position where a wall of the ball blocks the housing bore. The flow sub further includes a seat disposed in the housing above the ball for sealing against the ball wall in the closed position and a sleeve disposed in the housing and movable between an open position where the flow port is exposed to the housing bore and a closed position where a wall of the sleeve is disposed between the flow port and the housing bore.

Control equipment monitors flows of drilling mud in a drilling mud circulation circuit. The equipment includes: at least one first inlet element, in turn having at least one first measuring device; at least one second outlet element, in turn having at least one second measuring device, and a processing and control unit electrically connected to both the first measuring device and the second measuring device. The processing and control unit receives measurement data from the first measuring device and the second measuring device. The equipment includes a third control element having at least one third measuring device. The processing and control unit is electrically connected to the at least one third measuring device; it receives measurement data from the third measuring device, and processes the data thus obtained by a model-based mathematical algorithm. The equipment includes a signaling device, which is electrically connected to the processing and control unit.

A device for ensuring continuous circulation in well drilling comprises a tubular body having an axial channel therein, with a lateral opening closed by a removable plug. A flapper valve is placed in the tubular conduit, whose shut-off member is movable between a transverse position, in which it closes the axial channel, and a longitudinal position, in which it closes in a pressure-tight manner the lateral opening. Advantageously, the device comprises magnetic mechanism to operate on the shut-off member in the longitudinal position and retain it in the longitudinal position with a preset load, and as the latter is exceeded the shut-off member may be moved to the transverse position.

Present embodiments are directed to a gripping device configured to couple with a pipe element. A housing of the gripping device is configured to extend over and at least partially around a distal end of the pipe element. Torsional clamp devices are configured to engage an outer circumferential surface of the pipe element with frictional engagement features that extend radially inward from the housing. A sealing mechanism is configured to shift a pipe seal relative to the housing and into engagement with the distal end of the pipe element and to facilitate fluid flow through the gripping device into the pipe element.

A pressure management device (PMD) for direct connection to a blowout preventor stack of a managed pressure drilling system, the PMD comprising a housing, one or more chokes, and a directional valve. The directional valve has a choke position and a bypass position. When the directional valve is in the choke position, the PMD operates to divert fluid entering the housing to one or more of the chokes. When the directional valve is in the bypass position, the PMD operates to divert fluid entering the housing to bypass the chokes. The inlet and outlet of each choke may be controlled by a dual shutoff valve, to selectively permit and restrict fluid flow through each choke.

A device is for a drilling rig for forming of a bore hole in a subterranean structure. The drilling rig comprises a first, top driven drilling machine arranged vertically displaceable along a guide track, where a second drilling machine is arranged between the first drilling machine and the bore hole, vertically displaceable along a guide track and provided with a rotary table arranged to be able to take the weight of a pipe string. A rotary drive unit is arranged for continuous rotation of the pipe string. A fluid chamber is arranged to, in a fluid communicating way, be able to connect a pipe string end portion with a drilling liquid plant. As the fluid chamber is provided with pipe string ports comprising means arranged to, in a fluid sealing way, be able to close the pipe string ports. A power tong is arranged for continuous rotation of an element connected to the pipe string, as the power tong is arranged in the fluid chamber. Also, a method is for drilling with continuous tool rotation and continuous drilling liquid supply.

A drilling apparatus (1) is for use on a rotary drilling rig with a top drive which enables circulation and rotation of a drill string (3) to continue uninterrupted during the making of drill string connections. It has a snubber gripping mechanism (10, 9) to enable tool joints (2, 3) to be supported and gripped with a reduced pressure chamber (5) volume and snubbing force, during tool joint connections. The gripping mechanism has gripping pads (14) arranged to move radially by relative rotation of a drive cylinder (34) causing a tapered surface (36) of the drive cylinder (34) to press against or release the pad (14). A guide cylinder (30) supports and guides the pads (14) and collets (13) for retaining a drill string at an upset shoulder (19).

Apparatus, systems, and methods for continuously circulating drilling fluid through a tubular string are described. The methods include connecting a sub having a central bore and a side bore to the tubular string, connecting a top drive to the tubular string, connecting a manifold to the sub and top drive, wherein the manifold comprises a plurality of electrically controlled valves, and controlling the flow of drilling fluid through the sub and top drive by selectively opening and closing the electrically controlled valves.

A drilling apparatus (1) provides continuous rotation, and in some embodiments also vertical translation of the drill bit, such that weight can be kept on the bit and drilling can continue uninterrupted during connections. The connection is made in a pressure chamber formed by seals (2, 4) and spacers (15, 16). An upper snubber (5) grips the drill string above the joint and a lower snubber (6) grips it below the joint. The top drive is decoupled as the snubbers take over drill string drive, and apply a differential torque so that the connection is made. This achieves continuous rotation during the connection, and by use of an extension sub (18) drilling is also continuous.