A drilling and cutting device for both drilling and cutting through large objects is provided. The drilling and cutting device provides a plurality of cutting elements spaced apart and connected along a cutting chain that is operatively connected to a driven gear. The cutting chain is mounted along a periphery of a guide bar adapted to force the cutting chain to move on a certain path laterally, longitudinally or rotatably when selectively engaged to a mounting assembly.

Disclosed are various approaches for using controlled fractures in geothermal systems. In some examples, a method includes drilling at least one injection well bore. The method can also include cutting at least a first slot at an angle to the injection well bore, where the first slot has a first end connected to the injection well bore and a distal end. The method can include cutting at least a second slot at an angle to the injection well bore, where the second slot has a first end connected to the distal end of the first slot and a distal end. The method can also include drilling at least one production well bore, where the production well bore is connected to the distal end of the second slot.

Disclosed are various approaches for using controlled fractures in geothermal systems. In some examples, a method includes drilling at least one injection well bore. The method can also include cutting at least a first slot at an angle to the injection well bore, where the first slot has a first end connected to the injection well bore and a distal end. The method can include cutting at least a second slot at an angle to the injection well bore, where the second slot has a first end connected to the distal end of the first slot and a distal end. The method can also include drilling at least one production well bore, where the production well bore is connected to the distal end of the second slot.

A drilling system can include a drill bit defining a longitudinal axis between distal and proximal ends. The drill bit can be configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis and to cut material at the distal end. The drill bit can include a plurality of chain assemblies; each chain assembly can comprise a set of cogs and a chain. The chain can be made up of a plurality of links, each link having teeth positioned in rows extending radially around the link, the teeth configured to rotate axially around the chain as the teeth engage a material for cutting. The plurality of chain assemblies can comprise at least a first chain assembly and a second chain assembly which are driven in opposite directions.

A drilling system can include a drill bit defining a longitudinal axis between distal and proximal ends. The drill bit can be configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis and to cut material at the distal end. The drill bit can include a plurality of chain assemblies; each chain assembly can comprise a set of cogs and a chain. The chain can be made up of a plurality of links, each link having teeth positioned in rows extending radially around the link, the teeth configured to rotate axially around the chain as the teeth engage a material for cutting. The plurality of chain assemblies can comprise at least a first chain assembly and a second chain assembly which are driven in opposite directions.

A drilling and cutting device for both drilling and cutting through large objects is provided. The drilling and cutting device provides a plurality of cutting elements spaced apart and connected along a cutting chain that is operatively connected to a driven gear. The cutting chain is mounted along a periphery of a guide bar adapted to force the cutting chain to move on a certain path laterally, longitudinally or rotatably when selectively engaged to a mounting assembly.

This patent application discloses method and apparatus to cut an extended slot connecting a well to a substantial cross section of a desired producing formation whereby material can flow freely between the formation and the wellbore and at least partially overcome the flow limitations of low permeability formations without the environmental issues associated with hydraulic fracturing. It is further disclosed that the connection between said slot and the formation may be further enhanced by explosive or combustive processes that rapidly generate gas pressure within the large surface area of the slot, thereby changing its characteristics and forcing open additional fractures into the cross section of formation exposed to the slot. The method may significantly increase the recoverable percentage or natural gas from low permeability deposits such as shale and coal.

This patent application discloses method and apparatus to cut an extended slot connecting a well to a substantial cross section of a desired producing formation whereby material can flow freely between the formation and the wellbore and at least partially overcome the flow limitations of low permeability formations without the environmental issues associated with hydraulic fracturing. It is further disclosed that the connection between said slot and the formation may be further enhanced by explosive or combustive processes that rapidly generate gas pressure within the large surface area of the slot, thereby changing its characteristics and forcing open additional fractures into the cross section of formation exposed to the slot. The method may significantly increase the recoverable percentage or natural gas from low permeability deposits such as shale and coal.

This patent application discloses method and apparatus to cut an extended slot connecting a well to a substantial cross section of a desired producing formation whereby material can flow freely between the formation and the wellbore and at least partially overcome the flow limitations of low permeability formations without the environmental issues associated with hydraulic fracturing. It is further disclosed that the connection between said slot and the formation may be further enhanced by explosive or combustive processes that rapidly generate gas pressure within the large surface area of the slot, thereby changing its characteristics and forcing open additional fractures into the cross section of formation exposed to the slot. The method may significantly increase the recoverable percentage or natural gas from low permeability deposits such as shale and coal.

Disclosed are various approaches for using controlled fractures in geothermal systems. In some examples, a method includes drilling at least one injection well bore. The method can also include cutting at least a first slot at an angle to the injection well bore, where the first slot has a first end connected to the injection well bore and a distal end. The method can include cutting at least a second slot at an angle to the injection well bore, where the second slot has a first end connected to the distal end of the first slot and a distal end. The method can also include drilling at least one production well bore, where the production well bore is connected to the distal end of the second slot.