Innovations in rig automation, drill string design, drilling fluid chemistry, and the workhorse polycrystalline diamond compact drill bit continue to allow drillers to get wellbores to total depth in less time across all major U.S. basins, observes Cristi Harrington, vice president of North American sales for drilling contractor, Helmerich & Payne.
[pdf] One of the most significant advancements in screw air compressor technology is the widespread adoption of Variable Speed Drive (VSD) systems. Traditional fixed-speed compressors run at a constant speed, regardless of the actual air demand.
[pdf] Peter Sweeny, building on Robert Beart's earlier design, made a huge advancement in rotary drill technology, enabling almost continuous drilling. His new design also improved on hole cleaning. .
Charles Burleigh, John W. Brooks, and Stephen F. Gates patented a mechanical drill meant to be used on the Hoosac tunnel: the compressed air Burleigh drill. The tunnel spurred several innovations in drilling technology, including the earlier Couch/Fowle drill.. .
Edward A.L. Roberts was awarded a patent in November 1866 for what would become known as the Roberts Torpedo, a device for increasing. Launched in 1954 and capable of drilling wells in water up to 40 feet in depth, Mr. Charlie was the world’s first mobile offshore drilling platform. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in December 2024. Photo courtesy Murphy Oil.
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