Walter C Richards

US Patent:

46118551, Sep 16, 1986

Filed:

May 11, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/609473

Inventors:

Walter L. Richards - Huntington Beach CA

Assignee:

Methane Drainage Ventures - Placentia CA

International Classification:

E21C 4110
E21B 4330

US Classification:

299 2

Abstract:

A method for collecting methane gas from subterranean formations having a plurality of spaced-apart coal seams containing methane gas includes the steps of drilling a shaft from the earth's surface to a depth sufficient to intersect a plurality of seams containing gas to be collected, excavating a cruciform shaped working area at the selected seams with each of the cruciform shaped working areas communicating with the shaft, and drilling a plurality of boreholes from each of the working areas into the seams and collecting methane gas from the boreholes.

US Patent:

46518363, Mar 24, 1987

Filed:

Apr 1, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/846954

Inventors:

Walter L. Richards - Huntington Beach CA

Assignee:

Methane Drainage Ventures - Placentia CA

International Classification:

E21B 2106
E21B 33138
E21F 500

US Classification:

175 62

Abstract:

A process provides for the recovering of methane gas from subterranean coalseams having sloughing, or caving, characteristics. A borehole is drilled in a generally horizontal direction into a subterranean coalseam and as the drilling progresses, a flushable borehole cake is formed on and in the walls of the horizontal borehole. The borehole cake prevents contemporaneously sloughing, or caving, of the boreholes during the drilling operation. A perforated liner may be inserted into the horizontal borehole and the borehole cake is then flushed out in order to allow methane gas present in the coalseam to enter the liner from which it is collected.

US Patent:

45331820, Aug 6, 1985

Filed:

Aug 3, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/637303

Inventors:

Walter L. Richards - Huntington Beach CA

Assignee:

Methane Drainage Ventures - Placentia CA

International Classification:

E21B 4314
E21C 4110

US Classification:

299 2

Abstract:

A method for collecting oil from a plurality of spaced-apart oil-bearing subterranean formations includes the steps of drilling a shaft from the earth's surface to a depth sufficient to intersect a plurality of spaced-apart oil-bearing formations, excavating a working area at selected oil-bearing subterranean formations and thereafter drilling a plurality of generally horizontal boreholes from each of the working areas into the selected oil-bearing subterranean formations. Thereafter, oil collection troughs are excavated within each of the working areas to collect oil from the boreholes and conduct the collected oil into a sump from which the oil is raised to the earth's surface utilizing a single lift. During collection and raising of the oil from each of the spaced-apart oil-bearing subterranean formations, the shaft and working areas are sealed.

US Patent:

46000615, Jul 15, 1986

Filed:

Jun 8, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/618473

Inventors:

Walter L. Richards - Huntington Beach CA

Assignee:

Methane Drainage Ventures - Placentia CA

International Classification:

E21B 700
E21D 1000
E21C 3700

US Classification:

175 62

Abstract:

A method for collecting gas from subterranean formations having a plurality of spaced-apart coal seams containing methane gas includes the steps of drilling a shaft from the earth's surface to a depth sufficient to intersect a plurality of seams containing gas and thereunder to create a sump. A plurality of generally horizontal holes are drilled from the shaft into selected seams and gases collected from the boreholes and conducted through the shafts to the earth's surface. Apparatus, including a movable and rotatable platform, is lowered to a position adjacent the coal seam containing methane gas and an array of generally horizontal holes drilled from the platform into each of the coal seams from which methane gas is to be collected. Liners are inserted in each of the boreholes and interconnected through a riser for conducting the methane gas to the earth's surface. The method and apparatus of the invention enables the collection of methane gas from spaced-apart subterranean seams having narrow thickness.

US Patent:

44524897, Jun 5, 1984

Filed:

Sep 20, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/420149

Inventors:

Walter L. Richards - Huntington Beach CA

Assignee:

Methane Drainage Ventures - Placentia CA

International Classification:

E21C 4110
E21B 4330

US Classification:

299 2

Abstract:

A method for collecting methane gas from subterranean formations having a plurality of spaced-apart coal seams containing methane gas includes the steps of drilling at least one shaft from the earth's surface to a depth sufficient to intersect a plurality of seams containing gas to be collected, excavating a working area at selected seams with each of the working areas communicating with the shaft, and drilling a plurality of boreholes from each of the working areas into the seams and collecting methane gas from the boreholes.

US Patent:

46917896, Sep 8, 1987

Filed:

Jun 9, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/871903

Inventors:

Walter L. Richards - Huntington Beach CA
Roger L. Henderson - Bluefield WV
George N. Aul - Richlands VA
Barry W. Pauley - West Blocton AL

Assignee:

Methane Drainage Ventures - Placentia CA

International Classification:

E21B 720
E21D 1000

US Classification:

175 62

Abstract:

A process for establishing a clear, generally horizontal borehole path in a subterranean formation includes drilling a generally horizontal borehole using a drill pipe, drill bit and an uphole drilling device and lubricating the drill bit and pipe by pumping a mud down the center of the drill pipe in sufficient quantity to carry cuttings, created by the drilling, from the horizontal borehole using a mud capable of creating a cake on the borehole wall. Throughout drilling of the borehole, the total solids content of the efflux is adjusted to preselected levels and recirculated through the drill pipe to continually create the borehole wall cake. After drilling, the drill bit and drill rod are removed and the drilling bit replaced with a casing shoe. Thereafter, the drill pipe is reinserted into the borehole with a liner therein. After inserting the liner to a preselected distance, the drill pipe and casing shoe are withdrawn from the borehole while holding the liner in the generally horizontal borehole to create a clear path therethrough.

US Patent:

46243283, Nov 25, 1986

Filed:

Sep 6, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/773185

Inventors:

Walter L. Richards - Huntington Beach CA

Assignee:

Methane Drainage Ventures - Placentia CA

International Classification:

E21B 700

US Classification:

175 78

Abstract:

In shaft drilling apparatus for recovery of gas from subterranean formations includes a platform adapted for being suspended by a cable and rotated within a generally vertical shaft in the earth. Drilling and stabilizing apparatus are provided and disposed on the platform for drilling boreholes into the subterranean seams containing gas and rigidly supporting the platform within the generally vertical shaft during the drilling of the boreholes. A liquid-solids-gas separator is provided which is disposed on the platform and in an operative relationship with the drilling apparatus for separating solid cuttings and gas from the drilling efflux. Apparatus for enabling fresh air to be circulated to and from the platform is provided and includes a curtain wall disposed along the diameter of the generally vertical shaft. The platform is disposed on one side of the curtain wall during circulation of air to and from the platform.