Importance

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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 After inserting the liner to a preselected distance, the drill pipe and casing shoe are withdrawn from the borehole while holding the liner in the generally horizontal borehole to create a clear path therethrough.

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First Claim