Patent ID: 8424620
Filing Date: 2013-04-23
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for cutting into an earthen formation, comprising: a nozzle assembly having a nozzle head; a flexible tubing connected to the nozzle assembly; a means to position the nozzle assembly into earthen strata in a substantially horizontal direction; wherein the nozzle assembly is connected to one end of the flexible tubing and the opposing end of the flexible tubing is coupled to a pumping unit capable of pumping gases, foams, fluids, or a combination thereof through the flexible tubing and nozzle assembly; wherein the nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle body connected to the flexible tubing and the nozzle head is able to rotate and is connected to a rotatable shaft that is at least partially hollowed out so as to allow the flexible tubing to be in open fluid communication with the nozzle head; wherein the nozzle body comprises a rotatable barrel body and the rotatable barrel body comprises the rotatable shaft such that the rotatable shaft is located inside the rotatable barrel body, wherein the rotatable shaft is adapted to receive a portion of the gases, foams, fluids, or a combination thereof from the flexible tubing and to deliver a portion of the gases, foams, fluids, or a combination thereof to the nozzle head.