Apparatuses And Methods For Use With Reverse Circulation Overshot Systems

Abstract

A system can comprise a drill string sub that is configured to couple to a drill rod of a drill string, wherein the drill string sub defines a shoulder and at least one through hole. A plug assembly can be receivable with a bore of the drill. The plug assembly can be releasably coupled to the drill string sub. When decoupled from the drill string, the plug assembly can be configured to be pumped into the drill string. The plug assembly can comprise a distal subassembly that defines a receiver that is configured engage a reverse circulation overshot. A proximal subassembly can be coupled to the distal subassembly. The proximal subassembly can comprise a brake apparatus that is configured to inhibit proximal movement of the plug assembly

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A drill string sub assembly for catching an overshot, the drill string sub assembly comprising:
 a drill string sub that is configured to couple to a drill rod of a drill string; and   an overshot receiving assembly comprising:
 a first portion; 
 a slidable tip that is slidably coupled to the first portion; and 
 a spring biasing the slidable tip distally relative to the first portion, wherein the spring is configured to decelerate the overshot upon engagement with the slidable tip, 
   wherein the first portion is operably coupled to the drill string sub to inhibit movement of the first portion relative to the drill string sub.   
     
     
         2 . The drill string sub assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the drill string sub defines a first shoulder, wherein the first portion of the overshot receiving assembly is configured to bias against the first shoulder of the drill sub. 
     
     
         3 . The drill string sub assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the drill string sub comprises at least one male thread that is configured to couple to the drill rod of the drill string. 
     
     
         4 . The drill string sub assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the drill string sub assembly has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the drill string sub assembly defines at least one passage that is configured to communicate fluid from the proximal end to the distal end of the drill string sub assembly. 
     
     
         5 . The drill string sub assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the drill string sub is configured to couple to a fluid recovery system. 
     
     
         6 . The drill string sub assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the drill string sub comprises a proximal end portion, wherein at least one female male thread is formed on the proximal end portion. 
     
     
         7 . The drill string sub assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the drill string sub has an inner surface, an outer surface, and a central axis, wherein the drill string sub defines at least one through-hole extending between the outer surface and the inner surface, wherein the overshot receiving assembly comprises a seal, wherein the overshot receiving assembly is configured to permit the seal to move axially along the central axis proximal of the at least one through-hole following engagement of the slidable tip with the overshot. 
     
     
         8 . The drill string sub assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the first portion of the overshot receiving assembly comprises:
 a first body,   a second body that is axially movable relative to the first body, wherein the seal is coupled to the second body, and   a biasing element that is configured to bias the second body distally relative to the first body so that the seal is distal of the at least one through hole absent forces from the overshot.