A horizontal bore cryogenic drilling method includes in a first embodiment forming
a pilot hole of a first select diameter along a desired path of the horizontal
bore. A grindable casing is inserted into the guide bore. A cryogenic fluid is
flowed through the grindable casing to form a freeze zone of frozen moisture adjacent
the grindable casing having a second select diameter. A primary bore is formed
having a third select diameter greater than the first diameter and less than the
second select diameter within the freeze zone along the desired path of the horizontal
bore with the grindable casing in place. The second diameter is selected to be
sufficiently greater than the third select diameter to prevent collapse of the
freeze zone. Another embodiment of the invention is a method of forming a horizontal
bore in an earth formation including providing a drill string having a conduit
communicating with a cutting tool for engaging the earth formation. A cryogenic
fluid is flowed through the conduit and the cutting tool to drive the cutting tool
and remove cuttings from a bore formed by the cutting tool. The cutting tool is
directed into an earth formation and a freeze zone is formed in the earth formation
in advance of the cutting tool by the cryogenic fluid flowing through the cutting
tool. The cutting tool is then advanced into the earth formation to form the horizontal
bore at a rate enabling continuous formation of a freeze zone in advance of the
cutting tool of sufficient diameter to prevent collapse of the bore as the cutting
tool is advanced.