Abstract:
Earth-boring drill bits include a bit body including a blockage-resistant internal fluid passageway. The blockage-resistant internal fluid passageway includes at least one internal fluid passageway formed in the bit body and a cuttings filtering feature formed in the at least one internal fluid passageway configured to prevent at least some cuttings from flowing through the at least one internal fluid passageway. In one embodiment, the cuttings filtering feature includes at least one lateral member extending transversely across the at least one internal fluid passageway. In another embodiment, the cuttings filtering feature includes forming a central portion of the at least one internal fluid passageway with a width along a lateral axis thereof less than an average width of a fluid path extending through a nozzle disposed at least partially within the at least one internal fluid passageway. Methods of forming the blockage-resistant internal fluid passageway are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Earth-boring drill bits include a bit body including a blockage-resistant internal fluid passageway. The blockage-resistant internal fluid passageway includes at least one internal fluid passageway formed in the bit body and a cuttings filtering feature formed in the at least one internal fluid passageway configured to prevent at least some cuttings from flowing through the at least one internal fluid passageway. In one embodiment, the cuttings filtering feature includes at least one lateral member extending transversely across the at least one internal fluid passageway. In another embodiment, the cuttings filtering feature includes forming a central portion of the at least one internal fluid passageway with a width along a lateral axis thereof less than an average width of a fluid path extending through a nozzle disposed at least partially within the at least one internal fluid passageway. Methods of forming the blockage-resistant internal fluid passageway are also disclosed.
Abstract:
An apparatus for engaging a subterranean borehole includes a bi-center bit having backup cutting elements thereon. The bi-center bit includes a pilot bit section and a reamer bit section adjacent to the pilot bit section. The pilot bit section includes at least one primary cutting element and at least one backup cutting element rotationally trailing and laterally offset from the at least one primary cutting element. Methods of drilling a subterranean borehole include engaging a first portion of a borehole with a reamer bit section of a drill bit and simultaneously engaging a second, opposing portion of the borehole with a pilot bit section adjacent to the reamer bit section.