Abstract:
A fixed cutter drill bit for drilling a borehole in earthen formations includes a blank assembly and a matrix crown fixably mounted to the blank assembly. The blank assembly includes an annular mandrel and a plurality of elongate studs fixably coupled to the mandrel. The mandrel has a first end distal the crown and a second end engaging the crown. In addition, the mandrel includes a plurality of bores extending axially from the second end. Each elongate stud has a first end disposed within one of the bores and a second end disposed in the crown distal the mandrel.
Abstract:
A tool for reaming a borehole includes a tubular body (101) having a central axis, an uphole reamer section (110) mounted to the body, and a downhole reamer section (130) mounted to the body. Each reamer section includes a first blade extending radially from the body. Each blade has an uphole end, a downhole end opposite the uphole end, and a formation-facing surface. The formation facing surface of the first blade of the uphole reamer section is disposed at a radius R1 that increases moving from the uphole end to the downhole end. The formation facing surface of the first blade of the downhole reamer section is disposed at a radius R1' that decreases moving from the uphole end to the downhole end. The tool also includes a cutter element mounted to the formation facing surface of the first blade of each reamer section.
Abstract:
Composite materials for use with a drill bit for drilling a borehole in earthen formations. The composite material comprises a first pre-infiltrated hardphase constituent and a second preinfiltrated hardphase constituent. The second pre-infiltrated hardphase constituent is a carbide which comprises at least 0.5 weight % of a binder and at least about 1% porosity. The composite material further comprises an infiltrant.
Abstract:
Disclosed is an improved spear head overshot. The spear head overshot is particularly useful as part of a cable-guided fishing assembly. The spear head overshot essentially comprises one or more pivot lugs, the pivot lugs comprising jaw sections and release point sections, an actuator slide, a wave spring, a pivot mandrel, a screw attached to the pivot mandrel, and a compression spring threaded over the screw. In operation, a spear head is inserted into the spear head overshot until the spear head passes the jaw sections of the pivot lugs, at which time the spear head is locked into place. To release the spear head, the release point sections of the pivot lugs are manually forced inward. Simultaneously, the jaw sections of the pivot lugs are forced outward, thereby allowing the spear head to be removed from the spear head overshot. In a cable-guided fishing operation, this process can be repeated as often as necessary.
Abstract:
An improved shear/seal ram assembly used in ram-type BOPs is disclosed. The disclosed invention is a unique shear/seal ram assembly in which rail seal actuators attached to or integrally formed in a planar surface of one shear blade mate with and slide within corresponding rail guide grooves formed in a planar surface of a second shear blade. As the shear blades move over each other, the rail seal actuators slide within the rail guide grooves, eventually coming into contact with a seal actuator plate of a unique blade-to-blade seal assembly placed within a shear blade seal groove. Continued movement of the shear blades over each other causes the rail seal actuators to compress, or "energize," the blade-to-blade seal of the blade-to-blade seal assembly, thereby providing a pressure tight seal between the shear blade assemblies.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for changing the speed of a drill bit down hole in a fluid- actuated motor, including a positive displacement motor and a hydraulic motor, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a bypass valve installed in the motor for controlling flow through and around the power section of the motor. When closed, the bypass valve forces all fluid to flow through the power section of the motor, imparting maximum speed to the drill bit. When opened, a portion of the fluid flow is allowed to flow around the power section of the motor, thereby reducing the speed of the drill bit. The bypass valve may be opened or closed mechanically, electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically, or by any other means, including a removable plug.
Abstract:
A drill bit comprises a bit body having a body face. A plurality of fixed blades extends from the bit body. Each of the plurality of fixed blades has a leading face and a trailing face. A plurality of nozzles is disposed on the body face to flow drilling fluid out of the bit body. A plurality of flow guides direct a portion of the drilling fluid away from the bit body. Each of the plurality of flow guides extends longitudinally from the body face, and along the leading face of one of the plurality of fixed blades.
Abstract:
Composite materials for use with a drill bit for drilling a borehole in earthen formations. The composite material comprises a first pre-infiltrated hardphase constituent and a second preinfiltrated hardphase constituent. The second pre-infiltrated hardphase constituent is a carbide which comprises at least 0.5 weight % of a binder and at least about 1% porosity. The composite material further comprises an infiltrant.
Abstract:
A cutting element (101, 501, 601, 701) for a drill bit (112) is advanceable into a subterranean formation (106) to form a wellbore (104). The cutting element includes an element body having a face (328, 528, 628, 728) at an end thereof, and a ridge (332). The face has a ramp (334, 534, 634, 734) and a pair of side regions (330a, b) thereon. The ramp has a curved edge (335) along a periphery of the face and two sides (337a, b). Each of the two sides extends from opposite ends of the curved edge and converges at a location (C) along the face. The face has a chamfer (336) along a peripheral edge thereof. The ridge is between the chamfer and the location. Each of the pair of side regions is positioned on opposite sides of the ridge and extends between the periphery, the ridge, and one of the two sides of the ramp whereby the chamfer engages a wall of the wellbore and extrudate is drawn along the pair of side regions.
Abstract:
A drilling assembly assembly includes a hammer motor, a shaft, a driver, and a hammer (218). The shaft is operatively connectable to the hammer motor and rotated thereby. The driver is operatively connectable to the shaft, and includes a cam (such as guide channel 232) rotatable with the shaft and a fixed guide (such as guide pins 230) having a guide surface thereon. The cam is engageable with the guide surface and axially movable thereabout during rotation thereof. The hammer is operatively connectable to the driver and axially movable therewith, axially movable within the housing (215) independently from axial movement of the housing, and engageable with the bit to impart an impact thereto whereby the bit is hammered.