U.S. patent number RE32,036 [Application Number 06/595,269] was granted by the patent office on 1985-11-26 for drill bit.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Strata Bit Corporation. Invention is credited to Mahlon Dennis.
United States Patent |
RE32,036 |
Dennis |
November 26, 1985 |
Drill bit
Abstract
A new and improved drill bit for connection on a drill string
has a hollow tubular body with an end cutting face and an exterior
peripheral stabilizer surface with cylindrical sintered carbide
inserts positioned therein. Nozzle passages extend from the
interior of the bit body through the cutting face, preferably at an
angle of about 10.degree.-25.degree. relative to the longitudinal
axis of the body, and consist of a passage in the bit body and a
removable and interchangeable nozzle member. The nozzle member is
secured in place either by peripheral grooves and snap rings or
aligned smaller passages in the nozzle member and the bit body
having a retaining pin positioned therein. The cutting face
preferably has a plurality of recesses therein which receive, by an
interference fit, a plurality of cutting elements of the type known
as STRATAPAX, consisting of a cylindrical stud having an angular
supporting surface with a cutting disc bonded thereon consisting of
sintered carbide having a cutting surface of polycrystalline
diamond. The studs of the cutting element may have a groove along
one side which aligns with a small recess along the side of the
cutting element recess to receive a metal pin operable to secure
the cutting element in place and against twisting. Additionally, an
offset counterbore may be provided at the top of the cutting
element recesses which provide for stress relief of the cutting
elements during cutting operation.
Inventors: |
Dennis; Mahlon (Kingwood,
TX) |
Assignee: |
Strata Bit Corporation
(Houston, TX)
|
Family
ID: |
26854988 |
Appl.
No.: |
06/595,269 |
Filed: |
March 30, 1984 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
158389 |
Jun 11, 1980 |
04323130 |
Apr 6, 1982 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
175/429 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B
10/567 (20130101); E21B 10/62 (20130101); E21B
10/61 (20130101); E21B 10/60 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E21B
10/00 (20060101); E21B 10/62 (20060101); E21B
10/46 (20060101); E21B 10/56 (20060101); E21B
10/60 (20060101); E21B 010/46 () |
Field of
Search: |
;175/393,330,329,410,422
;407/16,324,379 ;285/404 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Novosad; Stephen J.
Assistant Examiner: Bui; Thuy M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Burns, Doane, Swecker &
Mathis
Claims
I claim:
1. A drill bit comprising
a drill body having a hollow tubular body adapted to be connected
to a drill string,
said drill body having an exterior peripheral stabilizer surface
and an end cutting face,
said end cutting face having a plurality of cylindrical recesses
spaced therearound in a selected pattern,
each of said recesses having an offset cylindrical counterbore
extending for a depth of a fraction of the depth of the adjacent
recess,
a plurality of cutting elements, one for each of said recesses,
said cutting elements each comprising a cylindrical supporting stud
of sintered carbide having an angularly oriented supporting surface
with a disc shaped element bonded thereon comprising a sintered
carbide disc having a cutting surface comprising polycrystalline
diamond,
said disc shaped elements on said cutting elements have a
peripheral bevel on said diamond cutting surface,
each of said cutting elements being positioned in one of said
recesses by an interference fit with said disc shaped element
partially recessed in said counterbore,
said counterbores being positioned to orient said discs with their
cutting surfaces facing the direction of rotation of the bit and
being of a size relieving stresses on said supporting studs during
cutting operation.
2. A drill bit according to claim 1 in which
said cutting elements each have a groove extending longitudinally
for the length of said supporting studs,
said cutting face having a plurality of smaller recesses, one for
each of said first named recesses, extending parallel to and
intersecting each of said recesses,
said smaller recesses being of a size defining a cylindrical cavity
when said studs are positioned in said first named recesses with
said grooves adjacent thereto, and
a metal pin having an interference fit in each of said cavities
securing said studs in position against twisting movement.
3. A drill bit according to claim 2 in which
said metal pins are of a length terminating flush with the surface
of said cutting face.
4. A drill bit according to claim 3 in which
said smaller recesses extend for only part of the depth of said
first named recesses.
5. A drill bit according to claim 1 in which
said drill body includes a plurality of longitudinally extending
courses in said stabilizer surface permitting flow of drilling
fluid thereby, and
said stabilizer surface having a plurality of recesses therein and
flat ended cylindrical sintered carbide inserts positioned
therein.
6. A drill bit according to claim 1 in which
said cutting face comprises a crown surface defined by the
intersection of an outer conical surface and an inner negative
conical surface, and
said first named recesses being spaced in a selected pattern along
both of said conical surfaces.
7. A drill bit according to claim 6 in which
said first named recesses are positioned on said cutting face
arranged at least partially in a spiral pattern.
8. A drill bit according to claim 1 in which
said drill bit body has a plurality of longitudinally extending
nozzle passages extending from the interior of said body through
said cutting face at an angle of about 10.degree.-25.degree.
relative to the longitudinal axis of said body.
9. A drill bit according to claim 8 in which
said nozzle passages each comprises a passage in said drill bit
body and a removable nozzle member positioned therein.
10. A drill bit according to claim 6 in which
said drill bit body has a plurality of longitudinally extending
nozzle passages extending from the interior of said body through
said cutting face at an angle of about 10.degree.-25.degree.
relative to the longitudinal axis of said body.
11. A drill bit according to claim 10 in which
said nozzle passage each comprises a passage in said drill bit body
and a removable nozzle member positioned therein.
12. A drill bit according to claim 9 in which
said nozzle passage includes a peripherally extending groove,
said nozzle member includes a peripherally extending groove in the
outer surface thereof and aligned with said nozzle passage groove
when installed in said nozzle passage, and
a snap ring positioned in said nozzle passage groove and said
nozzle member groove securing said nozzle member in position.
13. A drill bit according to claim 9 in which
said nozzle member and said drill body include small angularly
extending aligned passages when said nozzle member is positioned in
said nozzle passage, and
a retaining pin fitting said aligned passages to retain said nozzle
member in position.
14. A drill bit comprising
a drill body having a hollow tubular body adapted to be connected
to a drill string,
said drill body having an exterior peripheral stabilizer surface
and an end cutting face,
said end cutting face having a plurality of cylindrical recesses
spaced therearund in a selected pattern,
a plurality of cutting elements, one for each of said recesses,
said cutting elements each comprising a cylindrical supporting stud
of sintered carbide having an angularly oriented supporting surface
with a disc shaped element bonded thereon comprising a sintered
carbide dischaving a cutting surface comprising plycrystalline
diamond,
each of said cutting elements being positioned in one of said
recesses by an interference fit,
said discs being positioned with their cutting surfaces facing the
direction of rotation of the bit,
said drill body having a plurality of nozzle passages extending
from the interior of said body through said cutting face,
said nozzle passages each comprising a passage in said drill bit
body and a removable nozzle member positioned therein,
said nozzle member and said drill body including small angularly
extending aligned passages when nozzle member is positioned in said
nozzle passage,
a retaining pin fitting said aligned passages to retain said nozzle
member in position, and p1 said angularly extending passage in said
drill body and said retaining pin are of predetermined respective
lengths such that said pin may be driven completely into said drill
body to permit removal of said nozzle member therefrom for
replacement or interchange.
15. A drill bit comprising
a drill body having a hollow tubular body adapted to be connected
to a drill string,
said drill body having an exterior peripheral stabilizer surface
and an end face with cutting means positioned thereon,
said drill body having a plurality of nozzle passages extending
from the interior of said body through said end face,
said nozzle passages each comprising a passage in said drill bit
body and a removable nozzle member positioned therein,
said nozzle member and said drill body including small angularly
extending passages aligned shen said nozzle member is positioned in
said nozzle passage,
a retaining pin fitting said aligned passages to retain said nozzle
member in position, and
said angularly extending passage in said drill body and said
retaining pin are of predetermined respective lengths such that
said pin may be driven completely into said drill body or the
interior cavity thereof to permit removal of said nozzle member
therefrom for replacement or interchange.
16. A drill bit comprising
a drill body having a hollow tubular body adapted to be connected
to a drill string,
said drill body having an exterior peripheral stabilizer surface
and an end cutting face,
said end cutting face having a plurality of cylindrical recesses
spaced therearound in a selected pattern,
each of said recesses having an offset cylindrical counterbore
extending for a depth of a fraction of the depth of the adjacent
recess,
a plurality of cutting elements, one for each of said recesses,
said cutting elements each comprising a cylindrical supporting stud
of sintered carbide having an angularly oriented supporting surface
with a disc shaped element bonded thereon comprising a sintered
carbide disc having a cutting surface comprising polycrystalline
diamond,
each of said cutting elements being positioned in one of said
recesses by an interference fit with said disc shaped element
partially recessed in said counterbore,
said counterbores being positioned to orient said discs with their
cutting surfaces facing the direction of rotation of the bit and
being of a size relieving stresses on said supporting studs during
cutting operation, said drill bit body having a plurality of
longitudinally extending nozzle passages extending from the
interior of said body through said cutting face at an angle of
about 10.degree.-25.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis of
said body,
said nozzle passages each comprises a passage in said drill bit
body and a removable nozzle member positioned therein,
said nozzle passage includes a peripherally extending groove,
said nozzle member includes a peripherally extending groove in the
outer surface thereof and aligned with said nozzle passage groove
when installed in said nozzle passage,
a snap ring positioned in said nozzle passage groove and said
nozzle member groove securing said nozzle member in position,
said nozzle member and said drill body include small angularly
extending aligned passages when said nozzle member is positioned in
said nozzle passage, and
a retaining pin fitting said aligned passages to retain said nozzle
member in position, and
said angularly extending passage in said drill body and said
retaining pin are of predetermined respective lengths such that
said pin may be driven completely into said drill body to permit
removal of said nozzle member therefrom for replacement or
interchange. .Iadd.
17. A drill bit comprising
a drill body having a hollow tubular body adapted to be connected
to a drill string,
said drill body having an exterior peripheral stabilizer surface
and an end cutting face,
said end cutting face having a plurality of cylindrical recesses
spaced therearound in a selected pattern,
a plurality of cutting elements, one for each of said recesses,
said cutting elements each comprising a cylindrical supporting stud
of sintered carbide having an angularly oriented supporting surface
with a disc-shaped element bonded thereon comprising a sintered
carbide disc having a cutting surface comprising polycrystalline
diamond,
said disc-shaped elements on said cutting elements have a
peripheral bevel on said diamond cutting surface, and
each of said cutting elements being positioned in one of said
recesses by an interference fit. .Iaddend. .Iadd.
18. A cutting element for use in a drill bit of the type comprising
a drill body and recess means therein for receiving said cutting
element, said cutting element comprising a cylindrical supporting
stud of sintered carbide having an angularly oriented supporting
surface with a disc-shaped element bonded thereon comprising a
sintered carbide disc having a cutting surface comprising a
polycrystalline diamond, said disc-shaped element on said cutting
element having a peripheral bevel on said diamond cutting surface.
.Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to new and useful improvements in diamond
drill bits and more particularly to certain improved features
thereof.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
It is well known to use diamond bits for earth drilling using
natural or synthetic diamonds bonded to supporting metallic or
carbide studs or slugs.
There are several types of diamond bits know to the drilling
industry. In one type, the diamonds are a very small size and
randomly distributed in a supporting matrix. Another type contains
diamonds of a larger size positioned on the surface of a drill
shank in a predetermined pattern. Still another type involves the
use of a cutter formed of a polycrystalline diamond supported on a
sintered carbide support
Some of the most recent publications dealing with diamond bits of
advanced design, relavent to this invention, consists of Rowley, et
al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,073,354 and Rohde, et al. U.S. Pat. No.
4,098,363. An example of cutting inserts using polycrystalline
diamond cutters and an illustration of a drill bit using such
cutters, is found in Daniels, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,156,329.
The most comprehensive treatment of this subject in the literature
is probably the chapter entitled STRATAPAX bits, pages 541-591 in
ADVANCED DRILLING TECHNIQUES, by William C. Maurer, The Petroleum
Publishing Company, 1421 South Sheridan Road, P.O. Box 1260, Tulsa,
Okla., 74101, published in 1980. This reference illustrates and
discusses in detail the development of the STRATAPAX diamond
cutting elements by General Electric and gives several examples of
commercial drill bits and prototypes using such cutting
elements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One of the objects of this invention is to provide a new and
improved drill bit having diamond insert cutters.
Another object is to provide a drill bit having diamond cutting
inserts with a novel retaining means therefor.
Another object is to provide an improved drill bit having diamond
cutter inserts with a means for stress relief during the cutting
operation.
Still another object is to provide an improved drill bit with
diamond insert cutters and nozzles extending through the cutting
face of the bit at an outwardly directed angle.
Yet another object is to provide a new and improved drill bit
having removable and interchangeable nozzles with an improved
arrangement for nozzle retention.
Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent
from time to time throughout the specification and claims as
hereinafter related.
The foregoing objectives are accomplished by a new and improved
drill bit as described herein. This new and improved drill bit for
connection on a drill string has a hollow tubular body with an end
cutting face and an exterior peripheral stabilizer surface with
cylindrical sintered carbide inserts positioned therein. Nozzle
passages extend from the interior of the bit body through the
cutting face, preferably at an angle of about 10.degree.-25.degree.
relative to the longitudinal axis of the body, and consist of a
passage in the bit body and a removable and interchangeable nozzle
member. The nozzle member is secured in place either by peripheral
grooves and snap rings or aligned smaller passages in the nozzle
member and the bit body having a retaining pin positioned
therein.
The cutting face preferably has a plurality of recesses therein
which receive, by an interference fit, a plurality of cutting
elements of the type known as STRATAPAX, consisting of a
cylindrical stud having an angular supporting surface with a
cutting disc bonded thereon consisting of sintered carbide having a
cutting surface of polycrystalline diamond. The studs of the
cutting element may have a groove along one side which aligns with
a small recess along the side of the cutting element recess to
receive a metal pin operable to secure the cutting element in place
and against twisting. Additionally, an offset counterbore may be
provided at the top of the cutting element recesses which provide
for stress relief of the cutting elements during cutting
operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a view partly in elevation and partly in quarter section
of an earth boring drill bit representing a preferred embodiment of
this invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the bottom of the drill bit shown in FIG.
1 showing half of the bit with cutting inserts in place and half
without the inserts, showing only the recesses.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken normal to the surface of the drill
bit through one of the recesses in which the cutting inserts are
positioned and showing the insert in elevation.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view in plan showing the hole or recess in
which the cutting insert is positioned.
FIG. 5 is a view in side elevation of one of the cutting
inserts.
FIG. 5A is a view in side elevation of an alternate embodiment of
one of the cutting inserts.
FIG. 6 is a view of one of the cutting inserts in plan relative to
the surface on which the cutting element is mounted.
FIG. 7 is a top view of the cutting insert shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 is a view in section taken on the line 8--8 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken on the line 9--9 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 10 is a detail, enlarged sectional view of an alternate
embodiment of the removable and replaceable nozzle element shown in
FIG. 9.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference and more
particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a drill bit 1 having a
tubular body 2 and which is adapted to be connected as by a
threaded connection 3 to a drill collar 4 in a conventional drill
string. The body 2 of drill bit 1 has a longitudinally extending
passage 5 terminating in a cavity 6 formed by end wall 7 which is
the cutting face of the drill bit.
Drill bit 1 has a peripheral stabilizer surface 8 which meets the
cutting face 7 at the gage cutting edge portion 9.
The stabilizer portion 8 is provided with a plurality of grooves or
courses 10 which provide for flow of drilling mud or other drilling
fluid around the bit during drilling operation. The stabilizer
surface 8 is provided with a plurality of cylindrical holes or
recesses 11 in which are positioned hard metal inserts 12. The hard
metal inserts 12 are preferably of a sintered carbide and are
cylindrical in shape and held in place in recesses 11 by an
interference fit with the flat end of the insert being
substantially flush with the stabilizer surface 8. The cutting
surface or cutting face 7 of the drill bit body 2 is preferably a
crown surface defined by the intersection of outer conical surface
13 and inner negative conical surface 14. The crown surfaces 13 and
14 are provided with a plurality of sockets or recesses 15 spaced
therearound in a selected pattern. As will be seen from the bottom
plan view in FIG. 2, the sockets or recesses 15 and the cutting
inserts which are positioned therein are arranged in substantially
a spiral pattern. In FIGS. 3 and 4 the sockets or recesses 15 are
shown in more detail with the cutting inserts being illustrated.
Each of the recesses 15 is provided with a counterbore 16 extending
for only part of the depth of the recess 15. There is also provided
a smaller diameter cylindrical recess 17 which intersects the wall
of recess 15 and is open thereto. Recess 17 functions to receive a
retaining pin as will be subsequently described.
The recesses 15 in crown faces 13 and 14 receive a plurality of
cutting elements 18 which are seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 and are shown
in substantial detail in FIGS. 3, 5, 6 and 7.
Cutting elements 18 are preferably STRATAPAX cutters manufactured
by General Electric Company and described in Daniels, et al. U.S.
Pat. No. 4,156,329, Rowley, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,073,354 and in
considerable detail in ADVANCED DRILLING TECHNIQUES by William C.
Maurer. The STRATAPAX cutting elements 18 consist of a cylindrical
supporting stud 19 of sintered carbide. Stud 19 is beveled at the
bottom as indicated at 20, has edge tapered surfaces 21 and 22, a
top tapered surface 23 and an angularly oriented supporting surface
24. A small cylindrical groove 25 is provided along one side of
supporting stud 19. A disc shaped cutting element 26 is bonded on
angular supporting surface 24, preferably by brazing or the like.
Disc shaped cutting element 26 is a sintered carbide disc having a
cutting surface 27 comprising polycrystalline diamond. In FIG. 5A,
there is shown an alternate form of cutting element 18 in which the
cutting surface 27 of polycrystalline diamond on disc shaped cutter
26 is beveled around the peripheral edge as indicated at 28.
The relative size of supporting studs 19 of cutting elements 18 and
the diameter of recesses 15 are selected so that cutting elements
18 will have a tight interference fit in the recesses 15. The
recesses 15 are oriented so that when the cutting elements are
properly positioned therein the disc shaped diamond faced cutters
26 will be positioned with the cutting surfaces facing the
direction of rotation of the drill bit. When the cutting elements
18 are properly positioned in sockets or recesses 15 the groove 25
in supporting stud 19 is aligned with the small half cylindrical
recess 17 on the edge of socket or recess 15. Half cylindrical
recess 17 and cylindrical groove 25 in supporting stud 19 together
form a cylindrical cavity in which there is positioned a retaining
pin 29. Retaining pin 29 is a metal pin of sufficient size that it
is retained in the cavity between the groove 25 and recess 17 by an
interference fit. This further assists in holding cutting element
18 tightly in the cutting face of the drill bit and prevents
rotation or twisting of the cutting element during cutting
operation. In FIG. 3, the retaining pin 29 is shown as a relatively
short pin terminating flush with the surface of the cutting face in
which the cutting element is imbedded. The recess 17 in which pin
29 is inserted is shown as extending only about half the depth of
recess 15. This is a preferred arrangement although recess 17 can
be extended for the entire depth of recess 15 if desired.
Drill bit body 2 is provided with a centrally located nozzle
passage 30 and a plurality of equally spaced nozzle passages 31
toward the outer part of the bit body. The nozzle passages 30 and
31 are designed to provide for the flow of drilling fluid, i.e.
drilling mud or the like, to keep the bit clear of rock particles
and debris as it is operated. The outer nozzle passages 31 are
positioned in an outward angle of about 10.degree.-25.degree.
relative to the longitudinal axis of the bit body. The central
nozzle passage 30 is set an an angle of about 30.degree. relative
to the longitudinal axis of the bit body. The outward angle of
nozzle passages 31 directs the flow of drilling fluid toward the
outside of the bore hole and preferably ejects the drilling fluid
at about the peak surface of the crown surface on which the cutting
inserts are mounted. This arrangement provides a superior cleaning
action for removal of rock particles and debris from the cutting
area when the drill bit is being operated.
The central nozzle passage 30 comprises passage 32 extending from
drill body cavity 6 and has a counterbore 33 cut therein.
Counterbore 33 is provided with a peripheral groove 34 in which
there is positioned an O-ring 35. A cylindrical nozzle insert
member 36 is positioned in counterbore 33 and has a passage 37
providing a nozzle for discharge of drilling fluid. Nozzle member
36 is a removable and interchangeable member which may be removed
for servicing or replacement or for interchange with a nozzle of a
different size or shape, as desired. Nozzle member 36 has a
peripheral groove 38 which matches a groove 39 in drill bit body 2.
A snap-ring 40 is positioned in grooves 38 and 39 to retain nozzle
member 36 in place.
In FIG. 8, the nozzle passages 31 are shown in some detail but
without the nozzle member being in place. In the nozzle passages
31, nozzle passage 32a open from body cavity 6 and is intersected
by counterbore 33a. In FIG. 8, nozzle member 36 is shown
unsectioned so that only the exterior cylindrical surface is seen.
O-ring 35 is seen in full elevation surrounding the outer surface
of nozzle member 36 and extending into peripheral groove 34.
Likewise, snap-ring 40 is seen in full elevation and fitting into
drill bit body groove 39.
There is a considerable advantage to the use of nozzle members as
shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and particularly at the angles described.
The removal and replacement of these members, however, is somewhat
difficult when a snap-ring is used for retaining them. In FIG. 10,
there is shown an alternate embodiment of the nozzle members which
provides for easy removal and replacement or interchange thereof.
In FIG. 10, nozzle member 36 is shown positioned in counterbore 33
with O-ring 35 providing the desired seal against leakage. In this
embodiment, however, snap-ring 40 is omitted and a continuous hole
or passage is provided extending at an angle through nozzle member
36 and into or through bit body 2. This passage consists of
angularly extending passage 41 in nozzle member 36 and aligned
passage 42 in bit body 2. The passage 41 is preferably formed in
the nozzle member 36 at the time of manufacture or fabrication and
passage 42 is prepared by placing nozzle member 36 in position and
using passage 41 as a guide for drilling passage 42 as aligned
passage forming an extension of passage 41. Passage 42 may extend a
substantial distance into bit body 2 or, if desired, may extend all
the way into cavity 6 in bit body 2. When nozzle 36, in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 10, is inserted in place metal pins 43 are
inserted therein to a point where they lie partly in passage 41 and
partly in passage 42. In this position, nozzle member 36 is held
firmly in place. If it is desired or needed to change nozzle member
36, it is necessary only to drive metal pin 43 on into passage 42
to a point where it is no longer projecting into passage 41. At
this position, nozzle member 36 can be easily removed. If passage
42 is drilled all the way into cavity 6, metal retaining pins 43
can be driven through into that cavity and recovered. If passage 42
terminates in the bit body, then this system of retaining nozzle
member 36 in place is limited to the length of passage 42 in
relation to the length of retaining pin 43 which will determine how
many of the retaining pins can be driven into passage 42 when
several interchanges of nozzle members has taken place. If passage
42 becomes filled with used retaining pins, it will then be
necessary to drill out the passage to eliminate the used pins.
OPERATION
The operation of this drill bit should be fairly apparent from the
foregoing description of its component parts and method of
assembly. Nevertheless, it is useful to restate the operating
characteristics of this novel drill bit to make its novel features
and advantages clear and understandable.
The drill bit as shown in the drawings and described above is
primarily a rotary bit of the type having fixed diamond surfaced
cutting inserts. Most of the features described relate only to the
construction of a diamond bit. The replaceable nozzle member
retaining arrangement, as shown in FIG. 10, is of more general
application. This arrangement for retention of the removable and
interchangeable nozzle members is useful in a diamond bit as
described and shown herein but would also be of like use in
providing for the retention of removable and interchangeable nozzle
member in roller bits or any other bits which have a flow of
drilling fluid through the bit body and out through a flow
directing nozzle. The arrangement for releasably securing the
nozzle members in place is therefore considered to be of general
application and not specifically restricted to the retention of
nozzles in diamond cutter insert type bits.
In operation, this drill bit is rotated by a drill string through
the connection by means of the drill collar 4 shown in FIG. 1.
Diamond surfaced cutting elements 18 cut into the rock or other
earth formations as the bit is rotated and the rock particles and
other debris is continuously flushed by drilling fluid which flows
through the drill string and the interior passage 5 of the drill
bit and is ejected through nozzle passages 30 and 31 as previously
described. The central nozzle 30 is set at an angle of about
30.degree. to flush away cuttings and debris from the inside of the
cutting crown. The outer nozzle passages 31 are set at an angle of
10.degree.-25.degree. outward relative to the longitudinal axis of
the drill bit body. These nozzle passages emerge through the
cutting face at about the peak of the crown cutting surface. This
causes the drilling fluid to be ejected toward the edges of the
bore hole and assists in flushing rock particles and cuttings and
debris away from the cutting surface. As noted above in the
description of construction and assembly, the nozzle passages 30
and 31 are formed by removable nozzle members which may be held in
place either by snap-ring 40, as shown in FIG. 9, or by the
angularly oriented retaining pins 43 in passages 41 and 42.
The peripheral surface or stabilizer surface 8 of drill bit body 2
is provided with a plurality of sintered carbide cylindrical
inserts 12 positioned in sockets or recesses 11 thereof. These
inserts protect stabilizer surface 8 against excessive wear and
assist in keeping the bore hole to proper gage to prevent the drill
bit from binding in the hole. The grooves or courses 10 in
stabilizer surface 8 provide for circulation of drilling fluid,
i.e. drilling mud, past the drill bit body 2 to remove rock
cuttings and debris to the surface.
As previously pointed out, the construction and arrangement of the
cutting elements and the method of assembly and retention of these
elements is especially important to the operation of this drill
bit. The drill bit is designed to cut through very hard rock and is
subjected to very substantial stresses. Typical cutting elements 18
are STRATAPAX cutting elements manufactured by General Electric
Company and consist of diamond surfaced cutting discs supported on
carbide studs as described above. The counterbore 16 adjacent to
the socket or recess 15 in which cutting element stud 19 is fitted
allows for cutting disc 26 to be partially recessed below the
surface of the cutting face of the drill bit and also provides for
relieving the stress on the drill bit during the cutting operation.
The use of retaining pin 29, which is inserted into the cavity
defined by passage 17 and groove 25 provides a further interference
fit assisting in retaining cutting element 18 in position and
protecting it against twisting movement during cutting operation
off the drill bit. The arrangement of cutting elements 18 in a
spiral pattern on the crown cutting surface, as shown in FIG. 2,
provides for a uniform cutting action on the bottom of the bore
hole. The cutters 18 which lie on the outer conical cutting surface
15 function to cut the gage of the bore hole and these cutters
together with the carbide inserts 12 in the stabilizer surface 8
function to hold the side walls of the bore hole to proper gage and
prevent binding of the drill bit in the bore hole.
While this invention has been described fully and completely with
specmal emphasis upon a single preferred embodiment with a few
alternate features, it should be understood that within the scope
of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise
than as specifically described herein .
* * * * *