Rock bit with cavitating jet nozzles

Patent · Tue Jan 29 04:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:6007596

Vincent, J W; Baker, W III

This method teaches the use of cavitation inducing nozzles in combination with rock bits. The cavitation nozzles enhance the drilling rate by creating catastrophic implosion waves which erode solid material at the bottom of the hole while reducing the localized pressure at the rock tooth interface. Localized pressure reduction reduces the tendency for the cuttings to adhere to the bottom of the hole due to differential pressure. The method combines the use of cavitation erosion principals with state-of-the-art rock bits, resulting in unusually high driling rates. The special cavitation nozzle enhances the drilling rate of rock bits. It was additionally determined when directing at least one of the cavitation nozzles, such as a center jet, past the cones of a 2- and 3-cone rock bit, the resultant cavitation cleans the cones, thus preventing packing or balling of the cones, thereby further improving the drilling rate of the rock bit. 7 claims.

• Assignee: Smith International Inc.
• Patent Number(s): US 4185706
• OSTI ID: 6007596
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300 -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
42 ENGINEERING
420206* -- Engineering-- Mining & Drilling Equipment & Facilities-- (1980-1989)
CAVITATION
DESIGN
DRILL BITS
DRILLING
DRILLING EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
IMPLOSIONS
JETS
NOZZLES
OPTIMIZATION
WELL DRILLING