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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Solids diverter for a downhole drilling motor

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6369907

A downhole drilling motor located near the end of a rotary drill string is operated by the drilling mud for driving a rotary drill bit to drill an oil or gas well or the like. Fluid lubricated bearings are employed and a portion of the drilling fluid is diverted through the bearings of the downhole motor with the balance of the drilling fluid being discharged through ports of the drill bit. The diverted portion of the drilling fluid is transmitted along a flow path that results in an abrupt change of direction of flow. The flow path will purge a portion of the drilling fluid of unwant ed solids by diverting the solid along with the main portion of the drilling fluid through the motor and through and out of the drill bit. The entry of large contaminating solids or high-density and abrasive solids to the bearings is restricted. This prevents plugging of flow through the bearings and reduces wear in the bearings by reducing the volume of abrasive solids.

Assignee:
Dresser Industries Inc
Patent Number(s):
US 4260031
OSTI ID:
6369907
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English