Drill bit with wear indicating feature

Patent · Tue Nov 22 04:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:6386852

Davis, Jr, A P; Stolle, J W

This patent describes a drill bit, comprising: a main bit body defining a central chamber; at least one part in the main bit body, the port establishing a fluid pathway between the central chamber and the exterior of the main bit body; at least one spindle extending from the main bit body; a cutting element rotatably secured on the spindle; a sensor secured to the spindle to detect wear of the interface between the spindle and cutting element; means for altering the fluid flow resistance of the port in response and to the sensor detecting a predetermined degree of wear; a first passageway segment extending through the spindle; a second passageway segment extending through the main bit body from a position proximate the central chamber to a position proximate the first passageway segment; a guide element inserted into the main bit body; the guide element defining a passageway connecting the first and second passageway segments to one another; and a tensioned linkage element extending through the first passageway segment, the guide element and the second passageway segment, the tensioned linkage having a first end secured to the sensor and a second end secured to the flow resistance altering means.

• Assignee: Exxon Production Research Co., Houston, TX
• Patent Number(s): US 4785895
• OSTI ID: 6386852
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
03 NATURAL GAS
030300 -- Natural Gas-- Drilling
Production
& Processing
BEARINGS
DESIGN
DRILL BITS
DRILLING
DRILLING EQUIPMENT
DRILLING FLUIDS
DRILLS
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
METERS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
OIL WELLS
ROCK DRILLING
ROTARY DRILLS
WEAR
WELLS
WIRES