WO2022204407A1 - Fluid inlet sleeves for improving fluid flow in earth-boring tools, earth-boring tools having fluid inlet sleeves, and related methods - Google Patents
Fluid inlet sleeves for improving fluid flow in earth-boring tools, earth-boring tools having fluid inlet sleeves, and related methods Download PDFInfo
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- WO2022204407A1 WO2022204407A1 PCT/US2022/021749 US2022021749W WO2022204407A1 WO 2022204407 A1 WO2022204407 A1 WO 2022204407A1 US 2022021749 W US2022021749 W US 2022021749W WO 2022204407 A1 WO2022204407 A1 WO 2022204407A1
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- fluid inlet
- inlet sleeve
- earth
- fluid
- boring tool
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- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 246
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 27
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 40
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- UONOETXJSWQNOL-UHFFFAOYSA-N tungsten carbide Chemical compound [W+]#[C-] UONOETXJSWQNOL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 description 2
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B10/00—Drill bits
- E21B10/60—Drill bits characterised by conduits or nozzles for drilling fluids
- E21B10/61—Drill bits characterised by conduits or nozzles for drilling fluids characterised by the nozzle structure
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to earth-boring tools containing fluid inlet sleeves having tapered or stepped ends for adjusting fluid flow and related methods of making earth boring tools comprising the fluid inlet sleeves.
- subterranean drilling operations generally employ a rotary drill bit that is rotated while being advanced through rock formations.
- Cutting elements or structures affixed to the rotary drill bit cut the rock while drilling fluid removes formation debris and carries it back to the surface.
- the drilling fluid is pumped from the surface through the drill string and out through one or more (usually a plurality of) nozzles located on the drill bit.
- the nozzles direct jets or streams of the drilling fluid to clean and cool cutting surfaces of the drill bit and for the aforementioned debris removal.
- the number of nozzles on the drill bit depends on the bit size and the arrangement of the cutting elements on the face of the individual drill bit. Accordingly, the total flow area of the nozzles is determined by first evaluating the requirements of hydraulics for the particular drilling application. Moreover, the life of a drill bit having PDC cutting elements is typically extended when it is adequately lubricated and cooled during the drilling process. In contrast, having inadequate fluid flow to the face of a drill bit allows formation cuttings to collect on the faces of the cutting elements. This collection of cuttings isolates the cutting elements from the drilling fluid. This also reduces the rate of penetration of the drill bit and if the debris collection is sufficiently high the cutting elements may overheat which increases the wear rate. Adequate fluid flow is critical to the success of the drill bit.
- the earth boring tools may include a body including at least one nozzle port extending from an external surface to an internal fluid plenum.
- the earth-boring tools may further include at least one fluid inlet sleeve disposed within the at least one nozzle port of the tool body, the at least one fluid inlet sleeve comprising a hollow cylinder having a longitudinal end oriented at least partially within the internal fluid plenum, the longitudinal end comprising at least one surface oriented at an angle within a range from greater than 0 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to a plane to which a longitudinal axis of the fluid inlet sleeve is normal.
- the fluid inlet sleeve may include a hollow cylinder having a longitudinal end configured to be at least partially disposed within an internal fluid plenum of an earth-boring tool, the longitudinal end comprising at least one surface oriented at an angle within a range from greater than 0 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to a plane to which a longitudinal axis of the fluid inlet sleeve is normal.
- Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of forming an earth boring tool.
- the method may include disposing a nozzle within in a nozzle port of a body of the earth-boring tool, the nozzle port extending from an external surface of the body and an internal fluid plenum within the body; and disposing at least one fluid inlet sleeve within the nozzle port of the body adjacent to the nozzle such that a longitudinal end of the at least one fluid inlet sleeve is oriented at least partially within the internal fluid plenum, the longitudinal end comprising at least one surface oriented at an angle within the range from greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees relative to a plane to which a longitudinal axis of the fluid inlet sleeve is normal.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a drilling system that may utilize the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein for drilling boreholes;
- FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an earth-boring tool that may be used with the drilling assembly of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2B is a bottom side view of the earth-boring tool within one or more elements removed to better show internal components of the earth-boring tool according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 3A is a top view of the body of the earth-boring tool disconnected from the string of FIG. 1 including a fluid inlet sleeve according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 3B is a side cross-sectional view of the body of the earth-boring tool including a fluid inlet sleeve according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 3C is another side cross-sectional view of the body of the earth-boring tool including the fluid inlet sleeve of FIG. 3B according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 4A is a schematic side view of the fluid inlet sleeve of FIGS. 3A-3C according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the fluid inlet sleeve of FIG. 4 A according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 5A is a side cross-sectional view of the body of the earth-boring tool including a fluid inlet sleeve according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 5B is another side cross-sectional view of the body of the earth-boring tool including the fluid inlet sleeve of FIG. 5A according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 6A is a schematic side view of the fluid inlet sleeve of FIGS. 5A and 5B according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the fluid inlet sleeve of FIG. 5 A according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a body of an earth-boring tool including a nozzle port and a fluid inlet sleeve disposed within the nozzle port according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 9A, and 9B show the results from a Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis performed by the inventors and used to analyze the fluid flow velocity at various locations inside the body of the earth-boring tool including the fluid inlet sleeve according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
- CFD Computational Fluid Dynamic
- earth-boring tool means and includes earth-boring tools for forming, enlarging, or forming and enlarging a borehole.
- earth boring tools include fixed cutter (drag) bits, fixed cutter coring bits, fixed cutter eccentric bits, fixed cutter bi-center bits, fixed cutter reamers, expandable reamers with blades bearing fixed cutters, and hybrid bits including both fixed cutters and rotatable cutting structures (e.g., roller cones).
- cutting elements means and includes, for example, superabrasive (e.g., poly crystalline diamond compact or “PDC”) cutting elements employed as fixed cutting elements, as well as tungsten carbide inserts and superabrasive inserts employed as cutting elements mounted to a body of an earth-boring tool.
- superabrasive e.g., poly crystalline diamond compact or “PDC”
- tungsten carbide inserts and superabrasive inserts employed as cutting elements mounted to a body of an earth-boring tool.
- the term “may” with respect to a material, structure, feature, or method act indicates that such is contemplated for use in implementation of an embodiment of the disclosure, and such term is used in preference to the more restrictive term “is” so as to avoid any implication that other compatible materials, structures, features, and methods usable in combination therewith should or must be excluded.
- any relational term such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” etc., is used for clarity and convenience in understanding the disclosure and accompanying drawings, and does not connote or depend on any specific preference or order, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise.
- these terms may refer to an orientation of elements of an earth-boring tool when disposed within a borehole in a conventional manner.
- these terms may refer to an orientation of elements of an earth-boring tool when as illustrated in the drawings.
- the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
- the term “substantially” in reference to a given parameter, property, or condition means and includes to a degree that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a degree of variance, such as within acceptable tolerances.
- the parameter, property, or condition may be at least 90.0 percent met, at least 95.0 percent met, at least 99.0 percent met, at least 99.9 percent met, or even 100.0 percent met.
- the term “about” used in reference to a given parameter is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., it includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the given parameter, as well as variations resulting from manufacturing tolerances, etc.).
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a drilling system 100 that may utilize the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein for drilling boreholes.
- FIG. 1 shows a borehole 102 that includes an upper section 104 with a casing 106 installed therein and a lower section 108 that is being drilled with a drill string 110.
- the drill string 110 may include a tubular member 112 that carries a drilling assembly 114 at its bottom end.
- the tubular member 112 may be made up by joining drill pipe sections or it may be a string of coiled tubing, for example.
- a drill bit 116 may be attached to the bottom end of the drilling assembly 114 for drilling the borehole 102 of a selected diameter in a formation 118.
- the drill string 110 may extend to a rig 120 at surface 122.
- the rig 120 shown is a land rig 120 for ease of explanation. However, the apparatuses and methods disclosed equally apply when an offshore rig 120 is used for drilling boreholes under water.
- a rotary table 124 or a top drive may be coupled to the drill string 110 and may be utilized to rotate the drill string 110 and to rotate the drilling assembly 114, and thus the drill bit 116 to drill the borehole 102.
- a drilling motor 126 may be provided in the drilling assembly 114 to rotate the drill bit 116. The drilling motor 126 may be used alone to rotate the drill bit 116 or to superimpose the rotation of the drill bit 116 by the drill string 110.
- the rig 120 may also include conventional equipment, such as a mechanism to add additional sections to the tubular member 112 as the borehole 102 is drilled.
- a surface control unit 128, which may be a computer-based unit, may be placed at the surface 122 for receiving and processing downhole data transmitted by sensors 140 in the drill bit 116 and sensors 140 in the drilling assembly 114, and for controlling selected operations of the various devices and sensors 140 in the drilling assembly 114.
- the sensors 140 may include one or more of sensors 140 that determine acceleration, weight on bit, torque, pressure, cutting element positions, rate of penetration, inclination, azimuth formation/lithology, etc.
- the surface control unit 128 may include a processor 130 and a data storage device 132 (or a computer- readable medium) for storing data, algorithms, and computer programs 134.
- the data storage device 132 may be any suitable device, including, but not limited to, a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a magnetic tape, a hard disk, and an optical disk.
- the drilling assembly 114 may further include one or more downhole sensors 140 (collectively designated by numeral 140).
- the sensors 140 may include any number and type of sensors 140, including, but not limited to, sensors generally known as the measurement- while-drilling (MWD) sensors or the logging-while-drilling (LWD) sensors, and sensors 140 that provide information relating to the behavior of the drilling assembly 114, such as drill bit rotation (revolutions per minute or “RPM”), tool face, pressure, vibration, whirl, bending, and stick-slip.
- the drilling assembly 114 may further include a controller unit 142 that controls the operation of one or more devices and sensors 140 in the drilling assembly 114.
- the controller unit 142 may be disposed within the drill bit 116 (e.g., within a shank 208 and/or crown 210 of a bit body of the drill bit 116).
- the controller unit 142 may include, among other things, circuits to process the signals from sensor 140, a processor 144 (such as a microprocessor) to process the digitized signals, a data storage device 146 (such as a solid-state-memory), and a computer program 148.
- the processor 144 may process the digitized signals, and control downhole devices and sensors 140, and communicate data information with the surface control unit 128 via a two-way telemetry unit 150.
- FIG. 2A shows a perspective view an earth-boring tool 200 that may be used with the drilling assembly 114 of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
- Other types of earth-boring tools such as roller cone bits, percussion bits, hybrid bits, reamers, etc.
- FIG. 2B is a bottom side view of the earth-boring tool 200 of FIG. 2A with one or more elements removed to better show internal components of the earth-boring tool 200.
- the earth-boring tool 200 may include a body 202 including a neck 206, a shank 208, and a crown 210.
- the bulk of the body 202 may be constructed of steel, or of a ceramic-metal composite material including particles of hard material (e.g., tungsten carbide) cemented within a metal matrix material.
- the body 202 of the earth-boring tool 200 may have an axial center defining a center longitudinal axis 205 that may generally coincide with a rotational axis of the earth boring tool 200.
- the center longitudinal axis 205 of the body 202 may extend in a direction hereinafter referred to as an “axial direction.”
- the body 202 may be connectable to a drill string 110 (FIG. 1).
- the neck 206 of the body 202 may have a tapered upper end having threads thereon for connecting the earth-boring tool 200 to a box end of a drilling assembly 114 (FIG. 1).
- the shank 208 may include a lower straight section that is fixedly connected to the crown 210 at ajoint.
- the crown 210 may include a plurality of blades 214.
- Each blade 214 of the plurality of blades 214 of the earth-boring tool 200 may include a plurality of cutting elements 230 fixed thereto.
- the plurality of cutting elements 230 of each blade 214 may be located in a row along a profile of the blade 214 proximate a rotationally leading face 232 of the blade 214.
- the plurality of cutting elements 230 of the plurality of blades 214 may include PDC cutting elements 230.
- the plurality of cutting elements 230 of the plurality of blades 214 may include any suitable cutting element configurations and materials for drilling and/or enlarging boreholes.
- the plurality of blades 214 may extend from the end of the body 202 opposite the neck 206 and may extend in both the axial and radial directions.
- the earth-boring tool 200 includes a plurality of nozzles 201 and/or nozzle assemblies 203 disposed within the body 202.
- the nozzles 201 and/or nozzle assemblies 203 may include inlet sleeves 207 for at least partially directing fluid flow and for protecting the nozzles 201 and/or nozzle assemblies 203 during operation.
- the body 202 may include an external surface 209 and the plurality of nozzles 201 and/or nozzle assemblies 203 may extend from the external surface 209 to an interior (e.g., an internal fluid plenum) of the body 202 (e.g., to a fluid pathway).
- drilling fluid may be discharged through nozzles 201 and/or nozzle assemblies 203 disposed in nozzle ports 231 to cool the cutting elements 230.
- the drilling fluid is also utilized to move formation cuttings through passages 233 and junk slots 234.
- the nozzle ports 231 of the present disclosure may have different configurations to accommodate the use of a plurality of nozzles 201 or nozzle assemblies 203, as described herein.
- FIG. 3A shows a top view of the body 202 of the earth-boring tool 200 disconnected from the string 110 (FIG. 1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 3B shows a side cross-sectional view of the body 202 of the earth-boring tool 200 of FIG. 3 A.
- FIG. 3C shows another side cross-sectional view of the body 202 of the earth boring tool 200 of FIG. 3 A.
- a nozzle port 231 may extend from an internal fluid plenum 338 within the body 202 to the external surface 209 of the body 202, and a nozzle 201 and the fluid inlet sleeve 207 may be disposed within the nozzle port 231. Additionally, the nozzle 201 and the fluid inlet sleeve 207 may provide protection to the material of the body 202 against erosive drilling fluid effects by providing a hard, abrasion-resistant and erosion-resistant passageway 340 within the body 202.
- the nozzle 201 may be removably inserted into and retained within the nozzle port 231 by a threaded connection or any other conventional connection.
- the nozzle port 231 may define a seat 312 against which the fluid inlet sleeve 207 may be seated.
- the earth-boring tool 200 may include one or more seal assemblies between the nozzle 201 and inlet sleeve 207 and the body 202 of the earth boring tool.
- the fluid inlet sleeve 207 may be removably disposed and retained within the nozzle port 231 by a threadless connection 316.
- the fluid inlet sleeve 207 may extend substantially an entire length of the nozzle port 231.
- FIG. 4A shows a schematic side view of fluid inlet sleeve 207 of FIGS. 3A-3C.
- FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of the fluid inlet sleeve 207 of FIG. 4A.
- the fluid inlet sleeve 207 may include a hollow cylinder 400 having a flanged longitudinal end 401 (referred to hereinafter as “flanged end”) and an opposite tapered longitudinal end 402 (referred to hereinafter as “tapered end”).
- An internal surface of the hollow cylinder 400 may define an internal passageway or bore extending through the fluid inlet sleeve 207 and through which drilling fluid may flow from the internal fluid plenum 338 (FIG. 3C) and to the external surface 209 (FIG. 2B) of the nozzle 201.
- the tapered end 402 of the fluid inlet sleeve 207 may include an angled end defining an end surface 403, which defines a fluid entry plane 404.
- the end surface 403 may extend within a plane (e.g., the fluid entry plane 404) that forms an angle Q with a plane 404 to which a longitudinal axis 406 of the fluid inlet sleeve 207 is normal.
- the angle Q may be within a range from greater than zero degrees (0°) to about ninety degrees (90°).
- the angel Q may be within a range extending from about thirty degrees (30°) to about seventy-five degrees (75°), about thirty degrees (30°) to about sixty degrees (60°), about forty-five degrees (45°) to about seventy- five degrees (75°), or from about seventy-five degrees (75°) to about ninety degrees (90°).
- the end surface 403 of the tapered end 402 of the fluid inlet sleeve 207 which defines a fluid entry plane 404 that is oblique to the longitudinal axis 406 of the fluid inlet sleeve 207, may reduce velocities of hydraulic fluid that are experienced by portions of an interior surface (e.g., wall) of the body 202 defining the internal fluid plenum 338.
- the fluid inlet sleeves 207 of the present disclosure manipulate fluid flow away from the interior surface of the body 202 defining the internal fluid plenum 338, thereby reducing velocities of the hydraulic fluid experienced by portions of an interior surface of the body 202.
- the fluid inlet sleeves 207 of the present disclosure may reduce wear and increase a lifetime of the body 202. Increasing the lifetime of the body 202 increases reliability of the earth-boring tool and reduces operating costs.
- FIG. 5A shows a side cross-sectional view of the body 202 of the earth-boring tool 200 including a fluid inlet sleeve according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 5B shows another side cross-sectional view of the body 202 of the earth boring tool 200 including the fluid inlet sleeve of FIG. 5A.
- a nozzle port 231 may extend from an internal fluid plenum 338 within the body 202 to the external surface 209 (FIG. 2B) of the body 202, and a nozzle 201 and the fluid inlet sleeve 207 may be disposed within the nozzle port 231.
- the nozzle 201 and the fluid inlet sleeve 207 may provide protection to the material of the body 202 against erosive drilling fluid effects by providing a hard, abrasion-resistant and erosion-resistant passageway 340 within the body 202.
- the nozzle 201 may be removably inserted into and retained within the nozzle port 231 by a threaded connection or any other conventional connection.
- the nozzle port 231 may define a seat 312 against which the fluid inlet sleeve 207 may be seated.
- the earth-boring tool 200 may include one or more seal assemblies between the nozzle 201 and inlet sleeve 207 and the body 202 of the earth boring tool.
- the fluid inlet sleeve 207 may be removably disposed and retained within the nozzle port 231 by a threadless connection 316.
- the fluid inlet sleeve 207 may extend substantially an entire length of the nozzle port 231.
- FIG. 6A shows a schematic side view of fluid inlet sleeve 207 of FIGS. 5A and 5B.
- FIG. 6B shows perspective view of the fluid inlet sleeve 207 of FIG. 5A.
- the fluid inlet sleeve 207 may include a hollow cylinder 600 having a flanged longitudinal end 601 (referred to hereinafter as “flanged end”) and an opposite stepped longitudinal end 602 (referred to hereinafter as “stepped end”).
- An internal surface of the hollow cylinder 600 may define an internal passageway or bore extending through the fluid inlet sleeve and through which drilling fluid may flow from the internal fluid plenum 338 (FIG. 5B) and to the external surface 209 (FIG. 2B) of the nozzle 201.
- the stepped end 602 of the fluid inlet sleeve 207 may include an end surface 603, a riser surface 604, and a step surface 605.
- the end surface 603, the riser surface 604, and the step surface 605 may define the stepped end 602 of the fluid inlet sleeve 207.
- the end surface 603 and the step surface 605 may be parallel to each other, and the riser surface 604 may extend between the end surface 602 and the step surface 605 in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the end surface 603 and the step surface 605.
- the riser surface 604 and the step surface 605 may define a cutout from the stepped longitudinal end of the fluid inlet sleeve 207.
- the end surface 603, the riser surface 604, and the step surface 605 may define a fluid entry surface 608 that exhibits a general stepped shape.
- a longitudinal axis 606 of the fluid inlet sleeve 207 extends from the stepped end 602 to the flange end 601 of the fluid inlet sleeve 207.
- the fluid inlet sleeve 207 may include a side surface 610 parallel to the longitudinal axis 606 and extends along an external surface of the hollow cylinder 600.
- a distance D between the end surface 603 and the step surface 605 may be greater than 0 inch (0 cm) and less than 1.000 inch (2.540 cm).
- the distance D may be within the range of about 0.250 inch (0.635 cm) to about 0.800 inch (2.032 cm), from about 0.375 inch (0.953 cm) to about 0.750 inch (1.905 cm), or from about 0.400 inch (1.016 cm) to about 0.600 inch (1.524 cm).
- the distance D may be 0.500 inch (1.270 cm).
- a distance L between the side surface 610 and the riser surface 604 may be greater than 0 inch (0 cm) and less than the maximum cross-sectional dimension of fluid inlet sleeve 207.
- fluid inlet sleeve 207 may have a maximum cross-sectional dimension of 2.000 inch (5.080 cm).
- the fluid inlet sleeve 207 may be round and have a diameter of 2.000 inch (5.080 cm).
- the distance L may be greater than 0 inch (0 cm) and less than 2.000 inch (5.080 cm).
- the end surface 603, the riser surface 604, and the step surface 605 may define the stepped end 602 of the fluid inlet sleeve 207, which defines a fluid entry surface 608, may reduce velocities of hydraulic fluid that are experienced by portions of an interior surface (e.g., wall) of the body 202 defining the internal fluid plenum 338.
- the fluid inlet sleeves 207 of the present disclosure manipulate fluid flow away from the interior surface of the body 202 defining the internal fluid plenum 338, thereby reducing velocities of the hydraulic fluid experienced by portions of an interior surface of the body 202.
- the fluid inlet sleeves 207 of the present disclosure may reduce wear and increase a lifetime of the body 202. Increasing the lifetime of the body 202 increases reliability of the earth-boring tool and reduces operating costs.
- FIG. 7 shows a partial perspective view of a body 202 of an earth-boring tool 200 including a nozzle port 231 and a fluid inlet sleeve 207 disposed within the nozzle port 231 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
- the fluid inlet sleeve 207 may include an alignment recess 700 formed in the longitudinal end therefore (e.g., formed in a longitudinal end of the fluid inlet sleeve opposite the tapered end or the stepped end of the fluid inlet sleeve, as discussed above).
- an alignment mark 702 e.g., a marking or indentation
- the alignment recess 700 and the alignment mark 702 may be utilized to properly orient the fluid inlet sleeve 207 within the nozzle port 231.
- the alignment recess 700 and the alignment mark 702 may be aligned to ensure that the tapered end or the stepped end is properly oriented relative to an internal fluid plenum (e.g., internal fluid plenum 338) (e.g., an interior surface of the body 202 of the earth-boring tool 200 defining the internal fluid plenum).
- the fluid inlet sleeve 207 may include a carbide material.
- the fluid inlet sleeve 207 may include tungsten carbide.
- the fluid inlet sleeve 207 may be any suitable erosion-resistant material such as blends, diamond- impregnated materials, steel, hardfacing, etc.
- FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 9A, and 9B show the results from a Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis performed by the inventors to analyze the fluid flow velocity at locations inside the body of the earth-boring tool including fluid inlet sleeves according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
- CFD Computational Fluid Dynamic
- point E is a point on the interior surface of the body of the earth-boring tool and represents an area or point in the internal fluid plenum where erosion has been previously observed.
- the fluid flow velocity is measured at point E in each scenario and is described below.
- FIG. 8A a conventional fluid inlet sleeve having an end surface with a plane to which a longitudinal axis of the fluid inlet sleeve is normal is represented. The results show a fluid flow velocity of 12.1 m/s at point E.
- FIG. 8B a fluid inlet sleeve including an end surface orientated about thirty degrees (30°) relative to a plane to which a longitudinal axis of the fluid inlet sleeve is normal is represented. The results show a fluid flow velocity of 9.7 m/s at point E.
- FIG. 8B a fluid inlet sleeve including an end surface orientated about thirty degrees (30°) relative to a plane to which a longitudinal axis of the fluid inlet sleeve is normal is represented. The results show a fluid flow velocity of 9.7 m/s at point E.
- a fluid inlet sleeve including an end surface orientated about forty-five degrees (45°) relative to a plane to which a longitudinal axis of the fluid inlet sleeve is normal is represented.
- the results show a fluid flow velocity of 8.8 m/s at point E.
- FIG. 9A a fluid inlet sleeve such as the fluid inlet sleeve described above in relation to FIGS. 5A-6B where the distance between the end surface and the step surface is about 0.375” is represented. The results show a fluid flow velocity of 9.0 m/s at point E.
- FIG. 9B a fluid inlet sleeve such as the fluid inlet sleeve described above in relation to FIGS. 5A-6B where the distance between the end surface and the step surface is about 0.500” is represented. The results show a fluid flow velocity of 8.4 m/s at point E.
- the fluid inlet sleeves of the present disclosure may reduce wear and increase the lifetime of the body. Increasing the lifetime of the body increases reliability of the earth-boring tool and reduces operating costs.
- the method of forming an earth-boring tool 200 includes providing a body 202 (such as, for example, a steel bit body).
- the nozzles 201 and/or nozzle assemblies 203 are disposed in nozzle ports 231 of the body 202 of the earth-boring tool 200.
- a fluid inlet sleeve as depicted in FIGS. 2B-7 is disposed in nozzle ports 231 as part of the nozzles 201 or nozzle assemblies 203 of the body 202.
- the fluid inlet sleeve may be secured in the nozzle ports using a threadless connection.
- the threadless connection may be a sealant, including but not limited to epoxy or an O-ring, or may be a shape memory material.
- the alignment mark is formed in the body 202 prior to assembly of the fluid inlet sleeves. The alignment mark aids the assembly process by providing a guide as to the correct orientation for installing the fluid inlet sleeve to reduce the amount of fluid velocity experienced on inner walls of the body. Orientating the fluid inlet sleeve such that the alignment recess aligns with the alignment mark of the tool body.
- Embodiment 1 An earth-boring tool comprising a tool body.
- the tool body comprising at least one nozzle port extending from an external surface to an internal fluid plenum.
- the at least one nozzle port comprising at least one fluid inlet sleeve disposed within the at least one nozzle port of the tool body.
- the at least one fluid inlet sleeve comprising a hollow cylinder having a longitudinal end oriented at least partially within the internal fluid plenum of the tool body, the longitudinal end comprising at least one surface oriented at an angle within the range from greater than 0 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to a plane to which a longitudinal axis of the fluid inlet sleeve is normal.
- Embodiment 2 The earth-boring tool of embodiment 1, wherein the longitudinal end of the at least one fluid inlet sleeve comprises an angled end defining the at least one surface, the at least one surface comprising end surface of the fluid inlet sleeve that is oblique to the longitudinal axis of the fluid inlet sleeve.
- Embodiment 3 The earth-boring tool of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the end surface of the fluid inlet sleeve lies within a fluid entry plane of the fluid inlet sleeve.
- Embodiment 4 The earth-boring tool of any of embodiments 1 through 3, wherein the angle is within the range of about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees.
- Embodiment 5 The earth-boring tool of any of embodiments 1 through 4, wherein the angle is about 45 degrees.
- Embodiment 6 The earth-boring tool of embodiment 1, wherein the longitudinal end of the at least one fluid inlet sleeve comprises a stepped end.
- the stepped end comprises an end surface, a step surface oriented parallel to the end surface, and the at least one surface comprising a riser surface and extending from the end surface to the step surface in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the end surface of the step surface.
- Embodiment 7 The earth-boring tool of embodiment 6, wherein a distance between the end surface and the step surface, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the at least one fluid inlet sleeve, is greater than 0 inch (0 cm) and less than 1.000 inch (2.540 cm).
- Embodiment 8 The earth-boring tool of embodiment 7, wherein the distance is about 0.500 inch (1.270 cm).
- Embodiment 9 The earth-boring tool of any of embodiments 1 through 8, further comprising a nozzle disposed adjacent to the at least one fluid inlet sleeve within the nozzle port.
- Embodiment 10 The earth-boring tool of any of embodiments 1 through 9, wherein the tool body further comprises an alignment mark on an external surface of the tool body and wherein the at least one fluid inlet sleeve comprises an alignment recess formed in another longitudinal end of the at least one fluid inlet sleeve opposite the longitudinal end.
- Embodiment 11 A fluid inlet sleeve comprising a hollow cylinder having a longitudinal end configured to be at least partially disposed within an internal fluid plenum of an earth-boring tool, the longitudinal end comprising at least one surface oriented at an angle within a range from greater than 0 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to a plane to which a longitudinal axis of the fluid inlet sleeve is normal.
- Embodiment 12 The fluid inlet sleeve of embodiment 11, wherein the longitudinal end of the fluid inlet sleeve comprises an angled end defining the at least one surface, the at least one surface comprising end surface of the fluid inlet sleeve that is oblique to the longitudinal axis of the fluid inlet sleeve.
- Embodiment 13 The fluid inlet sleeve of embodiment 11 or embodiment 12, wherein the end surface of the fluid inlet sleeve lies within a fluid entry plane of the fluid inlet sleeve.
- Embodiment 14 The fluid inlet sleeve of any of embodiments 11 through 13, wherein the angle is within the range of about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees.
- Embodiment 15 The fluid inlet sleeve of any of embodiments 11 through 14, wherein the angle is about 45 degrees.
- Embodiment 16 The fluid inlet sleeve of any of embodiments 11 through 15, wherein the longitudinal end comprises a stepped end comprising: an end surface, a step surface oriented parallel to the end surface, and the at least one surface comprising a riser surface and extending from the end surface to the step surface in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the end surface of the step surface.
- Embodiment 17 The fluid inlet sleeve of embodiment 16, wherein a distance between the end surface and the step surface, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid inlet sleeve, is greater than 0 inch (0 cm) and less than 1.000 inch (2.540 cm).
- Embodiment 18 The fluid inlet sleeve of embodiment 16 or embodiment 17, wherein the distance is about 0.500 inch (1.270 cm).
- Embodiment 19 A method of forming an earth-boring tool, the method comprising: disposing a nozzle within in a nozzle port of a body of the earth-boring tool, the nozzle port extending from an external surface of the body and an internal fluid plenum within the body; and disposing at least one fluid inlet sleeve within the nozzle port of the body adjacent to the nozzle such that a longitudinal end of the at least one fluid inlet sleeve is oriented at least partially within the internal fluid plenum, the longitudinal end comprising at least one surface oriented at an angle within a range from greater than 0 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to a plane to which a longitudinal axis of the fluid inlet sleeve is normal.
- Embodiment 20 The method of embodiment 19, wherein disposing at least one fluid inlet sleeve comprises aligning the at least one fluid inlet sleeve within the nozzle port by aligning an alignment recess formed in the at least one fluid inlet sleeve with an alignment mark formed in the external surface of the body of the earth-boring tool.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2022241853A AU2022241853A1 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2022-03-24 | Fluid inlet sleeves for improving fluid flow in earth-boring tools, earth-boring tools having fluid inlet sleeves, and related methods |
CA3212938A CA3212938A1 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2022-03-24 | Fluid inlet sleeves for improving fluid flow in earth-boring tools, earth-boring tools having fluid inlet sleeves, and related methods |
BR112023019200A BR112023019200A2 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2022-03-24 | FLUID INTAKE SLEEVES FOR IMPROVING FLUID FLOW IN GROUND DRILLING TOOLS, GROUND DRILLING TOOLS WITH FLUID INTAKE GLOVES AND RELATED METHODS |
CN202280022922.5A CN117043441A (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2022-03-24 | Fluid inlet sleeve for improving fluid flow in an earth-boring tool, an earth-boring tool having a fluid inlet sleeve, and related methods |
CONC2023/0013744A CO2023013744A2 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2023-10-19 | Fluid inlet sleeves for improving fluid flow in earth drilling tools, earth drilling tools having fluid inlet sleeves, and related methods |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/211,522 | 2021-03-24 | ||
US17/211,522 US20220307326A1 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2021-03-24 | Fluid inlet sleeves for improving fluid flow in earth-boring tools, earth-boring tools having fluid inlet sleeves, and related methods |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2022204407A1 true WO2022204407A1 (en) | 2022-09-29 |
Family
ID=83363160
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2022/021749 WO2022204407A1 (en) | 2021-03-24 | 2022-03-24 | Fluid inlet sleeves for improving fluid flow in earth-boring tools, earth-boring tools having fluid inlet sleeves, and related methods |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20220307326A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN117043441A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2022241853A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112023019200A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3212938A1 (en) |
CO (1) | CO2023013744A2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2022204407A1 (en) |
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US4582149A (en) * | 1981-03-09 | 1986-04-15 | Reed Rock Bit Company | Drill bit having replaceable nozzles directing drilling fluid at a predetermined angle |
CN2124302U (en) * | 1992-06-03 | 1992-12-09 | 郑龙男 | Upper slope directed type lengthened nozzle for bit |
EP0533550B1 (en) * | 1991-09-16 | 1998-10-28 | Total | Divergent nozzle for drilling tool and tool using this nozzle |
US20060054355A1 (en) * | 2004-02-26 | 2006-03-16 | Smith International, Inc. | Nozzle bore for PDC bits |
US7828089B2 (en) * | 2007-12-14 | 2010-11-09 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Erosion resistant fluid passageways and flow tubes for earth-boring tools, methods of forming the same and earth-boring tools including the same |
Family Cites Families (2)
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US5862871A (en) * | 1996-02-20 | 1999-01-26 | Ccore Technology & Licensing Limited, A Texas Limited Partnership | Axial-vortex jet drilling system and method |
US10053916B2 (en) * | 2016-01-20 | 2018-08-21 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Nozzle assemblies including shape memory materials for earth-boring tools and related methods |
-
2021
- 2021-03-24 US US17/211,522 patent/US20220307326A1/en active Pending
-
2022
- 2022-03-24 BR BR112023019200A patent/BR112023019200A2/en unknown
- 2022-03-24 CA CA3212938A patent/CA3212938A1/en active Pending
- 2022-03-24 AU AU2022241853A patent/AU2022241853A1/en active Pending
- 2022-03-24 WO PCT/US2022/021749 patent/WO2022204407A1/en active Application Filing
- 2022-03-24 CN CN202280022922.5A patent/CN117043441A/en active Pending
-
2023
- 2023-10-19 CO CONC2023/0013744A patent/CO2023013744A2/en unknown
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4582149A (en) * | 1981-03-09 | 1986-04-15 | Reed Rock Bit Company | Drill bit having replaceable nozzles directing drilling fluid at a predetermined angle |
EP0533550B1 (en) * | 1991-09-16 | 1998-10-28 | Total | Divergent nozzle for drilling tool and tool using this nozzle |
CN2124302U (en) * | 1992-06-03 | 1992-12-09 | 郑龙男 | Upper slope directed type lengthened nozzle for bit |
US20060054355A1 (en) * | 2004-02-26 | 2006-03-16 | Smith International, Inc. | Nozzle bore for PDC bits |
US7828089B2 (en) * | 2007-12-14 | 2010-11-09 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Erosion resistant fluid passageways and flow tubes for earth-boring tools, methods of forming the same and earth-boring tools including the same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2022241853A1 (en) | 2023-10-26 |
CA3212938A1 (en) | 2022-09-29 |
US20220307326A1 (en) | 2022-09-29 |
CO2023013744A2 (en) | 2023-11-10 |
CN117043441A (en) | 2023-11-10 |
BR112023019200A2 (en) | 2023-10-17 |
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