Patent · US Expired

Dual-seal drill bit with fluid cleaning capability

US6264367A · kind A · utility

17Cited by
49References
41Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 1, 1999
Grant dateJul 24, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 1, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B10/25
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A drill bit for use in an earthen annulus that contains loose particles is connected to a fluid supply source and includes a bit body having at least one journal segment and at least one fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fluid supply source. A roller cone is rotatably mounted upon the journal segment and forms at least one bearing cavity therebetween. Annular primary and secondary seals are disposed between the roller cone and the bit body and between the bearing cavity and the earthen annulus. An air groove is provided around at least a portion of the cone or leg between the primary seal and the earthen annulus. The groove circumscribes less than the entire circumference of the groove or leg, and in preferred embodiments includes an exit port and/or a diversion plug. Both the exit port and the diversion plug help prevent the groove from becoming plugged with debris.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.