Abstract:
A backup ring for a face seal in a roller cone bit is configured to resist wear from drilling fluids present adjacent exposed faces of the backup ring. Portions are removed from an exposed end face in a variety of shapes while the hardness of the material is increased. The removal of material offsets an increase in force that would be transmitted through the backup ring on face seal assembly due to flexing. A spring can optionally be included in the removed material location. Another way is to increase the edge density of all or part of the exposed edges while leaving the interior portions unaffected by using electron beam radiation to increase the crosslink density or by other techniques that allow a unitary structure with a more durable edge region.
Abstract:
Downhole tool bearings are provided with diamond enhanced materials. The diamond enhanced materials comprise diamond grains in a matrix of tungsten or silicon carbide. A brazed diamond grit or diamond particles coated with a reactive braze may be utilized for bearing applications. Bearing rings formed at least in part with diamond enhanced material are installed on at least one of the bearing pin journal, the nose and the cone cavity. The bearing rings may be continuous rings or partial rings and attached to the journal pin or cone cavity. These may include thrust bearings, rollers, roller race, balls and ball races made of diamond enhanced material. These bearing surfaces also are formed at least in part with diamond enhanced material and attached to portions of the journal or cone bearing surfaces.
Abstract:
Downhole tool bearings are provided with diamond-enhanced materials. The diamond-enhanced materials comprise diamond grains in a matrix of tungsten or silicon carbide or a silicon-bonded diamond material. A brazed diamond grit or diamond particles coated with a reactive braze may be utilized for bearing applications. Bearing rings for use in downhole tools may be formed at least in part with the diamond-enhanced material. In one embodiment, the bearing rings may be used in a positive displacement motor. In additional embodiments, the bearing rings may be used in a submersible pump.
Abstract:
In one aspect, a drill bit is disclosed that in one embodiment may include a bit body, a rotating cutter on the bit body, and a metallic seal between the bit body and the rotating cutter that includes a first seal member, a second seal member having a first end in sealing contact with the first seal member, a second end fixed relative to the first end and a bias member between the first end and the second end that adjusts the load on the first seal member in response to external load applied on the drill bit.
Abstract:
Bearings for downhole tools including a first bearing member and a second bearing member, at least one of the first and second bearing members having a channel formed therein. Methods of cooling bearings of downhole tools comprise flowing a fluid within a channel formed in at least one bearing member. Heat is transferred from at least the at least one bearing member to the fluid. The fluid is flowed away from the at least one bearing member.
Abstract:
Downhole tool bearings are provided with diamond-enhanced materials. The diamond-enhanced materials comprise diamond grains in a matrix of tungsten or silicon carbide or a silicon-bonded diamond material. A brazed diamond grit or diamond particles coated with a reactive braze may be utilized for bearing applications. Bearing rings for use in downhole tools may be formed at least in part with the diamond-enhanced material. In one embodiment, the bearing rings may be used in a positive displacement motor. In additional embodiments, the bearing rings may be used in a submersible pump.