Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a well bore using solid material impactors comprising a nozzle and a cavity for accelerating the velocity of the solid material impactors and directing flow of the solid material impactors through the nozzle. The drill bit may also comprise a junk slot for return flow of the drilling fluid and solid material impactors.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 15, 2004
Date of Patent:
August 21, 2007
Assignee:
Particle Drilling, Inc.
Inventors:
Gordon A. Tibbitts, Paul O. Padgett, Harry B. Curlett, Samuel R. Curlett, Nathan J. Harder
Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a well bore using solid material impactors comprising a nozzle and a cavity for accelerating the velocity of the solid material impactors and directing flow of the solid material impactors through the nozzle. The drill bit may also comprise a junk slot for return flow of the drilling fluid and solid material impactors.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 15, 2004
Publication date:
February 9, 2006
Applicant:
Particle Drilling, Inc.
Inventors:
Gordon Tibbitts, Paul Padgett, Harry Curlett, Samuel Curlett, Nathan Harder
Abstract: A method and system for excavating a subterranean formation using a fluid comprising pumping the fluid through at least one nozzle such that a velocity of the fluid when exiting the nozzle is greater than a velocity of the fluid entering the nozzle. A plurality of solid material impactors are introduced into the fluid and circulated with the fluid through the nozzle. A substantial portion by weight of the solid material impactors has a mean diameter of equal to or less than approximately 0.100 inches. The fluid is pumped at a pressure level and a flow rate level sufficient to satisfy an impactor mass-velocity relationship wherein a substantial portion by weight of the solid material impactors has a minimum kinetic energy of approximately 0.075 Ft Lbs when exiting the nozzle. The substantial portion by weight of solid material impactors exit the nozzle and contact the formation.