Abstract: A seal element (70) for providing a static or dynamic seal between two components (74, 78) in a downhole tool includes a polymer host material (212) and a plurality of nanostructures (220) forming a nanocomposite material (210). The polymer host material (212) has a plurality of regions of free volume (222) that receive the nanostructures (220). The nanostructures (220) and the polymer host material (212) form interfacial interactions that improve the useful life of the seal element (70) by minimizing seal failures associated with explosive decompression, extrusion, spiral failure, abrasion, temperature degradation and the like.

Abstract: A seal element (70) for providing a static or dynamic seal between two components (74, 78) in a downhole tool includes a polymer host material (212) and a plurality of nanostructures (220) forming a nanocomposite material (210). The polymer host material (212) has a plurality of regions of free volume (222) that receive the nanostructures (220). The nanostructures (220) and the polymer host material (212) form interfacial interactions that improve the useful life of the seal element (70) by minimizing seal failures associated with explosive decompression, extrusion, spiral failure, abrasion, temperature degradation and the like.

Abstract: A seal element (70) for providing a static or dynamic seal between two components (74, 78) in a downhole tool includes a polymer host material (212) and a plurality of nanostructures (220) forming a nanocomposite material (210). The polymer host material (212) has a plurality of regions of free volume (222) that receive the nanostructures (220). The nanostructures (220) and the polymer host material (212) form interfacial interactions that improve the useful life of the seal element (70) by minimizing seal failures associated with explosive decompression, extrusion, spiral failure, abrasion, temperature degradation and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus (50) for drilling a wellbore that transverses a subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation. The apparatus (50) includes a drill string (52) having an inner fluid passageway (66). A drill bit (64) is disposed at a distal end of the drill string (52) and is operable to rotate relative to at least a portion of the drill string (52). A fluid motor (54) is disposed within the drill string (52) and is operable to rotate the drill bit (64) in response to a circulating fluid received via the inner fluid passageway (66) of the drill string (52). The fluid motor (54) has a stator (68) with (n) lobes and a rotor (70) with (n?1) lobes. The stator (68) includes an inner surface formed from a first material and the rotor (70) includes an outer surface formed from a second material that is dissimilar to the first material.

Abstract: A nano particle reinforced polymer element of a stator and rotor assembly for a power section of a positive displacement fluid motor or a progressive cavity pump. Nano-sized particles are blended with an uncured polymer to improve the physical and chemical properties of the polymer. The use of nano-sized particles reduces the quantity of reinforcement material required to manufacture the polymer for the stator and rotor assembly and lowers the viscosity of the uncured polymer to improve manufacturing characteristics. The use of chemically functionalized nano particles improves the chemical and physical characteristics of the polymer.

Abstract: A seal element (70) for providing a static or dynamic seal between two components (74, 78) in a downhole tool includes a polymer host material (212) and a plurality of nanostructures (220) forming a nanocomposite material (210). The polymer host material (212) has a plurality of regions of free volume (222) that receive the nanostructures (220). The nanostructures (220) and the polymer host material (212) form interfacial interactions that improve the useful life of the seal element (70) by minimizing seal failures associated with explosive decompression, extrusion, spiral failure, abrasion, temperature degradation and the like.

Abstract: A drill bit (100) for drilling a wellbore that traverses subterranean formations includes a drill bit body (106) having a plurality of journal pins (112), each having a bearing surface (128), and a rotary cutter (104) rotatably mounted on each journal pin (112), each rotary cutter (104) including a bearing surface (126). A pressure-compensated reservoir (130) is in fluid communication with the bearing surfaces (126, 128) and has a lubricant therein. A seal element (144) is positioned between each journal pin (112) and rotary cutter (104) and retains the lubricant in the bearing surfaces (126, 128). The seal element (144) is formed from a nanocomposite material including a polymer host material and a plurality of nanostructures.

Abstract: A drill bit (100) for drilling a wellbore that traverses subterranean formations includes a drill bit body (106) having a plurality of journal pins (112), each having a bearing surface (128), and a rotary cutter (104) rotatably mounted on each journal pin (112), each rotary cutter (104) including a bearing surface (126). A pressure-compensated reservoir (130) is in fluid communication with the bearing surfaces (126, 128) and has a lubricant therein. A seal element (144) is positioned between each journal pin (112) and rotary cutter (104) and retains the lubricant in the bearing surfaces (126, 128). The seal element (144) is formed from a nanocomposite material including a polymer host material and a plurality of nanostructures.