Abstract: A rotary drill bit (10) is provided for drilling a hole in a subsurface formation. The bit body (12) includes a plurality of axially extending ribs (16a, b, c and d) and a flow channel between adjacent ribs. A plurality of cutting elements are fixedly mounting on a respective one of the plurality of ribs. A plurality of flow nozzles (20a, b, c and d) direct fluid to a respective one of the plurality of cutting elements to clean and cool the cutting elements.

Abstract: A method for conducting nondestructive internal inspection of a rotary drill bit used for drilling subterranean formations comprises communicating ultrasonic waves into a drill bit and detecting ultrasonic waves that are reflected by at least a portion of the drill bit. In some embodiments, the waves may be directed into the drill bit from within a longitudinal bore thereof. Reflected waves also may be detected from within the bore. The methods may be used to develop threshold acceptance criteria for classifying drill bits as acceptable or unacceptable to prevent catastrophic failures of drill bits during use. Systems and apparatuses are disclosed for conducting nondestructive ultrasonic inspection of a drill bit used for drilling subterranean formations. The systems and apparatuses may comprise an ultrasonic probe configured for insertion within an internal longitudinal bore of a drill bit. Drill bits are disclosed that are configured to facilitate nondestructive ultrasonic inspection thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drill bit (1) with stationary cutting structure, comprising a tool body (2) and several blades (3), which consist of a metal matrix impregnated with abrasive particles, and which are fixed to the tool body while extending forward therefrom, said blades (3) forming jointly a front cutting surface (7), and having radial channels (4) for drilling fluid which mutually separate the blades (3) and are open outwards. The invention is characterized in that it further comprises, through at least one radial fluid channel (2) arranged between two said blades (3), at least one bridge (6, 6?, 6?) which connects said two blades, by being arranged between the tool body (2) and said front cutting surface (7).

Abstract: A diamond impregnated bit crown has blades formed thereon. Flow channels are formed between the blades, the flow channels having inner and outer ends and extending outward to a gage surface of the crown. At least some of the flow channels have an enlarged width area that has a greater width than a portion of the channel immediately outward from the enlarged width area. A nozzle is releasably secured in each of the enlarged width areas for discharging drilling fluid.

Abstract: A drill bit that includes a bit body having a plurality of blades extending radially therefrom, the bit body comprising a first matrix region and a second matrix region, wherein the first matrix region is formed from a moldable matrix material; and at least one cutting element for engaging a formation disposed on at least one of the plurality of blades is disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drilling assembly has a string of downhole tools connected to a drill bit with a bit body intermediate a shank and a working face. The drill bit is connected to the string of tools at the shank. A continuous fluid passageway is formed within the bit body and the string of tools. A valve mechanism disposed within the fluid passageway is adapted to substantially cyclically build-up and release pressure within the fluid passageway such that a pressure build-up results in radial expansion of at least a portion of the fluid passageway and wherein a pressure release results in a contraction of the portion of the fluid passageway. The expansion and contraction of the portion of the fluid passageway varies a weight loaded to the drill bit.

Abstract: A drill bit having a bit body, and axis of rotation, and a working face, the working face having a plurality of cutting elements. A jack element extends from the working face and is coaxial with the axis of rotation and is a hard metal insert. A plurality of high pressure jets are disposed within the working face and surround the jack element, wherein at least one jet is disposed at least as close to the jack element as an inner most cutting element of the plurality of cutting elements.

Abstract: A retrievable center bit for use with a tubular including an inner bore and a drill shoe cutter mounted thereon. The retrievable center bit may include a body positionable in the bore of the tubular and including an upper end, a lower end and a side outer surface extending therebetween. A cutting surface may be supported on the lower end of the bit body. There may be a locking assembly on the body for releasably locking the bit axially and rotationally to the tubular. A longitudinal bore may extend from the upper end into the body and the body may include a fluid port extending from the bore to open on the cutting surface and a lateral fluid port extending from the bore opening on the side outer surface positionable adjacent the drill shoe cutter when the bit is locked to the tubular.

Abstract: An earth boring drill bit having a cleaning nozzle for cleaning cutting elements on the face of the drill bit. A notch is included on the nozzle face for directing an elongated and coherent fluid flow from the nozzle outlet to the cutting element face. The nozzle face may include more than one notch for cleaning elements disposed in locations around the nozzle. The nozzle may be at the ends of a row of cutting elements, or disposed in the middle of a row of cutting elements.

Abstract: A drill bit includes at least one extension pad extending rotationally forward or backward of an associated blade in a gage region of the bit body. The extension pad includes a circumferential bearing surface that extends the circumferential bearing surface of the associated blade and reduces the chordal drop between any blade having an extension pad associated therewith and a circumferentially adjacent blade toward which the extension pad protrudes. A drill bit that reduces a chordal drop segment extending across a junk slot is also disclosed.

Abstract: A drill bit comprises a bit body and a plurality of cutting blades extending radially from the bit body, the plurality of cutting blades further comprising cutting elements disposed thereon. The drill bit also comprises a plurality of utility blades extending radially from the bit body, the plurality of utility blades being free of cutting elements.

Abstract: A drill bit 10 comprising a main body 22 having an axis about which it is rotated in use; a cutting face 12, connecting means 16 for, in use, attaching the bit to a source of rotary motion; a gauge region 18 intermediate said cutting face 12 and said connecting means 16, said gauge region 18 comprising at least one member 20, 32 movable between a first position in which the gauge region is bounded by an imaginary tubular surface of constant cross-section co-axial to the axis of rotation; and a second position in which a portion of the member is located radially inwards, with respect to the axis of rotation, of its position when said member is in said first position, the gauge region whilst said member is in said second position being bound by an imaginary three dimensional conical sectional surface; and at least one actuator 24, 36.

Abstract: A nozzle for use on a rotary drill bit for forming a subterranean borehole includes a body and at least one passageway extending through the body from an inlet to an exit aperture. The passageway has a converging region and a diverging region. At least a portion of the diverging region of the fluid passageway is substantially bifurcated. A rotary drill bit for forming a borehole in a subterranean formation includes at least one such nozzle installed within a body of the bit and configured for communicating drilling fluid to a face of the body. A method of communicating fluid to a face of a drill bit includes introducing fluid into a passageway, causing the fluid to flow through a converging region, causing the drilling fluid to flow through a diverging region, and substantially bifurcating the drilling fluid at least within a portion of the diverging region.

Abstract: Nozzles for a drilling tools, such as rotary-type drag bits and roller cone bits, a drilling tool and drilling assembly comprising nozzles, and methods of conveying drilling fluid through a nozzle for use in drilling subterranean formations are provided. A nozzle may include a substantially cylindrical nozzle body having an axis and an inlet port with a primary passage extending therethrough, and at least one secondary passage that diverges from the primary passage at an exit port.

Abstract: A bore hole rotary reamer (1) includes a body (2) having cutters (4) contained in respective recesses (3) formed in the body (2). Each cutter (4) is rotatably mounted by one or more respective spindles (5). A bearing region (10) is formed by an inner bearing surface (11) rotatable on an outer surface of the spindle (5). At least one annular seal (12) about the spindle (5) prevents ingress of contaminant to the bearing region (b 10). A circumferential void (13) is formed between the inner bearing surface (11) and the outer bearing surface of the spindle (5) adjacent the seal (12). At least one passageway (17) extends in an axial direction of the spindle (5) to the circumferential void (13) and a piston (19) movable in the passageway (17) in response to supply of pressure to an outer side (19a) of the piston (19) from the environment which surrounds the reamer (1).

Abstract: A drill head is shown that provides improved steering in difficult ground conditions such as dry and compacted soil. A drill head is shown with features that include a narrow front portion, a sharp hardened insert such as a carbide point, and a curved rear portion of the drill head. Angled porting of liquid is included in selected configurations of the drill head. Porting of liquid within a recess portion is included in selected configuration of the drill head.

Abstract: A drill bit assembly comprises a bit body intermediate a shank and a working face. The shank is adapted for connection to a drill string. The drill string comprising a fluid passage at least partially disposed within the body. A hammer assembly is movably disposed within the fluid passage along it central axis, the hammer assembly comprises a proximal end stabilized by a centralized upper bearing and a distal end stabilized by centralized a lower bearing. The distal end protrudes out of the working face and the hammer assembly comprises a carrier between the upper and lower bearings. Wherein, under normal drilling operations the carrier is adapted to resist a fluid pressure within the fluid passageway such that the fluid pressure will further extend the distal end of the hammer assembly from the working face by pushing on the carrier.

Abstract: A diamond impregnated bit crown has blades formed thereon. Flow channels are formed between the blades, the flow channels having inner and outer ends and extending outward to a gage surface of the crown. At least some of the flow channels have an enlarged width area that has a greater width than a portion of the channel immediately outward from the enlarged width area. A nozzle is releasably secured in each of the enlarged width areas for discharging drilling fluid.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drill bit (1) with stationary cutting structure, comprising a tool body (2) and several blades (3), which consist of a metal matrix impregnated with abrasive particles, and which are fixed to the tool body while extending forward therefrom, said blades (3) forming jointly a front cutting surface (7), and having radial channels (4) for drilling fluid which mutually separate the blades (3) and are open outwards. The invention is characterized in that it further comprises, through at least one radial fluid channel (2) arranged between two said blades (3), at least one bridge (6, 6?, 6?) which connects said two blades, by being arranged between the tool body (2) and said front cutting surface (7).

Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.

Abstract: A nozzle for use on a rotary drill bit for forming a subterranean borehole includes a body and at least one passageway extending through the body from an inlet to an exit aperture. The passageway has a converging region and a diverging region. At least a portion of the diverging region of the fluid passageway is substantially bifurcated. A rotary drill bit for forming a borehole in a subterranean formation includes at least one such nozzle installed within a body of the bit and configured for communicating drilling fluid to a face of the body. A method of communicating fluid to a face of a drill bit includes introducing fluid into a passageway, causing the fluid to flow through a converging region, causing the drilling fluid to flow through a diverging region, and substantially bifurcating the drilling fluid at least within a portion of the diverging region.

Abstract: A coring member useful in wellbore excavating operations comprising at least one segment disposed onto the end of a shaft, where a channel is formed between each at least one segment. The at least one segment has an impeller like arrangement that on rotation produces a pressure differential across the face of the coring member. The impeller like arrangement comprises an obliquely attached vane on one side of the face, and an obliquely attached rib on the other side. Rotation of the coring member within a fluid produces a localized high-pressure zone adjacent the face of each rib and a corresponding low-pressure zone adjacent the face of each vane. Each channel provides fluid communication between a vane and a rib, where the vane and the rib are located on different but adjacent segments. The pressure differential between the vane and the rib during rotation of the drill bit within a fluid can produce fluid flow through the channel from the rib to the vane.

Abstract: The invention is a transmission sleeve for the reverse circulation down hole hammer activated by fluid under pressure, the hammer including an outer hammer casing, a drill bit retaining means (17) and a drill bit (10) retaining means (17) and extending forwardly therefrom. The transmission sleeve (25) comprises a transmission sleeve retaining means to retain the transmission sleeve (25) to the hammer, a flange (28) to direct exhaust fluid from the hammer extending from the transmission sleeve retaining means towards the cutting face (14) of the drill bit (10) so that the exhaust fluid is directed towards the cutting face (14) and a chamber (30) that extends circumferentially around the drill bit (10) into which the exhaust fluid flows prior to discharge from the end of the flange (28).

Abstract: A modular fixed cutter earth-boring bit body includes a blade support piece and at least one blade piece fastened to the blade support piece. A modular fixed cutter earth-boring bit and methods of making modular fixed cutter earth-boring bit bodies and bits also are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for introducing a fluid into a borehole, in which there is arranged a tubular drill string including a drill bit, wherein the drill bit is provided with a passageway between the interior of the drill string and the borehole, and with a removable closure element for selectively closing the passageway in a closing position, and wherein there is further provided a fluid injection tool comprising a tool inlet and a tool outlet, the method comprising passing the fluid injection tool through the drill string to the closure element, and using it to remove the closure element from the closing position, passing the fluid injection tool outlet through the passageway, and introducing the fluid into the borehole from the interior of the drill string through fluid injection tool into the borehole.

Abstract: A rock drilling head (1) with a drilling diameter (D) between 25 mm and 60 mm and formed of no more than five separate parts, has at least one rinsing channel (2) formed in the outer surface (3) of the drilling head and expanding from the outer surface (3) inward in form of a nozzle, the rinsing channel having a diameter (S) amounting to between 1/20 and ? of the drilling diameter (D).

Abstract: A drill bit configures hydraulic streams from the bit nozzles for the particular cutting structure to be cleaned based on the cutting structure location and geometry. The projected impingement location for each hydraulic stream projected fluid path is customized for a corresponding roller cone, with each nozzle or nozzle receptacle being individually positioned according to improve cone cleaning. At least two nozzles or nozzle receptacles should differ on the drill bit.

Abstract: A drilling assembly for drilling a borehole into geological formations. The assembly comprises a drilling shaft and a pump device, both placable in the borehole. The drilling shaft comprises a drilling head, and the pump device comprises a sealing device for sealing a first borehole part below the sealing device from a second borehole part above the sealing device. The pump device is enabled to pump a fluid from the first borehole part to the second borehole part.

Abstract: A rotary cone rock bit includes one or more hole cleaning nozzles and one or more bit cleaning nozzles. The hole cleaning nozzles of one drill bit define a projected fluid path disposed at a lateral angle of less than six degrees in order to achieve a large impingement pressure on the hole bottom. The bit cleaning nozzles of the same drill bit define a projected fluid path disposed at a lateral angle of at least six degrees in order to pass within 0.5 inches of the teeth on leading edge of the lagging roller cone. This results in a drill bit that both cleans the bottom hole and cleans cone inserts.

Abstract: Bits for use in drilling with a well completion string having a bit body and a cutting face that includes a plurality of sets of cutter elements mounted on the cutting face. The bit body has a central longitudinal bore having an integrated female non-shouldered, standard oilfield completion string thread. The bits are designed with minimal cutter coverage, and this combined with the integrated completion string thread allows for economical completion of a well with high ROP expected from a PDC type bit. In an additional embodiment, a bit comprises a bit body and a cutting face having integrated cutting structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling assembly for drilling a borehole into geological formations which assembly comprises: a drilling shaft placable in the borehole, which shaft has a drilling head; and a pump device placable in the borehole, wherein the pump device has sealing means for sealing a first borehole part below the sealing means from a second borehole part above the sealing means, and wherein the pump device is enabled to pump a fluid from the first borehole part to the second borehole part.

Abstract: A drill bit comprises, on its face, either only curved cutting edges or a combination consisting of at least one straight cutting edge and at least two curved cutting edges. The cutting edges on the face of the drill bit are arranged such that they start from the axis of the drill bit or end directly adjacent thereto. Three channels start from a blind hole serving to attach the drill bit to an anchor rod of an injection boring anchor, and their openings are not located in the area of the face of the drill bit but are situated in the area of the lateral surface of the same, said lateral surface conically expanding toward the cutting edges. The openings of the channels are placed in the area of concave recesses of the lateral surface of the drill bit in such a manner that they are recessed with regard to the periphery of the face of the drill bit.

Abstract: A core bit for cutting core samples in subterranean formations. The core bit has interior geometric features configured to control the quantity of drilling fluid, or flow split, flowing into a narrow annulus defined by an inside diameter of the core bit and an outside diameter of a core shoe. Reducing the flow split minimizes fluid invasion of a core being cut; thus, the core bit provides increased core quality and recoverability. The core bit is also adaptable for use with conventional core barrel assemblies and conventional coring techniques.

Abstract: A cutting element for a drill bit used in drilling subterranean formations is formed with an internal chamber or passage for the flow of drilling fluid therethrough. The cutting element includes a substrate having at least one internal passage, and prior to attaching a superabrasive table thereto, the at least one internal passage is filled with a removable, substantially incompressible filler material. Attachment or bonding of the superabrasive table to the substrate under high temperature and high pressure is accomplished without significant distortion of the shape and size of the internal passage. The filler material may be a crystalline salt such as sodium chloride or halite, which is removable by dissolution in water, or may be boron nitride or a volcanic material such as Pyrofolyte material which is mechanically removable.

Abstract: A drive steel member for driving engagement with a rotary drilling machine, including a chuck adapter having main body and chuck seating means and being constructed and arranged in fixed, sealed relation on one end of the drive steel member.

Abstract: A long lasting rotary drill bit for drilling a hole into variable hardness geological formations that has a self-actuating mechanism responsive to the hardness of the geological formation to minimize the time necessary to drill a borehole. A long lasting rotary drill bit for drilling a hole into variable hardness geological formations that has a mechanism controllable from the surface of the earth to change the mechanical configuration of the bit to minimize the time necessary to drill a borehole. A monolithic long lasting rotary drill bit for drilling a hole into a geological formation having hardened rods composed of hard material such as tungsten carbide that are cast into a relatively soft steel matrix material to make a rotary drill bit that compensates for wear on the bottom of the drill bit and that also compensates for lateral wear of the drill bit using passive, self-actuating mechanisms, triggered by bit wear to drill relatively constant diameter holes.

Abstract: A ground drilling machine comprises a controller for automatically controlling the injection of working liquid according to the output signal output as a function of the rotating condition of the pilot head 20. When the pilot head 20 is driven forward or backward, working liquid can be injected by switching the working liquid transfer valve 111 so long as the pilot head 20 is revolving in order to improve the digging efficiency, the soil delivering efficiency and the cooling efficiency of the machine. The injection of working liquid can be suspended when the direction of propelling the pilot head 20 is shifted while stopping the revolution of the pilot head 20 because no working liquid is required for delivering the dug soil and cooling the leading body. Thus, working liquid can be injected always at an optimal rate depending on the rotating condition of the pilot head 20 to suppress any waste of working liquid and reduce the construction cost.

Abstract: A leading body for a ground drilling machine is provided which includes a main body which is tapered at a front end thereof to form a first sloped surface and a second sloped surface on opposite sides of the front end of the main body. A slant-cutting section extends from the main body substantially along the first sloped surface. And injection ports which are adapted to inject digging liquid are positioned in the slant-cutting section such that the injection ports inject digging liquid rearward with respect to a propelling direction of the leading body along an obtuse angle with respect to a rotation axis of the leading body and substantially along the second sloped surface.

Abstract: A Down Hole Drilling Assembly (DHDA) that induces artificial lift to remove the drilling fluid from a well bore using a jet pump attached to a casing string. The DHDA includes a drill string that passes through the jet pump assembly. The power fluid is separated from the drilling fluid until after it has passed through the nozzle of the jet pump. The jet pump assembly is joined to a concentric casing string. The jet pump also contains a bladder element that expands to redirect the flow of the drilling fluid from the inner annulus into the jet pump assembly. The jet pump assembly lifts the drilling fluid, lowering the fluid level within a well bore to a point where the hydrostatic pressure near the bottom of the well is lower than the pore pressure of the formation being drilled thereby creating under balanced conditions.

Abstract: A drill bit nozzle providing a through bore for the passage of drilling fluid through a drill bit. The nozzle is made of a material or materials which can be drilled through by standard well bore drilling equipment. The material(s) are selected to provide a surface to the through bore which has a relatively high resistance to erosion to withstand the abrasive and corrosive impact of jetted drilling fluid. Embodiments are described using a hard chrome/copper combination and a single rubber material.

Abstract: A well drilling bit having a bit body attachable to a tubular drill string, which bit body is internally provided with a passageway providing fluid communication, when the drill string is attached to the bit body, between the interior of the drill string and the exterior of the bit body; a closure element for selectively closing the passageway; and one or more chip-making elements, wherein the chip-making elements has one or more roller-cones, wherein the closure element is releasably connectable to the bit body, and outwardly movable from a closing position to an opening position, and wherein the closure element includes at least one of the roller-cones.

Abstract: A method and system for introducing a fluid into a borehole, in which there is arranged a tubular drill string including a drill bit, wherein the drill bit is provided with a passageway between the interior of the drill string and the borehole, and with a removable closure element for selectively closing the passageway in a closing position, and wherein there is further provided a fluid injection tool comprising a tool inlet and a tool outlet, the method comprising passing the fluid injection tool through the drill string to the closure element, and using it to remove the closure element from the closing position; passing the fluid injection tool outlet through the passageway, and introducing the fluid into the borehole from the interior of the drill string through fluid injection tool into the borehole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a drilling with casing includes therewith a drill shoe configured for later drilling through thereof in situ, with cutters retainable thereon in response to the forces encountered during borehole drilling, yet moveable from the envelope through which the later drill shoe will pass when cutting through the in situ drill shoe. The drill shoe includes one or more profiles thereon, into which blades carrying the formation drilling cutters are disposed. The profiles include at least one projection thereon, which is received within a mating slot in the blades. The blades also may be configured to have opposed sections which are configured with respect to one another to have an included angle of less than ninety degrees.

Abstract: A down hole rock drill bit and method of manufacture of the same comprising a cast metal drill bit body having a plurality of hardened carbide studs partially cast in the drill bit body. The drill bit is cast by means of a foam pattern replicating the drill bit, typically made from polystyrene within which a plurality of carbide studs are partially inserted into the grinding surface of the foam drill bit model. The model is then subsequently supported within a vessel of sand and molten metal is poured over the foam, vaporizing it and taking the exact form of the foam pattern and permanently retaining the carbide studs within the metal drill bit.

Abstract: A concentric casing actuated jet pump is disclosed that induces artificial lift to remove the drilling and production fluid from a well bore during drilling operations by means of a single or multiple hydraulic jet pumps attached to a concentric string of casing. The invention includes a drill string that passes through the jet pump assembly so that the power fluid is separated from the drilling fluid until it enters the jet pump. The jet pump assembly is joined to a concentric casing string. The jet pump also contains a bladder element that inflates or expands to redirect the flow of the drilling and production fluid from the inner annulus into the jet pump assembly. Vertical displacement of the inner casing string by a casing jack causes the bladder to redirect the flow of drilling fluid form the inner annulus into the jet pump assembly.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit for drilling a hole through a solid body is disclosed. The drill bit includes a collar and a penetrating member. At a proximal end, the collar is attachable to a drill shaft. At a distal end, the collar is attachable to the penetrating member. The penetrating member has a connecting end for attachment to the collar and a cutting end for engaging the solid body. A pilot drill is fixedly attached to the cutting end for initiating contact with the solid body.

Abstract: Coolant hole drills are very costly and by that are times not used as often as they could be. By utilizing a coolant drill head, the material could be cobalt or carbide, the coolant drill costs would be reduced substantially. The problem users encounter with replaceable drill heads is strength and concentricity. Here is a system that maintains both strength and concentricity.

Abstract: A drill hit for drilling a borehole into an earth formation is provided. The drill bit has a central longitudinal axis and a bottom surface facing the borehole bottom during drilling with the drill bit, and comprises primary fluid injection means (10) arranged at the bottom surface and located at a selected radial distance from the central longitudinal axis, the primary fluid injection means being arranged to eject a primary stream of fluid into the borehole, the primary stream having a component in a transverse plane of the drill bit, directed from the fluid injection means to the central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A device for transporting particles of a magnetic material in a selected direction, having a support member having a support surface for supporting the particles, the support surface extending in a selected direction, a magnet arranged to generate a magnetic field retaining the magnetic particles on the support surface, the magnetic field having at least one region of reduced field strength at the support surface relative to a field strength of the magnetic field at the support surface outside said region, and drive means for moving each region of reduced field strength relative to the support surface in a direction having a component in the selected direction.

Abstract: A drill bit is disclosed which includes a bit body having a plurality of ports therein arranged to provide a flow path between an interior of a drill string and the exterior of the bit body. At least one flow relief is disposed in one of the ports. The at least one flow relief is adapted to provide an increase in total flow area of the bit upon application to the bit of a selected fluid flow condition. A method for changing a total flow area of a drill bit is also disclosed, which includes pumping drilling fluid through the drill bit and operating a flow relief disposed in the bit to change the total flow area of the bit.