System, method and apparatus for hardfacing composition for earth boring bits in highly abrasive wear conditions using metal matrix materials

Abstract

A highly abrasive wear metal matrix composite hardfacing material for downhole tools is disclosed. The hardfacing material may comprise a matrix of a softer material with high hardness, such as amorphous nanocomposite steel alloys, and one or more hard component materials. The hard component materials may comprise sintered tungsten carbide, monocrystalline WC, polycrystalline WC, and the additional component of spherical cast tungsten carbide. Alternatively, a matrix of softer material, hard component materials and crushed cast tungsten carbide may be used.

Description

[0001]This non-provisional patent application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 60 / 871,270, which was filed on Dec. 21, 2006.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Technical Field[0003]The present invention relates in general to hardfacing and, in particular, to an improved highly abrasive wear metal matrix composite hardfacing materials, such as for downhole tools.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]It is a long-standing practice in the design and manufacture of earth-boring bits to apply wear-resistant hardfacing materials to the surfaces of such bits that are subjected to abrasive wear during drilling operations. In earth-boring bits of the rolling cutter variety, these surfaces include the teeth of bits of the milled or steel tooth variety, the gage surfaces of the rolling cutters and the shirttails of the bit legs comprising the bit body.[0006]In the past, these hardfacing compositions generally comprise carbides of the elements of Gro...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]Embodiments of a system, method, and apparatus for a highly abrasive wear metal matrix composite hardfacing material for downhole tools are disclosed. The hardfacing material may comprise a matrix of relatively softer material with high hardness, such as amorphous nanocomposite steel alloys, and one or more hard component materials. Th...

Problems solved by technology

A hardfacing composition that is extremely hard and wear-resistant may lack fracture toughness, causing the hardfacing to crack and flake prematurely.

Conversely, a hardfacing with adequate fracture toughness, but inadequate hardness and wear resistance, is eroded prematurely and fails to serve its purpose.

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