Use of nanosized particulates and fibers in elastomer seals for improved performance metrics for roller cone bits

Abstract

A bit for drilling subterranean formations that includes a bit body including a bearing surface; a cutting structure mounted on the bit body, and including a bearing surface, and an annular seal for retaining a grease between the bearing surfaces, the annular seal comprising a flexible and resilient seal body formed from an elastomer composition, wherein the elastomer composition comprises an elastomer material, a curing agent, and 10% or less by volume of a nanomaterial additive selected from one of nanotubes and clustered nanodiamonds is disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e), claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 60 / 954,272, filed on Aug. 6, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to the use of composite materials in seals for cutting tools. More particularly, embodiments disclosed herein relate to the incorporation of nanosized particulates and fibers into elastomer seals for improved wear resistance, thereby enhancing the performance and service life of the roller cone bit.[0004]2. Background Art[0005]Drill bits are commonly used in, for example, the oil and gas exploration industry for drilling wells in earth formations. One type of drill bit commonly used in the industry is the roller cone drill bit. Roller cone drill bits generally comprise a bit body connected to a drill string or bottom hole assembly (BHA). Roller cone...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a bit for drilling subterranean formations that includes a bit body including a bearing surface; a cutting structure mounted on the bit body, and including a bearing surface, and an annular seal for retaining a grease between the bearing sur

Problems solved by technology

Drilling generally continues until, for example, a bit change is required because of a change in formation type is encountered in the wellbore or because the drill bit is worn and / or damaged.

High temperatures, high pressures, tough, abrasive formations, and other factors all contribute to drill bit wear and failure.

The amount of time required to make a bit replacement trip produces downtime in drilling operations.

The amount of downtime may be significant, for example, when tripping in and out of relatively deep wells.

Downtime may be add to the cost of completing a well and is a particular problem in offshore operations where costs are significantly higher.

One reason for the failure of a roller cone drill bit is the wear that occurs on the journal bearings that support the roller cones.

The journal bearings may be friction-type or roller-type bearings, and are subjected to high loads, high pressures, high temperatures, and exposure to abrasive particles originating from the formation being drilled.

Conventional seals formed from a single-type of material, having symmetric axial cross-sectional geometries, may have reduced wear resistance and temperature stability at the dynamic seal surface where wear and temperature conditions are generally more severe than at the static seal surface.

Therefore, the service life of drill bits that contain such seals may be limited by the service life of the journal bearing seal.

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