Drill Bit Nozzle Bore Formation Evacuation Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drill bits face issues with cuttings accumulation and shale packing, which can lead to inefficient fluid flow and bit failure during drilling, particularly in shale formations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates formation evacuation channels and high sloping bodies in drill bits, featuring nozzle bores with intersecting surfaces that extend partially around the circumference, allowing for improved cuttings evacuation and reduced shale packing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional drill bit designs with standard nozzle bores are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but cuttings accumulation and shale packing occur leading to inefficient fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle bore is segmented into multiple functional zones: an upper portion with a first diameter for optimal fluid discharge, and a lower portion with a second diameter for cuttings evacuation. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple structure and improving fluid flow efficiency by preventing shale packing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to the nozzle bore design by creating a stepped configuration with different diameters at different heights. This dimensional change enables the nozzle bore to simultaneously optimize fluid flow in the upper portion while providing adequate clearance for cuttings evacuation in the lower portion, thereby improving productivity without excessive complexity.
2Productivity
If intersecting surfaces extend completely around the nozzle bore circumference, then manufacturing is simplified, but cuttings evacuation is blocked causing shale packing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts or removes a portion of the intersecting surface that would otherwise extend completely around the nozzle bore circumference. By taking out this obstructing portion, the design creates an open passage that allows cuttings to evacuate freely from the lower portion of the nozzle bore, improving productivity while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity through a straightforward modification of the intersecting surface geometry.
3Reliability
If standard drill bit designs are used, then manufacturing cost is low, but cuttings accumulate in junk slots leading to bit failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by modifying specific regions of the blade structure: the lower portion of the blade is designed with increased height relative to the upper portion, creating enhanced clearance in the junk slot region. This localized structural differentiation improves cuttings evacuation and prevents accumulation that leads to bit failure, while maintaining overall design simplicity and avoiding excessive complexity throughout the entire blade structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enhances fluid flow and reduces cuttings accumulation, significantly minimizing shale packing and improving drilling efficiency in shale formations.
Implementation Method 1
The formation evacuation channel extends partially around the circumference of the nozzle bore... enhances fluid flow and reduces cuttings accumulation
Implementation Method 2
The orifices allow drilling fluid to be discharged through the bit in selected directions and at selected rates of flow between the cutting blades 14 for lubricating and cooling the drill bit 10, the blades 14 and the cutters 18
Data Source
AI summary
A drill bit having a bit body with a longitudinal axis extending therethrough and a plurality of blades extending from the bit body is disclosed. Each blade has an outer face and at least one side wall. The drill bit has at least one junk slot, wherein each junk slot is defined by the bit body surface and the side walls of adjacent blades. At least one nozzle bore is formed in the bit body, wherein each nozzle bore has an intersecting surface between the bit body surface of a junk slot and an inner surface of the nozzle bore. At least one formation evacuation channel extends through the intersecting surface of at least one of the nozzle bores, wherein each formation evacuation channel has a base surface, and wherein the formation evacuation channel extends partially around the circumference of the nozzle bore.