MXPA97000947A - Rock barrena with fluidomejor return area - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rotating cone drill to form a deep hole, comprising: a one-piece auger body having an upper part adapted to be connected to a drill string for the rotation of said drill, a number of arms of support fastened to said auger body and extending opposite from said upper part, each of the support arms having an inner surface with an axis connected thereto, each axis generally connecting downwardly and inwardly with respect to its arm of associated support: a number of cutter cone assemblies equal to said number of support arms and mounted respectively on one of said axes, and said auger body having a lower part with a generally convex outer surface formed thereon to provide a flow of improved fluid between the cutter cone assemblies and said lower part of the barre body

Description

BARRENA FOR ROCK COM AREA OF IMPROVED FLUID RETURN TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to rotary drilling bits used in the drilling of a deep hole in the ground and in particular to a drill bit having a one-piece auger body that improves fluid flow during drilling operations and virtually It reduces the restrictions on the return of fluid from the bottom of the deep hole to the surface of the well.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various types of rotary drill bits or rock drill bits can be used to form a deep hole in the ground. Examples of rock drill bits include the rotary cone drill bits of roller cone drills used in drilling oil and gas wells. An auger The roller cone 20 comprises a bit body with an upper end adapted for connection to a drill string. A plurality of support arms typically three, depends on the lower end portion of the auger body with each arm having an axis projecting radially inwardly and down with respect to the axis of projected rotation of the auger body. Conventional roller cone bits are typically constructed of three segments.

'' ~ The segments can be placed together longitudinally with a weld slot between each segment. The segments can then be welded to one another using conventional techniques 5 to form the auger body. Each segment also includes an associated support arm which extends from the auger body. An enlarged cavity or conduit is typically formed in the auger body to receive the drilling fluids from the drill string. The patent of the J.0 United States of America number 4,052,772 and entitled "Rock Auger Welding Placement System" shows a method and apparatus for constructing a rotating rock auger of three cones of three individual segments. The United States of America patent number 4,054,772 is incorporated by reference for all purposes of this application. A cutter cone assembly is generally mounted on each axis and rotatably supported on bearings acting on the shaft and inside a cavity or shaft receiving chamber in the cutter cone. One or more nozzle boxes can be formed on the auger body adjacent to the support arms. A nozzle is typically placed inside each box to direct the drilling fluid passing down from the drill string through the auger body to the bottom of the deep borehole that is being formed. The drilling fluid is generally provided by the drilling string to perform various functions including washing any material removed from the bottom of the deep hole, cleaning the cutter cone assemblies and carrying out the cuts radially outwardly and radially upwards within the ring defined between the outside of the auger body and the wall of the deep bore. The patent of the United States of America number No. 4,056,153 and entitled "Rotating Rock Auger with Multiple Row Coating for Very Hard Formations" and United States Patent No. 4,280,571 and entitled "Rock Auger" show examples of conventional roller cone bits with cutter cone assemblies mounted on an axis projecting from a support arm. U.S. Patent No. 4,056,153 and U.S. Patent No. 4,280,571 are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes within this application.

While drilling with such rotating drills or rock drills cuts and other types of debris can be collected in downward locations with a restricted fluid flow. Examples of such locations with restricted fluid flow include the lower part of the bore body adjacent to the respective support arms, the ring area between the outside of the auger body and the adjacent wall of the deep bore. Other areas of restricted fluid may include the back face of the respective cutter cone assemblies, part of the support arms and the wall of the deep bore. As a result of the collection of such waste, the area available for the flow of fluid is reduced to an additionally resulting in a >; increase in fluid velocity of such areas and erosion of adjacent metal components. As this erosion progresses, vital components such as bearings and seals can be exposed to drilling fluids and well debris that can lead to premature failure of the associated rock auger.

SYNTHESIS OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, the disadvantages and problems associated with previous rock drills and rotating cone drill bits have been virtually reduced or eliminated. One aspect of the present invention includes a unitary one-piece auger body which provides improved fluid flow around the outside of the auger body and the associated support arms during drilling operations resulting in improved fluid flow for the renovation of cuts and other waste from the bottom of the deep hole to the surface of the well. The lower part of the auger body adjacent to the associated support arms preferably includes a generally convex outer surface that eliminates stagnation of the cuts and / or drilling fluids * above the cutter cone assemblies associated with each supporting arm. The convex surface of the auger body promotes the movement of cuts and other debris radially outwardly from the cutter cone assemblies towards the wall of the deep borehole and through the ring formed between the deep bore wall and the string associated drilling r? 0 Another aspect of the present invention includes keeping the outer diameter of the auger body as small as possible while standard American Institute of Petroleum (API) roll auger connections are still provided to hold the associated drill bit to drill string 15. By minimizing the outer diameter of the auger body, the fluid flow area between the outside of the rotating cone borer and the deep bore can be virtually increased. For some applications, the present invention allows an increase of twenty percent (20%) or more in the area of fluid flow between the outside of the barrel body and the wall of the deep hole compared to many conventional rotary cone bits having the same measurement diameter.

A further aspect of the present invention ? includes the ability and optimizing the position of each support arm and its associated cutter cone assembly to increase fluid flow between the outside of the auger body and the associated 5 parts and the associated cutter cone assembly. Optimizing the location of the cutter cone assemblies relative to the outside of the associated auger body results in increased fluid flow and movement of the cuts from the space between the bottom of the auger body and the 0 cutter cone assemblies to the outer part of the associated rotary drill and up through the ring between the drilling string of the deep drilling wall.

The important technical advantages of a one-piece unitary auger body incorporating the present invention include the ability to place the fluid nozzles in various locations within the auger body without affecting the design and position of the associated support arms and / or of the cutter cone assemblies. The placement of the nozzles and 0 of their associated fluid flow conduits within the auger body eliminates the need for nozzle boxes which are frequently formed on the outside of the previous rotary drills. Such nozzle boxes virtually reduce the area available for the flow of return fluid between the outside of the associated bit and the wall of the deep hole depending on the intended ones of the respective bit, the present invention allows the fluid flow of the nozzles Directing virtually parallel with the projected axis of rotation of the drill string and drill. The fluid flow from the nozzles can be directed between the adjacent cutter cone assemblies. Also, the fluid assemblies can be placed within the center of the associated auger body to prevent the flow leaving the nozzles from interfering with the flow path of the fluids leaving from the bottom of the deep bore ALO carrying the cut particles .

Additional technical advantages of the present invention include providing a one-piece unitary auger body having an enlarged symmetrical cavity for receive the drilling fluids from the associated drill string. One or more fluid conduits are preferably provided to intercept the cavity. The length and diameter of the fluid conduits can be selected for some applications to provide a flux or laminar to each nozzle that virtually reduces the erosion of the nozzles and / or the internal surfaces of the auger body. The fluid conduits can be easily machined with a virtually straight uniform inner diameter.

Another aspect of the present invention includes forming a rotating rock auger of a one-piece unitary auger body having one or more pockets to receive a respective support arm. A shaft is preferably formed as an integral part of each support arm for mounting a cutter cone assembly on each support arm. The present invention also allows the design of bags in the unitary auger body and its associated support arm to place the cutter cone assemblies in the optimal location in relation to the auger body and the deep bore wall to improve the flow of fluid and the return of the particles -J.0 cut to the surface of the well during drilling operations.

Another important technical advantage of the present invention includes the provision of a rotating cone drill having a auger body and support arms which can be formed of different types of material. For example, the auger body can be formed of an AISI 8620 steel alloy which minimizes the manufacturing costs of the auger body, while providing an operation of improved drilling of the associated auger and the use of relatively high-cost steel alignment materials is limited to form only the support arms. Therefore, the present invention results in virtually reduced material costs while providing improved performance. 25 BRIEF DESCRIPTION DB THE INVENTION ya¬ for a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic drawing in elevation and in section with cut parts showing a rotating cone 10, incorporating features of the present invention attached to one end of a drill string placed in a deep hole.

Figure 2 is an isometric drawing showing a partially exploded view of a rotating cone drill incorporating one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is an exploded sectional drawing showing parts of a one-piece auger body of the support arm or the cutter cone assembly incorporating one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a sectional drawing showing a one-piece auger body incorporating another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is an end view of the auger bodies shown in figures three and four.

Figure 6 is a sectional drawing showing a one-piece auger body incorporating a further embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a sectional drawing taken along lines 7-7 of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a partial end view of the auger body shown in Figures 6 and 7; Y Figure 9 is a sectional drawing of an auger body showing an alternate bag configuration and alternate locations for the fluid nozzles according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages are better understood with reference to Figures 1-9 of the drawings, the like numbers being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.

As shown in the drawings for the purposes "By way of illustration, the present invention is involved in a rotating cone auger 20 of the type used in the drilling of a deep hole in the ground.

Rotary 20 can sometimes be referred to as a "rotating drill" or a "rock drill". The rotary cone drill bits preferably includes a threaded connection bolt 44 for use to secure the drill 20 to the drill string 22. The threaded connection 44 and the corresponding threaded connections (not shown) associated with the drill string 22 are designed to allow rotation of the drill 20 exposed to the rotation of the drill string 22 on the surface of the well.

As shown in Figure 1, the bit 20 can is attached to the drill string 22 and placed in the hole 24. The ring 26 is formed between the outside of the drill string 22 and the wall or the interior 28 of the hole 24. In addition to turning the bit 20, Drill string 22 is frequently used to provide a product for communicating drilling fluids and other fluids from the surface of the well to the drill 20 at the bottom of the bore 24. Such drilling fluids may be directed to flow from the drill string 22 to several nozzles 60 provided in the bit 20. The cuts or particles formed by the bit 20 and other debris at the bottom of the hole 24 will be mixed with the drilling fluids leaving the nozzles 60 and will return to the // WJ surface of the well through the ring 26.

For the rotary cone bit 20 the action of Cutting or drilling action occurs when the cutter cone assemblies 100 are rotated around the bottom of the deep hole 24 by rotating the drill string 22. The inner diameter resulting from the drilling 24 defined by the wall 28 corresponds approximately to the combined 0 0 outside diameter or the measuring diameter of the cutter cone assemblies 100. The cutter cone assemblies 100 cooperate with each other to form the wall 28 of the deep bore 24 in response to the rotation of the drill . Cutter cone assemblies 100 can sometimes be mentioned as "rotary cone cutters" or "roller cone cutters".

As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 each cutter assembly 100 includes cutter edges 102 with 0 projecting inserts 104 which scrape and empty against the sides and bottom of the deep hole 24 in response to weight and rotation applied to the drill 20 from the drill string 22. The position of the cutting assemblies 102 and the inserts 104 for each cutter cone assembly 100 5 can be varied to provide the desired downward cutting action. Other types of cutter cone assemblies can be used successfully with the present invention, including, but not limited to, the cutter cone assemblies having the teeth milled instead of the inserts 104. The cuts and other debris created by the drill 20 can be carried from the bottom of the deep hole 24 to the surface of the well by the drilling fluids leaving the nozzles 60. The fluid leading to the debris generally flows radially outwardly from under the bit 20 and then flows upwardly toward the well. surface of the well through the ring 26.

The drill 20 preferably comprises a unitary or one-piece auger body 40 with the upper part 42 having a threaded connection bolt 44 adapted to secure the drill 20 to the lower end of the drill string. Three support arms are shown as being clamped and extending longitudinally from the auger body 40 or placed from the bolt 44. Each support arm 70 preferably includes the shaft 82 connected and extending from the inner surface 76 of the respective support arm 70. important feature the present invention includes the ability to remove one or more support arms 70 from the auger body 40 and rebuild the drill 20 using the same auger body 40.

The auger body 40 includes the lower part 46 having a generally convex outer surface 48 formed thereon. The dimensions of the convex surface / * "48 and the location of the cutter cone assemblies 100 are selected to optimize fluid flow between the lower portion 46 of the auger body 40 and the cutter cone assemblies 5. As will be explained later in greater detail, the location of the cutter cone assemblies 100 relative to the lower part 46 can be varied by adjusting the length of the associated support arms 70 and the spacing between each support arm 70 on the outside 0 of the auger body 40.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the auger body 40 includes the middle portion 52 positioned between the upper part 42 and the lower part 46. The longitudinal axis and the shaft central 50 extends through the auger body 40 and generally corresponds to the projected axis of rotation for the drill 20. The middle part 52 preferably has a generally cylindrical configuration with the bags 54 formed on the outside thereof and spaced apart radially some of others. The number of bags 54 and selected to correspond to the number of support arms 70 that will be attached thereto. The spacing between the bags 54 and the exterior of the middle part 52 is selected to correspond with any desired spacing between the support arms 70 and their sets of associated cutter cone 100 and the location of the bags 54 may also be varied to provide any desired de-centering for the cutter cone assemblies 100 with / ~ with respect to the longitudinal axis 50 and the projected axis of rotation for the bit 20.

Each support arm 70 has a longitudinal axis 72 extending through it. The support arms 70 are preferably mounted in their respective pockets 54 with their respective longitudinal axis 72 aligned parallel to each other and with the longitudinal axis 50 of the associated auger body 40. For an application a part of each arm 70 is welded preferably within its associated bag 54 by a series of welds formed between the outside or perimeter of each bag 54 and the adjacent portions of each support arm 70. The perimeter of each bag 54 adjacent to the outside of the barrier body 40 can be modified providing the welded surface and / or the weld grooves to assist the fastening of each support arm 70 with its associated bag 54.

Figure 3 is an exploded drawing which 0 shows the ratio of the auger body 40, one of the support bodies 70 and its associated cutter cone assembly 100. Each cutter cone assembly 100 is preferably constructed and is attached to its associated shaft 82 and in a virtually identical manner. Each support arm 70 is constructed 5 and preferably mounted in its associated bag 54 in virtually the same manner. Therefore, only one support arm 70 and a cutter cone assembly 100 will be described in detail since the same proportion is generally applied to the other two support arms 70 and their associated cutter cone assemblies 100.

The support arm 70 has a generally rectangular configuration with respect to the longitudinal axis 72. The support arm 70 may have several transverse sections taken normal to the longitudinal axis depending on the configuration of the associated bag 54 and other features which may be incorporated within it. of the support arm 70 d according to the teachings of the present invention. The support arm 70 includes the upper surface 74, the inner surface 76, the bottom edge 78 and the outer surface 80. The support arm 70 also includes the sides 84 and 86 which preferably and substantially extend with the longitudinal axis. 72 Various features of the present invention can be incorporated as part of the interior surface 76, of the outer surface 80 and of the sides 84 and 86. The various dimensions of each supporting arm 70 are selected to be compatible with the associated bag 74. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a part of each arm of support 70 including upper or end surface 74 and adjacent portions of inner surface 76 together with sides 84 and 86 extending therefrom are designed to fit within associated pocket 74.

As will be explained later in greater detail, the interior surface 76 may be modified as desired to provide various features of the present invention. The configuration of the inner surface 76 can be varied virtually between the upper surface 74 and the edge of the bottoms 78. Also the configuration of the inner surface 76 with respect to the sides 84 and 86 can be varied depending on the configuration of the associated pockets. The inner surface 76 and the outer surface 80 are contiguous at the bottom edge 78 of the support arm 70. The portion of the outer surface 80 formed on one side of the bottom edge 78 is often referred to as the skirt surface 88.

For one embodiment the present invention, the first opening 75 and the second opening 77 are formed in the inner surface 76 of each support arm 70. The first post 53 and the second post 55 can be formed on the rear wall 64 of each bag 56 The posts 53 and 55 extend easily from each rear wall 64 to cooperate respectively from the first opening 75 and the second opening 77 to place each support arm 70 within its associated bag 54. For some applications the first opening 75 comprises preferably a longitudinal groove extending from the upper surface 74 and is dimensioned to receive the first post 53 there. The second opening 77 preferably has a generally circular configuration for receiving the second post 55 there. The posts 53 and 55 and the openings 75 and 77 can be used to place each support arm 70 within the associated bag 54 prior to welding.

The shaft 82 is preferably angled downwardly and inwardly with respect to both the longitudinal axis 72 of the support arm 70 and the projected axis of rotation of the drill 20. This orientation of the shaft 82 results in the exterior of the assembly. cutting cone 100 engaging the side and bottom of deep hole 24 during drilling operations. For some applications, it may be preferable to place each support arm 70 and its associated axis 82 with the cutter cone assembly 100 at a distance from the projected axis of rotation of the drill 20. The desired offset can be easily obtained by forming the associated pockets 54 on the outside of the auger body 40 with a corresponding offset from the longitudinal axis 50 of an auger body 40. An offset amount may vary from zero to five or six degrees (6 °) or approximately zero ( 0) inches to one half (.) Inch in the direction of rotation in bit 20.

As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, each cutter cone assembly 100 includes the base part 108 with a conically shaped tip or shell 016 extending therefrom. For some applications, the base portion 108 includes a frustoconically shaped exterior surface which is preferred at an angle in an opposite direction from the angle of the shell 106. The base 108 also includes the rear face 112 which can be placed at one side of the parts of the inner surface 76 of the associated support arm 70. The base 108 preferably includes the opening 120 with the chamber 114 extending therefrom. The chamber 114 extends through the base 108 and into the shell 106. The dimensions of the opening 120 of the chamber 114 are selected to allow assembly of each cutter cone assembly 100 on its associated axis 82. One or more Bearing assemblies 122 can be mounted on the shaft and placed between a bearing wall within the chamber 114 and an annulled bearing surface 81 on the shaft 82. A conventional ball retention system 124 can be used to secure the cone assembly 100 cutter to the 82 axis.

The cutter cone assembly 100 may be fabricated from any hardenable steel or other high strength engineering alloy which has adequate strengthhardness and wear resistance to withstand the rigors of drilling a deep hole. The protection of the bearing assembly 122 and any other bearings within the chamber 114, which allows the rotation of the cutter cone assembly 100 can extend the useful service life of the drill 20. Once the drilling waste is left are infiltrated within the bearing surface of the cutter cone assembly 100 and the shaft 82, the failure of the drill 20 will follow very closely. The present invention provides improved fluid flow around the outside of the drill 20 and associated support arms 70 and cutter cone assemblies 100 to help maintain waste and prevent it from getting inside the various support surfaces of each cutter cone assembly 100 and its associated shaft 82. Frequently, an elastomeric seal such as seal 116 may be placed within the spacing between the cutter cone assembly bearing surfaces 100 and its associated shaft 82. However Once the seal 116 fails, the drilling fluids and other debris can rapidly contaminate the bearing surfaces through the gap between the cutter cone assembly 100 and its associated shaft 82.

For some applications, the auger body 40 can be manufactured or machined from a generally cylindrical solid stock of bar stock or supply (not shown) having the desired metallurgical characteristics for the resulting bit 20. ISI 8620 alloy steel is an example of the type of material that can be used to form the auger body 40.

The threaded connection 44 can be formed on an upper portion 42 of an auger body 40 using conventional threading techniques. One of the primary requirements is to determine the outer diameter of the middle portion 52 of the auger body 42 and the auger body 40 is the amount of material thickness required to provide the threaded connection 44. The following API table for connections Drill bits show various sizes of drill bits and the required bolt size.

ROLLER BARREL CONNECTIONS Sub Chamfer Chamfer Size and Style of Auger Size of Auger, Diameter Connection Diameter inches Rotating Bolt i 1/64 * 1/64 20 inches inches 33/4 to 41/2, incl. 23/8 REG 3 3/64 3 5/64 45/8 to 5, incl. 27/8 REG 3 39/64 311/64 51/8 to 7378, incl. 31/2 REG 4 7/64 4 9/64 25 71/2 to 93/8, incl. 41/2 REG 5 21/64 523/64 91/2 to 141/2, incl. 65/8 REG 7 23/64 725/64 145/8 to 181/2, incl. 75/8 REG 8 15/32 8 1/2 185/8 and larger 85/8 REG 9 35/64 937/64 The size of the bit 20 was determined by the maximum outside diameter or the measuring diameter associated with the three cutter cone assemblies 100. The position of each cutter cone assembly 100 and its combined measuring diameter relative to the projected axis of rotation of the drill 20 is a function of the dimensions of the bags 54 and their supporting arms associated with the cutter cone assemblies 100 respectively mounted thereon. The support arms 70 having various sizes of the cutter cone assemblies 100 can be attached to the bags 54 to provide the desired size for the drill 20. The dimensions of the shaft 82 are preferably selected to accommodate both larger and larger cutter cone assembly. small 100 which will be mounted on the associated support arm 70. Therefore, the one-piece auger body 40 having the threaded connection 44 suitable for a 1 inch auger can also be used for a 9% auger or any size of drill between them. It is important to note that by increasing the bit size from 1 inch to 9%, the outer diameter of the outer measured portion 52 of the bit body 40 can remain essentially the same. Therefore, the flow area in the ring 26 between the outside of the auger body 40 and the wall 28 of the deep bore 24 is virtually increased for a 9% auger compared to a 1-inch bit.

As best seen in Figures 2, 3 and 5, each bag 54 includes the back wall 64 and a pair of side walls 66 and 68. The dimensions of the wall 64 and the side walls 66 and 68 are selected to be compatible. with the adjacent inner surface 76 and the sides 84 and 86 of the support arm 70. For one application the side walls 66 and 68 are formed at an angle of forty-five (45 *) in relation to the rear wall 64. Also each bag 54 preferably includes upper surface 65 formed as an integral part thereof to engage upper surface 74 of associated support arm 70. For some applications, a welding groove 149 may be formed on the perimeter of each bag 54 at the intersection between each bag 54 and the convex surface 48 on the lower part 46 of the auger body 40.

The width (Wp) of each bag was selected to accommodate the associated support arm 70. An important feature for one embodiment of the present invention includes the limiting width of the support arms 70. By limiting the width of the support arms 70, following hollow spaces 160 are provided between the adjacent support arms 70 to allow improved fluid flow between the support arms and the convex surface 48 on the lower portion 46 of the auger body 40.

Another important feature of the present invention includes the ability to vary the length of the support arm 70 to provide the desired fluid flow between the associated cutter cone assembly 100 mounted on each support arm 5 and the convex surface 48 on the part lower 46 of the auger body 40. For one application, the length of the support arm 70 from the upper surface 74 to the bottom edge 78 is preferably selected to make at least three times the width of the support arm 70. Frequently, It is desirable to provide at least one half (1/2) inch of spacing between the top of each cutter cone assembly 100 in the adjacent portion of the convex surface 48.

As shown in Figure 3, the enlarged cavity 56 can be formed within the upper portion 42 of the auger body 40. The opening 58 is provided in the upper portion 42 to communicate the fluids between the drill string 22 and the cavity. 56. The cavity 56 preferably has a generally uniform inside diameter extending from the opening 58 to a position in the middle of the middle portion 52 of the auger body 40. For some applications, the cavity 56 may be formed concentric with the longitudinal axis. 50 of the auger body 40.

One or more fluid conduits 62 may be formed in the auger body 40 extending between the cavity 56 and the convex surface 48 on the lower portion 46 of the auger body 40. The opening 61 may be provided in each fluid conduit 62 to a side of the convex surface 48. A plurality of recesses 63 are preferably provided within each opening 61 to allow installation of various types of nozzles or nozzle inserts 60 within each fluid conduit 62. Additional components (not shown) as a snap ring and / or a 0-ring seal can be provided to place each nozzle insert 60 within the recesses ~ - \ 0 63. Various techniques are commercially available to satisfactorily install the nozzle 60 within its associated opening 61 For some applications, nozzle inserts 60 may be formed of carburabtostene or other suitable materials to resist erosion of flowing fluids. yen to through them. Also, one or more access ports (not shown) can be provided in the auger body 40 on one side of the openings 61 to allow the cap screws or bolts and / or plug welds (not shown) to secure the inserts nozzle 60 between the recesses 63. The nozzles 60 preferably include one or more outlet orifices 59. The nozzles 60 can be positioned in each fluid conduit 62 to regulate the flow of fluid from the cavity 56 through the conduit 60. fluid and the associated nozzle 60 to the outside of the auger body 40. The length and diameter of each fluid conduit 62 can be selected for some applications to provide. • the discharge flow between the cavity 56 and the respective nozzle 60. The present invention allows the formation of the fluid conduit 62 with a larger diameter than had previously been possible with conventional rotating cone drills. The large, straight bore diameter of the conduits 62 will minimize erosion or washing of the nozzles 60.

An important feature of the present invention includes the ability to vary the position of the fluid conduits 62 and associated nozzles 60 within the auger body 40 without affecting the location of the pockets 54 and the support arms 70. Auger bodies 140, 240 and 340 which will be described in greater detail, show several examples of different locations for the fluid conduits 62 and their associated nozzles 60 within the respective auger body according to the teachings of the present invention. Figure 5 shows the lower part 46 which is representative of both the auger body 40 and the auger body 140. The lower part 46 is shown with three pockets 54 and three openings 61 for the associated conduits 62 spaced radially with respect to each other around the perimeter of both bodies of Auger 40 and 140. For the specific example shown in Figure 5 fluid conduits 62 and associated openings 61 are radially spaced by approximately one hundred twenty degrees (120 °) from each other, in a similar manner each supporting bag 54 is spaced radially by approximately one hundred and twenty degrees ( 120 *) d an adjacent bag 54.

Another embodiment the present invention is represented by the bit body 140 shown in FIG. 4. The bit body is essentially equal to the period duly described bit body 40 with the exception of the fluid conduit 162. The bit body 140 includes the cavity. 56 with the first fluid conduit 62 extending therefrom. A second conduit 162 can be formed in the auger body 140 extending between the first conduit 62 and the outside or the middle part 152 of the auger body 140. The second conduit 162 is preferably formed at an acute angle with respect to the first conduit 62 so that any fluid exiting the second fluid conduit 162 will assist with the flow of fluid in the ring 26 between the outside of the drill 20 and the wall 28 of the deep bore 24.

For some applications, an appropriately sized plug (not shown) can be placed in the opening 61 to direct all fluid flow from the cavity 56 through the first fluid conduit 162 and make it live through the second fluid conduit 162 to the outside of the middle part 152 of the auger body 140. For other applications, the nozzle 60, with a properly dimensioned hole (n shown) can be placed within the recesses 63 of the opening 61 to control or regulate the amount of fluid that exits. of the first fluid conduit 62 and of the second fluid conduit 162. Also, a second nozzle (not shown) can be placed in the second fluid conduit 162. The present invention allows the installation of the conduits and nozzles of multiple fluids in several places within the associated auger body to improve fluid flow from the bottom of the bore hole 24 through the ring 26 to the well surface. If desired, multiple duct 162 can be formed in a bit body 140.

An additional embodiment of the present invention represented by the auger body 240 shown in the figur 6 includes the modified bags 154 and the fluid conduit 26 which extends virtually parallel to concentric with the longitudinal axis 50 of the associated auger body 240. The nozzle 60 with one or more exit holes 59 can be placed within the fluid conduit. 162 near the intersection of the associated convex surface 248 and the longitudinal axis 50 of bit body 140. For example, FIG. 8 shows a partial end view of the auger body 240 and the convex surface 248 having the nozzle 260 installed inside the opening 261. As shown in Figure 8, a nozzle 260 preferably includes three holes 259 positioned regularly with respect to each other and a longitudinal axis 50 of a body / For auger 240 for other applications, it may be desirable to place the outlet holes 259 in the nozzle 26 relatively close to each other corresponding to only one sect. of the associated fluid conduit 262.

As shown in Figure 6, a drill body 240 preferably includes the upper portion 42 as s previously described for the drill body 40. The part * 10 medium 252 and lower portion 246 of auger body 240 has been modified as compared to middle part 52 and lower part 46 of auger body 40. Lower portion 246 preferably includes convex surface 248 similar to the surface convex 48 of auger body 240, except for the configuration of the bags 254, the opening 261 for the nozzle 260 and the cuts 280. As previously noted one of the differences between the auger body 40 and the body 240 includes forming the fluid conduit 262 essentially parallel with and concentric to the longitudinal axis 50. In addition, a The number of angularly spaced cuts 270 on the outside of the auger body 240 between the bags 54. The placement of the fluid conduit 262 essentially concentric with the longitudinal axis 50 allows the reduction of the outer diameter of the auger body 140 and / or the provision of the cuts 280. The cuts 280 may extend from the lower part 246 of the auger body 240 to an outer position d the middle part 252. Each cut 280 is defined in part by a used surface 282 which extends radially towards the outside. from the lower part 246 of the auger body 240 to provide the improved fluid flow from below the lower part 246 of the auger body 240 1 of the associated 1 broccoli 20. The bags 254 and the cuts 280 are preferably formed in a Alternate arrangement around the perimeter ~ "~ -10 bit body 240 and radially spaced from each other. For the example shown in Figure 7, the center line of cad bag 254 is preferably formed at an angle of twenty degrees cient (120 *) with respect to each In a similar form, the centerline 280 is preferably formed au angle of one hundred and twenty degrees (120 *) one with respect to each other.

- The bags 254 of the auger body 240 are similar to the pre-bags 54 of the auger body 40, except for the modified side walls 266 and 268. As best seen in Figure 7, the side wall 266 includes a first portion 266a extending at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees (45 *) relative to the rear wall. 64 and a second portion 266v extending from the first portion 266a at an angle of approximately ninety degrees (90 *) relative to the rear wall 64. The side wall 268 includes a first portion 268a and similarly a second portion 268v. The second portions 266v and 268v are placed virtually parallel to one another.

Additional alternate embodiments of the present invention are shown in Figure 9 as represented by the auger body 340. Figure 9 is a sectional view of the middle portion 352 with the auger body 340 showing the alternate locations for the conduits. of fluid 62 and apertures 61 extended between cavity 56 (not shown in Figure 8) the outside of bit body 340. Auger body 34 also includes bags 354 having a generally square configuration as compared to bags 54.

An important benefit of the present invention includes the ability to vary the position of the respective fluid ducts 62 and their associated nozzles 60 to direct a drilling fluid flow from the cavity 56 to the exit of the associated auger body as desired . For some applications, the fluid conduits 62 and their associated nozzles 60 can be located to divide the fluid flow between the adjacent cutter cone assemblies 100 including from the auger body 340. Also, the location of the selected fluid conduits 62 and its associated nozzles 60 can be varied to apply a wall angle 28 and / or with a hole 24. For deep holes having a diameter of seven inches (7") to eight inches (8") the fluid flow of the nozzles 60 may be directed to intersect the bottom of the deep bore 2 to about an inch (1") in the front wall 28. The present invention allows varying the intersection between the fluid flow from the nozzles 60 and the bottom of the bore. deep perforation 24 depending on the diameter of the respective perforation and other conditions For the purpose of illustration, the auger body 340 is also shown with the conduit d and fluid 362 extending virtually parallel to the longitudinal axis of the auger body 340.

Several locations for the fluid conduits 62 can be selected without requiring any change in the location of the bags 354 formed on the outside of the auger body 340. Placing the nozzles 60 and their associated fluid conduits 62 relatively close to the longitudinal axis 50 are it will minimize the interference between the fluids of the nozzles 60 and the flow of return fluid with the waste. The welding procedures associated with the formation of an auger body of the prior art of three segments virtually the number of nozzles and the locations available for installing the fluid nozzles.

As previously noted, an important feature of the present invention includes the ability to vary the number and location of fluid conduits 62, 26 and 362 and / or the location of associated fluid nozzles 6 to provide a fluid flow. improved with respect to the associated cutter cone assemblies 100 and to the lower part d the associated auger body 40, 140, 240 and 340. With respect to auger body shown in figure 6 and 7 the present invention allows the placement of the nozzle 60 e approximately the intersection of the convex surface 24 on the bottom 246 of the auger body 240 and the longitudinal ej 50 extending through the barrel body 240.

A further important feature of the present invention includes the ability to vary the configuration of the pockets formed on the outside of the associated auger body. For example, the bit body 340 is shown in FIG. 9 having the bags 354 with a generally square configuration. The width of each bag 35 was defined by the distance between the associated side walls 366 and 368. For this embodiment the combined width (Wp) of the bags 354 was preferably less than one half () the circumference of the body. barrel 340. Also, the width (Wp) of each bag 354 is preferably less than the circumferential distance on the outside of the auger body 340 between the adjacent bags 354. By limiting the width of the bags 354, the sufficient hollow space will be provided between the support arms associated with each bag 354 to allow improved fluid flow around the outside of the resulting drill even when the present invention and its advantages are described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. A rotating cone drill for forming a deep hole, comprising: a one-piece auger body having an upper portion adapted to be connected to a drill string for rotation of said drill; a number of support arms attached to said auger body and extending opposite from said upper part, each of the support arms having an inner surface with an axis connected thereto, each axis generally being connected downwards and inwards with respect to to its associated support arm; a number of cutter cone assemblies equal to said number of support arms and mounted respectively on one of said axes; Y said auger body having a lower part with a generally convex outer surface formed thereon to provide an improved fluid flow between the cutter cone assemblies and said lower part of the auger body.

2. The drill bit as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said one-piece auger body further comprises: a middle part placed between the upper part and said lower part of the auger body; said middle part has a generally cylindrical configuration; a number of pockets formed on the outside of said middle part of said auger body to clamp said support arms to said auger body with said number of pockets equaling to the number of support arms; Y said bags spaced from one another on the outside of the middle part.

3. The drill bit as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said auger body further comprises: a middle part placed between said upper part and said lower part of said auger body; said middle part having a generally cylindrical configuration; a number of bags formed on the outside of said middle part of said auger body to hold said support arms to said auger body with the number of bags equaling the number of support arms; Y a number of cuts formed on the outside of said auger body in the middle of said bags.

4. The drill as claimed in clause 3, characterized in that it also comprises: said cuts extending from said lower part of said auger body to a position between the outside of the middle part of said auger body; each of said cuts defined in parts by a surface which is radially outwardly out of the lower part of said auger body to provide improved fluid flow from below the bottom from said auger body to the outside of said body. drill; and said number of cuts equal to the number of bags and support arms.

5. The bit as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that it comprises: said bit body having a longitudinal axis that generally corresponds to the projected axis of the bit rotation; an enlarged housing formed within the upper part of said auger body; an opening in said cavity for communicating the fluids between the drill string and said cavity; at least one fluid conduit formed in said auger body extending between said cavity and said lower portion of said auger body; Y a nozzle placed in the fluid conduit on one side of the lower part of the auger body.

6. The drill bit as claimed in clause 5 characterized because: the fluid conduit extends virtually parallel with the longitudinal axis of said auger body; and said nozzle is positioned close to the intersection of s- the convex surface on said lower part on said auger body and said longitudinal axis and said auger body.

7. The drill bit as claimed in clause 5 characterized in that: said fluid conduit extends through said? auger body at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of said auger body; Y said nozzle is positioned in the fluid conduit to direct the flow of fluid between said cutter cone assemblies.

8. The drill bit as claimed in clause 5 characterized in that: said cavity further comprises a generally uniform internal diameter 0 extending from said opening to a position intermediate said middle part in said auger body along the longitudinal axis of the auger body.

9. The drill bit as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that: the fluid conduit eventually extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of said auger body; a nozzle positioned within the fluid conduit adjacent to the bottom of said auger body; Y said nozzle has three outlet holes positioned radially of one another and said longitudinal of said auger body.

10. The drill bit as claimed in clause 5 further characterized because it comprises: a first fluid conduit formed in said auger body extending between said cavity and said lower portion of said auger body; a second fluid conduit formed in said auger body extending between the first fluid conduit and said exterior of the middle portion of said auger body; Y said second conduit formed at an angle with respect to said first fluid conduit whereby any fluid exiting the second conduit will assist the flow of fluid in a ring defined in part with said drill bit and deep perforation.

11. A rotating cone drill to form a deep hole having a side wall and a bottom comprising: a one-piece auger body having an upper portion formed as an integral part thereof with a threaded bore connection threaded on the outside of the upper portion to connect said drill bit to a drill string for rotating the drill; a number of support arms objected to said auger body and extending in opposite manner from said upper part, each of the support arms has an inner surface with an axis connected thereto, each axis is generally projected downwards and towards inside with respect to its associated support arm; a number of cutter cone assemblies equalize the number of support arms with one of said cutter cone assemblies respectively mounted on each axis for contact with said side wall and the bottom of said deep hole; said auger body has a lower part with a generally convex outer surface formed thereon to provide an improved fluid flow between the cutter cone assemblies and said lower part of said auger body; a middle part positioned between the upper part and said lower part of said auger body; Y said middle part has a generally cylindrical configuration with the support arms attached thereto.

12. The drill bit as claimed in clause 11 characterized in that said auger body further comprises: a number of bags formed on the outside of said middle portion of said auger body and spaced apart from one another for use in securing the support arms to the auger body with said number of bags equaling the number of support arms; Y each of the bags has an upper surface formed as an integral part thereof for contact with an upper surface provided on its associated support arm.

13. The drill bit as claimed in clause 11 further characterized because it comprises: each support arm has a longitudinal axis; the length of said longitudinal axis selected to place said cutter cone assembly mounted on each support arm at the optimum location for improved fluid flow between the cutter cone assembly and said lower part of the auger body; Y each support arm has a width less than the circumferential distance on the outside of the middle part between the adjacent support arms to provide the improved fluid flow between the support arms placed in said bags and the lower part of said auger body .

14. The rotary cone bit as claimed in clause 11 characterized in that the middle part of said bit body has an outer diameter; said upper part of said auger body having an outer diameter compatible with the threaded roller auger connection formed thereon; and said outer diameter of the upper part is ~ approximately equal to the outer diameter of the middle part and said outer diameter is approximately equal to the MINIMUM API diameter for the connection of the auger. 5 threaded rollers.

15. The drill bit as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that: • A number of bags is formed on the outside of said middle part of said barrier body for use in securing the support arms to said auger body with the number of bags being equal to the number of support arms; and each support arm has a longitudinal axis with approximately (Vi) the length of each support arm placed in its associated bag.

16. A rotating cone drill to form a deep hole having a side wall and a bottom comprising: a one-piece auger body having an upper part with a threaded roller auger connection 25 formed on the outside of the upper part to connect said drill bit to a drill string of said drill: a part or number of supported support arms to the auger body and extending opposite from the top, each of the support arms has a surface with an axis connected thereto, each axis is generally projected downward and inward with respect to its associated support arm a number of cutter cone assemblies equal to the number of support arms with one of the cutter cone assemblies respectively mounted on each axis for a piercing contact with said starter wall and the bottom of said deep hole; said auger body has a lower part with a generally convex outer surface formed thereon to provide an improved fluid flow between the cutter cone assemblies and said lower part of the auger body; a middle part placed between said upper part and said lower part of the auger body, said part having a generally cylindrical configuration with an outer diameter based on parts on the dimensions required for the threaded roller auger connection; from a number of bags formed on the outside of the middle part of said auger body to the clamping of said support arms to said auger body with the number of bags equaling said number of support arms; Y said bags are equally spaced around the perimeter of the middle part.

The drill as claimed in clause 16 also terized because: each support arm has a longitudinal axis; the length of each support arm is selected to place said cutter cone assembly mounted on each support arm at the optimum location for improved fluid flow between a cutter cone assembly and said lower part of the auger body; each support arm has a selected width to be compatible with the width of the associated bag; Y the combined width of said support arms combined to be less than one half of the circumferential distance on the outside of the middle part of the auger body to provide an improved fluid flow between the support arms and said lower part on the body of auger.

18. The rotary cone bit as claimed in clause 16 further characterized by: said half part of the auger body has an outer diameter; Y said auger body and said threaded roller auger connection operate with each other to allow the support arms and the cutter cone assemblies with various dimensions to be secured to said auger body without requiring an increase in the outer diameter of the part. mean of said auger body.

19. The drill bit as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that: said auger body has a longitudinal axis which generally corresponds to the projected example of the rotation of the bit; an enlarged cavity formed within the upper part of the auger body; an opening in said cavity for communicating the fluids between said drill string and said cavity; at least one fluid conduit formed in said auger body extending between the housing and said lower portion of said auger body; Y a nozzle placed in the fluid conduit at one side of the lower part of said auger body. ? 0

20. The drill bit as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that: the fluid conduit extends through the auger body at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis to said auger body; and a nozzle positioned in said fluid conduit to direct the fluid between the cutter cone assemblies. twenty