Embodiments of the invention relate to automatically dull grading drill bits and portions thereof based on three-dimensional digital models made from one or more images of the drill bits taken at a drilling site by an electronic device with a time-of-flight camera, wherein a method for evaluating drill bits at a site of a drilling rig is disclosed. The method includes receiving, from a requestor, a plurality of images of a drill bit that has been used, at least some of the plurality of images including time-of-flight images that have been captured by an electronic device (e.g? a computing device, an electronic device, etc.) on-site at or near a drill rig. The method includes generating a digital model of the drill bit based on the plurality of images.
Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, systems, and methods include bearing assemblies where one of the bearing assemblies may include bearing surfaces defining an at least partially conical inner surface.
Embodiments are directed to nozzles for three-dimensional printing and related nozzle assemblies and methods. An example nozzle includes at least one top surface, at least one bottom surface, and at least one nozzle lateral surface extending from or near the top surface to or near the bottom surface. The nozzle also includes at least one conduit surface defining a conduit. At least a portion of the conduit surface comprise at least one of polycrystalline diamond ("PCD"), polycrystalline cubic boron nitride ("PcBN"), or another suitable superhard material. The nozzle may be attached to a base to form a nozzle assembly. The nozzle may be attached to the base by at least one of deforming the base relative to the nozzle, threadedly attaching (either directly or indirectly) the nozzle to the base, or press-fitting a hollow hollowed-sleeve into a passageway defined by the base.
Embodiments are directed to nozzles for three-dimensional printing and related nozzle assemblies and methods. An example nozzle includes at least one top surface, at least one bottom surface, and at least one lateral surface extending from or near the top surface to or near the bottom surface. The nozzle includes at least one conduit surface defining a conduit. The conduit surface extends from or near the top surface to or near the bottom surface. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the conduit surface proximate to the top surface is non-vertical (e.g., defines a non-cylindrical or non-rectangular shape). The non-vertical conduit surface may be positioned such that it is not parallel to a central axis of the nozzle extending from the top surface to the bottom surface.
Bearing assemblies and methods of manufacturing bearing assemblies are provided in the present disclosure. In one embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a base member and at least one bearing element coupled to the base member. The bearing element may be coupled with the base member by at least two different coupling techniques, including two of: a mechanical fastener, a clamped structure, a geometrical fit, welding, and brazing. In one embodiment, a first technique may include use of a mechanical fastener and a second technique may include welding or brazing. In another embodiment, a first technique may include use of a clamping mechanism or structure and a second technique may include welding or brazing. In another embodiment, a first technique may include use of a geometrical fit and a second technique may include welding or brazing.
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts that have a substrate including a cementing constituent constituting less than 13 weight percent (wt%) of the substrate, the cementing constituent including a cobalt alloy having and at least one alloying element, wherein the at least one alloying element constitutes less than 12 wt% of the substrate and wherein the cobalt constitutes less than 12 wt% of the substrate; and methods of making the same.
B22F 7/00 - Manufacture of composite layers, workpieces, or articles, comprising metallic powder, by sintering the powder, with or without compacting
C22C 1/05 - Mixtures of metal powder with non-metallic powder
C22C 29/08 - Alloys based on carbides, oxides, borides, nitrides or silicides, e.g. cermets, or other metal compounds, e. g. oxynitrides, sulfides based on carbides or carbonitrides based on carbides, but not containing other metal compounds based on tungsten carbide
E21B 10/46 - Drill bits characterised by wear resisting parts, e.g. diamond inserts
E21B 10/567 - Button-type inserts with preformed cutting elements mounted on a distinct support, e.g. polycrystalline inserts
7.
CUTTING TOOL WITH PCD INSERTS, SYSTEMS INCORPORATING SAME AND RELATED METHODS
A cutting tool which may be used in machining various material may include a body and one or more cutting elements associated therewith. In one example, the cutting element(s) may comprise a superhard table, such as a polycrystalline diamond table. In some embodiments, the polycrystalline diamond table may have a diamond density of approximately 95 percent volume or greater. In some embodiments, the thickness of the superhard table may be approximately 0.15 inch. In some embodiments, the superhard table may include a chip breaking feature or structure. Methods of shaping, finishing or otherwise machining materials are also provided, including the machining of materials comprising titanium.
E21B 10/42 - Rotary drag type drill bits with teeth, blades or like cutting elements, e.g. fork-type bits, fish tail bits
E21B 10/43 - Rotary drag type drill bits with teeth, blades or like cutting elements, e.g. fork-type bits, fish tail bits characterised by the arrangement of teeth or other cutting elements
8.
CORROSION RESISTANT BEARING ELEMENTS, BEARING ASSEMBLIES, BEARING APPARATUSES, AND MOTOR ASSEMBLIES USING THE SAME
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to bearing assemblies and methods of manufacturing. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a support ring and bearing elements. The bearing elements are mounted to and distributed circumferentially about an axis of the support ring. At least one of the bearing elements includes a polycrystalline diamond table, a substrate bonded to the polycrystalline diamond table, bonding region defined by the substrate and the polycrystalline diamond table, and a corrosion resistant region. The corrosion resistant region includes a corrosion resistant material that covers at least a portion of at least one lateral surface of the bonding region. The corrosion resistant region prevents corrosion of at least some material in the bonding region covered by the corrosion resistant region (e.g., during use). Other embodiments employ one or more sacrificial anodes as an alternative to or in combination with the corrosion resistant region.
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to bearing assemblies and methods of manufacturing. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a support ring and bearing elements. The bearing elements are mounted to and distributed circumferentially about an axis of the support ring. At least one of the bearing elements includes a polycrystalline diamond table, a substrate bonded to the polycrystalline diamond table, bonding region defined by the substrate and the polycrystalline diamond table, and a corrosion resistant region. The corrosion resistant region includes a corrosion resistant material that covers at least a portion of at least one lateral surface of the bonding region. The corrosion resistant region prevents corrosion of at least some material in the bonding region covered by the corrosion resistant region (e.g., during use). Other embodiments employ one or more sacrificial anodes as an alternative to or in combination with the corrosion resistant region.
An electronic system is disclosed comprising of a drill tool which is mounted on a mechanical system with either a position and angular sensor assisted guidance of the camera itself around the drill tool in a guided trajectory as in a robotic arm or mobile device on the field with the drill tool pulled out from the wellbore or when the tool can be imaged while in operation; multiple fixed cameras on a test or working rig coupled with rotary control of the drill tool, and a controller capable of controlling the drill string motor and imaging. The system automatically profiles the degraded/worn out drill tool, when the drill string -drill tool is visually available or pulled out, by executing a host of machine vision engineering based and machine intelligence/data analytics engineering algorithms, where the algorithms can calculate and provide detailed current/predictive and prescriptive analysis of the drilling tool.
G01B 11/245 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures using a plurality of fixed, simultaneously operating transducers
G06V 10/70 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systems; Systems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
Bearing assemblies that include a plurality of polycrystalline diamond ("PCD") bearing elements, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and methods of operating and fabricating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses are disclosed. In an embodiment, the plurality of PCD bearing elements of one or more of the bearing assemblies disclosed herein include at least one first PCD bearing element. At least a portion of the first PCD bearing element exhibits a coercivity of about 125 Oersteds or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 14 Gauss .cndot.cm3/gram or less. The first PCD bearing element includes a bearing surface with at least one groove formed therein. In an embodiment, the plurality of PCD bearing elements also include at least one second PCD bearing element. The second PCD bearing element exhibits a coercivity that is less than and a specific magnetic saturation that is greater than the first PCD bearing element.
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to tilting pad bearing assemblies, bearing apparatuses including the tilting pad bearing assemblies, and methods of using the bearing apparatuses. The tilting pad bearing assemblies disclosed herein include a plurality of tilting pads. At least some of the superhard tables exhibit a thickness that is at least about 0.120 inch and/or at least two layers having different wear and/or thermal characteristics.
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to tilting pad bearing assemblies and bearing apparatuses using the same. As will be discussed in more detail below, the tilting pad bearing assemblies include a plurality of tilting pads. The tilting pads include at least one or more first tilting pads and one or more second tilting pads. Each of the first tilting pads includes a first superhard bearing surface having a first material. Each of the second tilting pads includes a second bearing surface having a second material. The first material includes a superhard material and the second material includes a material that is different than the first material
Embodiments relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts ("PDCs") including a polycrystalline diamond ("PCD") table in which a metal-solvent catalyst is alloyed with at least one alloying element to improve thermal stability and/or wear resistance of the PCD table. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a substrate and a PCD table bonded to the substrate. The PCD table includes diamond grains defining interstitial regions. The PCD table includes an alloy comprising at least one Group VIII metal and at least one metallic alloying element such as phosphorous.
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to bearing apparatuses including a bearing assembly having a continuous superhard bearing element including a continuous superhard bearing surface and a tilting pad bearing assembly. The disclosed bearing apparatuses may be employed in pumps, turbines or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, the bearing apparatus includes a first and second bearing assembly. The first bearing assembly includes a first support ring and a plurality of tilting pads. Each tilting pad is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the first support ring. The second bearing assembly includes a continuous superhard bearing element. The continuous superhard bearing element includes a continuous superhard bearing surface facing the plurality of tilting pads and exhibits a maximum lateral width greater than about 2 inches.
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to bearing apparatuses including a bearing assembly having a continuous superhard bearing element including a continuous superhard bearing surface and a tilting pad bearing assembly. The disclosed bearing apparatuses may be employed in pumps, turbines or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, the bearing apparatus includes a first and second bearing assembly. The first bearing assembly includes a first support ring and a plurality of tilting pads. Each tilting pad is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the first support ring. The second bearing assembly includes a continuous superhard bearing element. The continuous superhard bearing element includes a continuous superhard bearing surface facing the plurality of tilting pads and exhibits a maximum lateral width greater than about 2 inches.
Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts ("PDCs") including a polycrystalline diamond ("PCD") table in which cobalt is alloyed with phosphorous to improve the thermal stability of the PCD table. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a substrate and a PCD table including an upper surface spaced from an interfacial surface that is bonded to the substrate. The PCD table includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. The PCD table further includes an alloy comprising at least one Group VIII metal and phosphorous. The alloy is disposed in at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions.
B01J 3/06 - Processes using ultra-high pressure, e.g. for the formation of diamonds; Apparatus therefor, e.g. moulds or dies
C04B 35/528 - Shaped ceramic products characterised by their composition; Ceramic compositions; Processing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products based on non-oxides based on carbon, e.g. graphite obtained from carbonaceous particles with or without other non-organic components
Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies configured to effectively provide heat dissipation for bearing elements, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and methods of operating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed about an axis. Each superhard bearing element of the plurality of superhard bearing elements has a superhard table including a superhard surface. The bearing assembly includes a support ring structure coupled to the plurality of superhard bearing elements. One or more of the superhard bearing elements includes a superhard table, which may improve heat transfer from such superhard bearing elements.
The bearing assembly includes a support ring (102) to which one or more superhard bearing elements (106) are mounted. The support ring (102) includes one or more relief features (118) configured to reduce residual stresses in the superhard bearing elements (106) that are induced by brazing the superhard bearing elements (106) to the support ring (10), operational loads, other processes, or combinations of the foregoing. Reducing the residual stresses in the superhard bearing elements (106) may help prevent damage to the superhard bearing elements (106). The bearing assembly may be used in subterranean drilling systems and/or other types of systems.
Various embodiments relate to bearing assemblies configured to enable removal and replacement of superhard bearing elements, and bearing apparatuses that may utilize such bearing assemblies. The disclosed bearing assemblies may be used in a number of applications, such as downhole motors in subterranean drilling systems, directional drilling systems, roller-cone drill bits, and many other applications. In an embodiment. a bearing assembly includes a support ring and a retention ring assembled with the support ring. The retention ring includes a plurality of through holes. The bearing assembly further includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements, with each superhard bearing element inserted partially through and projecting from a corresponding one of the through holes of the retention ring. The retention ring and each superhard bearing element are collectively configured to restrict displacement of each superhard bearing element beyond a selected position in a direction away from the support ring.
Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond ("PCD") exhibiting enhanced diamond- to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, polycrystalline diamond compact ("PDC") includes a PCD table having a maximum thickness. At least a portion of the PCD table includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds ("Oe") or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss -cm3/grams ("G-cm3/g") or less. The PDC includes a substrate having an interfacial surface that is bonded to the PCD table. The interfacial surface exhibits a substantially planar topography. Other embodiments are directed to methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.
Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond ("PCD") exhibiting enhanced diamond- to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, polycrystalline diamond compact ("PDC") includes a PCD table having a maximum thickness. At least a portion of the PCD table includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds ("Oe") or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss -cm3/grams ("G- cm3/g") or less. The PDC includes a substrate having an interfacial surface that is bonded to the PCD table. The interfacial surface exhibits a substantially planar topography. Other embodiments are directed to methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.
A heating apparatus (20) for induction heating is disclosed. The heating apparatus may comprise a bearing ring (32), at least one bearing element (74) disposed in the bearing ring (32), and a braze material (80) adjacent to the at least one bearing element (74) and the bearing ring (32). The heating apparatus may additionally comprise an inductor (24) positioned radially adjacent to at least a portion of the bearing ring. A current source (22) may be electrically coupled to the inductor. A bearing orienting member (34) may also abut a surface of the at least one bearing element. The bearing orienting member (34) may orient a surface of the at least one bearing element. A heating method is also disclosed.
A heating apparatus (20) for induction heating is disclosed. The heating apparatus may comprise a bearing ring (32), at least one bearing element (74) disposed in the bearing ring (32), and a braze material (80) adjacent to the at least one bearing element (74) and the bearing ring (32). The heating apparatus may additionally comprise an inductor (24) positioned radially adjacent to at least a portion of the bearing ring. A current source (22) may be electrically coupled to the inductor. A bearing orienting member (34) may also abut a surface of the at least one bearing element. The bearing orienting member (34) may orient a surface of the at least one bearing element. A heating method is also disclosed.
Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond ("PCD") exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PCD includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds ("Oe") or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss cm3/grams ("G cm3/g") or less. Other embodiments are directed to polycrystalline diamond compacts ("PDCs") employing such PCD, methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.
patents
