Eric J Sullivan

US Patent:

7631560, Dec 15, 2009

Filed:

Apr 17, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/787693

Inventors:

Jeffrey B. Lund - Cottonwood Heights UT, US
Nicholas J. Lyons - Houston TX, US
Eric C. Sullivan - Houston TX, US
Terry D. Watts - Spring TX, US

Assignee:

Baker Hughes Incorporated - Houston TX

International Classification:

G01N 29/06
G01N 29/265

US Classification:

73629, 73637, 73606

Abstract:

A method for conducting nondestructive internal inspection of a rotary drill bit used for drilling subterranean formations comprises communicating ultrasonic waves into a drill bit and detecting ultrasonic waves that are reflected by at least a portion of the drill bit. In some embodiments, the waves may be directed into the drill bit from within a longitudinal bore thereof. Reflected waves also may be detected from within the bore. The methods may be used to develop threshold acceptance criteria for classifying drill bits as acceptable or unacceptable to prevent catastrophic failures of drill bits during use. Systems and apparatuses are disclosed for conducting nondestructive ultrasonic inspection of a drill bit used for drilling subterranean formations. The systems and apparatuses may comprise an ultrasonic probe configured for insertion within an internal longitudinal bore of a drill bit. Drill bits are disclosed that are configured to facilitate nondestructive ultrasonic inspection thereof.

US Patent:

7954380, Jun 7, 2011

Filed:

Sep 3, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/553655

Inventors:

Jeffrey B. Lund - Salt Lake City UT, US
Nicholas J. Lyons - Houston TX, US
Eric C. Sullivan - Houston TX, US
Terry D. Watts - Spring TX, US

Assignee:

Baker Hughes Incorporated - Houston TX

International Classification:

G01N 29/06
G01N 29/265

US Classification:

73629, 73606, 73637

Abstract:

A method for conducting nondestructive internal inspection of a rotary drill bit used for drilling subterranean formations comprises communicating ultrasonic waves into a drill bit and detecting ultrasonic waves that are reflected by at least a portion of the drill bit. In some embodiments, the waves may be directed into the drill bit from within a longitudinal bore thereof. Reflected waves also may be detected from within the bore. The methods may be used to develop threshold acceptance criteria for classifying drill bits as acceptable or unacceptable to prevent catastrophic failures of drill bits during use. Systems and apparatuses are disclosed for conducting nondestructive ultrasonic inspection of a drill bit used for drilling subterranean formations. The systems and apparatuses may comprise an ultrasonic probe configured for insertion within an internal longitudinal bore of a drill bit. Drill bits are disclosed that are configured to facilitate nondestructive ultrasonic inspection thereof.