DRILL BIT HAVING IMPROVED JOURNAL BEARINGS

摘要

A disclosed example embodiment includes a drill bit used to form wellbores in subterranean formations. The drill bit includes a drill bit body for coupling to a lower end of a drill string. The drill bit body includes at least one support arm having an inwardly extending journal with a journal bearing having at least one radially reduced pocket extending at least partially circumferentially around the journal bearing including a load side of the journal bearing. At least one rotary cutter assembly is rotatably mounted to the journal. A plurality of cutting elements is disposed on the at least one rotary cutter assembly. At least two independent hardmetal pads are positioned within the at least one radially reduced pocket such that the hardmetal pads have a gap disposed therebetween.

主权项

1. A drill bit comprising:
a drill bit body for coupling to a lower end of a drill string, the drill bit body including at least one support arm having an inwardly extending journal with a journal bearing having at least one radially reduced pocket extending at least partially circumferentially around the journal bearing including a load side of the journal bearing; at least one rotary cutter assembly rotatably mounted to the journal; a plurality of cutting elements disposed on the at least one rotary cutter assembly; and at least two independent hardmetal pads positioned within the at least one radially reduced pocket, the hardmetal pads having a gap disposed therebetween.