Rock bit nozzle arrangement

摘要

A drillbit with a flexible nozzle system is provided to address bit- and bottom-balling situations. In one embodiment, a given nozzle can have an mounting member which is oblong or another shape so as to be installable into different positions where, in one position, the bit-balling problem is addressed, while in the other, the bottom-balling problem is addressed. Other shapes that provide this flexibility can also be employed. The nozzle body can also be made with a symmetrical mount, with the outlet askew such that the symmetrical mount, when placed in a strategically located nozzle opening, can address bit- or bottom-balling situations by a simple reversal of the orientation where multiple orientations are available for the base. Alternatively, in the area between adjacent cones, multiple nozzle installations can be provided to independently address the bit-balling and bottom-balling situations between adjacent cones. In any given bit, individual nozzles to address bit- or bottom-balling can be mounted between different pairs of cones so as to be able to address both problems in a bit body design that only provides for a single nozzle outlet between each of the cones.