Inventors:
James L. Neville - Conroe TX, US
James L. Larsen - Spring TX, US
Steven W. Peterson - The Woodlands TX, US
Manikiran Bandi - Pearland TX, US
Alan Lockstedt - Houston TX, US
Peter T. Cariveau - Houston TX, US
Alysia C. White - Fulshear TX, US
Anthony Griffo - The Woodlands TX, US
Michael Siracki - The Woodlands TX, US
Assignee:
Smith International, Inc. - Houston TX
International Classification:
E21B010/22
US Classification:
175371, 175359, 277926, 277928
Abstract:
Self relieving seals of this invention comprise an elastomeric seal body having a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface for contact with respective drill bit sealing surfaces. The seal includes a pair of external surfaces that each extend along the seal body between the first and second sealing surfaces. The seal includes one or more relief ports that are disposed through the seal body and that have openings through each of the seal body external surfaces. The relief port can be specially configured, e. g. , have different diameter sections of constant or variable dimensions, to provide a degree of control over pressure equalization through the seal body when the seal is loaded within the drill bit. The seal may include an element, e. g. , solid, tubular, or porous, disposed within the relief port to provide a further desired degree of control over pressure equalization through the seal when the seal is loaded within the drill bit.