Braze alloy and method of use for drilling applications
AssigneeSmith International, Inc.
InventorKumar T. Kembaiyan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A down hole cutting tool includes a cutting element support structure. The cutting element support structure has at least one cavity formed therein. A cutting element is disposed in the cavity. Braze alloy is also disposed in the cavity between the cutting element and the cutting element support structure. The braze alloy comprises between about 0.5% and about 10% by weight of at least one selected from the group of gallium (Ga), indium (In), thallium (Tl). Methods for building a down hole tool using the braze alloy are also disclosed.
Claims34
A method for building a down hole cutting tool, the cutting tool including a cutting element support structure having at least one cavity formed therein to support a cutting element, the method comprising:
- inserting a base portion of the cutting element into the cavity;
- locating a braze alloy such that when heated the braze alloy melts and fills a space in the cavity between the cutting element and the cutting element support structure, the braze alloy comprising silver in an amount of at least 40% by weight, copper in an amount of at least about 10% by weight, at least one selected from the group of zinc and tin, and about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of thallium (Tl) or thallium (Tl) and at least one selected from the group of gallium (Ga) and indium (In);
- and
- heating the braze alloy such that it melts.
A down hole cutting tool, comprising:
- a cutting element support structure having at least one cavity formed therein;
- a cutting element having a base portion disposed in the cavity;
- a braze alloy disposed in the cavity between the cutting element and the cutting element support structure, the braze alloy comprising silver in an amount of at least 40% by weight, copper in an amount of at least about 10% by weight, at least one selected from the group of zinc and tin, and between about 0.5% and about 10% by weight of thallium (Tl) or thallium and at least one selected from the group of gallium (Ga) and indium (In).
A down hole cutting tool, comprising:
- a cutting element support structure having at least one cavity formed therein;
- a cutting element having a base portion disposed in the cavity;
- a braze alloy disposed in the cavity between the cutting element and the cutting element support structure, the braze alloy comprising silver in an amount of at least 40% by weight, copper in an amount of at least about 10% by weight, zinc in an amount of at least about 6% by weight, tin in an amount of at least about 5% by weight, and between about 2% to about 10% by weight of indium (In) or indium and at least one selected from the group of thallium (Tl) and gallium (Ga).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.