Apparatus and methods for corrosion protection of downhole tools
AssigneeBaker Hughes Incorporated
InventorsTu Tien Trinh, Eric Sullivan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore is provided that in one embodiment includes a drill bit having a bit body that is susceptible to corrosion when the drill bit is utilized in wellbore, an anode placed at a selected location on the bit body, a cathode associated with the bit body and a power source configured to provide electrical power to the anode to complete an electrical circuit between the anode and the bit body, wherein the supply of the electrical power to the anode arrests corrosion of the bit body when the drill bit is in the wellbore.
Claims10
An apparatus for use in a wellbore, comprising:
- a drill bit;
- an anode placed at a selected location on drill bit;
- a cathode associated with the drill bit;
- a power source configured to provide electrical power to the anode to complete an electrical circuit between the anode and the cathode, wherein the supply of the electrical power to the anode arrests corrosion of the bit when the drill bit is in the wellbore;
- and
- a sensor configured to provide a measurement relating to the corrosion of the drill bit when the drill bit is in the wellbore, wherein the electrical power to the anode is adjusted according to the measurement relating to the corrosion of the drill bit.
A method for providing a drill bit, comprising:
- providing a bit body that is susceptible to corrosion when the drill bit is in a wellbore;
- providing an anode at a selected location on the bit body;
- providing a cathode associated with the bit body;
- supplying electrical power to the anode when the tool is in the wellbore to complete an electrical circuit between the anode and the cathode, thereby arresting corrosion of the bit body when the drill bit is in the wellbore;
- and
- taking a measurement relating to the corrosion of the drill bit with a sensor when the drill bit is in the wellbore, wherein the electrical power to the anode is adjusted according to the measurement relating to the corrosion of the drill bit.
A drill bit, comprising;
- an anode placed at a selected location on the drill bit;
- a cathode associated with the drill bit;
- a power source configured to provide electrical power to the anode to complete an electrical circuit between the anode and the cathode, wherein the supply of the electrical power to the anode arrests corrosion of the bit when the drill bit is in the wellbore;
- and
- a sensor configured to provide a measurement relating to the corrosion of the drill bit when the drill bit is in the wellbore, wherein the electrical power to the anode is adjusted according to the measurement relating to the corrosion of the drill bit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.