A newly patented rock bit grease, using nanotechnology, may prolong the life of drill bits used in oil and gas exploration.
The grease, developed by Anthony Griffo and Madapusi K. Keshavan at Houston-based Smith International, uses nanocopper, silver and diamonds as well as nanotubes to help prolong the life of the drill bits.
Rock bits, comprising one or more cones with rollers attached, are used for drilling oil and gas wells in subterranean rock formations. They rotate at high speed, cutting through the rock at depths of anything between 5,000 and 20,000 feet or more, with operating temperatures sometimes exceeding 300°F. Replacing bits through wear or breakage is a costly process.
The new nanolubricants are designed to prolong the life of the drill bits, which is currently around 65 to 150 hours on average. The use of a range of minerals and other solids in particle form helps to strengthen the grease and prevent it breaking down, thus increasing load bearing, penetration rates and overall life cycles. The technology may also have an application as additive to existing greases which are currently unsuitable for drilling and other high-performance purposes.