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(11) | EP 0 106 701 A3 |
(12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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(54) | Method and apparatus for lubricating a drill bit |
(57) A method and apparatus for providing a flow of lubricating fluid from a surface-mounted
lubricating fluid source (20) through a rotatable drill pipe (16) to rotary cutting
cones of a rotary drill bit (12) for drilling in an underground formation, including
pump means (24) for providing a flow of lubricating fluid from the fluid source to
an end of the drill pipe. Drill pipe conduit means extending along the length of the
drill pipe is provided for receiving the flow of lubricating fluid and for directing
the lubricating fluid flow along the drill pipe to the drill bit. Distribution conduit
means at the drill bit extends from the drill pipe conduit means to the cutting cones
and receives the flow of lubricating fluid from the drill pipe conduit means for directing
the lubricating fluid flow to the cutting cones for lubrication thereof. |