Patent ID: 6540033
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
An improved drill bit for use in drilling operations in a wellbore when coupled to a drillstring having a central flow path for communicating drilling fluid, comprising:a bit body including a cutting structure carried thereon; at least one bit nozzle carried by said bit body for jetting drilling fluid into said wellbore; a flow path through said bit body for supplying said drilling fluid to said at least one bit nozzle; a coupling member formed at an upper portion of said bit body for securing said bit body to said drillstring; at least one sensor for monitoring at least one operating condition during drilling operations; an erodible ball; and a fastener system for securing said erodible ball in a fixed predetermined position relative to said flow path until a predetermined operating condition is detected by said at least one sensor, and for then releasing said erodible ball into said flow path to at least partially obstruct flow through one of said at least one bit nozzles.