Patent ID: 7032690
Filing Date: 2006-04-25
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method of visually detecting wear to an insert bowl, comprising the steps of: a) providing a bowl having a central bore defined by an inner surface, said inner surface including an upper tapered section for engaging slips supporting a work string, a lower section, a first substantially horizontal groove, and a second substantially horizontal groove, said first and second horizontal grooves each being formed in the inner surface of said bowl and providing a visual indicator of wear to the inner surface of said bowl; and b) visually inspecting said first and second substantially horizontal grooves for existence of wear to the inner surface of said bowl; wherein said first substantially horizontal groove has an initial non-wear depth less than an initial non-wear depth of said second substantially horizontal groove and wherein an inability to visually detect at least a portion of said first substantially horizontal groove signifies wear to the inner surface of said bowl that does not indicate that replacement of said bowl is necessary and an inability to detect at least a portion of said second substantially horizontal groove signifies wear to the inner surface of said bowl that indicates that replacement of said bowl is necessary.