Optical Window in Wear Assembly
In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly comprises a superhard material configured to degrade a formation. At least one light transparent window is disposed within the superhard material. An energy source and/or energy receiver is disposed behind the at least one light transparent window.
1 . A degradation assembly, comprising:
a superhard material configured to degrade a formation and at least one light transparent window disposed within the superhard material; and
an energy light source and/or energy receiver disposed behind the at least one light transparent window.
2 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the energy source is a visible light source, an infrared light source, an x-ray source, an ultraviolent light source, a nuclear subatomic particle source, or combinations thereof
3 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the energy receiver is a visible light receiver, an infrared light receiver, an x-ray receiver, an ultraviolent light receiver, a nuclear subatomic particle source, or combinations thereof.
4 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the light transparent window comprises a diamond material.
5 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the superhard material is a polycrystalline ceramic.
6 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the superhard material is bonded to a fixed rotary bladed bit, a roller cone bit, a percussion bit, a horizontal drill bit, or combinations thereof
7 . The assembly of claim 1 , where the superhard material is bonded to a pick configured for attachment to a rotary drum.
8 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the superhard material is bonded to a substrate and the light source and/or receiver is at least partially disposed within an opening of the substrate.
9 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the superhard material is bonded to a substrate and the light transparent window is at least partially disposed within an opening of the substrate.
10 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the light transparent window is substantially coaxial with a rotational axis of the assembly.
11 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the superhard material comprises a pointed geometry.
12 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the light transparent window comprises an exposed end configured to be loaded against the formation.
13 . The assembly of claim 12 , wherein the exposed end comprises an apex radius of curvature of 0.050 to 0.500 inches when measured from a view substantially normal to a central axis of the light transparent window.
14 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the light transparent window is a natural diamond.
15 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the superhard material is sintered to the light transparent window.
16 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the light transparent window is substantially isotropic.
17 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the energy source is configured to pulse a signal through the light transparent window.
18 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the superhard material comprises a geometry configured to degrade the formation in a shearing failure mechanism.
19 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the superhard material comprises a geometry configured to degrade the formation through a compressive failure mechanism.