Importance

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Abstract

A drill pipe protector assembly for providing hydraulic lift and improved sliding lubrication to a drill string. The protector defines a tubular sleeve that is attached to a section of drill pipe and resides over the outer diameter of the drill pipe while moving within an associated well casing or well hole. The sleeve is adapted to provide hydraulic lift and sliding lubrication relative to the well casing and thus, increase the proclivity of the drill pipe to slide down the hole while also reducing the development of cutting dams. The sleeve includes a plurality of radially oriented openings which direct drilling mud from the annular space between the sleeve and drill pipe to the annular space between the sleeve and the casing or outer well wall. The sleeve also includes a plurality of wedge shaped longitudinal channels in communication with the radial openings. The channels direct the longitudinal flow of the drilling fluid along the outside of the sleeve to lubricate the outer surface of the sleeve and create hydraulic lift. The sleeve also includes a number of raised curvature surfaces having low coefficient of friction inserts located on the curved surfaces.

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First Claim