Flow diverter

Abstract

A flow diverter for connecting a central bore to an outer conduit. The flow diverter defines a portion of the central bore and angled flow passages connecting the portion of the central bore to the outer conduit. Rounded edges between the central bore and angled flow passages reduce cavitation and/or turbulence. The rounded edges and an adjacent portion of the central bore may be defined by an insert. The insert may define walls extending fully around portions of the angled flow passages.

1 .- 13 .(canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A flow diverter for use in a downhole drilling motor, the flow diverter comprising:
 a body defining a central bore having an opening at a first end of the body, the body further defining flow channels angled relative to the central bore and connecting the central bore to an exterior surface of the body, the body defining fillets connecting the flow channels to the central bore and having a radius of curvature greater than one third of a diameter of a flow channel of the flow channels.   
     
     
         15 . The flow diverter of  claim 14  in which the radius of curvature is greater than one half of a diameter of the flow channel. 
     
     
         16 . The flow diverter of  claim 14  in which the radius of curvature is greater than three quarters of a diameter of the flow channel. 
     
     
         17 . The flow diverter of  claim 14  in which the body comprises a housing defining a cavity extending from the opening and an insert inserted within the cavity, the insert defining the fillets. 
     
     
         18 . The flow diverter of  claim 17  in which the housing is formed of a first material and the insert is formed of a second material more abrasion resistant than the first material. 
     
     
         19 . The flow diverter of  claim 14  further comprising a first connector at the first end configured to connect the flow diverter to a bearing section of a drilling motor and a second connector at a second end opposite to the first end configured to connect the flow diverter to a coupling for connecting to a transmission of the drilling motor. 
     
     
         20 . The flow diverter of  claim 14  further comprising a first connector at the first end configured to connect the flow diverter to a transmission of a drilling motor and a second connector at a second end opposite to the first end configured to connect the flow diverter to a coupling for connecting to a through bore power section rotor of the drilling motor. 
     
     
         21 . An insert for a flow diverter for use in a downhole drilling motor, the insert defining a central bore and having curved portions adjacent to the central bore configured to, when the insert is inserted in the flow diverter, form fillets connecting the central bore to flow channels defined by the flow diverter, the flow channels being angled relative to the central bore and connecting the central bore to an exterior surface of the flow diverter when the insert is inserted in the flow diverter. 
     
     
         22 . The insert of  claim 21  further comprising inlet wall portions extending fully around each of the flow channels. 
     
     
         23 .- 25 . (canceled)