Described herein is a
turbine-
drill bit
assembly (600) in which the gap between the
turbine and the
drill bit is minimised and overall
assembly is substantially shorter. The
assembly (600) comprises a box connection
turbine (610) connected to a pin connection
drill bit (500). The turbine (610) has a turbine body (640, 650, 650a, 650b) around a turbine shaft (630), the turbine body (640, 650, 650a, 650b) having a turbine stabiliser (650, 650a, 650b). The
drill bit (500) has a bit gauge or a bit sleeve (530) around a bit shank (520), an end (655) of the turbine stabiliser (650) nearest the
drill bit (500) being spaced a first maximum distance (A) from an end (535) of the bit gauge or bit sleeve (530). In addition, a shouldering interface (560) is formed at respective
abutment shouldering surfaces (635, 525) of the turbine shaft (630) and bit shank (520) when the
drill bit (500) is attached to the turbine shaft (630), the interface (560) being spaced a second maximum distance (B) from an end (535) of the bit gauge or bit sleeve (530). The
advantage of these limited distances reduces the annular volume in which mud and rock debris can build up thereby reducing
erosion and wear, In addition, a more rigid assembly is provided which is less susceptible to vibrations. This reduces the risk of sticking of the turbine-drill bit assembly in the
wellbore and provides better directional control.