SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160032710 | TOOL FOR MEASURING WELLBORE GEOMETRY - A downhole tool is disclosed for measuring wellbore geometry. The downhole tool may include a body with a bore extending at least partially therethrough. The body may include a radial recess. An arm may be movably coupled to the body at a first end portion of the arm. The arm may be within the radial recess in a retracted position and be pivotable in a radially-outward direction relative to the body to an expanded position. A measurement device coupled to the body may measure the pivoting motion of the arm. A piston coupled to the body may be movably coupled to a second end portion of the arm, and the piston may respond to changes in hydraulic pressure to pivot the arm between the retracted position and the expanded position. | 02-04-2016 |
20160032673 | PRESSURE LOCK FOR JARS - Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a jar including the following: a mandrel; an outer housing slidably disposed about the mandrel; a ball stop housing disposed below the outer housing; a lower sub disposed below the ball stop housing; and a ball stop assembly disposed in the ball stop housing. The ball stop assembly includes a ball stop pivotally disposed in the ball stop assembly. | 02-04-2016 |
20160032657 | MODIFIED CUTTERS AND A METHOD OF DRILLING WITH MODIFIED CUTTERS - A cutter for a drag bit may include a substrate and an ultrahard layer on an end surface of the substrate. The ultrahard layer may include an exposed surface having at least three depressions extending from an interior of the exposed surface radially outward to a peripheral edge formed between the working surface and a side surface of the ultrahard layer, the at least three depressions separated from each other by at least three raised regions forming an apex of the exposed surface, the at least three raised regions connected to each other proximate the central axis and extending from proximate the central axis to the peripheral edge. Other working surfaces are also included. | 02-04-2016 |
20150053050 | CUTTER POCKET DESIGN - A method for manufacturing a drilling tool includes machining a cutter pocket into a tool body. The cutter pocket has at least a front planar surface, a back planar surface, a first side surface between the front and back planar surfaces, and a second side surface opposite the first side surface and between the front and back planar surfaces. Once machined, cutting elements are placed in the cutter pocket and then brazed in the cutter pocket. | 02-26-2015 |
20140374169 | RETENTION OF MULTIPLE ROLLING CUTTERS - A cutting tool may include a tool body; at least one blade extending radially from the tool body; a plurality of cutters disposed on the at least one blade; and at least one retention component, each retention component contributing the retention of at least two of the plurality of cutters at a side surface thereof. | 12-25-2014 |
20140360789 | SPACING OF ROLLING CUTTERS ON A FIXED CUTTER BIT - A downhole cutting tool may include a cutting element support, structure having a plurality of cutter pockets formed therein; and a plurality of rotatable cutters disposed in the plurality of cutter pockets, wherein at least one rotatable cutter is spaced from another rotatable cutter on the cutting element support structure by at least one-quarter of the diameter of the at least one rotatable cutter. | 12-11-2014 |
20140353046 | HYBRID BIT WITH ROLLER CONES NEAR THE BIT AXIS - A drill bit includes a bit body having a longitudinal axis extending there through, a plurality of journals extending downward and radially outward from the bit body, each journal having a journal axis extending from a base of the journal through the length of the journal, wherein the journal axis at the base is at a first radial distance from the longitudinal axis, a roller cone rotatably mounted to each of the journals, and at least one blade protruding from the bit body and extending axially and radially along the bit body from a first end to a second end, wherein the first end is at a second radial distance from the longitudinal axis greater than the first radial distance, and wherein the second end is at a gage region of the drill bit. | 12-04-2014 |
20140352951 | FINE CONTROL OF CASING PRESSURE - Back pressure control devices used to control fluid pressure in a wellbore require various utilities for operation, such as an air supply. Apparatus disclosed herein provide for the continued operation of one or more back pressure control devices when supply of utilities for operation of the back pressure control devices are intentionally or unintentionally interrupted. | 12-04-2014 |
20140339882 | AXIALLY STABLE RETENTION MECHANISM FOR PICKS AND CUTTING ELEMENTS - A cutting element assembly includes a cutting element partially disposed within a support and a retention mechanism disposed between the cutting element and the support, both the axial and radial dimensions of the retention mechanism being deformable. | 11-20-2014 |
20140326515 | ROTATING CUTTING ELEMENTS FOR PDC BITS - A drill bit has a bit body, a plurality of blades extending radially from the bit body, at least one rolling cutter pocket disposed on the plurality of blades, and at least one rolling cutter, wherein each rolling cutter is disposed in one of the rolling cutter pockets, and wherein a side surface of the rolling cutter pocket and an outer circumferential surface of the rolling cutter have at least one mating lip and channel formed therein. Further, the rolling cutter may include a cavity extending at least partially along a rotational axis through the rolling cutter, from a bottom surface of the rolling cutter, and a retention pin disposed within the cavity. | 11-06-2014 |
20140309978 | METHODS FOR ANALYZING AND DESIGNING BOTTOM HOLE ASSEMBLIES - A method for selecting a bottomhole assembly, including performing a first dynamic simulation of a first bottomhole assembly, performing at least a second dynamic simulation of the first bottomhole assembly, in which the at least a second dynamic simulation includes a different constraint than the first dynamic simulation, and outputting results for both the first dynamic simulation and the second dynamic simulation, in which the results include at least one output showing performance as a function of position along the bottomhole assembly. | 10-16-2014 |
20140298728 | CEMENTED CARBIDE COMPOSITE FOR A DOWNHOLE TOOL - A carbide composite for a downhole tool may be formed by depositing a first layer on a substrate, and a second layer at least partially adjacent to the first layer. The first and second layers may each include carbides, metal binders, organic binders, or a combination thereof. The first and second carbide layers may have a different particle size, particle shape, carbide concentration, metal binder concentration, or organic binder concentration from one another. | 10-09-2014 |
20140290146 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND CUTTING ELEMENTS WITH ENGINEERED POROSITY AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH CUTTING ELEMENTS - A method for facilitating infiltration of an infiltrant material into a TSP material during re-bonding of the TSP material to a substrate, by enhancing the porosity of the TSP material near the interface with the substrate is provided. Cutting elements formed by such method and downhole tools including such cutting elements are also provided. | 10-02-2014 |
20140262677 | LOCKING CLUTCH FOR DOWNHOLE MOTOR - A locking clutch to selectively transmit torque from a stator of a downhole tool to a rotor of the downhole tool includes at least one locking pawl disposed upon the rotor, wherein the at least one locking pawl comprises a load path, at least one pivot axis, and a mass center, wherein the at least one locking pawl is biased into an engaged position by a biasing mechanism, wherein the at least one locking pawl transmits force from the stator to the rotor along the load path when in the engaged position, and wherein centrifugal force urges the at least one locking pawl into a disengaged position when the rotor is rotated above a disengagement speed. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262650 | ROTARY SHOCK ABSORPTION TOOL - Apparatuses, tools, assemblies, and methods are disclosed for reducing vibration. A shock absorption apparatus may include a stator and a rotor inside the stator. A first piston section may be included and define a first piston chamber having a first piston therein. The first piston chamber may be fluidly coupled to a first end portion of an annulus defined in a region between the stator and the rotor. A second piston section may also be defined and may include a second piston chamber with a second piston therein. The second piston chamber may be fluidly coupled to a second end portion of the annulus. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262545 | CUTTING STRUCTURES FOR FIXED CUTTER DRILL BIT AND OTHER DOWNHOLE CUTTING TOOLS - A cutting tool may include a tool body; a plurality of blades extending from the tool body; and a plurality of primary cutting elements and a plurality of backup cutting elements are on each of the plurality of blades, the backup cutting elements being behind and at approximately the same radial distance from the axis of the tool body as a corresponding primary cutting element, where the plurality of primary cutting elements include cutting elements having a first non-planar shape and the plurality of backup cutting elements include cutting elements having a second, different non-planar shape. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262544 | CUTTING STRUCTURES FOR FIXED CUTTER DRILL BIT AND OTHER DOWNHOLE CUTTING TOOLS - A cutting tool may includes a tool body; a plurality of blades extending from the tool body; and a plurality of non-planar cutting elements disposed along each of the plurality of blades, the plurality of non-planar cutting elements form a cutting profile, in a rotated view of the plurality of non-planar cutting elements into a single plane, the cutting profile including a cone region, a nose region, a shoulder region, and a gage region. The plurality of non-planar cutting elements include a first shape in at least one of the cone region, nose region, shoulder region, and gage region, and a second, different shape in at least one other region. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262542 | DOWNHOLE TOOLS INCLUDING TERNARY BORIDE-BASED CERMET AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - Downhole tools include a component, at least a portion of which includes ternary boride cermet. A method of making a downhole tool including a ternary boride cermet includes obtaining a ternary boride cermet material and heating the ternary boride cermet material and a binder to form the downhole tool. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262536 | DOWNHOLE CUTTING TOOLS HAVING HYBRID CUTTING STRUCTURES - A drill bit is disclosed, wherein the drill bit has a bit body with a longitudinal axis extending there through and a bit face. A plurality of blades extends from the bit body, wherein the plurality of blades has a blade profile including a nose. A plurality of cutting elements are disposed on the plurality of blades, including a plurality of non-planar cutting elements and a plurality of rotatable cutting elements, wherein the plurality of non-planar cutting elements are disposed in a non-planar cutting element region on at least one of the blades between the longitudinal axis and the nose | 09-18-2014 |
20140262528 | SIDETRACKING SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS - A steerable drill bit may be used to drill a lateral borehole from a primary wellbore. The steerable drill bit may be part of a bottomhole assembly that also includes a directional control system. A deflection member, such as a whipstock, may be anchored in the primary wellbore. When the bottomhole assembly approaches the deflection member, the directional control system may steer the steerable drill bit to reduce and potentially eliminate contact between the steerable drill bit and a ramped surface of the deflection member. By restricting contact between the deflection member and the steerable drill bit, cutting elements of the steerable drill bit may obtain an increase in cutting efficiency and/or effective life. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262525 | UNDERREAMER FOR INCREASING A WELLBORE DIAMETER - An underreamer for increasing a diameter of a wellbore. The underreamer may include a body having an axial bore extending at least partially therethrough. An electromagnetic activation system may be disposed at least partially within the bore of the body. A valve may be disposed within the bore of the body and coupled to the electromagnetic activation system. The valve may include a mobile element and a static element. The mobile element may be coupled to the electromagnetic activation system and move from a first position where the mobile element obstructs fluid flow through the valve to a second position where the mobile element permits fluid flow through the valve. A cutter block may be movably coupled to the body and move radially-outward as the mobile element moves from the first position to the second position. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262524 | DOWNHOLE TURBINE MOTOR AND RELATED ASSEMBLIES - A turbine drive may include a rotor that includes multiple turbine blades arranged in one or more turbine stages, as well as a stator cooperating with the rotor to direct fluid against the turbine blades and convert hydraulic, kinetic energy into rotational energy. The rotor may be fixed to the shaft to rotate synchronously therewith. The stator may be formed of multiple components that can be coupled together to define the stator and encompass the turbine blades of the turbine stages of the rotor. Two stator halves may each include vanes for positioning above and below a corresponding turbine stage, to direct fluid against the turbine blades. The stator may also be connected to a housing that encompasses the stator. Longitudinal slots and tabs on the stator and housing may hold the stator stationary relative to the housing. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262523 | UNDERREAMER FOR INCREASING A WELLBORE DIAMETER - An underreamer for increasing a diameter of a wellbore. The underreamer may include a body with first and second cutter blocks coupled to the body. The first cutter block may have a recess formed therein, and the second cutter block may be positioned in the recess. The first and second cutter blocks may move between retracted and expanded states. In the retracted state, the first and second cutter blocks may have an outer diameter less than or equal to an outer diameter of the body. In the expanded state, the first and second cutter blocks may have different outer diameters, with each being greater than the outer diameter of the body. A method may include running the underreamer into a wellbore, expanding the first and second cutter blocks, and moving the underreamer axially in the wellbore to increase the diameter of the wellbore. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262514 | MEASURING TORQUE IN A DOWNHOLE ENVIRONMENT - A drilling system may include one or more downhole components to which a torque is applied. To determine the torque, the rotational velocity may be determined at two locations on a downhole component. An angle of twist may be determined by taking the integral of the rotational velocity at the two points, and the torque may be proportional to the angle of twist. The angle of twist, physical properties based on the geometry and material of the downhole component may be used, and the distance between the two locations may be used to calculate the torque. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262508 | UNDERREAMER FOR INCREASING A WELLBORE DIAMETER - An underreamer for increasing a diameter of a wellbore. The underreamer includes a body having an axial bore extending at least partially therethrough. A mandrel is disposed within the bore of the body and has a port formed radially therethrough. A sleeve is disposed radially-outward from the mandrel. The sleeve blocks fluid flow through the port in the mandrel when the sleeve is in a first position, and the sleeve is axially-offset from the port in the mandrel when the sleeve is in a second position. A flow tube is coupled to the mandrel. The sleeve moves from the first position to the second position when fluid flows through the flow tube and through a channel disposed in the mandrel. A cutter block is movably coupled to the body and is responsive to fluid flow from the axial bore through the port in the mandrel. | 09-18-2014 |
20140259963 | CARBONATE PCD AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - A polycrystalline diamond body, and a method for making a carbonate polycrystalline diamond body includes combining a first quantity of diamond particles with a first quantity of magnesium carbonate to form a first layer in an enclosure, the first layer having a working surface, and placing a second quantity of magnesium carbonate in the enclosure forming a second layer, the first layer and the second layer forming an assembly. A quantity of at least one of silicon or aluminum is mixed in with or placed adjacent to at least one of the first layer or the second layer. The assembly, including the at least one of silicon or aluminum, is sintered at high pressure and high temperature, causing the at least one of silicon or aluminum to infiltrate at least one layer of the assembly, forming a polycrystalline diamond body. | 09-18-2014 |
20140259962 | CARBONATE PCD WITH A DISTRIBUTION OF Si AND/OR Al - A method for making a carbonate polycrystalline diamond body includes combining a first quantity of diamond with a first quantity of magnesium carbonate to form a first layer for forming a working surface, and combining a second quantity of magnesium carbonate to form a second layer adjacent to the first layer, forming an assembly. The method includes placing a quantity of silicon or aluminum in or adjacent to at least a portion of the assembly and sintering the assembly including the silicon or aluminum at high pressure and high temperature, causing the silicon or aluminum to infiltrate at least one layer of the assembly. | 09-18-2014 |
20140251616 | DOWNHOLE TOOL FOR REMOVING A CASING PORTION - A packoff device is disclosed for sealing an annulus within a wellbore, and for bypassing the sealed annulus. The packoff device may include a mandrel having a bore formed axially therethrough and first and second ports extending radially from the bore. A sealing element that extends radially-outwardly from the mandrel may be positioned axially between the first and second ports, and may create a seal within an annulus between the mandrel and a casing, to isolate a portion of the annulus above the sealing element from a portion below the sealing element. A sleeve within the bore may, with the mandrel, form a channel providing fluid communication between the first and second ports. The sleeve may be movable between open and closed states. The first and second ports may be unobstructed by the sleeve in the open state, one or more may be obstructed in the closed state. | 09-11-2014 |
20140250798 | THERMALLY STABLE POLYCRYSTALLINE ULTRA-HARD CONSTRUCTIONS - Thermally stable polycrystalline constructions include a body having a polycrystalline ultra-hard phase and a plurality of empty voids. The construction includes a backside support member over at least a portion of the backside surface of the body and a sidewall support member over at least a portion of the sidewall surface of the body extending an axial distance along at least a portion of the body and at least partially covering a circumferential surface of the body. The construction has a compressive stress exerted on the body. | 09-11-2014 |
20140238748 | SLOTTED LINER DRILLING - Drilling assemblies, systems and methods enable a wellbore to be drilled and lined with a slotted liner. A drilling system includes a liner assembly with a drill string in a bore thereof. The drill string and the liner assembly can be selectively coupled together to restrict relative motion between the liner assembly and the drill string. The liner assembly includes a slotted liner portion through which fluid may flow. As the drilling system is used to drill a wellbore, the liner assembly is simultaneously positioned within the wellbore. Once the wellbore is drilled to a desired depth, the drill string can be disengaged from the liner assembly and retrieved from the well. Production fluids such as oil and gas may then be transferred uphole through the liner assembly. | 08-28-2014 |
20140216827 | CUTTER ASSEMBLIES, DOWNHOLE TOOLS INCORPORATING SUCH CUTTER ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS OF MAKING SUCH DOWNHOLE TOOLS - Cutter assemblies include an outer support and a cutting element disposed therein. The cutting element is immovably attached to the outer support element. Also disclosed is downhole tools incorporating such cutter assemblies and methods of making such downhole tools. | 08-07-2014 |
20140216819 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COUPLING A DRILL BIT TO A WHIPSTOCK - A system and method facilitate drilling of a lateral wellbore by eliminating one or more trips downhole. The system comprises a drill bit optimized for the drilling operation. The drill bit is coupled to a whipstock via a connector, which minimizes interference with the cutting elements of the drill bit. The connector includes a separation device which facilitates disconnection of the drill bit from the whipstock after the whipstock is anchored at a desired downhole location. The separation device is disposed in the connector to minimize the remaining portions of the connector existing after separation of the drill bit from the whipstock which must be milled by the drill bit prior to drilling the lateral wellbore. | 08-07-2014 |
20140215927 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND CONSTRUCTIONS HAVING OPTIMIZED MATERIAL COMPOSITION - Diamond bonded constructions include a diamond body comprising intercrystalline bonded diamond and interstitial regions. The body has a working surface and an interface surface, and may be joined to a metallic substrate. The body has a gradient diamond volume content greater about 1.5 percent, wherein the diamond content at the interface surface is less than 94 percent, and increases moving toward the working surface. The body may include a region that is substantially free of a catalyst material otherwise disposed within the body and present in a gradient amount. An additional material may be included within the body and be present in a changing amount. The body may be formed by high-pressure HPHT processing, e.g., from 6,200 MPa to 10,000 MPa, to produce a sintered body having a characteristic diamond volume fraction v. average grain size relationship distinguishable from that of diamond bonded constructions form by conventional-pressure HPHT processing. | 08-07-2014 |
20140196956 | HIGH SHEAR ROLLER CONE DRILL BITS - A drill bit may include a bit body, comprising: at its upper end, a connection adapted to connect to a drill string; at its lower end, a plurality of journals extending downwardly and radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the bit; a plurality of roller cones rotatable mounted on the plurality of journals; and at least three rows of cutting elements disposed on each of the plurality of roller cones, wherein an outermost row has an extension height to diameter ratio greater than a mid row, and the mid has an extension height to diameter ratio greater than an innermost row. | 07-17-2014 |
20140185972 | Bearing Assembly for a Drilling Tool - A bearing assembly for a drilling tool. A radial bearing assembly for use in a drilling tool may include a bushing having a generally cylindrical body with an inner surface. The radial bearing assembly may also include a sleeve configured to couple to a rotatable shaft of the drilling tool and configured to rotate within the bushing. The sleeve has (i) a plurality of spiral projections extending laterally in a direction away from a longitudinal axis of the radial bearing assembly and (ii) a plurality of flow paths, where a flow path of the plurality of flow paths is defined between a pair of adjacent spiral projections. | 07-03-2014 |
20140183800 | MANUFACTURE OF CUTTING ELEMENTS HAVING LOBES - An apparatus for forming a cutting insert may include a compression device having a sleeve with a bore. The sleeve may receive a substantially hollow can. Solid particulates may be positioned within the can, and a substrate material or other punch may also be positioned in the can. A forming device adjacent an end of the can in which the solid particulates are located may include at least one protrusion extending into the bore. The protrusion may be adapted to deform the can while also forming the plurality of solid particulates into a solid mass having one or more reliefs and/or lobes. A method may include pressing the solid particulates while within a can to form a solid mass having one or more reliefs or lobes. An HPHT process may be performed to bond the solid mass to a substrate material. | 07-03-2014 |
20140183798 | MANUFACTURE OF CUTTING ELEMENTS HAVING LOBES - An apparatus for forming a cutting insert. The apparatus may include compression device having a first sleeve with a bore therein. The first sleeve may receive a substantially hollow can. A plurality of solid particulates may be positioned within the can, and a substrate material or other punch may also be positioned in the can. A forming device of the compression device may be located adjacent an end of the can in which the solid particulates are located. The forming device may include at least one protrusion extending from an inner surface thereof into the bore. The protrusion may be adapted to deform the can while also forming the plurality of solid particulates into a solid mass having one or more reliefs and one or more lobes therein. | 07-03-2014 |
20140182948 | LOWER MELTING POINT BINDER METALS - A copper, manganese, nickel, zinc and tin binder metal composition having a melting point of 1500° F. or less that includes zinc and tin at a sum weight of about 26.5% to about 30.5% in which zinc is at least about 12% and Sn is at least about 6.5%. The binder metal having a melting point of 1500° F. or less can be used at an infiltrating temperature of 1800° F. or less in forming drilling tools and tool components. | 07-03-2014 |
20140182947 | CUTTING INSERT FOR PERCUSSION DRILL BIT - A cutting insert for a percussion hammer bit. The cutting insert includes a base portion for coupling to a bit face of the percussion hammer bit. An extension portion is coupled to the base portion and axially offset therefrom along a longitudinal axis extending through the base portion and the extension portion. The extension portion includes at least three lobes that are circumferentially offset from one another around the longitudinal axis. The lobes extend axially away from the base portion, and the lobes extend radially outward from the longitudinal axis. | 07-03-2014 |
20140182940 | Underreamer for Increasing a Bore Diameter - An underreamer for increasing the diameter of a bore. The underreamer includes a substantially cylindrical body having an axial bore therein. A mandrel may extend axially through the axial bore. One or more cutter blocks are movably coupled to the body. A ratio of a height of the cutter block to a diameter of the body is between about 0.35:1 and about 0.50:1. | 07-03-2014 |
20140182939 | PERCUSSION DRILL BIT WITH CONICAL CUTTING ELEMENTS - A percussion drill bit for drilling a borehole. The drill bit includes a bit body having a bit face disposed on an axial end portion thereof. First and second cutting elements are disposed on the bit face. A cutting plane is defined in tangential contact with crest portion of the first and second cutting elements. A third cutting element on the bit face is at least partially positioned between the first and second cutting elements. The third cutting element is at least partially conical, and a crest portion of the third cutting element is offset from the cutting plane. | 07-03-2014 |
20140182938 | PISTON STRIKE FACE AND BIT INTERFACE FOR PERCUSSION HAMMER DRILL - A percussion drilling assembly includes a housing with a hammer bit disposed in the lower end portion thereof and configured to move longitudinally within the housing. The hammer bit includes an annular bit shank having a bit strike face and a cutting structure at a lower end portion thereof. An annular piston having a piston strike face arranged and designed to strike the bit strike face is also disposed in the housing. At least one of the bit strike face and the piston strike face has a toroidal curvature profile. A method includes one or more of lowering the percussion drilling assembly into a borehole, engaging the cutting structure with a formation, and impacting the bit strike face of the annular bit shank with the piston strike face of the annular piston. | 07-03-2014 |
20140182937 | ROLLER CONE DRILL BIT - A roller cone drill bit having a bit body. The bit body has a journal bearing coupled to an end portion thereof. A roller cone is coupled to the journal bearing. A first cutting element is coupled to the roller cone. A ratio of a radius of curvature of a crest portion of the first cutting element to a diameter of the first cutting element is between about 0.3:1 and about 0.8:1. A second cutting element is coupled to the roller cone. A ratio of a radius of curvature of a crest portion of the second cutting element to a diameter of the second cutting element is between about 0.05:1 and about 0.3:1. A height of the second cutting element is greater than the height of the first cutting element h between about 0.1 mm and about 6 mm. | 07-03-2014 |
20140182215 | THERMALLY STABLE DIAMOND POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND CONSTRUCTIONS - Thermally stable diamond constructions comprise a diamond body having a plurality of bonded diamond crystals, a plurality of interstitial regions disposed among the crystals, and a substrate attached to the body. The body includes a working surface and a side surface extending away from the working surface to the substrate. The body comprises a first region adjacent the side surface that is substantially free of a catalyst material and that extends a partial depth into the diamond body. The first region can further extend to at least a portion of the working surface and a partial depth therefrom into the diamond body. The diamond body can be formed from natural diamond grains and/or a mixture of natural and synthetic diamond grains. A surface of the diamond body is treated to provide the first region, and before treatment is finished to an approximate final dimension. | 07-03-2014 |
20140174834 | ROLLING CUTTER WITH BOTTOM SUPPORT - A cutting element assembly includes a sleeve, a lining extending a distance axially from an end of the sleeve, and an inner cutter. The inner cutter has a cutting end, wherein the cutting end extends a depth from a cutting face, a side surface, and a body, wherein the body is at least partially disposed within the sleeve, and wherein the side surface of the cutting end interfaces with an interfacing surface of the lining. | 06-26-2014 |
20140174833 | POSITIONING STABILIZER ASSEMBLY USING SHOULDER RING - A stabilizer assembly using a shoulder ring. The drilling tool may include a housing having one or more external splines disposed along an outer surface of the housing. The drilling tool may also include a rotatable shaft disposed inside the housing, the shaft having a downhole end portion configured to be coupled to a drill bit. The drilling tool may further include a stabilizer assembly movably coupled to the housing. In addition, the drilling tool may include a shoulder ring having one or more internal splines disposed on an inner surface thereof, the shoulder ring disposed around the housing and configured to prevent uphole movement of the stabilizer assembly when the one or more internal splines of the shoulder ring are engaged with the one or more external splines. | 06-26-2014 |
20140172303 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ANALYZING THE QUALITY OF A WELLBORE - A method of performing wellbore operations includes calculating, based on measurements obtained by drilling a wellbore, at least one wellbore quality factor of a wellbore quality index; and performing at least one wellbore operation in a wellbore through a subterranean formation, based on the at least one calculated wellbore quality factor. | 06-19-2014 |
20140170312 | METHOD OF MAKING RHENIUM COATING - A method of forming rhenium coated metal particles, the method including directly mixing ammonium perrhenate with metal particles and converting the ammonium perrhenate to a rhenium coating on the metal particles, is disclosed. Methods of forming rhenium coated cubic boron nitride particles and rhenium coated diamond particles are also disclosed. Methods of manufacturing components of tools using the rhenium coated metal particles, the rhenium coated cubic boron nitride particles and/or rhenium coated diamond particles are also disclosed. | 06-19-2014 |
20140166367 | CORING BIT TO WHIPSTOCK SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A coring system and method enable a single-trip operation for setting a deflector assembly, deploying a coring assembly and obtaining a core sample from a borehole drilled in a wellbore. The coring assembly has a barrel with a bore for collecting the core sample and has a coring bit coupled to an end portion of the barrel. The deflector system is arranged to deflect the coring bit into a side wall of the wellbore to drill the borehole therein. The deflector system includes a deflector and a collar. The collar, coupled to the deflector, restricts upward movement of the coring assembly relative to the deflector assembly. The collar may also be used as a retrieval device to engage the coring assembly and permit removal of the coring assembly and the deflector assembly as well as the core sample after the core sample has been obtained. | 06-19-2014 |
20140166366 | SINGLE-TRIP LATERAL CORING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A coring system may be used to create a lateral section or borehole off a wellbore, and obtain a core sample therefrom. The coring system may include a coring assembly connected to a deflector assembly to enable a single-trip coring operation. The coring assembly may include a coring bit and an outer barrel for extracting a core sample. A deflector of the deflector assembly may direct the coring bit to drill a lateral section in the borehole and extract a core sample therefrom. The coring assembly and deflector may include mating surfaces to collectively retrieve the deflector assembly and coring assembly in a single trip. A collar of the coring assembly may engage against a stop surface of a shoulder or sleeve of the deflector assembly. By pulling upwardly, the engaged collar may release the anchored deflector. | 06-19-2014 |
20140166305 | MILLING CUTTER HAVING UNDULATING CHIP BREAKER - A cutting element includes a front face and leading face extending between a first and second sides. A leading cutting edge is located at an intersection of the front face and the leading face, and an undulating back-up cutting edge is formed in the front face and extends from the first side to the second side, and defines a leading surface and a trailing surface. A method includes cutting with a tool having a blade coupled to a tool body, and a cutting element coupled to a forward surface of the blade. The cutting element has a leading cutting edge formed at an intersection of front and leading faces, and an undulating back-up cutting edge formed in the front face and defining leading and trailing surfaces. The leading cutting edge of the cutting element contacts and cuts a work piece. | 06-19-2014 |
20140165475 | METHOD TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY OF PCD LEACHING - A method of treating polycrystalline diamond includes providing a leaching agent Within a vessel, placing a polycrystalline diamond body within the vessel such that the polycrystalline diamond body contacts the leaching agent, and applying a vacuum pressure in the vessel at an interval, where the interval includes at least one cycle, each cycle having a duration measured from the time the vacuum pressure is applied to the time the vacuum pressure is removed, and a frequency at which the at least one cycle is conducted. | 06-19-2014 |
20140158367 | WELLHEAD LATCH AND REMOVAL SYSTEMS - A wellhead latch assembly may include one or more latches for attaching to a wellhead and allowing removal of the wellhead during a well abandonment process. The wellhead latch assembly may include an inner core coupled to the latches, and an outer sleeve for selectively latching and unlatching the latches to the wellhead. The inner core may abut the wellhead and can include a groove having circumferential and/or longitudinal features. The outer sleeve may include a pin which travels within the groove and a set of cut-outs for alignment with the latches. When the cut-outs align with the latches, the latches may expand radially outward and disengage the wellhead. As the outer sleeve moves axially or rotationally relative to the inner core, the latches may fall out of alignment with the cut-outs and move radially inwardly to engage or capture the wellhead. | 06-12-2014 |
20140150351 | CUTTING ELEMENT AND A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A CUTTING ELEMENT - The present disclosure relates in one aspect to a cutting element comprising a substrate and a cutting layer disposed on a surface of the substrate. The cutting layer comprises an ultra hard material. The substrate comprises tungsten carbide and a metal binder. The substrate has a magnetic saturation value in the range of from 80 to less than 85%. In another aspect, the magnetic saturation value may increase within the substrate along a gradient, wherein proximal to the interface with the cutting layer, the substrate has a magnetic saturation value in the range of from 80 to less than 85%. Also included are drill bits incoiporating such cutting elements. Additionally, the present disclosure relates to methods of manufacturing cutting elements. | 06-05-2014 |
20140149096 | METHOD OF SELECTING DRILL BITS - A method for selecting at least one drill bit that includes characterizing an application; checking for at least one drill bit with an equivalent characterization in a data store; when the at least one drill bit with the equivalent characterization exists, selecting the at least one drill bit with the equivalent characterization; and when the at least one drill bit with the equivalent characterization does not exist, recommending at least one drill bit, making an analysis request, analyzing the at least one recommended drill bit based on the analysis request, generating analysis results, and selecting at least one drill bit based on the analysis results is disclosed. | 05-29-2014 |
20140144712 | ERUPTION CONTROL IN THERMALLY STABLE PCD PRODUCTS BY THE ADDITION OF TRANSITION METAL CARBIDE - A method of loaning a diamond compact includes adding an additive material to a tungsten carbide substrate, the additive material including a transition metal carbide other than tungsten carbide, placing a diamond body adjacent to an interface surface of the tungsten carbide substrate, and subjecting the diamond body and the tungsten carbide substrate to a high pressure high temperature bonding process to bond the diamond body to the tungsten carbide substrate. | 05-29-2014 |
20140131118 | METHOD OF USING SPRING LOADED BLOCKER TO RETAIN ROLLING CUTTERS OR MECHANICAL LOCK CUTTERS - A cutting element assembly may include a sleeve; an inner cutting element in the sleeve; and a blocker retained in the sleeve with at least one locking device and covering a portion of a cutting face of the inner cutting element. Cutting tools may include a tool body; a plurality of blades extending radially from the tool body, each blade comprising a leading face and a trailing face; a plurality of cutter pockets on the plurality of blades; at least one cutting element in one of the cutter pockets; and at least one blocker positioned adjacent to a cutting face of the at least one cutting element and the leading face of the blade, the blocker being retained to the cutter pocket with at least one locking device. | 05-15-2014 |
20140131117 | SINTERING OF THICK SOLID CARBONATE-BASED PCD FOR DRILLING APPLICATION - A method of making a polycrystalline diamond compact includes forming multiple layers of premised diamond particles and carbonate material, where the carbonate material includes an alkaline earth metal, carbonate, and where each layer has a weight percent ratio of diamond to carbonate that is different from adjacent layers. The layers are subjected to high pressure high temperature conditions to form polycrystalline diamond. | 05-15-2014 |
20140130418 | METHOD OF MAKING CARBONATE PCD AND SINTERING CARBONATE PCD ON CARBIDE SUBSTRATE - A method of forming a polycrystalline diamond body includes mixing a sintering agent with diamond powder to form a premixed layer, the sintering agent including at least one alkaline eat mewl carbonate; forming an infiltration layer adjacent to the premixed layer, the infiltration layer including an infiltrant material including at least one alkaline earth metal carbonate; and subjecting the premixed layer and the infiltration layer to high pressure high temperature conditions. | 05-15-2014 |
20140124271 | CUTTING ELEMENTS, METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH CUTTING ELEMENTS, AND TOOLS INCORPORATING SUCH CUTTING ELEMENTS - The present disclosure relates to cutting elements incorporating polycrystalline diamond bodies used for subterranean drilling applications, and more particularly, to polycrystalline diamond bodies having a high diamond content which are configured to provide improved properties of thermal stability and wear resistance, while maintaining a desired degree of impact resistance, when compared to prior polycrystalline diamond bodies. In various embodiments disclosed herein, a cutting element with high diamond content includes a modified PCD structure and/or a modified interface (between the PCD body and a substrate), to provide superior performance. | 05-08-2014 |
20140124270 | PDC BITS HAVING ROLLING CUTTERS AND USING MIXED CHAMFERS - A cutting tool cutting tool may include a tool body having a plurality of blades extending radially therefrom, a plurality of rotatable cutting elements having a first chamfer mounted on at least one of the plurality of blades, and a plurality of non-rotatable cutting elements having a second, distinct chamfer mounted on at least one the plurality of blades. | 05-08-2014 |
20140123562 | THERMALLY STABLE POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND MATERIAL WITH GRADIENT STRUCTURE - A diamond construction may include a diamond body comprising a plurality of bonded-together diamond crystals forming a matrix phase, and a plurality of interstitial regions disposed between the bonded-together diamond crystals, the diamond body comprising: a first diamond region extending a depth from a surface of the diamond body being substantially free of a catalyst material used to form the diamond body, wherein the first diamond region comprises the matrix phase and in at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial spaces, the first diamond region comprises a metal carbide and an inert metal, wherein the metal carbide is formed as a result of reaction between the diamond crystals in the matrix phase and a carbide-forming metal; and a second diamond region adjacent the first diamond region comprising the matrix phase and a Group VIII metal in the interstitial regions. | 05-08-2014 |
20140116791 | DIAMOND BONDED CONSTRUCTION WITH THERMALLY STABLE REGION - Diamond bonded constructions comprise a polycrystalline diamond body having a matrix phase of bonded-together diamond grains and a plurality of interstitial regions between the diamond grains including a catalyst material used to form the diamond body disposed within the interstitial regions. A sintered thermally stable diamond element is disposed within and bonded to the diamond body, and is configured and positioned to form part of a working surface. The thermally stable diamond element is bonded to the polycrystalline diamond body, and a substrate is bonded to the polycrystalline diamond body. The thermally stable diamond element comprises a plurality of bonded-together diamond grains and interstitial regions, wherein the interstitial regions are substantially free of a catalyst material used to make or sinter the thermally stable diamond element. A barrier material may be disposed over or infiltrated into one or more surfaces of the thermally stable diamond element. | 05-01-2014 |
20140110181 | METHODS FOR DESIGNING FIXED CUTTER BITS AND BITS MADE USING SUCH METHODS - Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method for analyzing a fixed cutter drill bit, said method including selecting a cutter; selecting an earth formation; simulating drilling performance of the fixed cutter bit having at least once cutter thereon; performing finite element analysis using outputs from the simulating; and outputting stress on the at least one cutter. | 04-24-2014 |
20140110180 | ULTRA-HARD MATERIAL CUTTING ELEMENTS, METHODS OF FORMING THE SAME AND BITS INCORPORATING THE SAME - The present disclosure relates to cutting tools incorporating polycrystalline diamond bodies used for subterranean drilling applications, and more particularly, to a polycrystalline diamond body joined to a substrate by a fastening member to form a cutting element. The polycrystalline diamond body may be binderless polycrystalline diamond, non-metal catalyst polycrystalline diamond, leached polycrystalline diamond, carbonate polycrystalline diamond or polycrystalline cubic boron nitride. The polycrystalline diamond body includes an aperture and a fastening member extending through the aperture and metallurgically bonded to the substrate by a HPHT process. | 04-24-2014 |
20140110129 | HYDRAULIC DISCONNECT - A disconnect apparatus includes a lower housing, an upper housing having a collet mechanism configured to couple the upper housing to the lower housing, a retainer sleeve disposed within the upper housing and/or the lower housing, the retainer sleeve configured to move longitudinally within the lower housing and/or the upper housing between a first position and a second position in response to a pressure differential applied across the retainer sleeve; wherein in the first position at least a portion of the retainer sleeve is disposed radially inward of the collet mechanism and in the second position the retainer sleeve is disposed axially above or below the collet mechanism, and a biasing mechanism coupled to an end of the retainer sleeve. A method of disconnecting a tool from a tubular string includes applying a differential pressure across a sleeve and disengaging a collet mechanism with a housing. | 04-24-2014 |
20140109491 | THERMALLY STABLE DIAMOND BONDED MATERIALS AND COMPACTS - Thermally stable diamond bonded construction comprise a diamond bonded body including a thermally stable region, comprising a plurality of diamond grains bonded together by a reaction product of the diamond grains with a reactant such as Si, and a polycrystalline diamond region, comprising intercrystalline bonded diamond and a catalyst material. The body further comprises a ceramic compound formed by reaction of an Nb, Zr, Ti, or Mo getter material with a gaseous element generated during HPHT sintering of the diamond bonded body. The diamond bonded body may comprise from 0.1 to 15 percent by weight of the ceramic compound. The diamond bonded body can be formed during a single HPHT process operated at different temperatures when the reactant has a melting temperature above the catalyst material. The construction may include a metallic substrate attached to the diamond bonded body to facilitate use as a wear or cutting element. | 04-24-2014 |
20140103643 | FRICTION WELDED HEAVY WEIGHT DRILL PIPES - A heavy weight drill pipe for use in a downhole tool. The heavy weight drill pipe may include a tool joint made of as first steel alloy selected from the group consisting of AISI 4135, AISI 4137, AISI 4140, AISI 4142, AISI 4145, and AISI 4147. The tool joint may have as radial thickness between about 3.0 cm and about 5.7 cm. The heavy weight drill pipe may also include as pipe made of as second steel alloy selected from the group consisting of AISI 4135, AISI 4137, AISI 4140, AISI 4142, AISI 4145, and AISI 4147. The pipe may have as radial thickness between about 1.6 cm and about 3.3 cm. A weld region may be formed between the tool joint and the pipe. The weld region may be formed by friction welding the tool joint to the pipe. | 04-17-2014 |
20140102798 | STABILIZING MEMBERS FOR FIXED CUTTER DRILL BIT - A drill bit for drilling a borehole in an earthen formation. In an embodiment, the bit comprises a first blade having a cutter-supporting surface. In addition, the bit comprises a plurality of primary cutter elements with cutting faces mounted to the cutter-supporting surface. The cutting profiles of the cutting faces define an outermost cutting profile P | 04-17-2014 |
20140102797 | SELECTIVE DEPLOYMENT OF UNDERREAMERS AND STABILIZERS - A downhole tool for increasing a cross-sectional area of a wellbore is provided. The downhole tool may include a first drilling assembly including a first reaming tool for selectively increasing the cross-sectional area of the wellbore. A first ball seat may receive a first ball. At least one of the first ball seat and the first ball may deform to allow the first ball to pass through the first ball seat when a predetermined pressure is applied thereto. A first piston may be coupled to the first ball seat. The first ball seat and the first piston may stroke when the first ball is received within the first ball seat, thereby actuating the first reaming tool between an active state and an inactive state. | 04-17-2014 |
20140097159 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BRAZING TSP MATERIALS TO SUBSTRATES - Methods and systems of attaching a thermally stable polycrystalline diamond (TSP) material layer to a substrate. The methods include placing a braze material between the TSP material layer and the substrate, pressing at least one of the TSP material layer and substrate against the other of the TSP material layer and the substrate, heating the braze material to a temperature of at least 800° C., and cooling the braze forming a bond attaching the TSP material layer to the substrate. | 04-10-2014 |
20140097024 | DRILL BITS HAVING DEPTH OF CUT CONTROL FEATURES AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - A downhole cutting tool for drilling a borehole in an earthen formation may include a tool body having a tool axis and a direction of rotation about the tool axis; at least two blades attached to the tool body, the at least two blades having a leading face facing the direction of rotation of the tool body about the tool axis, a trailing face facing away from the direction of rotation of the tool body about the tool axis, and a formation facing surface extending between the leading face and the trailing face; and a plurality of cutting elements disposed on the at least two blades, each cutting element having a radial distance from the tool axis; wherein at least one blade, at its formation facing surface, comprises, between two radially adjacent cutting elements on the at least one blade, a raised depth of cut feature for each cutting element on the other of the at least two blades that are at radial distances from the tool axis intermediate the radial distances from the tool axis of the radially adjacent cutting elements on the at least one blade. | 04-10-2014 |
20140095134 | PDC DRILL BIT WITH CUTTER DESIGN OPTIMIZED WITH DYNAMIC CENTERLINE ANALYSIS AND HAVING DYNAMIC CENTERLINE TRAJECTORY - A method for designing a fixed cutter drill bit includes simulating the fixed cutter drill bit drilling in an earth formation, determining a dynamic centerline trajectory of the drill bit, and adjusting at least one design parameter based upon the graphical display of at least the dynamic centerline trajectory. To improve performance, the method can include graphically displaying the dynamic centerline trajectory and/or repeating the simulating, determining, displaying and adjusting to change a simulated performance of the fixed cutter drill bit. A drill bit design may be selected and a drill bit may be made according to the design resulting from the method of designing. | 04-03-2014 |
20140083019 | MATRIX BODY FIXED CUTER BITS - A drill bit that includes a bit body having a plurality of blades extending radially therefrom, at least a portion of the plurality of blades comprises a first matrix region comprising a plurality of first carbide particles separated by a first binder phase, each of the first carbide particles comprising a mixture of WC and W | 03-27-2014 |
20140069727 | ULTRA-HARD CONSTRUCTIONS WITH IMPROVED ATTACHMENT STRENGTH - Ultra-hard constructions comprise a sintered diamond-bonded body comprising a matrix of bonded-together diamond grains and a plurality of interstitial regions substantially free of a catalyst material. A metal material comprising a carbide constituent is disposed on a substrate interface surface of the diamond body. A substrate is attached to the diamond-bonded body through a braze joint interposed between the metal material and the substrate. The braze joint is formed from a non-active braze material that reacts with the substrate and metal material. The braze joint is formed at the melting temperature of the non-active braze material in the absence of high-pressure conditions. In an example embodiment, the non-active braze material reacts with the carbide constituent in the metal material. Example materials useful for forming the non-active braze material include those selected from Cu, Ni, Mn, Au, Pd, and combinations and alloys thereof. | 03-13-2014 |
20140069725 | ULTRA-HARD CONSTRUCTIONS WITH EROSION RESISTANCE - Ultra-hard constructions comprise polycrystalline diamond-body having a first metallic substrate attached thereto, and having a second metallic substrate attached to the first metallic substrate. The first and second substrates each comprise a first hard particle phase, e.g., WC, and a second binder material phase, e.g., Co, wherein the hard particles in the second substrate are sized larger than those in the first substrate. The first substrate may contain a larger amount of binder material than the second substrate. Constructed in this matter, the first substrate is engineered to facilitate sintering diamond body during HPHT conditions, while the second substrate is engineered to provide an improved degree of erosion resistance when placed in an end-use application. The construction may be formed during a single HPHT process. The second substrate may comprise 80 percent or more of the combined thickness of the first and second substrates. | 03-13-2014 |
20140060938 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND MATERIAL WITH HIGH TOUGHNESS AND HIGH WEAR RESISTANCE - A cutting element that includes a substrate; and an outer layer of polycrystalline diamond material disposed upon the outermost end of the cutting element, wherein the polycrystalline diamond material: a plurality of interconnected diamond particles; and a plurality of interstitial regions disposed among the bonded diamond particles, wherein the plurality of interstitial regions contain a plurality of metal carbide phases and a plurality of metal binder phases together forming a plurality of metallic phases, wherein the plurality of metal carbide phases are formed from a plurality of metal carbide particles; wherein the plurality of interconnected diamond particles form at least about 60 to at most about 85% by weight of the polycrystalline diamond material; and wherein the plurality of metal carbide phases represent at least 35% by weight of the plurality of metallic phases is disclosed. | 03-06-2014 |
20140054095 | HIGHLY WEAR RESISTANT DIAMOND INSERT WITH IMPROVED TRANSITION STRUCTURE - An insert for a drill bit may include a metallic carbide body; an outer layer of polycrystalline diamond material on the outermost end of the insert, the polycrystalline diamond material comprising a plurality of interconnected first diamond grains and a first binder material in interstitial regions between the interconnected first diamond grains; and at least one transition layer between the metallic carbide body and the outer layer, the at least one transition layer comprising a composite of second diamond grains, first metal carbide particles, and a second binder material, wherein the first metal carbide particles form a matrix in which the second diamond grains are dispersed, wherein the first metal carbide particles are present in the at least one transition layer in an amount ranging from about 15 to 50 volume percent. | 02-27-2014 |
20140054094 | ROLLING CUTTER WITH CLOSE LOOP RETAINING RING - A cutting element is disclosed that includes a sleeve, a rotatable cutting element, and at least one retaining ring. The sleeve has a first inner diameter and a second inner diameter, wherein the second inner diameter is larger than the first inner diameter and located at a lower axial position than the first inner diameter. The rotatable cutting element has an axis of rotation extending therethrough, a cutting face, a body extending axially downward from the cutting face, wherein the body has a shaft that is disposed within the sleeve, and a circumferential groove formed around an outer surface of the shaft. The at least one retaining ring is disposed in the circumferential groove and extends at least around the entire circumference of the shaft, wherein the at least one retaining ring protrudes from the circumferential groove, thereby retaining the rotatable cutting element within the sleeve. | 02-27-2014 |
20140041948 | CUTTING ELEMENTS HAVING CUTTING EDGES WITH CONTINUOUS VARYING RADII AND BITS INCORPORATING THE SAME - A cutting element is provided having a substrate and an ultra hard material cutting layer over the substrate. The cutting layer includes a surface portion for making contact with a material to be cut by the cutting element. The surface portion in cross-section has a curvature that has a varying radius of curvature. A bit incorporating such a cutting element is also provided. | 02-13-2014 |
20140039854 | METHODS FOR MODELING WEAR OF FIXED CUTTER BITS AND FOR DESIGNING AND OPTIMIZING FIXED CUTTER BITS - In one aspect, the invention provides a method for modeling the wear of a fixed cutter bit drilling earth formations. A method for determining wear of a fixed cutter drill bit includes simulating the fixed cutter drill bit drilling an earth formation; determining a cutter-formation interaction force and a relative sliding velocity of a selected area on a cutting surface on a cutter of the fixed cutter drill bit during the drilling; and calculating a wear rate of the selected area based on the cutter-formation interaction force and the relative sliding velocity. | 02-06-2014 |
20140034397 | DOWNHOLE REAMER ASYMMETRIC CUTTING STRUCTURES - A cutting structure for use with a reamer in enlarging a borehole in a subterranean formation includes a plurality of cutter blocks, radially extendable from a reamer body away from a central axis of the reamer body, each of the plurality of cutter blocks comprising at least one cutter blade thereon, wherein an angular spacing about the central axis of the reamer body between the at least one cutter blade on each of the plurality of cutter blocks is unequal. | 02-06-2014 |
20140034396 | CUTTING ELEMENTS WITH RE-PROCESSED THERMALLY STABLE POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND CUTTING LAYERS, BITS INCORPORATING THE SAME, AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - A method of re-processing used TSP material layers to form cutting elements, bits with such cutting elements mounted on their bodies, and bits having re-processed TSP material layers attached to their bodies, as well as such cutting elements and bits are provided. The method includes providing a used TSP material cutting element having a TSP material layer and substrate, or a bit having a TSP material layer attached to the bit, removing the used TSP material layer from the cutting element or bit, cutting the used TSP material layer to a new shape, if necessary, optionally re-leaching the used TSP layer and re-using the TSP material layer to form a cutting element, or in forming a bit body. The formed cutting element may be mounted on a bit body. | 02-06-2014 |
20140034394 | BALL HOLE WELDING USING THE FRICTION STIR WELDING (FSW) PROCESS - A roller cone drill bit includes a bit body, at least one leg extending downward from the bit body, a journal on each leg, and a roller cone mounted on each journal. A ball race is configured between each journal and roller cone, and a plurality of retention balls is disposed within each ball race. A ball hole extends from the back face of each leg to the ball race, and a ball hole plug fits within the ball hole. The ball hole plug is secured to the leg by a friction stir weld. | 02-06-2014 |
20140034317 | EXTENDED DURATION SECTION MILL AND METHODS OF USE - A section mill for removing a portion of a casing in a wellbore. The section mill may include a body having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a bore formed axially therethrough. A plurality of blades may be coupled to the body. Each of the blades may have a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of each blade may be coupled to the body via a hinge pin, and the second end portion of each blade may have a cutting surface formed thereon. A seat may be formed within the bore. The blades may be adapted to actuate from an inactive position to an active position in response to an impediment forming a seal against the seat. | 02-06-2014 |
20140027117 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CUTTING AND REMOVING CASINGS FROM WELLBORE - A spearing device for use in removing casing is disclosed. The spearing device includes: a top sub; a bottom sub; a mandrel, coupled to the top and bottom subs, having an outer corrugated surface; a grapple having a correspondingly corrugated inner surface and an outer surface including wickers for engaging an interior surface of the casing; a piston disposed within the mandrel and operatively coupled to the grapple; and a spring operative with the piston and biasing the grapple toward a collapsed position. The grapple: (i) axially and rotationally moves along the corrugated outer surface of the mandrel and (ii) expands and collapses responsive to axial movement relative to the mandrel. Responsive to increases in hydraulic pressure, the piston compresses the spring and axially moves and expands the grapple. Responsive to subsequent decreases in hydraulic pressure, the spring decompresses and axially moves and collapses the grapple. | 01-30-2014 |
20140013913 | THERMALLY STABLE PCD WITH PCBN TRANSITION LAYER - The present disclosure relates to cutting tools incorporating polycrystalline diamond bodies used for subterranean drilling applications, and more particularly, to a thermally stable polycrystalline diamond body joined to a substrate to form a cutting element. The thermally stable polycrystalline diamond body may be binderless polycrystalline diamond or a non-metal catalyst polycrystalline diamond. A polycrystalline cubic boron nitride layer is also provided, bonded on one side to the polycrystalline diamond body and on the other side to the substrate. | 01-16-2014 |
20140013671 | CUTTING ELEMENTS, METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH CUTTING ELEMENTS, AND TOOLS INCORPORATING SUCH CUTTING ELEMENTS - The present disclosure relates to cutting elements incorporating polycrystalline diamond bodies used for subterranean drilling applications, and more particularly, to polycrystalline diamond bodies having a high diamond content which are configured to provide improved properties of thermal stability and wear resistance, while maintaining a desired degree of impact resistance, when compared to prior polycrystalline diamond bodies. In various embodiments disclosed herein, a cutting element with high diamond content includes a modified PCD structure and/or a modified interface (between the PCD body and a substrate), to provide superior performance. | 01-16-2014 |
20140007512 | TECHNIQUES AND MATERIALS FOR THE ACCELERATED REMOVAL OF CATALYST MATERIAL FROM DIAMOND BODIES - A method for making a thermally stable cutting element may include forming an acid mixture containing two different acid species by combining an acid solution and at least one acid-forming compound, wherein the at least one acid-forming compound is provided in solid form, and wherein the at least one acid-forming compound produces an acid that is different than the acid solution; treating at least a portion of a sintered diamond body by placing the sintered diamond body in the acid mixture, wherein the sintered diamond body comprises: a matrix phase of bonded-together diamond grains; a plurality of interstitial regions dispersed within the matrix phase; and a metal material disposed within a plurality of the interstitial regions; wherein the treating removes the metal material from at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions; and removing the sintered diamond body from the acid mixture after a predetermined length of time, wherein at least a portion of the diamond body removed from the acid mixture is substantially free of the metal material and is a thermally stable diamond body. | 01-09-2014 |
20130341101 | FEATURE TO ELIMINATE SHALE PACKING/SHALE EVACUATION CHANNEL - A drill bit having a bit body with a longitudinal axis extending therethrough and a plurality of blades extending from the bit body is disclosed. Each blade has an outer face and at least one side wall. The drill bit has at least one junk slot, wherein each junk slot is defined by the bit body surface and the side walls of adjacent blades. At least one nozzle bore is formed in the bit body, wherein each nozzle bore has an intersecting surface between the bit body surface of a junk slot and an inner surface of the nozzle bore. At least one formation evacuation channel extends through the intersecting surface of at least one of the nozzle bores, wherein each formation evacuation channel has a base surface, and wherein the formation evacuation channel extends partially around the circumference of the nozzle bore. | 12-26-2013 |
20130333953 | CUTTING ELEMENTS RETAINED WITHIN SLEEVES - A cutter assembly may include a sleeve; and at least one cutting element having a lower spindle portion retained in the sleeve and a portion of the cutting element interfacing an axial bearing surface of the sleeve, wherein an outer diameter D of the cutting element and a radial length T of a substantially planar portion of the axial bearing surface of the sleeve have the following relationship: | 12-19-2013 |
20130292186 | GAGE CUTTER PROTECTION FOR DRILLING BITS - A downhole cutting tool may include a tool body, a plurality of blades extending azimuthally from the tool body comprising a cone region, a shoulder region, and a gage region, at least one cutting element disposed along the cone region and the shoulder region of the blade, and at least one gage cutting element disposed along the gage region of the blade wherein the at least one gage cutting element has a negative backrake ranging from greater than 70 to about 85 degrees. | 11-07-2013 |
20130283701 | MANUFACTURE OF THERMALLY STABLE CUTTING ELEMENTS - A method of forming a thermally stable cutting element that includes disposing at least a portion of a polycrystalline abrasive body containing a catalyzing material to be leached into a leaching agent; and subjecting the polycrystalline abrasive object to an elevated temperature and pressure is disclosed. Thermally stable cutting elements and systems and other methods for forming thermally stable cutting elements are also disclosed. | 10-31-2013 |
20130270010 | DRILL BITS HAVING DEPTH OF CUT CONTROL FEATURES AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - A drill bit for drilling a borehole in an earthen formation may include a bit body having a bit axis and a direction of rotation about the bit axis; at least two blades extending azimuthally from the bit body; and a plurality of cutting elements disposed on the at least two blades; the plurality of cutting elements forming a cutting profile in a rotated profile view, each cutting element having a radial distance from the bit axis. At least one blade, at its formation facing surface, may include, between two radially adjacent cutting elements on the at least one blade, a raised depth of cut feature for each cutting element on the other of the at least two blades that are at radial distances from the bit axis intermediate the radial distances from the bit axis of the radially adjacent cutting elements on the at least one blade. | 10-17-2013 |
20130264124 | THERMALLY STABLE MATERIALS, CUTTER ELEMENTS WITH SUCH THERMALLY STABLE MATERIALS, AND METHODS OF FORMING THE SAME - A thermally stable ultra-hard material, a cutting element incorporating such thermally stable ultra-hard material, and methods for forming the same. A thermally stable ultra-hard diamond element is combined with a second ultra-hard material volume forming an assembly. One or more surfaces of the thermally stable diamond element that face the second diamond volume are coated with a coating prior to combining the thermally stable diamond element with the second diamond volume. The assembly is sintered at high pressure and high temperature to form PCD from the second diamond volume. | 10-10-2013 |
20130263748 | HIGH PRESSURE HIGH TEMPERATURE CELL - A high-pressure high-temperature cell including two or more thermal insulation layers is described. A high-pressure high-temperature cell including a current path through a thermal insulation layer, the current path being electrically connected to a heating element and having an indirect path through the thermal insulation layer, is also described. High-pressure high-temperature press systems including the foregoing the high-pressure high-temperature cells alone or in combination are also disclosed. | 10-10-2013 |
20130256031 | DOWN HOLE TOOL WITH ADJUSTABLE FLUID VISCOSITY - A down hole tool includes a tool body, a fluid cavity, a magnetorheological fluid disposed in the fluid cavity, and an electrical control unit in communication with the MR fluid. The electrical control unit is configured to adjust a viscosity of the MR fluid by varying a magnetic field. | 10-03-2013 |
20130228376 | FLOW DIVERTER RING FOR MUD SAVER VALVES - A valve assembly includes a main housing having a central bore therethrough, an upper valve subassembly disposed within the main housing, the upper valve subassembly including an upper seat configured to contact a corresponding lower seat of a lower valve subassembly, and a flow diverter ring disposed proximate the upper seat of the upper valve subassembly, wherein the flow diverter ring is configured to direct a fluid flow radially away from the upper seat of the upper valve subassembly. | 09-05-2013 |
20130220707 | ROLLING CUTTER - A cutting element for a drill bit that includes an outer support element having at least a bottom portion and a side portion; and an inner rotatable cutting element, a portion of which is disposed in the outer support element, wherein the inner rotatable cutting element includes a substrate and a diamond cutting face having a thickness of at least 0.050 inches disposed on an upper surface of the substrate; and wherein a distance from an upper surface of the diamond cutting face to a bearing surface between the inner rotatable cutting element and the outer support element ranges from 0 to about 0.300 inches is disclosed. | 08-29-2013 |
20130220706 | KERFING HYBRID DRILL BIT AND OTHER DOWNHOLE CUTTING TOOLS - A drill bit for drilling a borehole in earth formations may include a bit body having a bit axis and a bit face; a plurality of blades extending radially along the bit face; and a plurality of cutting elements disposed on the plurality of blades, the plurality of cutting elements comprising: at least one cutter comprising a substrate and a diamond table having a substantially planar cutting face; and at least two non-planar cutting elements comprising a substrate and a diamond layer having a non-planar cutting end, wherein in a rotated view of the plurality of cutting elements into a single plane, the at least one cutter is located a radial position from the bit axis that is intermediate the radial positions of the at least two non-planar cutting elements. | 08-29-2013 |
20130213654 | CEMENTING WHIPSTOCK APPARATUS AND METHODS - A system and method facilitate sidetracking by eliminating one or more trips downhole. A sidetracking system includes a whipstock assembly and a stinger assembly. The stinger assembly has a stinger which extends at least partially through the whipstock assembly. The stinger is coupled to a sub of the sidetracking system by a releasable latch mechanism, such as a shear pin or collet. | 08-22-2013 |
20130206401 | ACTUATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A DOWNHOLE TOOL - An actuation system and method for a downhole tool. The downhole tool includes a body having an axial bore extending at least partially therethrough and a chamber disposed radially-outward from the bore. A valve is disposed within the bore and adapted to move between a first position which prevents fluid flow from the bore to the chamber through a port and a second position which permits the fluid flow from the bore to the chamber through the port. A motor, disposed within the bore, is adapted to move the valve between the first and second positions. An actuatable component of the downhole tool, e.g., a cutter block of an underreamer downhole tool, is movably coupled to the body and adapted to move from a non-actuated state to an actuated state in response to fluid flow through the port into the chamber. | 08-15-2013 |
20130199785 | MULTI-CYCLE PIPE CUTTER AND RELATED METHODS - A downhole cutting tool includes a tool body and a plurality of cutter knife sets, each of the plurality of cutter knife sets configured to extend outwardly to separately perform a pipe cutting operation. A first cutter knife set has a diameter in an extended position larger than a diameter in an extended position of a second cutter knife set. A method includes running the downhole cutting tool into a wellbore, deploying the first set of expandable cutting arms to an extended position and engaging the extended expandable cutting arms with a first work piece, rotating the downhole cutting tool and cutting the first work piece, deploying the second set of expandable cutting arms during a single trip into the wellbore to an extended position and engaging the extended expandable cutting arms with a second work piece, and rotating the downhole cutting tool and cutting the second work piece. | 08-08-2013 |
20130199784 | EXTENDED WHIPSTOCK AND MILL ASSEMBLY - A cutting apparatus and method to facilitate milling of a casing window by improving the interaction between the mill and the casing. The cutting apparatus comprises a whipstock having a plurality of ramp sections which provide a ramp profile arranged and designed to cooperate with the cutting structure of a mill to achieve a desired loading on the mill cutting elements during milling of the casing window. The plurality of ramp sections, having specific lengths and oriented at specific angles, adjust the loading on the mill as the mill cuts through the casing during formation of the casing window. The improved whipstock maintains a more balanced loading across the cutting elements during milling operations. Additional mill cutting structures, including one or more disclosed herein, may also be selected and evaluated to further balance the cutting load during window milling. | 08-08-2013 |
20130175096 | PERCUSSION DRILLING ASSEMBLY AND HAMMER BIT WITH GAGE AND OUTER ROW REINFORCEMENT - A hammer bit for drilling a borehole in earthen formations. In an embodiment, the bit comprises a bit body having a bit axis and a bit face. The bit face includes an inner region extending from the bit axis to about 50% of the bit radius and an outer region extending from the inner region to the outermost radius. In addition, the bit comprises a plurality of gage cutter elements mounted to the bit face in a circumferential gage row in the outer region. Further, the bit comprises a plurality of adjacent to gage cutter elements mounted to the bit face in a circumferential adjacent to gage row in the outer region. The cutting profile of at least one cutter element in each row in the outer region radially overlaps with the cutting profile of at least one other cutter element in a different row in rotated profile view. | 07-11-2013 |
20130175095 | PRESSURE ACTIVATED FLOW SWITCH FOR A DOWNHOLE TOOL - A downhole tool includes a pressure activated flow switch for selectively actuating and deactuating a device, such as a reaming block. The flow switch is deployed external to the flow bore and includes a flow piston configured to reciprocate between axially opposed open and closed positions such that the device is actuated when the flow piston is in the open position and deactuated when the flow piston is in the closed position. The flow piston is configured to translate from the closed position to the open position when a differential pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. The flow piston may be further configured to remain in the open position at differential pressures less than the threshold. | 07-11-2013 |
20130168159 | SOLID PCD CUTTER - A method of forming a cutting element may include placing a plurality of diamond particles adjacent to a substrate in a reaction cell; and subjecting the plurality of diamond particles to high pressure high temperature conditions to form a polycrystalline diamond body; wherein the polycrystalline diamond body comprises a cutting face area to thickness ratio ranging from 60:16 to 500:5; and wherein the polycrystalline diamond body has at least one dimension greater than 8 mm | 07-04-2013 |
20130168158 | METHOD FOR BRAZE JOINING OF CARBONATE PCD - A method for making a diamond compact includes pre-heating a diamond body which includes a carbonate catalyst to convert at least a portion of the carbonate catalyst into an oxide, assembling the diamond body and a substrate, providing a braze material between the diamond body and the substrate to form a diamond compact, heating the braze material to melt the braze material and form a braze joint between the diamond body and the substrate, and cooling the braze material after increasing the pressure. A bit having a diamond compact including a carbonate catalyst and a metal oxide mounted thereon. | 07-04-2013 |
20130168157 | THERMALLY STABLE POLYCRYSTALLINE ULTRAHARD MATERIAL REINFORCED WITH FIBROUS MATERIALS - A polycrystalline diamond construction includes a diamond body having a thermally stable diamond matrix comprising bonded-together diamond crystals, wherein the diamond matrix includes a diamond volume content of at least 99%, and a plurality of fibers extending through the thermally stable diamond matrix. The diamond construction may be bonded to a substrate forming a shear cutter. The shear cutter may be mounted on a bit body. | 07-04-2013 |
20130168156 | DIAMOND ENHANCED INSERT WITH FINE AND ULTRAFINE MICROSTRUCTURE OF PCD WORKING SURFACE RESISTING CRACK FORMATION - An insert for a drill bit may include a metallic carbide body; an outer layer of polycrystalline diamond material on the uppermost end of the insert, wherein the polycrystalline diamond material comprises: a plurality of interconnected diamond grains; a plurality of additive grains; a binder material; wherein the average additive grain size is smaller than the average diamond grain size. | 07-04-2013 |
20130168155 | DIAMOND ENHANCED DRILLING INSERT WITH HIGH IMPACT RESISTANCE - An insert for a drill bit may include a substrate; a working layer of polycrystalline diamond material on the uppermost end of the insert, wherein the polycrystalline diamond material includes a plurality of interconnected diamond grains; and a binder material; and an inner transition layer between the working layer and the substrate, wherein the inner transition layer is adjacent to the substrate; wherein the inner transition layer has a hardness that is at least 500 HV greater than the hardness of the substrate. | 07-04-2013 |
20130168151 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO FACILITATE THE DRILLING OF A DEVIATED BOREHOLE - A system and method for facilitating the drilling of a deviated borehole. The system and method employ a flexible conveyance. A hydraulic actuation assembly is coupled to the flexible conveyance and a whipstock is releasably coupled to the hydraulic actuation assembly. The whipstock and hydraulic actuation assembly are conveyed downhole in the wellbore. The hydraulic actuation assembly provides a hydraulic fluid under pressure to anchor the whipstock. | 07-04-2013 |
20130153306 | FIXED CUTTER DRILL BIT HEEL AND BACK-REAM CUTTER PROTECTIONS FOR ABRASIVE APPLICATIONS - A method of manufacturing a fixed cutter drill bit may include loading a first matrix material of controlled thickness to at least a portion of a mold cavity corresponding to a heel surface of at least one blade; loading a second matrix material into the remaining portions of the mold cavity; heating the mold contents to form a matrix body of the fixed cutter drill bit; and disposing at least one back reaming element in at least one back reaming cutter pocket. | 06-20-2013 |
20130152480 | METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING POLYCRYSTALLINE ULTRA-HARD CONSTRUCTIONS AND POLYCRYSTALLINE ULTRA-HARD CONSTRUCTIONS - Polycrystalline ultra-hard constructions are made by subjecting a sintered ultra-hard body, substantially free of a sintering catalyst material, to a further HPHT process. The process is controlled to initially melt and infiltrating a filler material into the sintered ultra-hard body to form a filler region having interstitial regions filled with the filler material. The filler region extends a partial depth into the sintered ultra-hard body and is formed at a temperature below the melting temperature of an infiltrant material. Next, the process is controlled to melt and infiltrate the infiltrant material into the sintered ultra-hard body to form an infiltrant region that extends a partial depth into the sintered ultra-hard body. A portion of the filler region and/or the infiltrant region may be removed to form a thermally stable region. | 06-20-2013 |
20130151157 | DYNAMIC BOREHOLE AZIMUTH MEASUREMENTS - A method for making dynamic borehole azimuth measurements while drilling includes processing cross-axial magnetic field measurements in combination with accelerometer measurements to compute the dynamic borehole azimuth. In one or more embodiments, the cross-axial magnetic field measurements and the accelerometer measurements may be used to compute the magnitude of a cross-axial magnetic field component, a toolface offset, and a borehole inclination, which may in turn be used to compute the dynamic borehole azimuth. The disclosed methods may utilize near-bit sensor measurements obtained while drilling, thereby enabling a near-bit dynamic borehole azimuth to be computed while drilling. | 06-13-2013 |
20130146369 | DIAMOND BONDED CONSTRUCTION WITH THERMALLY STABLE REGION - Diamond bonded constructions comprise a polycrystalline diamond body having a matrix phase of bonded-together diamond grains and a plurality of interstitial regions between the diamond grains including a catalyst material used to form the diamond body disposed within the interstitial regions. A sintered thermally stable diamond element is disposed within and bonded to the diamond body, and is configured and positioned to form part of a working surface. The thermally stable diamond element is bonded to the polycrystalline diamond body, and a substrate is bonded to the polycrystalline diamond body. The thermally stable diamond element comprises a plurality of bonded-together diamond grains and interstitial regions, wherein the interstitial regions are substantially free of a catalyst material used to make or sinter the thermally stable diamond element. A barrier material may be disposed over or infiltrated into one or more surfaces of the thermally stable diamond element. | 06-13-2013 |
20130146368 | METHOD FOR FORMING A CUTTING ELEMENT AND DOWNHOLE TOOLS INCORPORATING THE SAME - Cutting elements include an ultrahard material body formed at high pressure and high temperature conditions in the absence of catalyzing material to provide a material microstructure comprising a matrix phase of bonded together ultrahard material particles and interstitial regions disposed throughout the matrix phase providing porosity of less than about 6 volume percent. The body may include a substrate attached thereto, and may include an infiltrant material disposed in a population of the interstitial regions. The body may have regions with different porosities, e.g., with a higher porosity region located adjacent a substrate interface and/or along a central region. The body may include more than one infiltrant, each located in different regions. The infiltrant may be introduced into the body during a separate high pressure/high temperature process. The body may include a region which extends a depth from a working surface that is substantially free of any infiltrant. | 06-13-2013 |
20130146367 | ROLLING CUTTER WITH IMPROVED ROLLING EFFICIENCY - A cutting structure may include an outer support element; and an inner rotatable cutting element comprising a cutting surface at its upper end; wherein the inner rotatable cutting element comprises at least one line contact along a circumferential side surface thereof and/or at least one point contact at a bottom face thereof. | 06-13-2013 |
20130146361 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR STABILIZING DOWNHOLE TOOLS - A secondary cutting structure for use in a drilling assembly includes a tubular body, and a block, extendable from the tubular body, the block including a first arrangement of cutting elements disposed on a first blade, a first stabilization section disposed proximate the first arrangement of cutting elements, a second arrangement of cutting elements disposed on the first blade, and a second stabilization section disposed proximate the second arrangement of cutting elements. A method of drilling includes disposing a drilling assembly in a wellbore, the drilling assembly including a secondary cutting structure having a tubular body and a block, extendable from the body, the block including at least three blades, actuating the secondary cutting structure, wherein the actuating includes extending the block from the tubular body, and drilling formation with the extended block | 06-13-2013 |
20130140094 | ROLLING CUTTER USING PIN, BALL OR EXTRUSION ON THE BIT BODY AS ATTACHMENT METHODS - A drill bit has a bit body, a plurality of blades extending radially from the bit body, wherein each blade comprises a leading face and a trailing face, a plurality of cutter pockets disposed on the plurality of blades, at least one rolling cutter, wherein each rolling cutter is disposed in one of the cutter pockets, and wherein each rolling cutter comprises a cutting face, a cutting edge, an outer circumferential surface, and a back face. A back retainer is disposed adjacent to the back face, wherein the back retainer protrudes partially into the rolling cutter along a rotational axis of the rolling cutter, and a front retainer is disposed adjacent to the at least one rolling cutter on the leading face of the blade. Each front retainer has a retention end, wherein the retention end is positioned adjacent to a portion of the cutting face of each rolling cutter, and an attachment end, wherein the attachment end is attached to a portion of the blade. | 06-06-2013 |
20130140093 | DRILL BIT HAVING GEOMETRICALLY SHARP INSERTS - A drill bit configured for boring holes or wells into the earth, the drill bit having a face and a plurality of zones, the drill bit having geometrically sharp inserts located in an inner zone and non-geometrically sharp inserts located in an outer zone. | 06-06-2013 |
20130133957 | SHEAR CUTTER WITH IMPROVED WEAR RESISTANCE OF WC-CO SUBSTRATE - A cutting element having a substrate, an abrasive layer mounted to the substrate at an interface, and a longitudinal axis extending through the abrasive layer and the substrate is disclosed, wherein the substrate has a binder material, a plurality of metal carbide grains bonded together by an amount of the binder material, and at least one binder gradient, and wherein the amount of binder material decreases along at least one direction to form the at least one binder gradient. | 05-30-2013 |
20130133954 | ROLLER REAMER COMPOUND WEDGE RETENTION - A roller reamer includes a roller assembly deployed in a corresponding axial recess in a tool body. The roller assembly is retained in the axial recess via compound wedging action provided by at least one retention assembly. One or more embodiments utilize first and second retention assemblies located at first and second axially opposed end portions of the roller assembly. The retention assembly includes first and second wedges, the first of which converts a substantially radially directed force to an axially directed force and the second of which converts the axially directed force to a cross-axially directed retention force that retains the roller assembly in the axial recess. | 05-30-2013 |
20130133531 | HIGH PRESSURE CARBIDE COMPONENT WITH SURFACES INCORPORATING GRADIENT STRUCTURES - An anvil including a hard phase and a metal matrix in which the hard phase is dispersed, a concentration of the metal matrix phase varying according to a concentration gradient, is disclosed. The anvil may be used in a high pressure press. Methods of making an anvil including forming a hard phase dispersed in a metal matrix phase, a concentration of the metal matrix phase varying according to a concentration gradient, are also disclosed. | 05-30-2013 |
20130125475 | TUNGSTEN RHENIUM COMPOUNDS AND COMPOSITES AND METHODS FOR FORMING THE SAME - The present invention relates to tungsten rhenium compounds and composites and to methods of forming the same. Tungsten and rhenium powders are mixed together and sintered at high temperature and high pressure to form a unique compound. An ultra hard material may also be added. The tungsten, rhenium, and ultra hard material are mixed together and then sintered at high temperature and high pressure. | 05-23-2013 |
20130104755 | CONSTRUCTION AND COMPOSITION OF PREFORMED CONTAINERS USED IN A HIGH-PRESSURE PRESS | 05-02-2013 |
20130098688 | DRILL BITS HAVING ROTATING CUTTING STRUCTURES THEREON - A drill bit may include a bit body rotatable about a longitudinal axis and having, at one end, a connection for securing the drill bit to a drill string and having a face opposite the connection end; and a plurality of cutting structures having at least one fixed cutting structure disposed on the bit body face and at least one cutting body rotatably attached to the face of the bit body; wherein, in a rotated view of the plurality of cutting structures into a single plane, there is substantially no radial overlap between at least one fixed cutting structure and the at least one cutting body. | 04-25-2013 |
20130098682 | OPTIMIZED REAMING SYSTEM BASED UPON WEIGHT ON TOOL - A drilling apparatus includes a tubular body including an upper connection and a lower connection with a drill bit disposed thereon, and an axial borehole therethrough, wherein the upper connection is configured to attach to a drillstring, primary cutter blocks coupled to the tubular body and configured to selectively expand radially therefrom. The drilling apparatus further includes backup cutter blocks coupled to the tubular body and configured to selectively expand radially therefrom, and an activation system configured to selectively expand and collapse the primary and backup cutter blocks in response to changes in weight applied to the primary and backup cutter blocks. | 04-25-2013 |
20130092449 | LOW COEFFICIENT OF THERMAL EXPANSION CERMET COMPOSITIONS - Low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) cermet compositions of this invention generally comprise a hard phase material and a ductile phase formed from a binder alloy, wherein the binder alloy is specially designed having a CTE that is closely matched to the hard phase material. Hard phase materials used to form low CTE compositions of this invention are selected from the group of carbides consisting of W, Ti, Mo, Nb, V, Si, Hf, Ta, and Cr carbides. The binder alloy is formed from a mixture of metals selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, Fe, W, Mo, Ti, Ta, V, Nb, C, B, Cr, and Mn. In a preferred embodiment, low CTE compositions comprises WC as the hard phase material, and a ductile phase binder alloy formed from a mixture of Fe, Co, and Ni. The so-formed low CTE composition has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is less than that of conventional WC—Co at the same temperature and having the same metal content, thereby providing improved resistance to thermal shock and thermal fatigue related failure. | 04-18-2013 |
20130084446 | HIGH CONTENT PCBN COMPACT INCLUDING W-RE BINDER - The present invention relates to tungsten-rhenium coated compounds, materials formed from tungsten-rhenium coated compounds, and to methods of forming the same. In embodiments, tungsten and rhenium are coated on ultra hard material particles to form coated ultra hard material particles, and the coated ultra hard material particles are sintered at high temperature and high pressure. | 04-04-2013 |
20130067827 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND MATERIALS HAVING IMPROVED ABRASION RESISTANCE, THERMAL STABILITY AND IMPACT RESISTANCE - PCD materials comprise a diamond body having bonded diamond crystals and interstitial regions disposed among the crystals. The diamond body is formed from diamond grains and a catalyst material at high pressure/high temperature conditions. The diamond grains have an average particle size of about 0.03 mm or greater. At least a portion of the diamond body has a high diamond volume content of greater than about 93 percent by volume. The entire diamond body can comprise high volume content diamond or a region of the diamond body can comprise the high volume content diamond. The diamond body includes a working surface, a first region substantially free of the catalyst material, and a second region that includes the catalyst material. At least a portion of the first region extends from the working surface to depth of from about 0.01 to about 0.1 mm | 03-21-2013 |
20130062052 | PRESSURE LOCK FOR JARS - Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a jar including the following: a mandrel; an outer housing slidably disposed about the mandrel; a ball stop housing disposed below the outer housing; a lower sub disposed below the ball stop housing; and a ball stop assembly disposed in the ball stop housing. The ball stop assembly includes a ball stop pivotally disposed in the ball stop assembly. | 03-14-2013 |
20130055544 | SPRAY SYSTEM FOR APPLICATION OF ADHESIVE TO A STATOR TUBE - Spray assemblies for use in coating a regular or irregular internal surface of a cylinder, and methods for coating the inside of a cylinder are disclosed. The spray assemblies may include: a spray head comprising a nozzle for spraying a coating material on an internal surface of a cylinder; a support wand coupled to the spray head; and a roller sleeve rotatably connected to the support wand and configured to contact the internal surface of the cylinder and to rotate radially as the cylinder is rotated. The spray assemblies may be used to provide a consistent and repeatable coating thickness, regardless of cylinder internal diameter. In some embodiments, the spray assemblies may be used to coat the internal surface of a stator tube. | 03-07-2013 |
20130048388 | DRILL BIT WITH CUTTING ELEMENTS HAVING FUNCTIONALLY ENGINEERED WEAR SURFACE - Drill bits and cutting elements having a functionally-engineered surface comprise a cermet material selected from the group consisting of refractory metal carbides, nitrides, borides, carbonitrides and mixtures thereof A functionally-engineered material is disposed over a surface portion one of the cutting elements to form a wear resistant surface thereon having a hardness that is different than that of the underlying cutting element. The wear resistant surface is provided by forming a conformable material mixture by combining one or more powders selected from the group consisting of cermets, carbides, borides, nitrides, carbonitrides, refractory metals, diamond particles, cubic boron nitride particles, Co, Fe, Ni, and combinations thereof, with an applying agent. The applied material mixture is pressurized under conditions of elevated temperature to consolidate and sinter the material mixture, thereby forming the wear resistant surface having desired properties of hardness and/or fracture toughness. | 02-28-2013 |
20130048384 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING OR LIMITING ROTOR ORBIT IN MOVING CAVITY MOTORS AND PUMPS - A moving cavity motor or pump, such as a mud motor, comprising: a rotor, a stator, and one or more apparatus for constraining (i.e., controlling or limiting) the movement of the rotor relative to the stator. | 02-28-2013 |
20130036077 | NEURAL NET FOR USE IN DRILLING SIMULATION - A method of optimizing a drilling tool assembly including inputting well data into an optimization system, the optimization system having an experience data set and an artificial neural network. The method further including comparing the well data to the experience data set and developing an initial drilling tool assembly based on the comparing the well data to the experience data, wherein the drilling tool assembly is developed using the artificial neural network. Additionally, the method including simulating the initial drilling tool assembly in the optimization system and creating result data in the optimization system based on the simulating. | 02-07-2013 |
20130020134 | Fixed Cutter Drill Bit With Core Fragmentation Feature - A drill bit has a plurality of blades that include a coring blade, a plurality of flow courses that include an evacuation slot disposed between the plurality of blades, and a conical insert disposed on or proximate a bit centerline of the drill bit. Coring blade includes a first cutting element disposed at a first radial position from the bit centerline. Also, coring blade includes a substantially vertical surface and an angled surface. During drilling, first cutting element cuts formation to generate a core sample fragment at bit centerline. Core sample fragment is then broken away from formation using angled surface or conical insert after core sample fragment reaches a certain length. Core sample fragment then exits drill bit via an evacuation slot, from where core sample fragment is transported via an annulus to the surface of formation for testing and analysis. | 01-24-2013 |
20130015000 | INNOVATIVE CUTTING ELEMENT AND CUTTING STRUCTURE USING SAME - A cutting tool is disclosed that includes a tool body, a plurality of cutting element support structures extending from the tool body, at least one slot formed in at least one of the cutting element support structures, a cutting element having a diamond shearing element with a plurality of surfaces, and at least one mechanical retention mechanism adjacent to the cutting element. Each cutting element support structure has a leading face, a top side, and a trailing face, and the slot has two side surfaces, each side surface terminating at the leading face and top side of the cutting element support structure. Each surface of the cutting element has two dimensional values, wherein the cutting element is positioned in the at least one slot such that a plane in which the shortest dimensional value lies intersects the slot side surfaces. | 01-17-2013 |
20120325480 | DUAL STRING SECTION MILL - A dual string section milling tool includes a cutting block deployed in an axial recess in a tool body. The cutting block is configured to extend radially outward from and retract radially inward towards the tool body. The cutting block is further configured to remove a cement layer in a wellbore. The dual string section milling tool further includes a milling blade deployed in an axially slot disposed in the cutting block. The milling blade is configured to extend radially outward from and inwards towards the cutting block. The milling blade is further configured to cut and mill a section of casing string. The dual string section milling tool may be further configured to simultaneously remove cement and mill a wellbore tubular. | 12-27-2012 |
20120316787 | OPTIMIZATION OF DYNAMICALLY CHANGING DOWNHOLE TOOL SETTINGS - A computer-assisted method for optimizing a drilling tool assembly, the method comprising defining a desired drilling plan; determining current drilling conditions; determining current drilling tool parameters of at least two drilling tool assembly components; analyzing the current drilling conditions and the current drilling tool parameters to define a base drilling condition; comparing the base drilling condition to the desired drilling plan; determining a drilling tool parameter to adjust to achieve the desired drilling plan; and adjusting at least one drilling tool parameter of at least one of the two drilling tool assembly components based on the comparing the base drilling condition to the desired drilling plan. | 12-13-2012 |
20120312602 | HIGHLY WEAR RESISTANT COMPOSITE ROTARY SEALS WITH WEAR LAYER AT INNER DIAMETER AND/OR OUTER DIAMETER EMBEDDED INSIDE OR BETWEEN RUBBER LAYERS - A composite journal seal for use in a roller cone drill bit may include a substantially ring shaped elastomeric body having at least two axial, radial, or canted sealing surfaces, at least one of the at least two axial, radial, or canted sealing surface being a dynamic sealing surface, and at least one reinforcement layer embedded at least 0.005 inches from the at least one dynamic sealing surface. | 12-13-2012 |
20120306196 | ANTI-BACK OFF DEVICE FOR DOWN HOLE TOOLS AND DRIVE SYSTEMS - A percussion drilling assembly for drilling a borehole, the assembly including a tubular casing having a central axis defined therethrough and a lower end, a driver sub having an upper end threadingly engaged with the lower end of the tubular casing, and an annular locking member disposed between the tubular easing and the driver sub. The annular locking member is configured to engage the tubular casing and the driver sub, and is configured to prevent separation of the driver sub from the tubular casing. The annular locking member includes a deformable elongate member. | 12-06-2012 |
20120303280 | BOREHOLE INDEPENDENT NEUTRON POROSITY MEASUREMENT - A method for estimating a borehole independent porosity of a subterranean formation includes processing a neutron logging data point, preferably including average near and far detector neutron count rates with suitable input data to obtain the porosity estimate. The borehole independent formation porosity may be obtained without any compensation and without any reliance on the measurement or estimation of sensor standoff and/or borehole caliper. | 11-29-2012 |
20120298423 | JET ARRANGEMENT ON AN EXPANDABLE DOWNHOLE TOOL - Various embodiments of an expandable downhole tool for use in drilling of a wellbore are disclosed. The expandable tools disclosed herein may be used as an underreamer to enlarge a borehole, or may be used to stabilize a drilling system in a previously underreamed borehole or in a borehole that is being underreamed while drilling progresses. The various embodiments of the expandable tools disclosed herein have a higher hydraulic capacity than prior art underreamers. An increase in hydraulic energy delivered to the cutting structures may advantageously improve the rate of removal of cuttings from the cutting structures (improved cuttings evacuation), may decrease cutter element wear, and may prevent damage or premature failure. Improved cuttings evacuation may also provide for improved cutting action and increased penetration rates. | 11-29-2012 |
20120288343 | MACHINING APPARATUS FOR LONG TUBE LENGTHS AND RELATED METHODS - An apparatus for machining a profile in an inner wall of a tubular includes a frame on which a drive system is disposed, a carriage head disposed on at least one track of the frame, wherein the drive system is configured to operate the carriage head along the at least one track, a torque tube coupled to the carriage head and extending therefrom, the torque tube having a cutting tool coupled thereto, and a plurality of stabilizer pads disposed proximate the cutting tool and along a circumference of the torque tube, wherein the plurality of stabilizer pads are configured to engage the inner wall of the tubular and centralize the cutting tool within the tubular. | 11-15-2012 |
20120288226 | FLOW CONTROL THROUGH THRUST BEARING ASSEMBLY - A bearing assembly comprising a frame; a rotating disc disposed in the frame, the rotating disc comprising a first set of inserts; and a fixed disc disposed in the frame, the fixed disc comprising a second set of inserts, the second set of inserts configured to interact with the first set of inserts, and a lip disposed adjacent the second set of inserts. Also, a bearing assembly comprising a frame; a rotating disc disposed in the frame, the rotating disc comprising a first set of inserts and at least one groove disposed axially above at least one of the inserts; and a fixed disc disposed in the frame, the fixed disc comprising a second set of inserts, the second set of inserts configured to interact with the first set of inserts. | 11-15-2012 |
20120279709 | EXPANDABLE DOWNHOLE CASING COUPLING LOCATOR TOOL - A downhole locator apparatus, including a tool body having a central axis defined therethrough, and at least one locator lug radially expandable from the tool body, in which the at least one locator lug is configured to be received in an annular groove formed in an inner surface of a casing string, in which the at least one locator lug is configured to move radially between a retracted position and an expanded position. | 11-08-2012 |
20120273281 | METHODS OF ATTACHING ROLLING CUTTERS IN FIXED CUTTER BITS USING SLEEVE, COMPRESSION SPRING, AND/OR PIN(S)/BALL(S) - A cutting element is disclosed that has a sleeve with a first inner diameter and a second inner diameter, wherein the second inner diameter is larger than the first inner diameter and located at a lower axial position than the first inner diameter, a rotatable cutting element having an axis of rotation extending therethrough, the rotatable cutting element at least partially disposed within the sleeve, wherein the rotatable cutting element has a cutting face and a body extending axially downward from the cutting face, at least one hole extending from an outer surface of the body toward the axis of rotation, and a locking device disposed in each hole, wherein the locking device protrudes from the hole to contact the second inner diameter of the sleeve, thereby retaining the rotatable cutting element within the sleeve. | 11-01-2012 |
20120273280 | POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACT CUTTERS WITH CONIC SHAPED END - A cutting element may have a substrate; and an ultrahard material layer having a substantially planar upper surface disposed on an upper surface of the substrate; wherein at least a portion of the side surface between the upper surface of the substrate and a lower end of the substrate form at least one conic surface, wherein the at least one conic surface extends a height relative to the total height of the substrate and ultrahard material layer ranging from about 1:10 to 9:10, and wherein the substrate comprises a substantially planar lower surface. The cutting elements may also be rotatable cutting elements at least partially surrounded by outer support elements. | 11-01-2012 |
20120267099 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEPLOYING A DOWNHOLE CASING PATCH - A casing patch and methods for using same are provided. The patch can include a hollow, substantially tubular body. An opening can be formed in the body. A tapered slot can be formed in the body below the opening. A width of the tapered slot proximate the opening can be greater than the width of the tapered slot distal the opening. The tapered slot can be adapted to receive a tapered wedge and expand radially outward as the tapered wedge slides within the tapered slot and away from the opening. | 10-25-2012 |
20120261196 | HIGH DIAMOND FRAME STRENGTH PCD MATERIALS - The present disclosure relates to cutting elements incorporating polycrystalline diamond bodies used for subterranean drilling applications, and more particularly, to polycrystalline diamond bodies having high diamond frame strength and methods for forming and evaluating such polycrystalline diamond bodies. A polycrystalline diamond body is provided, having a top surface, a cutting edge meeting the top surface, and a first region including at least a portion of the cutting edge. The first portion exhibits a diamond frame strength of about 1200 MPa or greater, or about 1300 MPa or greater. | 10-18-2012 |
20120255793 | MATRIX POWDER FOR MATRIX BODY FIXED CUTTER BITS - A drill bit is disclosed that has a bit body with a plurality of blades extending radially therefrom and at least one cutting element for engaging a formation disposed on at least one of the plurality of blades. At least a portion of the plurality of blades has a first matrix region made of a plurality of first carbide particles separated by a first binder phase, wherein the plurality of first carbide particles have a mean free path of at least 40 microns. | 10-11-2012 |
20120253676 | METHOD OF DIRECTIONAL RESISTIVITY LOGGING - A method for estimating at least one formation parameter from a directional resistivity measurement includes computing a plurality of hypothetical directional resistivity values at a corresponding plurality of formation parameter values. The computation makes use of a forward model having at least one analytical expression that relates a directional resistivity measurement to the formation parameter. The analytical expression includes at least one image source term. Comparison of computed directional resistivity values with measured direct resistivity values enables a value of at least one formation parameter to be selected. The method may be implemented on a downhole processor. | 10-04-2012 |
20120247841 | COATING ON PDC/TSP CUTTER FOR ACCELERATED LEACHING - A cutting element that includes a polycrystalline diamond layer having a cutting face and a diamond layer side surface, a substrate attached to the polycrystalline diamond layer, the substrate having a bottom surface and a substrate side surface, an interface between the diamond layer and the substrate, and a mask covering at least the bottom surface and the substrate side surface of the cutting element is disclosed. | 10-04-2012 |
20120247029 | THERMALLY STABLE DIAMOND POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND CONSTRUCTIONS - Thermally stable diamond constructions comprise a diamond body having a plurality of bonded diamond crystals and a plurality of interstitial regions disposed among the crystals. A metallic substrate is attached to the diamond body. A working surface is positioned along an outside portion of the diamond body, and the diamond body comprises a first region that is substantially free of a catalyst material, and a second region that includes the catalyst material. The diamond body first region extends from the working surface to depth of at least about 0.02 mm to a depth of less than about 0.09 mm. The diamond body includes diamond crystals having an average diamond grain size of greater than about 0.02 mm, and comprises at least 85 percent by volume diamond based on the total volume of the diamond body. | 10-04-2012 |
20120234610 | CUTTING STRUCTURES FOR FIXED CUTTER DRILL BIT AND OTHER DOWNHOLE CUTTING TOOLS - A downhole cutting tool may include a tool body; a plurality of blades extending azimuthally from the tool body; and a plurality of cutting elements disposed on the plurality of blades, the plurality of cutting elements comprising: at least two conical cutting elements comprising a substrate and a diamond layer having a conical cutting end, wherein at least one of the at least two conical cutting elements has a positive back rake angle, and at least one of the at least two conical cutting elements has a negative back rake angle. | 09-20-2012 |
20120234561 | DUAL WIPER PLUG SYSTEM - A dual wiper plug system having a first wiper including a first body having a first bore therethrough, and at least one wiper fin disposed around the body, a second wiper disposed axially above the first wiper, the second wiper including a second body having a second bore therethrough and a first shoulder formed on the inner surface of the second body, and at least one wiper fin disposed around the body, and a first collet ring coupled to the first wiper and including at least one collet finger extending axially upward, and a collet head disposed on an upper end of the collet finger and configured to engage the first shoulder of the second body. | 09-20-2012 |
20120228032 | EXPANDABLE WINDOW MILLING BIT AND METHODS OF MILLING A WINDOW IN CASING - A method of milling a window through a casing in a primary well bore and drilling an enlarged sidetracked well bore comprises running into the primary well bore a drilling assembly comprising at least one cutting apparatus adapted to drill an enlarged borehole, milling a window through the casing, and drilling the enlarged sidetracked well bore, wherein the milling and drilling steps are performed in one trip into the primary well bore. | 09-13-2012 |
20120227332 | DEEP LEACH PRESSURE VESSEL FOR SHEAR CUTTERS - A system for producing thermally stable cutting elements may include a heat source, a pressure vessel, at least one polycrystalline diamond body attached to a carbide substrate, and a leaching agent is disclosed, wherein the heat source includes a container comprising at least one receiving mechanism and at least one retention mechanism, and wherein the carbide substrate is disposed in the at least one receiving mechanism of the pressure vessel, and wherein the leaching agent is disposed in the pressure vessel, and wherein the leaching agent removes the catalyzing material from the interstitial spaces interposed between the diamond particles of the at least one polycrystalline diamond body, and wherein the at least one retention mechanism of the pressure vessel seals at least a portion of the carbide substrate into the at least one receiving mechanism and prevents the leaching agent from contacting at least a portion of the carbide substrate. | 09-13-2012 |
20120217025 | METAL EXPANDABLE ELEMENT BACK-UP RING FOR HIGH PRESSURE/HIGH TEMPERATURE PACKER - An expandable backup ring includes an outer surface, an inner surface having a plurality of protrusions projecting radially inwardly, and a plurality of segments, the segments defined by a plurality of outer surface cuts. The plurality of outer surface cuts extends radially inwardly from the outer surface and partially into each of the plurality of protrusions. | 08-30-2012 |
20120211280 | INTEGRATED REAMING AND MEASUREMENT SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - A downhole reaming system includes a tubular body having a drill bit disposed on a distal end thereof, and a central bore therethrough, wherein the tubular body is attached to a drillstring, an expandable reamer having cutter blocks coupled thereto and configured to selectively expand radially therefrom, a near-bit reamer disposed proximate the drill bit, the near-bit reamer having cutter blocks coupled thereto and configured to expand therefrom, and a measurement sub configured to measure at least one characteristic of an interior wall of an enlarged wellbore. | 08-23-2012 |
20120205163 | KERFING HYBRID DRILL BIT AND OTHER DOWNHOLE CUTTING TOOLS - A drill bit for drilling a borehole in earth formations may include a bit body having a bit axis and a bit face; a plurality of blades extending radially along the bit face; and a plurality of cutting elements disposed on the plurality of blades, the plurality of cutting elements comprising: at least one cutter comprising a substrate and a diamond table having a substantially planar cutting face; and at least two conical cutting elements comprising a substrate and a diamond layer having a conical cutting end, wherein in a rotated view of the plurality of cutting elements into a single plane, the at least one cutter is located a radial position from the bit axis that is intermediate the radial positions of the at least two conical cutting elements. | 08-16-2012 |
20120199363 | DOWNHOLE TOOL ACTUATION - A downhole tool including a cam housing disposed in a central bore of a sub; a cam piston having a cam track disposed in the cam housing; a rotary piston having a rotary value and an auxiliary track disposed in the cam housing; a guide pin extending through the cam housing into the cam track; and a position pin extending through a cam flange into the auxiliary track. Also, a method of actuating a downhole tool, the method including disposing the downhole tool in a wellbore, wherein the downhole tool comprises a cam piston and a rotary piston; providing a flow of fluid through a central bore of the downhole tool at a working flow rate; changing the flow of fluid through the central bore of the downhole tool to a trigger range, thereby rotating a rotary valve of the rotary piston. | 08-09-2012 |
20120186879 | Drill Bit Having Enhanced Stabilization Features and Method of Use Thereof - A drill bit for drilling a borehole in earthen formations comprising a bit body having a bit axis and a bit face. In addition, the drill bit comprises a primary blade extending radially along the bit face, the primary blade including a cutter-supporting surface that defines a blade profile in rotated profile view extending from the bit axis to an outer radius of the bit body. The blade profile is continuously contoured and includes a plurality of concave regions. Further, the drill bit comprises a plurality of cutter elements mounted to the cutter-supporting surface of the primary blade. Each cutter element on the primary blade has a forward-facing cutting face with a cutting edge adapted to penetrate and shear the earthen formation. | 07-26-2012 |
20120186817 | MULTI-CYCLE PIPE CUTTER AND RELATED METHODS - A downhole pipe cutting tool includes a tool body having a piston assembly disposed in a central bore thereof, wherein the piston assembly is configured to translate longitudinally along the central axis of the tool body, and a plurality of cutter knife sets. Each of the plurality of cutter knife sets includes at least two individual cutter knives circumferentially spaced about a central axis of the tool body and is configured to selectively engage with the piston assembly to extend outward to perform pipe cutting operation. | 07-26-2012 |
20120168232 | LOCALIZED FEATURES AND MANUFACTURING METHODS FOR INSERTS OF ROCK BITS - An insert for a drill bit and method of making an insert is disclosed herein. An insert has a grip region, a cutting extension having a cutting surface, and at least one implant embedded in the cutting extension, wherein the cutting extension comprises a first carbide material and the implant comprises a second carbide material, and wherein the second carbide material has a hardness that is greater than the first carbide material. | 07-05-2012 |
20120163523 | SYNCHRONIZATION METHODS FOR DOWNHOLE COMMUNICATION - A method for synchronizing a waveform received in a subterranean borehole with a transmitted waveform includes at least one of a phase synchronization, a symbol synchronization, or a frame synchronization method. The phase and symbol synchronization methods make use of distinct loop filters which process corresponding feedback signals so as to output phase clock and symbol clock adjustments. Frame synchronization methods accumulate a preamble correlation on a symbol stream having at least one repeating preamble. | 06-28-2012 |
20120139543 | METHODS FOR IMPROVED ACTIVE RANGING AND TARGET WELL MAGNETIZATION - A method for magnetizing a portion of a pre-deployed casing string includes deploying an electromagnetic array in a cased wellbore and energizing the array. The array includes a plurality of axially spaced electromagnets and is configured to generate a magnetic field pattern having at least first and second pairs of magnetically opposing poles. Passive ranging measurements of the induced magnetic field may be advantageously utilized, for example, to survey and guide continued drilling of a twin well. The electromagnetic array may also be used in active ranging applications. An array of permanent magnets providing a similar magnetic field pattern may also be used in active ranging applications. | 06-07-2012 |
20120139530 | ELECTROMAGNETIC ARRAY FOR SUBTERRANEAN MAGNETIC RANGING OPERATIONS - An electromagnetic array includes a plurality of axially spaced electromagnets deployed in a non-magnetic housing. The array further includes an electrical module, such as a diode bridge, configured to provide an electrical current having a fixed polarity to at least the first electromagnet in the array. The array may be configured to generate a magnetic field pattern having (i) a single magnetic dipole when the array is energized with an electrical current having a first polarity and (ii) at least one pair of opposing magnetic poles when the array is energized with an electrical current having the opposite polarity. The invention provides multiple independent ranging methodologies for determining the relative position between the wellbores. | 06-07-2012 |
20120138369 | METHODS TO MANUFACTURE DOWNHOLE TOOLS WITH FINISHED FEATURES AS AN INTEGRAL CAGE - A method of manufacturing a downhole tool includes machining at least one mill blade integral cage comprising a plurality of mill blades arranged around a central axis and securing the at least one mill blade integral cage on a tool body. | 06-07-2012 |
20120132471 | ROLLING CUTTER PLACEMENT ON PDC BITS - A cutting tool cutting tool may include a tool body having a plurality of blades extending radially therefrom; and a plurality of rotatable cutting elements mounted on at least one of the plurality of blades, wherein the plurality of rotatable cutting elements are mounted on the at least one blade in a nose and/or shoulder region of the cutting tool at a side rake angle ranging from about 10 to about 30 degrees or −10 to about −30 degrees | 05-31-2012 |
20120132470 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING OR LIMITING ROTOR ORBIT IN MOVING CAVITY MOTORS AND PUMPS - A moving cavity motor or pump, such as a mud motor, comprising: a rotor, a stator, and one or more apparatus for constraining (i.e., controlling or limiting) the movement of the rotor relative to the stator. | 05-31-2012 |
20120131856 | FABRICATION OF ULTRAFINE POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND WITH NANO-SIZED GRAIN GROWTH INHIBITOR - The present disclosure relates to the formation of polycrystalline diamond materials with fine diamond grains and nano-sized particles of a grain growth inhibitor. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating a polycrystalline diamond material is provided. The method includes providing a mixture of diamond particles with an average particle size of about 1 micron or less, distributing a plurality of nano-sized titanium-containing particles with the diamond mixture, to act as a grain growth inhibitor, and sintering the mixture of diamond particles and titanium-containing particles at high pressure and high temperature to create a polycrystalline structure of sintered diamond grains. The sintered diamond grains have an average size of about 1 micron or less. | 05-31-2012 |
20120131855 | DIAMOND IMPREGNATED BITS AND METHOD OF USING AND MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A drill bit that includes a body having a lower end face for engaging a rock formation, the end face having a plurality of raised ribs extending from the face of the bit body and separated by a plurality of channels therebetween; and at least one of the plurality of ribs having a cutting portion of the at least one rib comprising a first diamond impregnated matrix material and at least a portion of a gage surface region thereof comprising a second diamond impregnated matrix material, the gage surface region backed by a third matrix material is disclosed. | 05-31-2012 |
20120130685 | TECHNIQUES FOR MODELING/SIMULATING, DESIGNING, OPTIMIZING AND DISPLAYING HYBRID DRILL BITS - A hybrid drill bit is modeled, simulated, designed, optimized, and displayed. A hybrid drill bit is designed by determining a performance characteristic of the hybrid drill bit and graphically displaying the performance characteristic as at least one design parameter for the hybrid drill bit adjusted. A hybrid drill bit is designed by inputting a plurality of parameters relating to characteristics of they hybrid drill bit and graphically displaying a model of the hybrid drill bit based on the plurality of parameters, wherein a displayed property of the model is changeable by changing at least one of the plurality of parameters. | 05-24-2012 |
20120127830 | DOWNHOLE IMAGING SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - A downhole imaging system includes a downhole imaging tool, a surface workstation, and a real-time data feed configured to connect between the downhole imaging tool and the surface workstation. | 05-24-2012 |
20120125696 | Polycrystalline Diamond Constructions Having Optimized Material Composition - Diamond bonded constructions include a diamond body comprising intercrystalline bonded diamond and interstitial regions. The body has a working surface and an interface surface, and may be joined to a metallic substrate. The body has a gradient diamond volume content greater about 1.5 percent, wherein the diamond content at the interface surface is less than 94 percent, and increases moving toward the working surface. The body may include a region that is substantially free of a catalyst material otherwise disposed within the body and present in a gradient amount. An additional material may be included within the body and be present in a changing amount. The body may be formed by high-pressure HPHT processing, e.g., from 6,200 MPa to 10,000 MPa, to produce a sintered body having a characteristic diamond volume fraction v. average grain size relationship distinguishable from that of diamond bonded constructions form by conventional-pressure HPHT processing. | 05-24-2012 |
20120118559 | RCD SEALING ELEMENTS WITH MULTIPLE ELASTOMER MATERIALS - A sealing element for a rotating control device is disclosed, wherein the sealing element has an inner surface which forms a drillstring bore extending axially through the sealing element, an attachment end having a receiving cavity extending into the attachment end substantially parallel with the drillstring bore, a nose end opposite from the attachment end, wherein the nose end has an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the attachment end, a throat region between the attachment end and the nose end, at least one soft elastomer region comprising a soft elastomer material having a hardness of 70 duro or less, and at least one stiff elastomer region comprising a stiff elastomer material having a hardness greater than 70 duro. | 05-17-2012 |
20120105076 | METHOD OF CORRECTING RESISTIVITY MEASUREMENTS FOR TOLL BENDING EFFECTS - A method for correcting subterranean resistivity measurements to account for tool bending includes processing at least one coupling component and at least one cross-coupling component in combination with a tool bending angle. Such processing may, for example, remove one or more coupling components from a cross-coupling component. Removal of the coupling component(s) tends to increase the sensitivity of directional resistivity measurements to remote boundaries. | 05-03-2012 |
20120103699 | INTERFACE DESIGN OF TSP SHEAR CUTTERS - A method of forming a cutting element is disclosed, wherein the method includes forming a substrate body, forming an intermediate layer on the substrate body, forming a diamond table, and positioning the diamond table on the intermediate layer, such that the intermediate layer is disposed between the substrate body and the diamond table. The intermediate layer has a base portion having a base height and a ring portion having a ring height H | 05-03-2012 |
20120097458 | DIAMOND BONDED CONSTRUCTION WITH THERMALLY STABLE REGION - Diamond bonded constructions comprise a polycrystalline diamond body having a matrix phase of bonded-together diamond grains and a plurality of interstitial regions between the diamond grains including a catalyst material used to form the diamond body disposed within the interstitial regions. A sintered thermally stable diamond element is disposed within and bonded to the diamond body, and is configured and positioned to form part of a working surface. The thermally stable diamond element is bonded to the polycrystalline diamond body, and a substrate is bonded to the polycrystalline diamond body. The thermally stable diamond element comprises a plurality of bonded-together diamond grains and interstitial regions, wherein the interstitial regions are substantially free of a catalyst material used to make or sinter the thermally stable diamond element. A barrier material may be disposed over or infiltrated into one or more surfaces of the thermally stable diamond element. | 04-26-2012 |
20120090900 | SPECIAL CURVE BRAZE SHEET FOR TOP LOADING CUTTER TO GET BETTER BRAZE STRENGTH - A method of brazing a top loading cutter into a cutter pocket is disclosed, wherein the method includes placing at least one braze disc between an inner wall of the cutter pocket and a portion of the top loading cutter and heating the at least one braze disc to a temperature above the melting temperature of the braze disc. | 04-19-2012 |
20120073881 | ROLLING CUTTER - A cutting element for a drill bit that includes an outer support element having at least a bottom portion and a side portion; and an inner rotatable cutting element, a portion of which is disposed in the outer support element, wherein the inner rotatable cutting element includes a substrate and a diamond cutting face having a thickness of at least 0.050 inches disposed on an upper surface of the substrate; and wherein a distance from an upper surface of the diamond cutting face to a bearing surface between the inner rotatable cutting element and the outer support element ranges from 0 to about 0.300 inches is disclosed. | 03-29-2012 |
20120073879 | DOWNHOLE REAMER ASYMMETRIC CUTTING STRUCTURES - A cutting structure for use with a reamer in enlarging a borehole in a subterranean formation includes a plurality of cutter blocks, radially extendable from a reamer body away from a central axis of the reamer body, each of the plurality of cutter blocks comprising at least one cutter blade thereon, wherein an angular spacing about the central axis of the reamer body between the at least one cutter blade on each of the plurality of cutter blocks is unequal. | 03-29-2012 |
20120073113 | ADAPTOR FLANGE FOR ROTARY CONTROL DEVICE - An adapter assembly having a sealing element, a drive bushing, and an adapter flange disposed between the sealing element and the drive bushing. Also, a method of assembling a rotational control device that includes coupling mechanically an adapter flange to a sealing element, coupling mechanically the adapter flange to a drive bushing, and installing the adapter flange, sealing element, and drive bushing in the rotational control device. | 03-29-2012 |
20120067651 | HARDFACING COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF APPLYING THE HARDFACING COMPOSITIONS, AND TOOLS USING SUCH HARDFACING COMPOSITIONS - A hardfacing composition comprising a carbide phase and a matrix phase, The carbide phase comprises mono-tungsten carbide in a quantity of greater than 50 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the carbide phase. The matrix phase comprises iron and nickel. The nickel is present in a quantity in the range of from 0.5 to 20 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the matrix phase. Also included are methods of applying such hardfacing compositions to a downhole tool and downhole tools having such hardfacing compositions applied thereon. | 03-22-2012 |
20120061103 | MULTIPLE BALL- BALL SEAT FOR HYDRAULIC FRACTURING WITH REDUCED PUMPING PRESSURE - A downhole isolation tool including a sub, a sleeve disposed in the sub, and a ball seat mandrel coupled to the sleeve, the ball seat mandrel having at least two ball seats axially aligned with at least two throughbores disposed within the ball seat mandrel. A method of isolating a well, the method including running a downhole isolation system into a well, wherein the downhole isolation system includes a first downhole isolation tool, the first downhole isolation tool including a first sub, a first sleeve disposed in the sub, and a first ball seat mandrel coupled to the first sleeve, the first ball seat mandrel having at least two ball seats of a first size axially aligned with at least two throughbores disposed within the first ball seat mandrel, dropping at least two balls of a first size into the well, and seating the at least two balls of the first size in the at least two ball seats of the first ball seat mandrel. | 03-15-2012 |
20120055099 | EDM CUTTABLE, HIGH CBN CONTENT SOLID PCBN COMPACT - The present disclosure relates to cubic boron nitride (cBN) cutting elements that have high cBN content and that are cuttable by electric discharge machining (EDM). A cutting element according to an embodiment includes a self-sintered polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) compact, having a first phase of cubic boron nitride (cBN) particles and a ceramic binder phase with titanium compounds. The first phase occupies greater than 80% by volume of the self-sintered PCBN compact. The self-sintered PCBN compact has an electrical conductivity sufficient to be cuttable by electrical discharge machining. | 03-08-2012 |
20120046868 | DOWNHOLE CLOSED-LOOP GEOSTEERING METHODOLOGY - A closed-loop method for geosteering includes acquiring logging while drilling data and processing the logging while drilling data downhole while drilling to obtain a geosteering correction (a correction to the drilling direction based upon the LWD measurements). The geosteering correction is further processed downhole to obtain new steering tool settings which are then applied to the steering tool to change the direction of drilling. These steps are typically repeated numerous times without the need for uphole processing or surface intervention. | 02-23-2012 |
20120044783 | ACOUSTIC WAVEFORM STACKING USING AZIMUTHAL AND/OR STANDOFF BINNING - A method for making acoustic logging measurements includes grouping received acoustic waveforms into one of a plurality of groups, each group being representative of a measured borehole condition (e.g., a range of measured standoff values and/or a range of measured azimuth angles). The waveforms stored in at least one of the groups are stacked so as to obtain an averaged waveform. The averaged waveform may be further processed, for example, via a semblance algorithm to obtain at least one acoustic wave slowness. | 02-23-2012 |
20120043726 | MULTIPLE SEALING ELEMENT ASSEMBLY - A seal assembly, method for sealing a seal assembly and a modular seal unit for a rotating control device for use in an offshore environment. The modular seal unit includes a first outer housing, a first seal housing lockable within the first outer housing, and a first sealing element disposed on a lower end of the first seal housing. The first sealing element includes a throughbore configured to receive a drill pipe, and a sealing surface configured to seal against the drill pipe. The modular seal unit also includes a first connector configured to couple the first seal housing to the first outer housing, and a second connector configured to couple the first seal housing to one selected from a second outer housing of a second modular seal unit or a running tool adapter. | 02-23-2012 |
20120018172 | LINER HANGER FLUID DIVERTER TOOL AND RELATED METHODS - A downhole fluid diverter tool includes a tool body having a central bore therethrough and a bypass port formed in an outer diameter thereof, a spring-biased piston disposed within the tool body, a piston port in the spring-biased piston configured to axially align with the bypass port to control fluid flow outward from the central bore, and a rotatable ball valve aligned within the central bore of the tool body and configured to control fluid flow through the central bore, wherein the bypass port and the ball valve are configured to be cycled multiple times between open and closed positions while in a wellbore. | 01-26-2012 |
20110308864 | IMPREGNATED DRILL BITS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A drill bit is disclosed that includes a matrix bit body having a lower end face for engaging a rock formation, the end face having a plurality of raised impregnated ribs extending from the face of the bit body and separated by a plurality of channels therebetween, and at least one of the plurality of ribs having a leading or trailing portion thereof comprising the same the matrix material as the bit body forming a continuous body matrix. | 12-22-2011 |
20110305371 | BOREHOLE IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION USING INVERSION AND TOOL SPATIAL SENSITIVITY FUNCTIONS - A method for reconstructing a borehole image includes determining a spatial sensitivity function for a borehole imaging tool and using the imaging tool to obtain a borehole image of a subterranean formation. A reconstructed image is then computed from the borehole image and the spatial sensitivity function. | 12-15-2011 |
20110297454 | ROLLING CUTTER ASSEMBLED DIRECTLY TO THE BIT POCKETS - A drill bit having a bit body, a plurality of blades extending radially from the bit body, a plurality of cutter pockets disposed on the plurality of blades, at least one rolling cutter disposed in one of the cutter pockets, wherein each rolling cutter has a substrate, a cutting face, a cutting edge, and a side surface, and at least one blocker positioned adjacent to each of the at least one rolling cutters on a leading face of the blade, wherein each blocker has a retention end and an attachment end is disclosed. The retention end of each blocker is positioned adjacent to a portion of the cutting face of each rolling cutter to retain the rolling cutter in the cutter pocket and the attachment end is attached to a portion of the blade. | 12-08-2011 |
20110296765 | ULTRA-HARD CONSTRUCTIONS WITH ENHANCED SECOND PHASE - An ultra-hard construction is disclosed that is prepared by a method comprising the steps of treating a material microstructure having a polycrystalline matrix first phase material and a second phase material from at least a partial region of the material microstructure, wherein the second phase material is disposed within interstitial regions of the material microstructure, and wherein removal of the second phase material creates a porous material microstructure characterized by a plurality of empty voids and replacing the removed second phase material with a replacement material having a thermal characteristic that more closely matched polycrystalline matrix first phase that the second phase material. | 12-08-2011 |
20110290487 | CUTTING TOOL - A downhole tool having a cylindrical body, a sleeve having a contact portion disposed on a distal end, and a cutter having a radiused portion on a top surface operatively engageable with the contact portion. Also, a method of cutting drill pipe, the method including disposing a cutting tool in a wellbore around the drill pip and actuating a radiused cutter of the cutting tool, wherein the actuating includes radially extending the cutter into contact with the drill pipe. The method also includes applying a substantially constant force between the cutter and the drill pipe and rotating the cutting tool. Additionally, a cutter for a drill pipe cutting tool, the cutter including a work surface located at a first end of the cutter, an attachment point located at a second end of the cutter, and a radiused surface located between the work surface and the attachment point. | 12-01-2011 |
20110286309 | Downlinking Communication System and Method Using Signal Transition Detection - A downlinking signal is transmitted downhole from the surface using drilling fluid as the communications medium. The downlinking signal includes at least a synchronization phase and a command phase. The downlinking signal is differentiated upon reception such that attributes of the synchronization phase may be used to determine corresponding attributes of the command phase. Commands may be transmitted downhole while drilling and simultaneously while using mud-pulse telemetry uplinking techniques. | 11-24-2011 |
20110286308 | Downlinking Communication System and Method - A downlinking signal is transmitted downhole from the surface using drilling fluid as the communications medium. The downlinking signal includes at least a synchronization phase and a command phase. Attributes of the synchronization phase are used upon reception of the signal to determine corresponding attributes of the command phase. Commands may be transmitted downhole while drilling and simultaneously while using mud-pulse telemetry uplinking techniques. | 11-24-2011 |
20110286307 | ACOUSTIC LOGGING WHILE DRILLING TOOL HAVING RAISED TRANSDUCERS - An acoustic logging while drilling tool includes an acoustic transmitter and a linear array of acoustic receivers. At least one of the transmitter and the linear array of receivers is deployed on a blade having an outer diameter greater than that of the tool body. In preferred embodiments the transmitter and linear array are each deployed on a distinct blade. Deployment of the transmitter and/or the receivers on a blade reduces the standoff distance to the borehole wall which tends to improve the signal strength of received guided waves without an increase in transmitter power or receiver sensitivity. | 11-24-2011 |